There is something about being told the word cancer that leaves a person feeling branded. Regardless if it is stage zero or stage four, life has shifted on its axis at least a little bit.

The doctor simply said that mole looks a little dark and I should have it looked at. She recommended a dermatology clinic stating that my clinic system was significantly backed up. Unlike my normal response, I made an appointment the next day. It would take two months to get in. My clinic system called to offer an appointment. It would take eight months to get in. I stuck with my earlier appointment.

The dermatologist took at two second look at it and said she was taking it off immediately. That felt abrupt, but I was grateful I didn’t have to make another appointment. I would have the results within a week.

Two days later the call came. I excused myself from a meeting at work to take the call. “Melanoma stage 0” Once she was able to give me the details and next steps my axis had shifted. I felt branded. I felt grateful that a simple excision was all that was needed. I felt guilty that a simple surgery to remove some tissue around the area was all that was needed.

^16-18 Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. ^19-22 Don’t suppress the Spirit, and don’t stifle those who have a word from the Master. On the other hand, don’t be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what’s good. Throw out anything tainted with evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 MSG).

Still not knowing what to do with all of the oscillating emotions, I’m trying to focus on the one thing I know is true, I have much to be thankful for even in these circumstances. I’m thankful I responded to the doctor’s instructions quickly. I’m grateful I didn’t wait 8 months for an appointment. My situation would likely have been much different. I’m grateful for the early detection. I’m thankful for a simple solution. I’m thankful for good health insurance. I could go on.

While I do feel branded, I am choosing to focus on gratitude. I’m choosing to focus on the many places God has shown up through experience to remind me I am loved and cared for. This focus brings hope instead of dispare.

Have you ever felt branded? Maybe it was in a different way. Did you find hope in the midst of it? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.