Reiki
Assists Cancer Recovery
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
reiki@infoave.net
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