Headache. Heartbreak. Hospital.
These three words summed up my life for almost seven years from when I was diagnosed in 2011. But then, there was a fourth: Hope.
Just a few short years ago, I was one of the crowd, young and carefree, perfectly healthy. Then I had an innocuous headache, which turned out to be a symptom of a brain tumor. And before I knew it, I was undergoing complex head scans, then brain surgery and subsequent radiotherapy, followed by chemotherapy.
It was an arduous time in my life. As a single girl, I watched my friends move on in life, getting married and building families of their own. And all this time, I didn’t know what the morrow would bring, didn’t know if I could dream of having a family.
I knew I needed to keep my mind off the heaviness of it all, needed to hang on tight to the fourth H. And so, I got busy with my writing. I wove pieces of poetry that portrayed the pain of it all, the hope I was clinging to. And, in celebration of my birthday, I launched a daily kindness campaign, which I called To Kindle a Kindness.
Although I experienced my fair share of miracles, it was not smooth sailing by any means.
“Have you ever noticed how good you feel after doing something kind and positive for others? This project is the perfect prescription for mental health!” I wrote to my friends. “So blow away those cobwebs; keep the blues at bay. Fight depression the ‘kindle a kindness’ way!”
Working on this project helped keep my mind off the chemo, which was already on to its fifth cycle. When I discovered that this dose would take place before Pesach, which meant I’d be chemotherapy-free right through Yom Tov, I saw it as my own Pesach miracle.
The author
Although I experienced my fair share of miracles, it was not smooth sailing by any means. After a bout of seizures, I was put through brain scans again. I remember sitting and waiting for the results. It was 10:30 in the evening when a ward doctor came over and asked if there were any relatives with me. My parents were not with me at the time, so the doctor asked that my father come in. In due time, I learned that they had seen another brain tumor mass on the brain.
In the end, as it turned out, there was no second tumor. A subsequent scan by my neurologist, a senior physician confirmed this relieving news. In the midst of the hardship that is cancer, I received injections of God's love, reminders that He’s always by my side, even when it didn’t appear that way to my human eyes.
Every round of chemotherapy meant going through another torture session, another bout of side effects. From the low of crying upon taking each pill to the high of hearing that the chemo is working, life was certainly one dizzying merry-go-round. Finally, finally, it was decreed that my turn on this ride was over.
And now, when I sit here reflecting with wiser eyes than before, I realize what a gift every aspect of life – even something as ominous as cancer – is.
How many times do we pray mechanically, without much thought, mindlessly thanking God for the gift that is health and even life itself? When a person’s life is on the line, prayer takes on a whole new meaning. When illness strikes, we feel vulnerable, swept adrift by the turbulent waves. Because I was blessed to have the storm subside, I have the opportunity to look back with an enriched perspective.
The operation to remove my tumor left me with a numb leg and poor vision. Only now do I see what a gift it is to simply walk without feeling numb. Did I ever stop to appreciate that before? Why do we only appreciate what we have lost when it has been taken away?
Why do we only appreciate what we have lost when it has been taken away?
Because I realized how healing it was for me to stay positive, I decided to count my miracles even in the bleakest of times. When we’re looking out for miracles, we simply feel so loved, so taken care of. One of the miracles I appreciated was that after being warned by the doctors of the various side effects of chemotherapy, including nausea, I was grateful that they did not actually occur after one of the rounds. I was able to go about my day while on chemotherapy pills, not feeling too bad. The pills made me feel slightly nauseous but they were bearable when counteracted by an anti-nausea tablet. Chemo pills rendered the tumor in my brain dormant without causing too much damage to the rest of my body. I saw that as a clear miracle.
How did I cope with the uncertainty that the fragility of life brought me? Intellectually, we knew there isn’t a test from God that we can’t overcome, but how does this translate into action?
I constantly remind myself that God is the true Source of healing. He is the Rofei kol bassar, Healer of all flesh. Doctors are only the messengers; God can bring the salvation at any time, any place, and through any means.
Prayer is the Jewish people’s battle cry and strength in all situations. Our response is to cry out and proclaim Shema Yisrael. I remember lying on the examination table for my very first scan, petrified, frantically praying, not knowing what to expect, crying out ‘Shema Yisrael’ – Almighty hear my cry, only You can help me. Every time I took my medication, I’d remind myself of Who can truly help me, with a short prayer: sheyehei eisek zeh li l’refuah ki Rofei chinam atah, May it be Your will that this activity bring healing to me, for You are the free Healer.”
The human body is an amazing miracle made by the one and only Designer Above. While some only appreciate this once they’ve had a health-related issue and are need of healing, we can come to this realization even in a state of health. Focusing on the fragility of life may frighten us, but it leads us to appreciate the gift that is health.
Reprinted with permission from Wellspring Magazine www.wellspringmagazine.com
(26) michele, November 7, 2019 12:12 AM
amazing
You may be young but you have amazing wisdom, insight and strength. Continued health, brachos and success.
(25) Shifra Lewin, November 6, 2019 8:03 PM
Well done Rivka I really am inspired by your article!! U are amazing keep writing!! Your best buddy
(24) Alexandra, November 5, 2019 4:38 PM
You are a beautiful, beautiful warrior, Rivka
(23) Elze, November 5, 2019 12:49 PM
A beautiful article about a difficult crisis in life. Thanks!
A beautiful article about a difficult crisis in life. Thank you!
(22) Shaindy spitzer, November 4, 2019 11:44 PM
Rivka, I'm so proud of you!
First you inspired all who've met you, but now you spread your light the world over! keep going strong, and we'll keep trying to kindle-a-kindness wherever we go!
(21) Anonymous, November 4, 2019 3:11 PM
wow what courage
thank you you have given us a new perspective on life may Hashem bless you with continued health.
(20) Linda Cucher, November 4, 2019 7:26 AM
The highest intellect of meaningful prayer
A powerful and wise piece, Rivka. Thank you for reminding us that even every unlabored breath we take for granted is a sheer miracle, let alone the ultimate blessing of good health we may be granted. I draw much strength from your insights and believe that constant sincere communication with our Father in Heaven brings ultimate comfort and levels of healing in all matters regarding the human condition. May you be abundantly blessed with continued healing, good health and a most gratifying future.
(19) Donna Nelson, November 4, 2019 4:47 AM
Thank you so much for your story! What courage and uplifting encouragement for those going through crisis in their lives. Abundant blessings and praying what ever you need our Lord will supply.
Shalom
Donna
(18) Anonymous, November 4, 2019 1:46 AM
Why
I wish you a full recovery and a fantastic life.
Why did you get the tumour, if it is to realise the fragility of life, why do babies get brain tumours as well and have little to no concept of life
All the very best
(17) Diane Milecki, November 3, 2019 9:06 PM
She is Brave!
Some people want to hide and try to forget what they have gone through. I appreciate her bravery and sharing her faith. May God give her 100 years here, at least!
(16) Anonymous, November 3, 2019 7:47 PM
May you be blessed with seeing the rewards of your unbelievable bitachon very soon.
(15) Orit Cohen, November 3, 2019 6:26 PM
Thank you for your inspiring story
BH My name is Orit Cohen I want to share that when I was 20 years old 1978 I had a benign brain tumor. Having many challenges now because of my brain scar Hashem is very close to me and I'm very close to him. Please keep the emunah and all will be well with you. All the best Orit
(14) Anonymous, November 3, 2019 6:14 PM
very moving
PG the author will have a refua sheleima bkarov and also zivug hagun bkarov
(13) Rachel, November 3, 2019 5:48 PM
Great!
As a stroke survivor, I had some similar experiences.
(12) Miriam, November 3, 2019 4:45 PM
The glass is half full with hope and reliance on Hashem.
My son sustained a TBI due to a car accident, and miraculously survived plus much more. Miracles abound. I can somewhat relate to the struggle. Hope is the thread that kept us from unraveling. Would love to hear from author about her progress.
Rivka Conway, November 4, 2019 8:47 PM
I have just finished the last round of chemotherapy. Looking forward to only simchas from now onwards
(11) Yonah, November 3, 2019 4:03 PM
Thank you so much
רפואה שלימה Lots of love.
(10) Anonymous, November 3, 2019 4:01 PM
Uplifting
So many lessons to learn. Thanks for sharing this beautiful and encouraging article.
"How many times do we pray mechanically, without much thought, mindlessly thanking God for the gift that is health and even life itself?"
So true. I am trying hard to come out of praying mechanically. I want to be completely present when I pray.
Please remember me in your prayers as I trying to achieve this
(9) Reisy K, November 3, 2019 3:19 PM
Rivka, your fourth H spreads its waves both in person and in writing! May the future Herald Hope Health and Healing!
(8) Nechama Motzen, November 3, 2019 2:44 PM
Rivka, thank you for your inspiring words and for being willing to make yourself vulnerable in sharing your message in a public forum. May Hashem keep you healthy and upbeat.
(7) Marlene Josephs, November 3, 2019 2:37 PM
I can relate to what you wrote, Rivka. May HaShem Grant you a definite refuah shelaimah and may you live to 120 in the best of health and safety! And may all of your dreams come true...you certainly deserve it!!!
(6) Anonymous, November 3, 2019 2:25 PM
Wow! A story of hope and courage, optimism and strength! Keep Strong
(5) Anonymous, November 3, 2019 3:53 AM
Jewish name
Chazak vaamatz thank you for sharing with us. Is it possible to get your Hebrew name so that we can pray for you
Rivka Conway, November 3, 2019 9:15 AM
Hebrew name
Rivka Miriam bas Tsivia Bina Many thanks
Rivka
Anonymous, November 3, 2019 3:49 PM
Are you married?
Thanks
(4) Chani Bodner, November 2, 2019 6:59 PM
My Inspiration!
Rivka, your positive outlook, as well as your well-expressed messages, are of much inspiration to us all! I have learnt a tremendous amount from you, and constantly learn more. I am truly so lucky that I have gotten to know you and I am so happy that the world is finally getting to hear your wise words, that hold tremendous relevance and importance to each and every person out there.
(3) Naomi Margolis, November 2, 2019 6:25 PM
Cheering you on:)
Rivka, you continue to inspire me with your ability to find hope and faith in the darkest of times- I am privileged to know you. Thank you!
(2) Leah Weingarten, October 28, 2019 2:19 AM
My superhero friend!!!
Rivka is my hero! I was fortunate to meet her about two years ago and she never fails to inspire me with her optimism, kindness and attitude!!! Her writing is not just words it's experience in its truest most powerful sense! We salute you Rivka!!!
(1) Anonymous, October 27, 2019 10:20 PM
an absolutely beautiful and uplifting article which I learned a lot of life lessons from. thank you for writing and sharing