The words that shattered our lives “Your cancer is back”

Emerald Greene Parsons
ECB Publishing, Inc.

On Aug. 27, 2015, Bryant and Stephanie Thigpen heard the words any person dreads to hear from a doctor, “I’m sorry to tell you, but your cancer is back.” Those words were the beginning of a long and difficult journey that Bryant and Stephanie had to take in their fight against brain cancer.
“When Stephanie and I first started dating, we talked about her diagnosis, and we knew there was a possibility it could come back one day,” Bryant said. “But I told her we would cross that bridge when that time came, but we would live life and just trust that God will take care of us.”
Stephanie was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011, and she gave birth to her son, Tripp, on Jan. 11, 2011, weighing just two pounds and 11 ounces, and was immediately taken in for brain surgery to remove an eight-centimeter tumor. Following a biopsy of the tumor, Stephanie learned she had fourth stage Glioblastoma Multiforme brain cancer, and was given 12 to 14 months to live.
However, after many long days and the ups and downs that come with cancer treatment, Stephanie beat all odds and Bryant and Stephanie were later married in August of 2013. The couple would welcome their miracle child, Brynlee, the following year.
Life was going great for this couple until Stephanie started experiencing numbness from her knee down to her toes. “Stephanie had experienced that same symptom before, and that’s how she knew something was wrong,” he said.
A physician in Valdosta, Ga. and referred Stephanie back to Shands in Gainesville for what the couple thought would be just a day of testing. However, that’s when they received the tragic news of the cancer’s return. The following day, Stephanie had her second brain surgery to remove a five-centimeter tumor.
After surgery, the couple began a long road to what they hoped was a full recovery. The Thigpens spent time at a rehabilitation facility at Shands in Gainesville, where Stephanie began speech, occupational and physical therapy. Due to the distance and not being able to see their daughter during the week, the couple decided it was time to relocate closer to home, and she finished her therapy treatments at Madison Health and Rehabilitation Center.
“Being around her baby was the greatest therapy for Stephanie at the time,” Bryant said. “I could tell she really missed her baby, and it did her so much good when we were closer home and she could see Brynlee every day.”
Unfortunately, after months of fighting the cancer through various treatments, Stephanie lost her battle to brain cancer on Father’s Day night, June 19, 2016, at the age of 28.
“I know she didn’t want to leave me and Brynlee behind, and to be honest, we didn’t want her to leave. But, there’s no doubt that she’s with Jesus and she’s completely healed now,” Bryant said. “More than any possessions, the greatest gift she left behind is that I can tell Brynlee mommy was saved, and she’s in Heaven. It’s such a comfort to know we will see her again soon.”
Life can be really hard for the person battling cancer, but what often gets overlooked are the stresses and sacrifices caregivers make to ensure their loved one is cared for. Understanding the challenges they face, Bryant encourages anyone who is serving as a caregiver to do these things:
• Never give up on hope – never quit believing God can do anything when He wants to, and He’s not limited by our circumstances.
• Surround yourself with Godly people – the church was designed and created to be there for you during your difficult days. Let your brothers and sisters help you and walk with you through this journey.
• Remember, you’re not superman – as a caregiver, it’s your desire to do anything and everything you can for the one you love. But remember, you need rest, too. Take breaks and allow others to help you when possible.
• Plan for the future – While praying for healing, also be prepared if God chooses not to. If possible, plan everything you can in advance so that if that dreaded moment comes, you can rest knowing everything is taken care of.
• Enjoy the time together – Laugh and enjoy your time together, but take lots of pictures together and journal your journey together. You’ll never regret you did.
• Get your house in order – Make sure everything is right between them and God, and that you’re saved, so that you will be reunited in Heaven one day. Life doesn’t end at the grave.