Rachel Sanchez

Jenks, OK

Breast Cancer Survivor

If cancer is what it took for the walls between myself and God to come down, then I'd gladly go through it all again.

I grew up in an abusive household and had a difficult time believing in God's love, even after I entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I had a very warped view of God's love because of my childhood experiences, so even though I read and heard about it, it wasn't something I really believed in or thought was for me. God used my cancer journey to help me experience His love every step of the way. I could actually feel His love enfolding me as events transpired. I realized He really does love me just as I am. I don't have to earn His love. I don't have to perform. There are no conditions.

I was working about 50 hours a week as a medical auditor in the summer of 2007 when I felt as though God wanted me to do a breast self-exam. I was busy, so I kept putting it off, but I kept feeling in my spirit that God was telling me to do it. When I finally obeyed, I found a lump in my left breast. God had been warning me.

A mammogram and biopsy confirmed I had cancer. I scheduled a lumpectomy. As I was preparing to go into surgery, I remember being so scared. But God was there, showing me His love.

Right before I went in, one of my cousins, a pastor, called and prayed for me. She and I agreed in prayer that thered be no cancer in the lymph nodes. And right after that, I felt God's presence come over me in a way that I just knew that prayer would be answered. And it was. I had stage 2 cancer, and there was none in the lymph nodes.

Once in the operating room, I again felt a wave of fear engulf her, but then it was like I heard the words, "Yea, though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you shall fear no evil," and I knew God was with me. Again, a sense of His presence filled me with peace.

Though Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) was out-of-network for myinsurance, I felt God leading me there for treatment. So, I told my doctor of my decision, and then called and made an appointment.

When I drove up, I thought, "This isnt a hospital; it's a resort or something." When I walked in, I was in total awe. I started to cry and prayed, "God, cancer is a scary thing. But you've brought me to the best place. You love me."

After meeting with my cancer care team, composed of physicians and clinicians, I began six weeks of Tomotherapy® radiation, Monday-Friday. I completed treatment in October 2007, and following tests at my most recent check-up August 2008, my radiation oncologist told me there was no evidence of cancer in me.

Everyone and everything at CTCA are so wonderful. I love that place. They put you first. Even though the radiation was difficult for me and painful, especially toward the end, everyone there encouraged me, from the drivers who transported me to my treatments, to the doctors, technicians and clinicians. I still do the exercise regimen I received from Rehab, and because my skin has been slow to heal, I'm still receiving insight and help with pain from the Pain Management staff.

I often wonder if the staff at CTCA ever has a bad day, because they never act like it. They remember my name and ask about my grandchildren, even now, when I'm only coming in every six months for check-ups. I can't remember what happened a couple days ago, and yet, they remember details about me. They have a heart and compassion for people that you just don't experience at other hospitals.

God enabled me to experience His love through my family as well. I and my children grew closer than ever, and they gave me strength. My husband also grew spiritually through my cancer journey. Often, when I was discouraged and weepy, he read healing Scriptures from God's Word to me and prayed for me. I remember him telling me things from God's Word I didn't even know he knew. And he'd remind me that we could trust God, because He promises to cause us to triumph in every situation.

I believe God taught me greater love and compassion for others through my cancer. I pray more for women with cancer now,and because I can feel their pain, I pray from my heart. I tell them God doesn't play favorites, and what He did for me, He can do for them.

Going through something like cancer, you learn how to really apply God's Word and practice it. You experience God's love personally, not just read about it. You learn that everything else in your life can go on the back burner but Him, your marriage and your family. And you discover that He's completely faithful and your best friend. Cancer was definitely worth the closeness I now have with Him and with the ones I love.