Life after the Worst Diagnosis
by Kelly Mize
What is the worst diagnosis?
For author Kelly Mize, it was terminal cancer, but we are all terminal, all preparing for metamorphosis at some point. How does one prepare for that looming day in which, as Scripture puts it, the perishable body puts on the imperishable, and the mortal body puts on immortality? As Kelly shares her story, she offers readers practical wisdom on how to fully live while in between diagnosis and metamorphosis.
From the Preface:
“What is the worst diagnosis? It’s the one you’ve just received. The one that has already begun to reroute your plans, invade your thoughts, and unravel the life you have knit together. My worst diagnosis was terminal cancer, but we are all terminal, all preparing for metamorphosis at some time. The worst diagnosis may escort us to it quickly, as with some cancers and heart conditions, or it may ferry us slowly over years as our bodies deteriorate. Any condition that disables, is progressive, and requires its host to make massive changes to accommodate is a worst diagnosis. Whatever it is, we are living with it ready-or-not, contending with it daily. Because my worst diagnosis ends in death sooner rather than later, that is the perspective I hold.
This book exists only because I have been looking for one that would guide me through the journey I’m on and so far, no such book has surfaced. People who write books on death and dying typically know much about the physiology of death or the spiritual and psychological aspects of it. They are usually medical professionals with knowledge far more comprehensive than mine. These authors are among the robust living, their deaths likely far from imminent. I have read a few of them and found them worthwhile. The book I sought, though, one written by someone living through their last months of life, apparently was living within myself.
I wanted to write that book so that I might better process what is happening to me in these final months of life, and so that others who are in a similar situation might benefit, too. Even if their worst diagnosis doesn’t mean imminent death, I hope these chapters still hold something of value as they assess their situation and look for ways to make the most of it. Sharing this story is daunting to me. Awareness of a wider audience than myself changes my approach, and I hereby acknowledge that death from a terminal illness is not a one-size-fits-all adventure.”
Take a Peek Inside
Kelly also includes an interview with her hospice team in Preparing for Metamorphosis: Life after the Worst Diagnosis. Hospice care is a tremendous blessing, but many of us simply don’t know what it can provide. Kelly’s book changes that.
Each chapter concludes with ten reflection questions provided by Kelly to assist you in your own reflection about the chapter, with room to write in the book your thoughts. If you prefer to have these questions in a printable form, with extra room to write, you might like our free printable, available here.
Praise for Preparing for Metamorphosis
God has given Kelly many experiences in life. It seems they have all come together in this book. She has been a teacher, philosopher, daughter, and follower of Jesus Christ. She uses all these roles to give us the perspective of one dying soon, and she shows how her faith sustains her and informs her along the path.
–Pastor Tim Rackley, MDiv, Evangel Presbyterian Church PCA, Wichita, Kansas
Preparing for Metamorphosis is based on truth with raw feelings and the real questions that come when facing the end of life here on earth. Kelly expresses with reality and clarity, personal experiences about what it is like to face a terminal illness in an honest and graceful way. This is a must read not only for those facing the end of life, but also for their families.
–Pastor/Chaplain Tom Scott, BTh & CPE (Christian Pastor Education), Phoenix Home Care & Hospice
Preparing for Metamorphosis, written by Kelly Mize, is an inspiring and honest look at her own journey with mortality. This book is an easy and informational read, from her own perspective, one she couldn’t find an example of when dealing with her terminal diagnosis. As her hospice nurse in this journey, I think her words will give others insight for themselves or a family member who may be in Kelly’s situation. For those of us who help patients and their families prepare for their final chapter, I plan to have copies to share with those who are interested in reading her story. I am honored and privileged to be a part of her Phoenix hospice team.
–Beth Rohling, BSN, RN, NBCSN, Phoenix Home Care & Hospice
Preparing for Metamorphosis, by Kelly Mize, is a delightful guide sharing insight to her personal walk and journey with the Lord. Kelly shares her testimonies of real-life adventures that she has and continues to face with her terminal diagnosis of cancer. This book is an excellent collection of scripture and personal stories reminding us that God is with us every step of our lives.
–Casie A Cooper, LMSW-CDP, Phoenix Home Care & Hospice
About the Author
Kelly Mize is wife to Eric Mize, mother of their two grown humans, grandmother of four, former teacher, and cat mom to Mocha. Her written record is found only in yellowed journals, a few scholarly papers, two master’s theses, thousands of marginalia remarks on her students’ writing, and this first and last book. She and Eric live in Clearwater, Kansas and make Evangel Presbyterian Church, PCA their church home.
Kelly passed away August 1, 2022.