Cancer, Faith, and Art Therapy.

This blog serves as a supplement to an article by Cancer Council WA, which was based on the details I provided about my personal experience with a bowel cancer diagnosis. You can find the article at the following link: cancerwa.asn.au/news/how-a-simple-test-helped-jacqui-catch-bowel-cancer-early.

In August, my Bowel Screening Kit arrived at my address, marking my 50th birthday with a "Happy Birthday! Time to do a poo test." Initially, I thought sarcastically, 'Wow, great.' But soon after, I felt inspired. 'Wow! Great! I've always planned to do a "50 and fabulous medical tune-up," and now I can add this to the list.'

I placed the Bowel Screening Kit at the bottom of my to-do pile on my desk, where it remained for nearly a year. The following 12 months were a whirlwind. My 50th birthday in September led to my engagement, and by October, I was married. Life became busy as my husband moved in with me and my two sons. We built an extra shed, planned a new carport, rearranged rooms, and designed gardens, all amidst the usual daily activities.

As I approached 51, I finally visited the GP for my "tune-up". Among the many checks, I didn't expect any bad news; it was more about assessing my physical health and establishing a baseline. But it was interesting that I noticed several ads about bowel cancer while waiting for my results, as if preparing me for my next GP visit.

My doctor reviewed my files and asked if I had received a letter about my colonoscopy. I hadn't, which puzzled her. Gently, she invited me to read the colonoscopy report, revealing cancerous cells had been found in the removed polyps.

Remarkably, thanks to my faith in Jesus, I accepted this news with a peace that surpassed my understanding and even that of my doctor.

Following specialist appointments, I found myself in the operating theatre on my 51st birthday! Thankfully, the early detection of the cancer at Stage One meant no further treatment was necessary after the removal of part of my bowel. Praise God! I was hopeful, yet the confirmation that I wouldn't need radiotherapy or chemotherapy was immensely relieving. I cried tears of joy alongside my husband.

During the two-month journey of diagnosis, evaluation, surgery, and recovery, my husband was incredibly supportive. I am deeply grateful for his love, support, and care. However, it was my faith in Jesus, praising and worshipping Him amidst the turmoil, and art therapy, which became a form of prayer, that truly sustained me.

Art therapy was instrumental in directing my energy, thoughts, and faith. It kept me calm, motivated, and positive. It distracted me from the diagnosis, provided relaxation, alleviated stress and anxiety, and enhanced my mood. Art therapy was revealing; it visualized my thoughts, feelings, worries, and inquiries, offering a potent means to process my emotions, understand the situation, and gain perspective.

There is a connection between creativity and physical well-being. The act of creating art leads to beneficial emotional and physical responses, such as altered alpha wave patterns, increased serotonin levels, reduced cortisol levels, slower breathing rates, lower blood pressure, and enhanced cerebral blood flow.

Creativity also correlates with good mental health. Art therapy is an excellent tool for expressing what our words cannot. Rather than holding onto unspoken feelings of fear, regret, and bitterness, which can exacerbate our situation and hinder physical recovery, art therapy offers a secure approach to confronting trauma, danger, illness, and even the prospect of death. It can be a profoundly spiritual practice, regardless of one's faith.

If you or a loved one are dealing with a cancer diagnosis or facing terminal illness, I invite you to experience the power of art therapy for yourself.

Jacqui