Stephanie Thompson steps forward in faith
Published:Thursday | November 29, 2018 | 12:00 AMTamara Bailey/Gleaner Writer
Lancaster, Manchester:
It is said that God does not give an individual more than they can bear, but to Stephanie Thompson, it seems as if God trusts her a little bit more than she trusts herself.
From a marital separation that left her with nothing but the clothes on her back to a colon cancer diagnosis, Thompson has been to hell and back. But she is triumphing over her trials, even if it means taking baby steps.
"In 2011, I was living with my spouse and our four children. We got separated, leaving me with nothing but the clothes on my back. I hit rock bottom, and I had to start life all over again. I moved in with my extended family. I wasn't working at the time, and they supported me financially, spiritually and emotionally. I love them dearly," she said.
Two years later, Thompson was able to get her life together and began a practical-nursing course. She got a job upon completion, but it was just not enough.
"I applied to Northern Caribbean University in 2017, and when I received the acceptance letter, I was the happiest person alive. God answered my prayers ... . I continued to work and study, doing night shifts from Monday to Friday, 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., and attend [ing] classes Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., I spent Wednesday afternoons and weekends with my children. It was a proud moment for me when my name appeared on the honour roll," she said
However, on October 31, 2018, Thompson's life changed dramatically and has never been the same since.
"In September, I left school at about 5:10 p.m. and headed straight for work. I felt an urge to defecate. It felt like diarrhoea, but when I got up, the toilet was filled with bright-red blood. I was shocked, so I called my friend, and he said I should go to the doctor immediately, but I hesitated because I was not feeling any pain. About 15 minutes after, I felt another urge to defecate, and there was more blood than before. I still did not want to go to the doctor, but he convinced me."
Thompson, who was accompanied to the hospital by relatives that said while waiting, she made two additional trips to the restroom, passing even more blood each time.
"I waited another long time before I was finally seen by the doctor. He drew some blood and sent it to the lab for testing. He then sent me to do an X-ray, an ECG, and then to receive IV fluids with medication, but I fainted on my way and ended up being admitted for five days."
The 39-year-old said, "I started to read up more on the signs and symptoms I was experiencing, and it screamed cancer. I cried and I prayed. I feared this disease more than anything else because my mother died from cancer and I saw how she suffered."
A mass was discovered in the descending colon, and a biopsy was done. Thompson was advised to do a series of tests, all of which her lecturer paid for as she was unable to. It was later confirmed that it was, in fact, cancer.
The second-year nursing student said had it not been for her classmates, lecturers and support system, she would not have made it thus far.
"In August 2017, about 4 a.m., God spoke to me. He said I should let go and let God, and I decided to do just that. On the September 30, Pastor Edwards came to visit me. I told her I was ready to surrender my life completely to God, and from that day forward, I have had peace, faith, and acceptance. I can deal with whatever comes my way through Christ, who strengthened me. I got baptised on the 28th of October," she revealed.
Having spent thousands of dollars for tests that will offer insight into the best treatment methods, Thompson says she has become financially unstable and is more worried about her children's well-being.
"I am unable to take care of my medical bills and four children; I am their sole provider. When I think of my son who is home helping me; my daughter's rent of $17,000 each month as she is attending UWI (The University of theWest Indies); my son who is currently in fifth form in high school; and my last child, who attends primary school, I cry. Sometimes I get depressed, the pain intensifies when I try to study. I miss my tests and assessments, but I know I have to fight this disease in the name of Jesus because I have to live for them," she ended.