By Brenda Cannon Henley
Many years ago now a very wise English/Journalism teacher said to me, “Brenda, when you’re stumped or facing a blank piece of paper or an empty screen without a coherent thought in your head, write what you know.” I have found that to be good advice over the years and plan to implement that novel idea again today. Not particularly asking for sympathy and don’t really need anything, but would hopefully ask you, the reader of my work, to consider your own body and life. The old adage is very true – “If it can happen to me, it can happen to you.”

I picked up my good friend, Dale Hough, for a weekday luncheon date and a bit of shopping near our homes. I was driving and we exchanged our customary greetings and chatted about our plans. As I was stopped for a red light, Dale asked very seriously, “What’s that on your leg?” I looked down where Dale was pointing.

As we parked the car to enter the restaurant, my friend laid her hand on my arm and asked again about the wart looking knot or growth that had appeared about three weeks prior on my leg. It was about two inches below my left knee very near the strong shin bone.

Dale’s demeanor was very serious as she urged me in no uncertain terms to get an appointment with a good dermatologist as soon as possible. She related about her now deceased husband finding a very similar growth on his face near his nose.

Without giving you an unnecessary play by play, she said they immediately went to a doctor and the growth was removed in a surgical procedure. Things were good until the growth grew back in just a few weeks. Again it was removed and four months to the day, she buried her husband. It had been caused by cancer in his what otherwise seemed a healthy, robust body.

I followed my friend’s advice and obtained an appointment as quickly as I could. The growth did not cause me any pain and I thought perhaps I had been bitten by some type of insect. It did appear to be hardening somewhat and I noticed a darker brown circle developing around it.

The skilled surgeon asked if I had time to stay for some biopsies that very day and I said yes. The office manager called while I was preparing for a July 4th outing and said that two professional labs had verified that it was Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cancer. There were some other medical terms, but I confess I don’t remember what she said.

I never dreamed I had any kind of cancer and the little plain looking growth wasn’t a bell ringing experience for me. But the word “CANCER,” surely got my attention because eight years ago, I had buried my beloved husband from complications from the beast.

She offered two protocols of treatment and I chose the one I thought best for me. On July 7th, I underwent a surgery to remove all the cancer that could be found. I had chosen a pain block and deadening of my lower leg and so I watched the entire procedure. To say I was amazed is an understatement. There was much more to it than I had even considered. The incision was larger and it took more stitches to close the cut. Everything they removed in about a 90-minute surgery was sent to the labs. I now wait to know if they believe they got it all or not. Additional biopsies will be done and professional opinions discussed. Treatment will be chosen.

Take time to look at your body. I know that may sound foreign or strange to many of us. If you find something you cannot explain or understand, make an appointment and let a doctor look at your concern. It could save your life.

My Anchor holds during this trial of life and either way, I will be good. Hebrews 6:19.

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at 409 781 8789, or
[email protected]

[Jul-12-2022]