Natasha discovered she had cancer at a critical time for her family.
By Netisha Alie
The Alie family was still morning the loss of a member to breast cancer when the news came that another (Natasha Alie) was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Imagine the nerve- wrecking emotions that hit the very core of our being from this news.
For most people hearing the word Cancer is a "Death Penalty." This dreadful disease has claimed and continues to claim the lives of so many that it is as exciting as a root canal. Nevertheless the Alie family had no choice but to "saddle up and prepare for battle."
In most action movies the star character endures quite the beating but we all know that they usually emerge victorious in the end.- This is the story that Natasha is clearly writing in her fight against cancer; the star (heroine) who will definitely emerge victorious in the end. The best part?-She has a secret weapon and she is more than willing to share it with the world.
As the mother of a beautiful princess with a daring personality and a son who is quite the mellow soul, Natasha was the average independent woman. She loves life and her family, works hard and makes time to 'play even harder'. She obviously knew how to balance it all. Until December 2016!
How it impacted her life and those around her and how she fought it with God.
After being told she had Triple Negative Breast Cancer, - a rare type of cancer that isn't fueled by any of the three main things: the hormones estrogen & progesterone and a protein called HER2. It is more aggressive than other forms and does not respond to some medication that works for others. -This was enough to send Natasha into a downward spiral of depression & insanity.
This is just life, one day you're living it and the next day it comes down on you like a sudden "The Sky is falling moment" as Chicken little once said. No warning!
She obviously needed a few moments to let it dawn on her. Penetrated with sorrow, divine intervention pulled her together and she put on the full armor of God and prepared for war!
Natasha embarked on a journey with the will to live and refusal to accept death. She simply had too much to live for, her daughter, her son, and her family. -The stakes were just too high.
She underwent 8 rounds of Chemo and still reported to work, plus 25 rounds of Radiation Therapy. Determined!
In November 2017 Natasha suffered a seizure that lead doctors to discover that she had metastatic (the spread of the cancer cells) from her breast to her brain. She then had surgery in December and refused radiation. Though Natasha was adamant, the cancer, as if having a mind of its own, didn’t seem to want to lose either.
It returned in March forcing Natasha into another surgery in April! The family was already breathing, hoping she was in the clear. However the battle continued, this time bigger and stronger, as if the cancer had transformed into Hulk and sends Natasha into a coma on Friday 15thJune 2018. Rest!
The doctors gave up on her, refusing surgery and claiming it was useless. However God had great plans for His daughter since on Saturday June 16th the doctors changed their minds and performed the operation against all odds. God’s love! Then on Sunday June 17th 2018 Natasha awoke moving her limbs and responding to voices. Victory!
Like Jesus, on the third day she rose again! The doctors were in disbelief by the power of God! That coma shocked us as we never saw it coming but it was proof that God’s hands was upon our sweet Natasha.
What she wants the world to know about her journey.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13
Throughout her journey, Natasha never gave up! She kept on speaking life into herself and others, praying, sharing love and encouragement. When we'd cry she was the one to encourage, she stood as the strongest amongst us. She became such an inspiration to us by refusing to give up, overcoming the negative thoughts and cherishing every moment. We knew we had to be strong for her! Through intense intercession and fasting, seeking the divine being who we knew had the final say, Natasha was able to keep going because as she says, "it was only the grace of God, I am grateful..." “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, Philippians 4:13 fulfilled in 2018!
Although her journey continues, with more Radiation therapy (15 rounds) Natasha is still here with us, sharing love and inspiration while hoping that she can do the same for others who are fighting too. She encourages us to love one another, and seek God as only He can heal our every disease. She wants everyone to know the greatness of God in her life and how much He strengthens and sustains her daily. We continue to pray for our Natasha, our ray of hope, our heroine.
For while some look in movies for their stars, we have our own with us, shining brightly and she owes it all to the grace of God-her Secret Weapon.
What are you battling in your life today? I hope that through Natasha's story you too will find strength in Christ to match into your victory as she does!
