Facing Fears and Finding Faith
July 19, 2021
Andrew Cotney
Andrew Cotney, a cancer patient, was asked to share his experience with his care and treatment at Spencer Cancer Center. Below is the story he shared.
I was born and raised in a very small community called Frog Eye, Ala. When I tell people I am from Frog Eye, Ala., most people look a me like, ‘you have got to be kidding.’ But it is a real place that sits just outside of Wadley, Ala. on the Tallapoosa River.
Early in my life, I traveled for work, wanting to see as many places as possible. Along with that came a very unhealthy lifestyle. I lived like I would never grow old and acted like I didn't care. That lifestyle I once lived is now directly linked to the type of lung cancer I have.
I am a recovering alcoholic and addict. By the grace of God on June 1, 2008, I began to try and follow my savior, Jesus Christ. It is a choice that I make daily.
Now I find myself with small cell lung cancer, and I am sure my situation isn't much different from someone you might know. My prayer for all is this: whatever happens in your life, if you find yourself in need of a team such as mine, I would tell you, try the Spencer Cancer Center.
The first day I walked into the center, I was trying to not show the fear inside me. I’m pretty sure they saw right through me. But, with each person I met, the more my fears faded. Some may ask, ‘when did the fear factor fade away?’ Honestly, it never leaves. At least for me it hasn't. I only learn to deal with it, and I understand that I am not the only one learning to deal with fear. No two people deal with the uncertainty the same. This is where faith, family, and friends come in. At Spencer Cancer Center, I was surrounded by people put in place by the One who has power over all things.
My biggest takeaway from my first meeting with my doctors was their willingness to listen to me. But it didn't stop there. There is a huge difference between listening and caring. But when you get both from the same place, there is no reason to look anywhere else.
Making my choice to receive treatment at Spencer Cancer Center was easy, and after talking to Dr. Farmer, the deal was sealed. I can't imagine going anywhere else. All the staff, caregivers, doctors and nurses still call me by my name when they see me. They are quick to share a smile, and when needed, they give words that make it easier to stay focused. If there is such a thing as looking forward to chemo – well, I won't go that far, but they do make it easier.
Earlier I mentioned fear and how it affects my life. The best way I have found to put fear aside, is to feed off it. By the Grace of God, that process was made easier by my family at home and my family and friends of faith at Spencer Cancer Center.
COD10 AssetID
243736
External ID
681
Integration Source
COD10
Integration Source URL
https://www.eastalabamahealth.org/news-and-media/facing-fears-and-finding-faith
