From Medicine to Miracle: How My Faith Overcame Cancer - Hardcover

Self, Dr. Mary

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0007115636 ISBN 13: 9780007115631

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2001

Synopsis

The incredible story of how one doctor won her own personal battle against cancer through the power of prayer.

Mary Self was first diagnosed with bone cancer in 1983 and underwent above-knee amputation and intensive chemotherapy. Believing that she had beaten the disease she went on to complete her studies in medicine, married her college sweetheart and, in defiance of medical assertions that she was sterile, gave birth to two beautiful children.

In February 1999 however, her nightmare was to return as cancer once again ravaged her body. After surgery to remove an affected part of her lung, investigations revealed another tumour in her pelvis. Mary was told that the cancer would no longer respond to treatment and that she was terminally ill. She returned home to her family to make final arrangements, and fulfilled a wish to take her son back to Australia to show him where he had been born.

After coming home from Australia, Mary's condition rapidly worsened and she was admitted to a hospice for pain control. She asked the elders of her church to visit and pray for her. They in turn asked the members of other churches to pray for Mary. Still in terrible pain she was admitted to the Birmingham bone care unit but told that there was nothing anyone could do for her. In extreme despair, Mary began to drink heavily in an attempt to blot out the prospect of death, she cried out to God for help.

Shortly afterward, Mary received a call from the hospital to say that her most recent bone scan showed a shrinking of the tumour. Over the next three weeks the symptoms vanished and the pain disappeared. When she returned to Birmingham for a repeat bone scan the test was completely clear! The doctors were amazed and agreed that there was no medical explanation for her complete recovery. When she suggested to her specialist that the healing had occurred because of the prayers made on her behalf, he could only reply, 'I'll buy that!'

This is a remarkable and uplifting story of how one woman looked into the face of death and survived. Her courage and faith are inspirational.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

'The only explanation I have is that it is a miracle.' Dr Mary Self'

As a young medical doctor struck down with cancer, Mary Self faced the ultimate challenge of her life – 'Physician, heal thyself'.

Tragedy struck early when she contracted bone cancer at seventeen and had to suffer the amputation of a leg and prolonged chemotherapy. Against all odds, Mary battled to realise her dream of becoming a doctor and, although warned that she would be infertile, went on to have two 'miracle' children.

In 1999, seventeen years after her original illness, cancer struck again. This time Mary was told that she was terminally ill. The battle to survive became impossible as her strength failed but, through her prayers and the faith of her family and friends, another miracle took place. Under the watchful eye of her medical team, the cancer inexplicably went into reverse. After preparing for death, Mary now prepared to enjoy a new life of health and happiness. News of her extraordinary journey even spread to the front pages of the national newspaper.

'From Medicine to Miracle' is an intense, personal story of a wounded healer who looked death in the face. With her unique insight of a doctor, Mary Self explores the traumas of her condition and explains the emotions that cancer patients hide. Now a qualified psychiatrist, she faces the question, 'is it all in the mind?' Above all, this is a testament to a faith that is pushed to its limits and a God who heals. It is a true story of courage, miracles and love.

”Mother of two Mary Self, 34, told the world-renowned specialist treating the ‘vanished’ tumour that it was a miracle. He looked her in the eye and told her: ‘I'll buy that.’”
'Daily Mirror'

'I have been a consultant for 11 years and I have not seen a case like it.'
MR ROBERT GRIMER, consultant

Synopsis:

Mary Self was first diagnosed with bone cancer in 1983 and underwent above-knee amputation and intensive chemotherapy. Believing that she had beaten the disease she went on to complete her studies in medicine, married her college sweetheart and, in defiance of medical assertions that she was sterile, gave birth to two beautiful children. In February 1999 however, her nightmare was to return as cancer once again ravaged her body. After surgery to remove an affected part of her lung, investigations revealed another tumour in her pelvis. Mary was told that the cancer would no longer respond to treatment and that she was terminally ill. She returned home to her family to make final arrangements, and fulfilled a wish to take her son back to Australia to show him where he had been born. After coming home from Australia, Mary's condition rapidly worsened and she was admitted to a hospice for pain control. She asked the elders of her church to visit and pray for her. The incredible story of how one doctor won her own personal battle against cancer through the power of prayer.

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0007115636
• ISBN 13: 9780007115631
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 272