Lisa’s Journey with Cancer and the Peace That Carried Her Through

In 1998, Lisa, a mother of two at the time, had her first cancer scare. What doctors initially believed was cancer turned out to be some issues with her ovaries. 

Over a decade later, in 2011, Lisa discovered something unusual during a self-exam. As a nurse, she immediately began researching her symptoms. The timing was during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so of course fear crept in. 

After a series of tests, Lisa was diagnosed with Stage One breast cancer.

“There were so many thoughts going through my mind,” she said. “I was just embarrassed, just frustrated. I didn't want to go anywhere. I was mad—I was angry with God. I asked, ‘Why?’ I didn’t have peace. I said, ‘Lord, where’s the peace? I know what it feels like.’”

Despite the emotional toll, Lisa found strength in the support of her family, friends, and her faith. When it felt like she couldn’t go on, all she needed was to step into the house of the Lord."

I would try not to tear up walking down that long sidewalk to the church,” she recalled. “But all of a sudden it was like, wow; I have a testimony. I realized I was going to get through this. I left there with joy and with peace.”

While cancer is often a hard topic to discuss, Lisa felt called to speak out. She believed her experience had a divine purpose, and she used it to help others while spreading the Good News of the peace Jesus brings.

“I had a testimony after that,” she said. “Just like anything you go through, when you choose to let Jesus walk with you... Someone will come to you and ask, ‘How’d you do it?’ Jesus. He’s the one who helped me. He gave me a peace that passes all understanding.”

Because her cancer was detected early, Lisa was given couple of treatment options. She chose the lumpectomy, followed by six weeks of radiation therapy and a daily hormone-blocking tablet to be taken for ten years. After five years on the medication, Lisa was finally declared CANCER-FREE.

Throughout her journey, one Bible verse stayed with her: Philippians 4:6–7—"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

That peace became even more prevalent in 2014-15, when Lisa’s husband, Danny, was diagnosed with cancer. As his illness progressed, Lisa read Phillipians 4:6-7 to him daily

“He kept wondering why he had so much peace,” she said. “And I told him, ‘Danny, we’ve read that verse all summer. You’ve received what I was hoping for you—because I’ve had it twice, and I knew what it felt like. I knew you needed it.’"

Now, Lisa shares her story not just as a survivor, but as a woman of faith who has seen firsthand how God walks with those going through something. 

Her encouragement to anyone facing cancer, or any struggle, is simple but powerful:

“PRAY! Look to the Great Healer. God never said we wouldn’t go through things or get things. But He did say He would walk with us if we let Him.”