An Unexpected Diagnosis Leads to Spiritual Health

“God put them in my path,” breast cancer survivor Ruth Juarez said about her care providers at the White Oak Cancer Center.

After her annual mammogram showed a lump, Ruth was referred to Cynthia Plate, MD, a breast surgeon with Maryland Oncology Hematology at the White Oak Cancer Center. Dr. Plate diagnosed Ruth with breast cancer in November 2021.

Ruth described the cancer center as a well-oiled machine, “I didn’t have to worry about where to go – everything was in one location.” When treating her cancer, Ruth’s care team was constantly using new treatments to benefit her healing.

“Oncology is constantly changing,” said Courtney Ackerman, MD, medical oncologist with Maryland Oncology Hematology at the White Oak Cancer Center. “Our treatments are getting more advanced, and more research is presented every year.”

For Ruth, doctors recommended chemotherapy treatment before surgery to shrink her tumor. After surgery, she received the latest radiation oncology treatments at the center.

Abundant Grace

Recounting her cancer journey, Ruth quoted Jeremiah 29:11. “His words promised me a future,” she said. “‘For I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

She prayed continuously for her health and her doctors.

Since her diagnosis, Ruth has found a new outlook on life. On the day of her surgery at Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center, Ruth saw a painting of Christ guiding the hands of the surgeon. For her, it solidified that Christ was with her and her doctors. She thanks God for the blessings she does and doesn’t see while also encouraging other women to be proactive with their health.

“As women, we don’t make time for ourselves, but it only takes a few minutes out of your day to be screened,” Ruth said. “Early detection can change your life.”

“Women should begin receiving annual mammograms at age 40,” agreed Dr. Plate. “Those who are high risk should follow the guidance provided by their doctor. Sometimes this means getting a mammogram or ultrasound before 40.”

Ruth is closer to her faith than ever before, after staying focused on God throughout her cancer treatment.

“Like Peter as he walked on water, if he stayed focused on Jesus, he walked, but when he saw the storm, he sank,” she said. “Our storm is the diagnosis, chemo and radiation. I kept my eyes on Jesus and believed. Now I share my story with others to give God the glory and let them know there is hope.”

Watch Ruth share more of her story at AHCYou.com/S24Faith.

From left, Dr. Cynthia Plate, Ruth Juarez and Dr. Courtney Ackerman reunite in front of the painting that comforted Ruth before surgery.