Betty Allerdings, Dickinson, ND

In Dec. 2013 I developed a terrible cold that grew worse over a two-week period. When my family came home for the holidays, I was so sick that I couldn’t slice more than two pieces of ham before I had to sit down.

The day after Christmas, I was fighting for air.

Our oldest daughter, a nurse, insisted I go to the emergency room. I was admitted to the hospital and underwent several tests. That evening, the medical staff drew a liter of fluid off of my right lung. I felt better but was extremely tired.

I was released to go home but the problem quickly returned. I was readmitted on Dec. 31. A lung tap reduced the fluid on my lung by a half liter. Diagnosed with pneumonia and heart failure, I was hospitalized for a week.

Things quieted down for a few months, but on March 27, I made a third trip to the emergency room. This time I was transferred nearly 100 miles away to Bismarck, N.D., where I underwent more tests and another lung tap. Doctors discovered something unusual on the lower lobe of my right lung.

Biopsy and surgery revealed Stage 4 metastatic adenocarcinoma with lymphangitic carcinomatosis—in short, advanced lung cancer that was spreading to my bones.

It was a blow, but the Lord was—and is—with me. I looked at my family and said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Our family leaned on this verse as we sought His guidance and direction.

I was extremely sick after every round of chemotherapy. Each treatment weakened me so much that I was often hospitalized. One stay lasted 18 days. I required many blood transfusions and platelet infusions.

Finally, my oncologist told me that some test results indicated I was likely to respond well to Tarceva, an oral chemo medication.

In Dec. 2014—one year after my symptoms appeared—the cancer in my lungs and bone was gone. A new lung spot shrunk to two thirds of the original size. At this writing, the spot hasn’t grown, nor are there any new cancer spots. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

To date I’ve incurred more than $274,000 in medical bills. After discounts totaling $66,476, CHM shared $207,720 through its regular sharing program and Brother’s Keeper, the optional program for catastrophic bills.

I’m forever grateful to CHM staff and members for their love, support and prayers. I admit that because I was a recent joiner, I was wary about how my bills would be paid. Now, however, I can’t say thank you enough for CHM’s wonderful sharing ministry and to all the members who have generously given to meet my needs.

Thank you to those who sent me cards of encouragement. What a surprise. How uplifting it was to receive all the personal cards from people I don’t even know.

I am totally amazed, to say the least. God’s peace has given me strength throughout this ordeal, and I have grown in the Lord. Hallelujah!