A Spiritual Adventure with Breast Cancer
 

The last half of 2008 was a very interesting adventure, but one that I wouldn’t wish or recommend for others to partake.

Annual Health Check-up, plus Mammogram
Many women resist mammogram screening because they think that it is painful or they feel too self-conscious, while others may have adopted the attitude that, “It will never happen to me.”  Other excuses are, "I have no time or I would rather not know."  My advice to them is…… “Get over it!”

Be thankful, that in Canada, testing is provided freely, as well as any necessary surgery and post-care treatment.  Your only obligation is to take action by showing up for appointments and to take full responsibility for your own well-being.  I can’t stress the importance for women to do monthly manual self-examinations, as well as undergo routine annual health checkups and mammogram screening, especially those who have a family history for breast cancer, or who are in their forties or fifties approaching menopause.  Although I previously had mammograms every two years, I lazily ignored the last two reminder notices.

In hindsight, I regret not heeding my own advice, but because there was no family history for breast cancer and because I felt perfectly healthy at the time, I really wasn’t too concerned and therefore made the grave mistake of procrastinating.  I have since learned a valuable and huge lesson from the error of my ways!

Pay Attention
The initial discovery and diagnosis of my tumour evolved in a rather bizarre manner, but as I reflect back, I realize that I have much to be thankful for; although I now wish that I had paid better attention to the many signs and signals given well in advance.  In my particular case, I should have known better!

The Body Knows
It is well documented about the body naturally knowing when it is out of balance and, from the soul level, it also knows how to heal itself.  Generally, physical symptoms will appear which are meant to alert that there is something amiss, but what is ignored or goes unacknowledged remains undetected.

Spiritual Promptings
My earliest recollection of being prompted by a higher consciousness, or universal spiritual source, to seek medical help was in December of 2006, when after shovelling snow, I experienced a severe case of sciatica extending from my left hip/lower back down my left front thigh.  It was pretty painful, but instead of going to the doctor, I treated myself with Reiki, quartz crystals and Qi Gong movements, which successfully reduced pain, as well as it helped release energy blockages and I eventually recovered.

Now this may sound like nonsense, but psychic workers or spiritual practitioners will understand what I am talking about.  During the same time period, the spiritual realm also tried gaining my attention by sending signs or signals that I could not ignore.  Since the spiritual realm, or universal consciousness, does not speak by using a voice box, it will communicate using signs, signals, visions, or through a channel/medium and also through the dream state. 

Spirit knows how much I detest cigarette and cigar smoke.  At the beginning of December 2006, I began smelling cigarette smoke that was so strong it made my eyes water, plus the distasteful smell stuck in my throat making me cough as if I had smoker’s cough.  The coughing became so bad that I almost went to the doctor, but again I procrastinated.  Periodically, I would also smell cigar smoke, which I found even more offensive.  At first I thought the smoke emanated from the surrounding neighbours burning their wood fireplaces, but everywhere I went, the smoke relentlessly followed, whether I travelled in my vehicle, on a bus or even when I travelled out of the country.

I then realized that I was definitely being alerted by loved ones, who have since passed into the spiritual realm, but were avid smokers while alive.  For certain they would be concerned about my over-all well-being and I would imagine, be very frustrated about my continual lack of awareness.  I also experienced loud buzzing noises in my ears with high-pitched whooshing sensations that travelled through my head between both ears, indicating that spirit was trying to communicate, except I was not connecting to their higher vibration.  As well, I felt icy cold drafts around my left shoulder, making it quite evident that the spiritual realm was doing its utmost to gain my awareness.

Ignorance is Not Bliss
After the winter of 2006 and during 2007, every three to six months I would sustain another injury somewhere on my left side, but each time I treated the condition using integrative healing methods.  It wasn’t until April, 2008, after reaching for something, I sustained a left shoulder injury making it impossible to raise or use my arm.  I was in such excruciating pain that this time I made a doctor’s appointment.  Strangely, as soon as I did this, my shoulder started healing and by the time I saw the doctor a week later, it was completely healed and therefore did not require medical attention.

Because I was a new patient I was sent for routine tests, which included mammogram screening.  After undergoing the mammogram, I was immediately called back for additional screening.  I was also told to return for a needle biopsy, plus an ultrasound, which confirmed a solid mass in my left breast that was undetectable by manual examination.  At the time, I was told that it was absolutely not a cyst, but was assured, due to its shape, that the mass was most likely benign.  But a week later, I was informed that it was indeed a slow growing malignant tumour.

It does seem rather strange that since 2006 all my injuries were always situated on the left side and were always progressively worse than the previous one.  How many signs must the universe give before taking proper notice and action?

It Matters Where You Live
It is such a blessing to live where cancer research, cancer treatment and cancer patient care are touted as the best in Canada.  Once a diagnosis is made, everything happens in very quick order; in a matter of weeks, not months.  Basically, time is crucial for having a positive and successful outcome.

At the onset, patients receive a detailed information package, which thoroughly outlines the major topics associated with the various types of breast cancer and their treatments, thus eliminating a lot of guess work and answers insurmountable questions.  This was very helpful, because it is impossible to remember, let alone comprehend and assimilate everything that is verbally discussed between doctor and patient.

Sifting Through Confusion
In most cases, breast cancer is a woman’s worst nightmare and many important decisions must be made immediately; this can be very overwhelming.  There is little time for contemplation or further investigation and most women are not too familiar with medical technical terminology, which can further add to their state of confusion.

Emotionally, many women have difficulty grasping the full scope of what is happening or what is going to happen in future.  Unfortunately, there are no hard fast guarantees.  No two cancer cases are the same and no two treatments are the same; therefore comparing one case with another should be avoided.

As with some beliefs, a certain stigma is attached to health conditions by unfairly suggesting that you are the creator of your own condition.  What a guilt trip!  In this case, it is best to use common-sense and your own judgment for whether you agree or disagree with this type of concept.  Personally, I do not believe a person would intentionally or consciously wish to have any type of cancer.

For most cancer patients, this is an emotionally vulnerable time.  Well intentioned and concerned loved ones may recommend various alternative treatments, not realizing that this only adds to the state of confusion and stress level; therefore, they are not really being as helpful as they may think.  Friends and loved ones should avoid transferring their fears, insecurities or lack of knowledge onto the cancer patient.  It is more helpful to just offer a caring ear and really listen to them; rather than beat around the bush or ignore them altogether or make a comparison to other cases or give unwarranted suggestions or jump to premature conclusions.

Attitude is Important
From the beginning, I was determined to view this incident as an interesting adventure, a learning experience, and not as a death sentence or as an excuse to play victim.  When faced with any life-threatening circumstance, it is so important to maintain a positive outlook and to inwardly, at the soul level, be at total peace and acceptance with whatever outcome prevails.  There is no place for fear or a “woe-is-me” attitude; otherwise more of this type of negative or lower vibrating energy will be attracted.

Although I am grateful for help that was offered, for some reason I felt that it was important for me to experience this on my own and in my own way.  Perhaps I wanted to see how much strength, resilience, determination and endurance I truly possessed.  

Decisions, Decisions
After discussing with my oncologists, the various choices best suited to my particular case, I chose to have a partial mastectomy, followed by radiation and hormone therapy.

Although I am a practitioner of integrative healing methods, I am also a down-to-earth practical person; therefore I believe that these types of therapies can be successfully combined with conventional treatment in order to benefit from both types of knowledge.

Recuperation
Within a month of my diagnosis, day surgery was performed and by dinner-time I was home to begin recuperation. 

It is interesting to note that once surgery was completed, the annoying cigarette and cigar smoke completely disappeared, as well as the high pitched head noises and icy cold drafts.  Obviously the spiritual realm was satisfied that proper action was finally taken and no doubt, just in the nick of time.

To enhance my recovery, I self-administered daily Reiki treatments and as well, did the required stretching exercises.  Reiki, plus Crystal & Gemstones, offered safe pain management, which provided a suitable way to avoid prescription painkillers.  Thankfully, the cancer did not spread into the lymph nodes so I did not require chemotherapy.  Eleven weeks after surgery, radiation treatment began and although it created a few side effects in which my energy level was compromised, for the most part I breezed through the 20 sessions without complaint.

Contrary to what some have experienced, the BC Cancer Agency has an excellent and very efficient treatment program, as well as highly skilled, professional staff.  I am grateful to all who participated in my therapy and recovery program.

Spiritual Lessons
When first diagnosed, I must admit that at first I thought it was a cruel joke and that there must be an error somewhere.  As a practitioner of Reiki and as a teacher of energy healing and psychic development, how was this possible?  “How could I be so out of balance?…Did I take on someone else’s condition?...What have I done wrong?”  Many of these types of questions filtered through my mind as I frantically searched for a logical explanation.  However, fate is not always logical.  With every major life-altering occurrence, there is a life lesson to be learned from the soul’s perspective.

My spiritual guidance assured me that I would heal from this ordeal, but that my soul was in need of this particular first-hand experience in order to evolve to a higher vibrational level (or level of consciousness) during this lifetime.  And what better way is there to learn?  After-all, without having first-hand experience, how can one have or feel complete understanding and comprehension about this type of situation?  How can one maintain the right degree of humbleness?  Or how can one develop increased patience, tolerance, empathy and endurance?  But most importantly, how can one learn to possess, plus maintain unwavering faith and trust in a universal consciousness or a higher power?

This perspective makes perfect sense.  In the past I have used Reiki to treat people with cancer and some were at peace with their imminent outcome, while others were depressed or suffered from worry or anxiety.  Although I felt sorry for them and expressed sympathy, how could I possibly know exactly what or how they truly felt?  It is easy to simply advise others about having blind faith or trust and convincingly say that everything will be okay, but unless I possess these attributes also, how can I justify making these meagre suggestions?

In reality, to be an authentic and effective healing practitioner, is it not better if one first walks the talk?  Mind you, I am not advocating breast cancer for every woman (or in rare cases, men).  I am merely proposing that breast cancer survivors are empowered with having a broader scope for empathy and humility.

Thoughts Can Create Reality
Cancer should never be taken lightly, but for those who have experienced a successful outcome, it is equally important not to continuously refer to yourself as being a cancer "victim" or a cancer "survivor."   This mindset only locks you into the past issue, which subconsciously prevents positive forward movement.  In other words, what you think or dwell on becomes the reality that you create and live.  Instead, treat the experience like a cold (and this is not meant in a trivial way) ...... you catch it..... you suffer...... you treat it..... it disappears...... wonderful!  And now it is time to focus your attention elsewhere - life goes on, life moves forward.

I am convinced that the spiritual realm (or the universal source) works in many strange and mysterious ways.  Over the last few years and especially during 2008 it is most certainly evident that I have been constantly guided and blessed.  I distinctly remember, several years ago, wondering how I would personally respond to a life threatening situation.  At that time, I did not realize that mere thoughts can generate such powerful energy, but as the adage states, “Be careful what you wish for, because that is what you might get." 

Well, now I know and in future I will certainly be more cautious about what or how I think, or what I ask for.  I will regard this experience as a spiritual blessing.....another soul life lesson!

© Margaret I. Jang
www.onesourcelearn.com
October 16, 2008

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About the author: Margaret Jang is a spiritual poet and inspirational writer, as well as an intuitive arts teacher focusing on psychic/channelling development.  She also dedicates her time to soul numerology readings and is a Reiki Master Teacher and practitioner.  Margaret established One Source Learning Centre for Inner Healing in 2005 in Vancouver, BC, Canada.  She may be contacted via e-mail.

Note: Articles, poetry and soul inspiring expressions are © Copyright protected - all rights reserved. In order to copy, reprint, publish, quote, electronically transfer, post to websites or blogs, or reproduce in any manner, please obtain written permission from author Margaret I. Jang.

Disclaimer
The above information is not intended to replace, diagnose, prescribe or treat any ailment or to be used as a replacement for medical treatment or consultation.  It is only intended to enhance your knowledge or general interest and is offered as an alternative and complimentary source of information.   In all cases, it is recommended that you continue to follow medical treatment as prescribed by your medical physician.
 

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