Cora Behrens

In 1988, feeling really well, except for fatigue, I went to a health fair in Omaha, thinking it would prove how healthy I was. However, the report came back that I had chronic lymphatic leukemia. I was totally surprised and even had them recheck my blood. This was an incredible blow.

I went to some physicians locally, but they kept telling me I was just going to get worse. I’m a slow learner, but I finally started thinking, why am I paying these guys to tell me I’m going to get worse? So I began looking for and found a doctor who actually thought he could help.

Things went well for several years, but then, in 1995, my white blood count skyrocketed, and I was in danger of the cancer becoming acute leukemia. The doctor wanted to start me on a very strong chemo. This was very frightening to me, as I didn't even take aspirin. I had also doctored with a naturopath and believed in the least invasive treatment possible. Nutrition was also important to me but not to my doctor.

During this time, a pastor and his family had taken me under their wings, praying for me and being a support for me. My white blood count went down, but then it went back up. When it did, the pastor suggested I think about Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) in Tulsa. His wife’s sister had gone there for her breast cancer and was doing great, and, he knew I was interested in whole person care -- mind/body/spirit - and that I could get it there.

It seemed such a long way to go for care, but I prayed about it, and I had a peace about going. The Lord seemed to be saying to go.

So, I made my first appointment and flew down to Tulsa. I was very ill and didn't know how I would make it through any treatment. On the trip from the airport to the hospital in CTCA’s limo, there was a lady riding with us who had been told several years before to get her affairs in order because her cancer was incurable. She talked to us on the whole ride to CTCA. Because of her care at CTCA, she was now cancer free. By the time we got to the hospital, I was filled with hope and life.

Then, once at CTCA, Dr. Brunk, my oncologist, was so supportive. Rather than telling me what I had to do, he listened to what I thought and let me be in charge of my care. He suggested an oral chemo, a much less severe chemo than the doctor at home had recommended, and I did very well on it. The first time I took it, I was on it for 14 months. My white blood count went up one other time, and I took the oral chemo for nine months. Since 1995, that’s all the chemo I’ve had to take.

I now come to CTCA every six months for check-ups and blood tests, and my white blood count is stabilized at this point.

People ask me, “Isn’t it depressing to go to a cancer hospital for check ups?” I tell them absolutely not. I feel the Lord in the entire atmosphere at CTCA. Every time I go, I receive another boost of hope and life. The support groups, mind/body classes, the staff and the other patients are all a gift of encouragement to me. God has actually used CTCA to help increase both my faith and hope. I came with lots of fear but that is gone. The focus at CTCA is on life and living it fully. That’s been a blessing to me.

And, healthwise, I think I’m healthier now than I was before I found out I had cancer. My whole lifestyle has changed, along with my nutrition. I’m now getting the nutrients my body needs.

Through this journey, a journey which I didn’t sign up for, I’ve also gained a healthier picture of God walking with us through the things which enter our lives. He’s proven Himself able in every situation to care for me. I’ve come to trust Him more, rest in Him, and appreciate each day I have and live it more fully.

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