On Holy Ground

Praise the LORD, O my soul!  While I live I will praise the LORD; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.  (Psalm 146:1-2)

I would like to join the Psalmist in “singing praises to my God” for His goodness and grace in my life.

In early spring of this year, I noticed an unusual growth on the right side of my chest. And then, to my surprise, I felt a growth on the other side as well. This seemed unusual and disturbing. Right after Easter, I was able to get an appointment at the clinic for an ultrasound. The technician was very elusive and quietly left the room to show the findings to the radiologist. A few moments later, he entered the examination room with the technician and solemnly explained that the results were very concerning. The pictures showed that I very likely had breast cancer. He also said that the cancer appeared to be growing in two locations. I was advised to have my family doctor book a surgeon immediately, even before taking biopsies. A short while later, I received the news that no person ever wants to receive – “You have cancer, an invasive carcinoma.”

The Pastor’s Conference was taking place in Aylmer the next week, and learning that the pastors would also be praying for the sick, I asked to be prayed for. Before meeting with any doctors or surgeons, I had decided that I wanted to be anointed according to James 5. The following week, my request was granted. It was a beautiful and meaningful experience. I felt God’s nearness in that sacred hour. As the pastors prayed over and anointed me with oil, I felt that we were on “holy ground.” I fully acknowledged that God was able to completely heal me if He chose to do so, but I had also released my will into His will if He chose not to heal me.

I want to share a few experiences I had during this time. I had the assurance that many people were praying for me, and God truly answered! Our family doctor had notified us that he was retiring mid-May, which coincided with the time that I was scheduled to have my cancer surgery. Often, results for certain tests are only sent to a family doctor. I had asked several friends to help me pray that we could find a doctor who was accepting new patients (which was not easy in our city). Several weeks earlier, I had been placed on the waiting list for a doctor in a neighboring town. A friend of mine, already a patient with this doctor, offered to put in a good word for me. She phoned the doctor’s office and explained my situation. Consequently, the doctor agreed to accept both my husband and me. A short time later, we had an appointment to meet with him. This was such an answer to prayer! 

Our lives became a whirlwind of appointments. My husband was going through his own health challenges, and our calendar was full. An MRI was ordered for me before I met the cancer surgeon. The test results noted a “spot on my sternum.”  This was concerning as we wondered if my cancer had already spread. A bone scan was then ordered. We prayed and waited and placed our hope in the Great Physician. God answered those prayers as well, as no cancer was found in my bones. I was able to meet the surgeon on May 8 and, less than a week later, my surgery was scheduled.

Moments before I was wheeled into the OR, I was able to tell my surgeon that many of my friends had messaged me to say that they were praying not only for me but also for him. He patted my arm and said: “I guess we’re covered then.” I am so grateful that I could feel the comforting peace of God surrounding me. I was released from the hospital later the same day. After my radical surgery, we waited again for results to determine if the cancer had invaded my lymph nodes. How we praised the Lord when those results came back clear!

The weeks of recovery were not easy. For weeks I suffered a lot of pain, not only in the chest wall but also in my arms due to nerve damage. Our God is so faithful. He answered our prayers, and my pain has completely subsided.

In the past few months, my body has healed well. I am grateful to the many people who prayed for me. I can’t thank my Lord enough for His grace and goodness! My future lies in His hands, and I will continue to put my trust in Him alone.

Marlis Henkelmann, Edmonton (CA)