During the past several months I have had the privilege to work with three remarkable people. Each of these people has been presented with one of life's most feared diseases, cancer. They are indeed an inspiration in how they have faced the challenge. I have asked them to write in their own words their journey through cancer recovery and the part they felt that Reiki energy has played in their progress.

I first met David Rodak in November of 1998. He had had a cancerous tumor removed from his neck and was beginning radiation treatment. Here is his story:

"At age 69, I relocated to Cookeville, Tennessee from Wisconsin. In August of 1998, I was recently divorced, had sold my home, and had moved to Tennessee. In September, I started having a stiff neck, it became progressively worse causing the muscle to bulge out. I went to a Chiropractor who told me he thought I had a tumor and referred me to my medical doctor, who in turn referred me to a surgeon. I was diagnosed with cancer of the lymph glands of my neck. I went through 2 surgeries having a radical neck reduction. I was then prescribed 30 radiation treatments for my face and neck. During this period of time I became acquainted with Beth Stapor. She gave me Reiki treatments. The people at the radiation center were so amazed at my attitude and how will I was surviving and enduring the radiation treatments. During December, Beth had to leave town for 2 weeks. During her absence I did not receive any Reiki treatments and I went to ground zero. The pain was excruciating to the point I could no longer function and I had to stop receiving the radiation treatments. As soon as Beth returned, she began extensive Reiki treatments on me. During the first week I returned to my old self, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. During this period of time I realized the wonderful blessings and gift that Beth was able to give me through Reiki. I completed the 30 radiation treatments and began a course of heavy-duty chemotherapy. The Oncologist was very surprised at my blood counts during chemotherapy, as they stayed so high and consistent. I feel what has been taking place in my life has been a joy to me even with all the pain. I'm more spiritually aware and more grateful of my surroundings than ever before. I feel in a great part I owe this to the Reiki treatments received from Beth."

The second person I worked with was Elizabeth McDonald, who has been a friend for over 10 years. Here is her story:

"Prior to January of this year, I held a public relations position and was a part-time law student. In January, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had two surgeries. In February, I had another surgery and began six months of chemotherapy. During that time, I also participated in Reiki sessions with Beth Stapor once a week. For three and a half months, I continued my law school classes, walked five days a week, and saw Beth once a week. My blood counts were so stable that the nurse who administered the chemotherapy commented on several occasions that my blood counts were higher than hers were. Except for the one week that followed each chemotherapy treatment, my energy level remained high. Sometime around the fourth month of chemotherapy, Beth was out of town for three weeks. During that time, my red blood cell count dropped and my energy level dropped considerably. It took three epogen shots and almost two months for my energy level to recover. I just had my last chemotherapy treatment. I continue to see Beth and expect to be able to return to my normal activities by the time school starts on August 28, 1999. During this past seven months, I have spent time praying and know that many people have prayed for me. I have also had the love and support of my family and friends. While I do not have any hard data about Reiki, I know that I looked forward to my sessions with Beth and my body responded positively to the Reiki sessions. I have been told that low blood counts are expected during chemotherapy and I think it is notable that my blood counts remained strong until I missed three weeks of my Reiki sessions with Beth. I feel blessed to have received love and care from Beth, not only though the Reiki energy, but also from her friendship."

The third person I have been working with is Earl Hutchinson. Earl's wife is a close friend of mine and a student of Reiki. When he was going in for his surgery I offered to come and give him Reiki before and after surgery. That was February 9th,1999. Here is his story:

"My six month bout with prostate cancer brought me my first experience with Reiki. Although important factors in the successful treatment of this cancer were my excellent health and the ever present health care and love of my wife, Olivia, I cannot discount the importance of the Reiki treatment of Reiki Master Beth Simmons Stapor. Beth pledged Reiki treatments after every surgery (5 total) and at least once a week during the recovery period. So far that is almost 50 one-hour treatments. With the removal of the prostate, the colon was nicked and the surgery lengthened to four and one half hours. Beth greeted my awakening with Reiki and a soothing presence. I experienced no nausea or vomiting from the general anesthesia administered (a reaction expected by the doctors) and no itching or other reaction usually accompanying the spinal epidural block. Although morphine was on hand for pain if I felt it necessary, I never felt so uncomfortable that I switched it on. My fear of the pain that would accompany coughing never materialized. This, despite the fact that I had 33 clamps in the incision which extended from the naval to the pelvic bone. The doctors and nurses in attendance were amazed at my lack of the usual symptoms accompanying this serious surgical operation. My temperature and vital signs stayed normal. What made this operation even more incredible for the medical doctors and nurses was that I am 72 years old.

With the removal of the catheter on July 9th, I expected a period of incontinence, which is experienced by an overwhelming majority of prostate cancer patients. This can go on for several weeks to forever. With the exception of a couple of times in the first week, I have had no incontinence, almost unheard of in my situation. I have completed my final surgery, which had returned me to the shape I was in prior to February, minus the cancer. I am certain that my healthy lifestyle, and the care of my wife were major factors in carrying through this six month ordeal, but the importance of Reiki, I believe cannot be underestimated. It played an important role in helping to maintain my vital signs, eliminate pain, nausea and vomiting, keeping incontinence from occurring, and finally battling the inevitable depression that accompanies such a roller-coaster ride through this illness."

As you can see, these are remarkable people. It has been a blessing to have the opportunity to work with each of them and to see how Reiki has complemented traditional medicine for healing in their lives.

Beth Simmons Stapor, Reiki Master
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