Mercy

In December of 1997, I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. A transitional cell carcinoma was found against the back wall inside my bladder. The news was devastating and my family searched the internet for more information on this kind of cancer. I was 69 years old and, up to then, in good health. I knew that in order to live, I had to get help fast. I was sent to Sloane Kettering for a second opinion and then on to Yale-New Haven. I was fortunate to be examined by Dr. Bernard Lytton, chief of urology at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Dr. Lytton recommended immediate surgery. Even though I was terribly frightened, my will to live became very strong because I felt that I was in good hands with Dr. Lytton.

On the way to the hospital on January 7, 1998, my husband and my daughter and I met with our minister to take Holy Communion. I knew I needed the best doctors and the best hospital, but I also needed God to watch over me. It took Dr. Lytton and his team nine hours to complete the surgery. During the 13 days at the hospital, I had excellent care by 10 doctors and the nursing staff, down to that lovely young nurse who made me a pillow inscribed "Hug Me." I pressed it against my belly when the coughing spells became so painful. One icy January evening, she could not go home because of the bad road conditions. She did double shift, often looking in on me. After three months of recovery, I started four months of grueling chemotherapy. My oncologist at Yale was Dr. Po, a specialist in treating bladder cancer. I had complete trust in Dr. Po and nurse Mary to guide me through these agonizing months of treatment.

It is now three and one-half years since my surgery. I am alive and well and have seen my only granddaughter graduate from college.

I had the best doctors in the best hospital to save my life, but above all, I thank God for his mercy.

Inge Lindh
Sherman, Conn.