In 2017, I was diagnosed with stage four renal cell carcinoma, considered incurable and with a small probability of living longer than five years. A large tumor engulfed my left kidney, and cancer had metastasized to both lungs. Given the opportunity to enter a clinical trial, I underwent chemotherapy for a year and a half, and miraculously, my cancer was in remission. While I discontinued treatment, cancer returned eight months later, and I was placed on an oral medication which I continue to take today; virtually cancer free with just a small nodule in my left lung.
Throughout my cancer journey, I experienced many physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges. I had significant side effects and lost over 30 pounds. My wife June, my sister, my brother-in-law, and my children and their spouses were extraordinarily supportive and patient, as were the people of First Church who also showered us with love.
Although I never became angry with God, I wasn’t sure how to approach Him in prayer. This experience led June and me to draw more deeply into prayer, seeking more of His presence and His will. We became increasingly thankful for each day we had together and praying in unity before bed became a nightly discipline. Gratitude was a constant attitude we both learned to embrace.
From my diagnosis through treatment, I saw God intervene miraculously and learned that God uses anything He wishes to heal. He provided a gifted surgeon and miraculously led us to one of the top oncologists in Southwest Florida. Astonishingly, I was placed in a clinical trial using medications never used together—now the most effective treatment for kidney cancer. Several brothers and sisters in Christ laid hands on me and prayed for my healing. Two books also impacted me greatly: Christ, the Healer by F.F. Bosworth, given to me by my coworker Ed Gonzalez, and Praying for the Cure by Mary J. Nelson. Scripture came alive like never before, and memorizing passages was lifesaving—I held on to God’s promised presence through Psalm 27:13-14 and Mark 11:22-24.
More than natural avenues, God used the prayers of many friends to remind me that healing is not just physical. I understand my cancer can recur, but God has already deepened my faith, granted me peace, and enriched my relationships. I’m convinced these were direct results of His hand and the diagnosis.
After our experience and much prayer, June and I decided to start a First Church cancer support group. Focusing on cancer patients, caregivers (family members), and cancer survivors, Together Living with Cancer (TLC) has become “a church within the church.” Three and a half years later, God continues to use this group as a spiritual and emotional haven for those facing cancer-related struggles.
by Dr. Al Barrow
