My Story of Healing

Valentine’s Day 2024, began like any other day. But it ended as one I will never forget—the day I was diagnosed with cancer. Initially, it was breast cancer. Within weeks, we learned it had spread to my liver. My official diagnosis was Stage 4 invasive lobular carcinoma on the right breast with metastasis to the liver and Stage 1A invasive ductal carcinoma on the left breast (ER+, PR+, HER2-). The prognosis was devastating: a 30% chance of living five years.

I was 53 years old, a single mother to my 13-year-old son, and suddenly, everything about my future felt uncertain. I felt the weight of a diagnosis that didn’t just affect me but my entire family. Would I see my son grow up? Would I have the strength to fight?

Even in those first moments, I knew I couldn’t give up. I had to dig deep and decide how I was going to face this challenge.

In the days after my diagnosis, I reflected on my life and the many valleys I had walked through. Time and again, I’d seen God show up in ways that were undeniable. He often uses us most powerfully in our struggles, not in our triumphs.

I realized I had a choice to make: I could let this diagnosis define me as a victim, or I could choose to be victorious. I prayed deeply, asking God for wisdom, strength, and clarity. I decided that no matter what the outcome, I would use this journey to glorify Him. My prayer was for complete physical healing, but I also asked for spiritual and emotional healing—no matter where the path would lead.

In late April, my church held a prayer service for me, and it was a moment of profound spiritual healing. Almost 100 people gathered—friends, family, and church members—to pray over me, read Scripture, and worship together. There was an outpouring of love and hope that night. I felt a peace that surpassed understanding, a kind of healing that went far beyond the physical.

“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:14-16

It was during this time that I learned to live fully in the present. I encouraged everyone there to stop waiting for a life-changing diagnosis to start appreciating the gift of today. Live in the now. Make memories. Don’t let the past or future rob you of the beauty of the moment.

After starting hormone therapy (tamoxifen to block hormones and ribociclib as a cell cycle inhibitor), I began researching alternative options to support my treatment. That’s when I discovered a repurposed medication called Fenbendazole, an anti-parasitic medication (see more under Medications & Dosing) with promising research suggesting potential cancer-fighting properties. My oncologist didn’t discourage me from trying it, so I added it to my regimen. I prayed for wisdom and believed that God placed this information in my path for a reason. I became my own advocate, researching, asking questions, and taking charge of my treatment plan.

After two months of treatment, I had my first MRI. The results were astonishing: the tumor tissue had shrunk by 50%. My oncologist remarked, “You’re responding to this treatment better than I usually see.” Her words were a testament to the power of prayer, faith, and hope.

After four months of treatment, we conducted a full-body PET scan and breast MRI. The results were nothing short of miraculous: No Evidence of Disease (NED) in both my liver and breasts. My oncologist revised my prognosis, increasing my chance of surviving five years to 95%.

“You restored me to health and let me live.” Isaiah 38:16

I remember sitting in that office, overwhelmed with gratitude. I had prayed for healing, and I believe with all my heart that God heard me.

During my treatment, I experienced an outpouring of love and support unlike anything I’d ever known. Friends and family visited me, called, and shared how much I meant to them. It felt like I was “living my funeral” in the best way possible—hearing stories of how I’d touched people’s lives while I was still alive to appreciate them.

It made me realize how important it is to tell people what they mean to you while you have the chance. So, I made it a point to express my gratitude and love to everyone in my life.

Cancer has a way of stripping life down to its essentials. I learned to treasure the small things—sunshine on my face, a laugh with my son, or a quiet moment of prayer. I learned to lean on my faith more than ever before, trusting that God was with me every step of the way.

The biggest lesson, though, was the power of hope. Hope isn’t about pretending that everything is okay; it’s about believing that better days are ahead. It’s about finding the courage to face each day with strength, even when the odds seem impossible.

If you’re facing a cancer diagnosis, know this: you are not alone. There are people who love you, a community that wants to support you, and a God who is walking with you every step of the way.

Be your own advocate. Pray, research, and explore all your options. Listen to your medical team, but don’t be afraid to ask questions or look for alternative ways to support your healing.

Most importantly, hold onto hope. Healing comes in many forms—physical, spiritual, and emotional. I prayed that God, the ultimate Healer, would guide me, and I believe He did. My story isn’t just about surviving cancer; it’s about finding purpose and sharing hope with others.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". Jeremiah 29:11