A Miraculous Battle with Cancer
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A Life-Altering Diagnosis
Chris Ford, from Michigan, began a challenging and daunting journey on April 1st, 2022, following the life-altering diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s B-Cell CLL Lymphoma. This form of lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in the body’s immune system. Furthermore, non-Hodgkin’s B-Cell CLL Lymphoma (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia) impacts explicitly the white blood cells potentially compromising the body’s ability to combat infections effectively.
Moreover, upon receiving the news, Chris found it to be disheartening. The doctor explained this aggressive cancer as an unyielding adversary that persistently lingers in the bloodstream, even following intensive chemotherapy. Chris recalls,
“I went to my doctor’s office because I was having continual chest and sinus issues. It turned out I had an enlarged mass behind my chest, and my lymphatic system was complete with cancer. I got a call from the on-call doctor the next day asking me to go directly to the emergency room because my platelets, which are part of the immune system, were down to six, and I could bleed out. That week, I lost 35 pounds, and my spleen and liver were so swollen with cancer that I was having trouble eating. They did a bone marrow biopsy within the first few days because they knew something was happening.
On April 1st, 2022, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s B-Cell CLL Lymphoma. The doctor described it as a cancer you never get rid of, always hiding in your blood even after chemo. The results showed 90% cancer in my blood. So, 90% of my blood was full of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and it was excruciating. I had dozens of blood transfusions and antibody infusions. My body had lost so much weight and functionality because of the cancer, and I had to get my first round of chemo within the first 10 or 12 days. I ended up doing six rounds of chemo, and the chemo had a really robust effect on me.”
Facing the Diagnosis with Faith
Chris, a devoted Christian, regularly tuned in to the online live streams of Pastor Vlad Savchuk and found comfort in his teachings. One day, during his livestream, Pastor Vlad paused his teaching to pray for Chris’s healing, inviting thousands of viewers to join him. The community’s outpouring of support and love deeply moved Chris. Reflecting on the experience, he shared,
“As I turned into the livestream, I reached out in the comments, sharing my condition and requesting prayer. To my surprise, Pastor Vlad read it and immediately called the viewers to join him in praying for me. As he prayed, I felt the power of God touch me, breaking something deep within me. The Lord’s timing was impeccable.”
Instant Change: Hope Arising
“After the live stream, something changed immediately. I received strength and could go out and walk 14 1/2 miles. Praise God. Before I got sick, I enjoyed doing that all the time. But due to the sickness, I could not do that anymore. Glory to God!“
The Battle Continues: Enduring Chemotherapy
During the challenging chemotherapies, Chris’s faith and hope enabled him to endure the difficult treatments.
“My reactions were adverse. When trying to describe to someone what it feels like to deal with chemo, I always equate it to paint thinner or pulling paint off of something with chemicals. It feels inside like that’s being done to you.“
After a few more months of chemotherapy, a follow-up bone marrow biopsy in December 2022 showed a significant reduction in cancer from 90% to 30%. Encouraged by this, Chris underwent three more months of treatment.
“And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” (James 5:15)
A Miraculous Turnaround
In June 2023, Chris had another PET scan to check the cancer cells. The results showed no cancerous activity! The doctor’s words at the bone marrow biopsy appointment were astounding. Chris felt overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude, knowing that Jesus Christ had healed him.
“Your bone marrow was awesome!” the doctor exclaimed. “Complete remission. There’s no trace of cancer anywhere. If I didn’t know you, just from looking at your results, I would say you were not even a patient! Fantastic.”
All Chris could muster was, “I’ve been blessed.”
“For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 30:17)
Gratitude and Reflection
After receiving the uplifting news of his recovery, Chris felt deep joy. Meanwhile, the doctor was bewildered by what had occurred. Unable to provide an explanation, she chose to eliminate cancer as the cause of Chris’s immune system problems. Instead, she suggested administering antibody IVs and shots to boost his white blood cell count. Chris shares his gratitude to God,
“I believe in the healing power of the Lord and trust that I am exactly where God wants me to be. This is my advice, reconcile with God, reconcile with each other, and praise God for his glory and healing prayer. He is the master healer.”
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
A Story of Miraculous Healing and Unwavering Faith
Chris Ford’s healing journey brought hope, strength, and inspiration to himself and others. During a live-streaming session with Pastor Vlad, people worldwide united in prayer for Chris’s recovery, proving the power of prayer. Witnessing the support and Chris’s healing reminded us that God answers prayers, regardless of physical distance. During his battle with non-Hodgkin’s B-cell CLL Lymphoma, Chris underwent a spiritual transformation and miraculously healed, sparking hope in others. In Chris’ own words, Jesus Christ is the Master Healer! Amen.
If Chris’s testimony has touched your heart, we invite you to share your own experiences of faith and healing at: https://pastorvlad.org/my-testimony/