Emily Schmeckpeper

My first diagnosis of Stage I breast cancer occurred in the summer of 1996 in Honolulu, Hawaii. After a positive biopsy, I opted to forgo surgery until March of 1997. A miracle healing manifested in my breast with a pathology report stating that I was void of cancer. I chose not to have chemotherapy or radiation. The doctors in Hawaii were unwilling to acknowledge that a "spiritual healing" actually happened. Their reaction left me feeling stunned and sad, for I knew within my heart that divine intervention was a reality. God allowed me to be healed.

In July of 2002, I was diagnosed with a Stage II breast cancer. After driving up and down the Southern California freeways in the midst of heavy traffic, cold sterile waiting rooms, and assortments of negative attitudes, I chose an excellent, compassionate surgeon to perform a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. After the surgery, he advised me to have consultations with radiation and medical oncologists. Having scheduled additional appointments, I informed the oncologists that I would consider their treatment plans after my visit to see friends in Illinois.

Before departing from sunny California to Illinois, I searched the Internet and found Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) in Zion, Illinois. Twenty-two years ago, my husband had been treated at the same treatment center, and I remembered how a caring and compassionate staff related to my husband. I do believe I was led to Zion by "divine appointment." My timing was "God's timing." While visiting my friends, I was allowed to schedule my appointments with my doctors in a less frantic environment. It was like I had returned home. Dr. Bernard Eden listened very attentively while I shared my "spiritual healing experience" and actually made a notation in my medical chart. This truly astounded me. It's rare that a doctor acknowledges that God really takes part in the healing process. Dr. Eden discussed IMRT Radiation Therapy and showed me the equipment. Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, or IMRT, is a state-of-the-art radiation delivery system offered at CTCA. CTCA already had three years of experience with IMRT. And, it wouldn't be available at the facility in California until the following year. This was of utmost importance to me, since I wanted to protect my organs as much as possible during the radiation.

My radiation treatments began in the fall and ended in winter. During my treatments, I began attending weekly chapel services there in the hospital, given by Rev. Percy McCray. At the first service, Rev. Percy gave a sermon entitled, "But for the Grace of God." Immediately, I experienced a spiritual vortex of energy permeating the room. I felt like I had "returned to grace" and that my diagnosis of breast cancer was an amazing gift, an experience bringing me closer to God. Facing my immortality and mortality were issues that had to be acknowledged. All fears and concerns had come out of the closet and had to be activated by the light and grace of God.

During the time of my radiation treatment, I decided to check out the chemotherapy infusion center. Chemotherapy was a treatment that was not on my wish list, because I was troubled by possible side effects of the drugs used in chemotherapy. My fears were calmed as I walked through the infusion center. I became keenly aware of the kind, sensitive staff caring for the patients. My oncologist, Dr. Granick, and his physician assistant Larry Wiggins, allowed me to voice my concerns during the process and monitored me very carefully. Nausea was addressed by herbal teas, and my nutritionist offered creative menus so I could tolerate food. Sensitive chaplains were involved in my care and took the time to really listen.

My chemotherapy treatments started in spring and ended in summer. I purposely scheduled my appointments so I wouldn't miss Rev. McCray's sermons on Wednesday mornings. "But for the grace of God" and this man of God, Rev. Percy McCray, I have been so blessed. A quickening of my healing by the Holy Spirit was evident in the midst of my treatments. My faith had been activated. When I felt weak, I became strong. When I was sad, I became happy. God speaks in miraculous ways through Rev. McCray that opens my heart, gives me hope, and validates my existence.

It became evident that I had to do whatever it would take to eradicate this disease. I rented a lovely apartment from a caring couple in Zion. I am thankful for four seasons of healing: fall, winter, spring, and summer. Having completed a second experience of breast cancer, it is time to get on with my life, knowing that I have been cleansed and healed. I have a new bounce in my step and am looking forward to helping others with challenges that sometimes seem insurmountable. I have been infused with the Holy Spirit -- "But for the Grace of God!"

Emily Schmeckpeper

• Email This Page to a Friend
• Print this Page