Gina's Story

My name is Gina Smith, I have a rare form of cancer known as carcinoid, or more specifically, neuroendocrine tumors. My journey of fighting cancer started over two years ago. Before this, it was a constant battle of doctor visits trying to diagnose what was going on with my health.

 

This is my story. Did you ever think of how butterflies come out in the sunshine giving their beauty and joy to all who seek them? God also gives wisdom and hope to all who seek him. God has given me strength, hope, courage, and guidance during my battle with this rare cancer.  

 

God led me to the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska where they specialize in this rare form of cancer. At this hospital, special scans were performed that showed numerous tumors in my liver that were unseen at other facilities. After all the test were preformed the doctor sat down and discussed my options with me and my husband. The first procedure was to remove the primary tumor, and after that, a trip to Germany to a hospital for a specialized treatment known as PRRT. A few days after the consultation with the doctor in Nebraska, surgery was performed. After surgery, I was taken to my room. I looked out of my window, which was five stories up, and butterflies were flying all around my window as though they were sent to give me  hope and courage.

 

With the greatness and guidance from God, he sent me and my husband on our journey to Germany. This PRRT treatment has been very successful in Europe with this form of cancer, but is not available in the United States at this time, but hopefully it will be soon. We have met several people from the US, and from all other Countries seeking the same treatment for their fight against cancer. I have been to Germany three times, the first two times were for the treatment and the third was for scans. As of now, my liver is in stable condition and the tumors are not growing or multiplying.

 

God specializes in hard cases, because his power is so great and mighty. Live strong, live free, and live life as a butterfly with all it's splendor shining your light of God's greatness and to fight for a cure. God will continue to heal my body to live a Christian life without sickness and with the ambitions to witness miracles.