Samantha inspires

AFTER being diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2013, 25-year-old Samantha David is determined to kick the cancer to the kerb.

Ready for the battlefield, she’s offering support to those who need it, who may be facing or fighting similar challenges, even as she fights for her own life.

“I know what it’s like to need encouragement and not have it. My mom was strong even though she felt the strain. I want people like me or people going through their own problems to remain positive, because being negative only defeats your healing process,” she said.

As such, David devoted herself to ministering to others while a patient in hospital, and hopes to begin advocacy for cancer patients when she recovers.

“While on the ward, I used my time to encourage persons with the word of God and my experiences. There was this lady who didn’t have cancer but was always crying and her boyfriend said to her, ‘Every day I come here you’re crying, and Samantha has cancer and I’ve never seen her cry yet’. I use my energy to motivate others and encourage them when they’re down. Anyone can have it and it is not easy being by yourself or not having someone to encourage you,” she told All Woman.

David explained that before the diagnosis she had symptoms for three years but could not get a confirmation.

“After doing the first set of biopsies I gave up, because I was going to the doctor every month and going to the clinic every other week. I was being treated for autoimmune disease, overactive eczema, among other things. I experienced excess itching, swelling of the chest and neck, but the tests were inconclusive. It’s very tough, especially having it for so long and not knowing,” she said.

However, on recommendation from her then human resources manager in 2012 to see a doctor at Medical Associates, she learned of the condition that has significantly changed her life.

“At the time I had a fever that would not break and it basically became a part of me. When I saw the doctor, he took one look at me and said, ‘Get ready, I’m going to admit you’. I did additional biopsies in December 2012 and by January 2013 I had a confirmation.”

Hodgkin’s lymphoma, according to the Mayo Clinic, is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system which helps to fight off infections.

In Hodgkin’s lymphoma, cells in the lymphatic system grow abnormally and may spread beyond the lymphatic system. As Hodgkin’s lymphoma progresses, it compromises the body’s ability to fight infection. It is not clear what causes the disease.

“I started chemotherapy in February 2013 and had a cycle up to July. I went to Florida in September 2013 to do a scan to determine the next set of treatment that would be needed; did more chemo, and also radiation. The first three sets of chemotherapy went great, but the fourth set did not show much reduction in the growth caused by the cancer. I did radiation and I responded far better to radiation than chemo,” David said.

And David, called ‘Sammy’ by her friends, is hopeful, as recent tests have turned up inconclusive results, which means there is a possibility she has been healed.

“The physical signs of the disease are still there, but the tests are no longer showing it. More extensive tests need to be done,” David said.

“Even though I had a job, I wasn’t able to manage financially. With the help of Digicel, Dr Carl Bruce who performed surgery free of cost on my spine [her vertebrae were destroyed by chemo and radiationn], and my oncologist, as well as friends and family, I was able to get through one phase. But with everything — the further tests, medication — it becomes more difficult,” she said.

Despite the financial strain, David maintains a fighting spirit which she said is encouraged by her family and her really good friends.

“Just trusting God, having faith and being encouraged every day is what really kept me. Knowing God will be there and that He never leaves us nor forsakes us helps. There were moments when I felt depressed, but when I called on friends, especially my mom, I was reassured that one day it would be over.”

Her mother, Marlene Blake, said though it has been rough, she believes her only daughter will see better days.

“When I see her in a lot of pain and I’m not able to help her, it’s rough. It brings me back to the biopsies that were showing inconclusive results but I prayed and trusted God to heal her completely. He says if I have faith as small as a mustard seed I can move mountains,” Blake said.

David, who has a bachelor of science degree in social work from the University of the West Indies, also wants to inspire others that there is hope regardless of their situation.

“I have experience in social work and I enjoy working with young people, encouraging them to get an education or skills training and putting them on the right track. You have those who are sick and may not have a support system, but I say to them, ‘Don’t let anyone tell you you’re going to die. It’s usually the stress from no family support, not having the right diet or someone to encourage you that will kill you faster than the cancer. Don’t listen to any gloom stories, because you won’t know until you’ve fought your fight, beat it and overcome at all odds’.”

For now, David said she knows her best is yet to come.

“I’ve had my best coming to me and I am confident that healing has taken place,” she added.

“Thanks to my friends, family and co-workers for their support. Especially my friends as while at the university I missed out a lot because of the illness and they made sure I got my assignments and projects so I was able to finish. I hope they will continue to support me to make the fight easier.”