“I will go through it and I will come back again”
Every day I come across stories of women who have been diagnosed with cancer, and each one impacts my life. But once in a while I meet someone with a story full of hope.
Rev. Sr. Mary Lynnette Perera is a dedicated nun of the Good Shepherd Congregation, an author, radio presenter and past principal of Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena. This courageous nun who aspired to serve humanity through her calling discovered a lump in her breast one day and was advised to get a mammogram. The diagnosis was not easy. She had breast cancer and needed immediate treatment. “I will go through it and I will come back again,” Dr. Roy Perera, recalls Rev Sr. Lynnette saying as he was trying to break the news to her.
Rev. Sr. Mary Lynnette Perera
She had to go through many tests and treatment like any other patient.She could see the difficulties faced by patients and the negative energy some of them had enveloped themselves in. She forgot her pain and did little things to help those going through treatment procedures while going through hers. She emphasizes on the power of the word. She recalls the transforming effects and power of phrases such as “you are going to recover soon!” “you still look beautiful, you will soon be able to get back to your past job and be who you really are!”
She never asked “why me?” instead she embraced it, says Dr. Fernando. She patiently and cheerfully went through the entire treatment process at the Apeksha hospital which she considers to be a University of new experiences.
“This is only one chapter in your life, it will pass by, embrace it and face it with courage for there is a life beyond this” is her message to all those who are battling cancer. Continuing her mission, she went on to publish four books specially written for those undergoing this difficult phase in life. Her thoughts, neatly put into words have given hope to thousands of people with cancer and are a great encouragement to their loved ones.
There are millions of survivors whose stories are untold. Cancer does not have to mean the end of one’s life -after all, you are loved, needed, and important.
She currently works as an advocate in spreading awareness on survivorship, embracing anyone who walks up to her for guidance, support and inspiration.
- Inspiring others: Books by Rev. Sr. Mary Lynnette Perera