August 9, 2009
The word ‘cancer’ sounds dreadful and every one would be frightened to have any remote thought of being a victim of this ‘sure death’ disease. People have witnessed their near and dear ones being diagnosed, treated and finally facing a painful end. It is a deadly disease which is still believed to be beyond any remedy or treatment for complete cure. People afflicted by cancer feel death staring at their face and their family members running from one doctor to the other or from one hospital to another in search of some ray of hope of survival for their loved ones. However, it is only a matter of time before deliverance from pain and suffering. Cancer has been considered as a ‘death sentence’, the patient waiting for the call, sooner or later, without knowing whether he or she will see the next sunrise.
When many die in the battle against cancer, few win in the war against this dreaded disease. The stories of the survival of the brave against this life threatening disease should be a source of strength and inspiration to many of those who have been either diagnosed as cancer patients or those who feel that they might be prone to cancer.
This is the story of Cedric Rasquinha of Mahim and his family-wife Lilly, a school teacher and son Joel, who studies in XII Std. in St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, who bravely faced this ordeal and came out winners.
It was 3rd June 2008, a day like any other normal day. Cedric came home from his Sales Manager’s job in a reputed air-conditioning firm. But he felt terribly tired and worn out. When he went to the toilet to relieve himself, he was shocked to see the flow of blood instead of urine. With his eyes wide open, mind dazed and thoughts gone wild, Cedric exclaimed- “O my God”. He tried to reason out of this phenomenon. If blood oozes from mouth, it would be the last stage of TB, but blood through urine? He could find no answer. All he realized was that something was terribly wrong with his health and he needed divine assistance and medical diagnosis and treatment for this unknown disease.
It was late evening. Neither Lilly nor Joel was at home. Throwing himself at the mercy of the Lord, Cedric prostrated in front of the picture of Divine Mercy that adorns the wall in his living room. His first sentence was, “Lord, let me know Your purpose,” and continued with short prayers. His mind went numb. He did not know what to tell his wife and son. When Lilly returned home from shopping for Joel’s Junior College books, Cedric picked up courage and informed her about the unusual happening and both of them rushed to their family doctor.
On hearing the case, the doctor realized that something was seriously wrong with Cedric. He managed to calm Lilly and after prescribing some tablets asked Cedric to take some tests the next morning.
On 4th June 2008, Cedric underwent 8 to 10 tests suggested by his family doctor. When he took the report to the doctor for interpretation, he glanced at Cedric and advised him that he should immediately see an Urologist and helped him to get an appointment of a reputed Urologist for the next morning.
On studying the test reports and examining Cedric on 5th June 2008, the Urologist found three small lumps inside his urine bladder and suggested that he should immediately undergo surgery. Cedric and Lilly preferred non-invasive surgery by which Cedric could resume his work in one week rather than the normal surgery that would require a month’s rest, though the former was costlier than the latter.
The surgery took place on 6th June 2008 and the lumps were removed. On the next day of the surgery Cedric could go home, but a sample of the lump was sent for further investigation for its malignancy. It was a three days process which seemed three months for Cedric as he was preparing himself to hear the 6 letter word (cancer) that kills people more of fear than of the disease.
After three days, the report arrived and Cedric along with Lilly met the doctor who looked with concern at both of them and confirmed that Cedric had cancer!
It was the death sentence that Cedric and Lilly did not want to hear. But once it was pronounced, Lilly asked the doctor how much time Cedric would have. The doctor diplomatically answered that according to World Health Organization 3-3 high grade cancer spreads easily. This statement of the doctor made Cedric anxious about his fate.
Along with the treatment, Cedric and Lilly wanted divine intervention to get over the curse of cancer. On the following Wednesday both of them went to St. Michael’s Church for the novena of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour.
On 28th June 2008, Cedric attended the morning mass at 6.30 AM and made it a point to attend mass every morning. Cedric said that on the day it was believed that blood was oozing from the Divine Mercy picture in St. Michael’s Church, he was one of the first 10 persons to witness this miracle and the picture that he had taken in his cell phone of this phenomenon is still preserved.
The news about Cedric’s condition sent shock waves across the families, relatives and friends of both Cedric and Lilly. Many well wishers
suggested that Cedric should attend healing sessions at different places for a miraculous cure. However, Cedric insisted that God is everywhere and he strongly believed in his Divine Mercy. Not once did he ask God ‘why me?’ All that he believed was, ‘God would do what was best for him.’ Cedric philosophically says, “I knew He closed a door on me, and I was waiting for Him to open a window for me.”
In the following two months, Cedric underwent seven chemo-therapies. The disease was exhausting him physically and financially. However, he did not give up hope and determination. Even on the day of chemo-therapy he would go to his office and be there rather than being at home alone and depressed, though his boss was considerate and asked him to take rest.
9th August 2008 was Cedric’s 49th birthday. His phone never ceased ringing with messages from his relatives, friends and well wishers. The birthday celebrations were akin to that of 50th birthday. Deep inside, Cedric and Lilly were apprehensive whether he would survive to witness his 50th birthday.
Every three months Cedric had to undergo tests and surgery for the recurring growth of lumps and the routine chemo-therapies. His finances were draining and physical strength was waning, but not his spirit or will power. He placed himself fully in the hands of God and went on his daily working routine.
After many months of anxiety, tests, surgeries and chemo-therapies, the Urologist, after a thorough check up of Cedric finally gave a clean chit and proclaimed the good news that he was completely cured of the dreaded disease ‘c-a-n-c-e-r’. This announcement from the doctor was a great relief not only Cedric, Lilly and Joel, but to their families, relatives and friends.
Cedric succeeded in conquering cancer. In his fight against this scourge, Cedric strongly believes that it was the grace of God, his will power, determination, positive outlook, involvement in work and church activities, support and prayers of his family members, relatives and friends were of immense help.
On this Sunday, 9th August 2009, Cedric will be celebrating his 50th birthday. He feels that he has got a new lease of life from the Almighty God. On this occasion he expresses his gratitude to his wife Lilly, son Joel and all his family members, relatives and friends who stood by him in their prayers and support. Cedric still remembers one true friend who had said, “Cedric don’t give up we need you. I will pray for you.”
Having conquered cancer, Cedric is ready to share his experience with any person who is a victim of this dreadful disease or their family members who can contact him on the following phone number and e-mail address: 9833358339 or cedrirasquinha@hotmail.com