Suzette clinic day 3

 Suzette was very excited when Jacques and I picked her up yesterday morning.  She had been to a big service in Delmas known for healing and the pain in her leg was already starting to feel better.  She also anticipated getting the answers that could come from the trip to the clinic.
We knew a trip to the gynecologist was going to be in order so we registered for that and then began would what turn out to be a four and a half hour wait.  Suzette was a trooper sitting and waiting for that long but pain was setting in.  We finally went in to see the clinic doctor to read the blood test and ultrasound results.   The doctor talked of seeing the gynecologist and then went on to talk further about seeing the oncologist at another hospital.  I was still hopeful that they would do a biopsy that would prove that not necessary.
Another hour wait to see the gynecologist.  After the exam Suzette called Jacques and I into the room so the doctor could share what he found.  The first word in creole I could comprehend was terminal to which Suzette replied "Bondye Kapab (God can)".
The doctor continued talking to Jacques and Suzette and I was still stuck on terminal and Bondye kapab.  The doctor asked why I had brought her, who had referred her.  He should send the rest of the results to that person.  Jacques explained that I have friends that work at the hospital and I just brought her to get help, there was no doctor in Haiti that referred her.  He then proceeded to ask if there was family with her to talk with; no.  Only us.  Suzette then left the room so the doctor could explain further and answer my questions.

The doctor didn't speak English, but he was able to write the diagnosis for me:  Stage IV Cervical Cancer.  Then went on to explain and answer my questions...
"Stage 4.  No treatment.  No biopsy necessary.  The cancer is all through her pelvic area.  She will need very strong pain medication.  She will have a liquid draining from inside that will smell bad.  She has a maximum of 1 year left, more likely, 6-8 months."

In the back of my mind I hear Suzette's voice "Bondye Kapab".

We thanked the doctor for taking the time to explain and left.  Not a whole lot of words spoken in the car, only more questions to ask Jacques about what the doctor said and him taking the time to explain even more.

When we arrived at Suzette's home, she said something to me that I couldn't understand and not sure I do yet:  "God will give this back to you, thank you very much"
Before we said goodbye, she grabbed my arm and said "please pray for my faith to strengthen and if I don't see you in here again, I will see you in Heaven. "

Jacques explained to Suzette's older daughter the diagnosis that came, I couldn't do it.  She already knew.  I had showed her the ultrasound the week before and the nursing education she had was enough for her to understand what was happening, she just hadn't said so.  My prayer is that right now, Suzette's children get on their knees and that God uses this to bring them to a deeper faith as he has done in so many already through Suzette.

As I try to process the events that unfolded yesterday, there is mourning and sadness, but I can't sit in that.  Greater than that, "Bondye kapab".  Whether or not God chooses to heal Suzette doesn't change the fact that He Can and that He is Good!  Suzette clings to the hope she has in Christ no matter what happens to her earthly body.  I continue to learn and be blessed by her faith.

Please pray for Suzette.  Please pray for her faith.  Please pray for God to choose to heal her, I know He can.  Please pray for her family that through this they will know HIM more.


BONDYE KAPAB