Faith Through Cancer | Cancer Stories and Biblical Encouragement through all Cancer Stages

Choosing Joy and Surrender: Charlyn's Story with Stage 4 Breast Cancer (Her2+, Estr+)

In today’s episode of Faith Through Cancer, I’m joined by the amazing Charlyn Davids from South Africa, who shares her raw, beautiful, and deeply honest journey after being diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer (Her2+, Estr+)). Charlyn talks about how years of personal loss and heartache actually prepared her for this moment—and how, instead of fighting cancer, she’s learning to fully surrender to God’s love and care.
With a mix of honesty, laughter, and deep spiritual insight, Charlyn reminds us that we don’t have to have it all together to be held by God. Whether you’re walking through cancer, grief, or just a really hard season, this conversation will leave you feeling less alone and more seen by a God who truly knows what we need.
Bible Verses Shared:📖 Psalm 112:6–8 – “The righteous will never be shaken; they will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”📖 Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”📖 Isaiah 51:12 – “I, even I, am He who comforts you.”📖 Romans 8:26 – “The Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
Charlyn’s Encouragement to Women With a Stage 4 Diagnosis:
“Run to Him. That’s all I can say. Don’t run away—there’s nothing for you there.”
“Be honest with how you feel. Grieve, rage, cry, worship—He can handle it all.”
“Don’t delay. Advocate for yourself if something feels off in your body.”
Resources & Links:
Charlyn’s worship music Spotify Link
Follow Charlyn on Instagram 
More encouragement at Terminal Joy 
Support the Podcast:⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify📢 Share this episode with someone in need of hope🙏 Donate to support our ministry Get a Journal
 

Honouring Bev: A Legacy of Faith through Terminal Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Friends, this is a special episode of Faith Through Cancer. Today I sit down with Maureen, my mother-in-law Bev’s best friend of over 40 years, to honor Bev’s life, legacy, and faith—two years after her passing. Together, we reflect on Bev’s incredible personality, her strength through a terminal cancer diagnosis, and the spiritual transformation she experienced along the way.
Bev’s story is one of resilience, joy, deep faith, and intentional gratitude. Through journals, Scripture, music, worship, and community, Bev chose to walk through cancer with purpose—not fear. You’ll hear how her relationship with Jesus deepened in her final years, how she embraced joy despite pain, and how her light continues to shine through her story and legacy.
Bible Verses Shared in the Episode:📖 Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”📖 Isaiah 43:16 – “Thus says the Lord who makes a way in the sea and a path in the mighty waters.”📖 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 – “Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”📖 Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is alive and active…”📖 Psalm 23 – “He restores my soul.”📖 Philippians 4 – “Think about whatever is good, lovely, and true.”
A Word for Caregivers and Friends:Sometimes the greatest gift you can give is simply being there. Respect the boundaries of your loved one, follow their lead, and keep showing up with love, Scripture, and presence.
Resources & Next Steps:
Read more from Bev’s journals in God Is Still Writing My Story 
Follow us on Instagram @terminal.joy
Ways to Support the Podcast:⭐ Leave a review on Apple or Spotify📢 Share this episode to encourage someone facing grief or cancer🙏 Support our ministry at Terminal Joy

Fighting Cancer with Faith: Exchanging 5 Cancer Lies for God's Truth

In today’s episode, we’re walking through five common lies that often creep in during the cancer journey—and replacing each one with God’s unshakable truth from Scripture. Whether you’re in the middle of treatment, walking through scan anxiety, or simply feeling weary, this episode is here to help you take up the Sword of the Spirit—God’s Word—and push back against the thoughts that leave you feeling ashamed, afraid, or alone.
🗒️ What We Cover in This Episode:
Lie #1: “God is punishing me.”→ Truth: There is no condemnation in Christ.→ Scriptures: Romans 8:1, Psalm 103:10→ Encouragement from Billy Graham
Lie #2: “If I had more faith, I would be healed.”→ Truth: God’s grace is enough, even in weakness.→ Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 12:9, 2 Corinthians 4:16→ Quote from John Piper
Lie #3: “I shouldn’t feel afraid if I trust God.”→ Truth: Faith and fear can coexist when we run to God.→ Scriptures: Psalm 56:3, Isaiah 41:10→ Encouragement from Corrie ten Boom
Lie #4: “I have to be strong for everyone else.”→ Truth: Your strength comes from the Lord, not yourself.→ Scriptures: Matthew 11:28, Nehemiah 8:10→ Wisdom from C.S. Lewis
Lie #5: “My story is over.”→ Truth: God is still writing your story.→ Scriptures: Philippians 1:6, Isaiah 46:4→ Encouragement from Elisabeth Elliot
📲 Connect + Share
Was this episode meaningful for you?💌 Share it with a friend walking through cancer💬 Leave a review to help others find hope📷 Tag me on Instagram @terminal.joy and let us know what truth you’re holding onto today
Would you like a free printable with the 5 truths and verses from this episode? Get My Printable
 

Let God Love You Through This: Valerie's Story as a Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Faith Through Cancer, cancer survivor Valerie Quinata shares her journey through a triple negative breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and healing. Valerie opens up about how faith, prayer, Scripture, and community helped her conquer fear, advocate for herself during treatment, and stay connected to God's promises every step of the way.
She discusses the commandment "Do Not Fear", lifestyle changes after cancer, and the emotional and spiritual healing that often go hand-in-hand with physical recovery. Valerie also shares practical insights on advocating for yourself in the medical system, building a supportive environment, and staying grounded in God’s Word daily. Plus, she talks about her book, Heal the Sick, written to encourage others walking through cancer with faith and courage.
Key Quotes from Valerie:💬 “Cancer did not survive me—by the grace of God, I am a conqueror.”💬 “Fear is an open door. God commands us not to fear, and we must obey.”💬 “Your true defense against cancer is love—God’s love, family love, community love.”💬 “Healing happens on this side or the next, but healing will happen.”
Bible Verses Mentioned:📖 Joel 2:21–27 – God’s promise of restoration: “Do not be afraid. Be glad and rejoice. Surely the Lord has done great things.”📖 Deuteronomy 32:39 – "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy and compassion on whom I will have compassion."
How to Connect with Valerie:
Purchase her book Heal the Sick
Email Valerie Q at vmquinata@gmail.com
Ways to Support the Podcast:⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!📢 Share this episode with someone walking through cancer.🙏 Support Faith Through Cancer by purchasing this beautiful journal 
 
 

Fighting Cancer with Faith: Five Easy Steps to Bible Journaling with the STORY Method

In today’s solo episode, I’m sharing a simple and meaningful way to stay anchored in God’s Word while fighting cancer.
Every guest I’ve spoken with so far has emphasized the importance of being in Scripture to hold on to their faith. But staying connected to God's promises can feel overwhelming, especially in hard seasons. That’s why I’m introducing the STORY journaling method — an easy-to-follow framework inspired by my mother-in-law Bev’s beautiful cancer journals.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How the STORY method was born from Bev’s journals
Why it’s important to make it your own (no pressure to do it perfectly!)
A walkthrough of the 5 simple steps: Scripture, Truth, Offer Thanks, Requests, Yield
Three life-changing benefits of STORY journaling
A real-life example using Psalm 23
✨ Plus, I have a free printable to help you get started!Download the STORY Journaling Guide here: Link Tree
Whether you're facing a storm or simply wanting to deepen your daily connection with God, this method is a beautiful way to meet with Him — one story at a time.
🔗 Links Mentioned:
Free STORY Method Printable: [Insert link]
Follow us on Instagram: Terminal Joy
Website: Terminal Joy
🕊️ Stay Connected:
If this episode encouraged you, I’d love for you to leave a review or share it with a friend walking through a hard season. Your story matters, and God is still writing it.
 

Sanctify the Suffering: Pastor Troy's story of Janel's Journey with Stage 4 Breast Cancer

In this unforgettable episode of Faith Through Cancer, I speak with Pastor Troy Keaton, who walks us through the sacred, painful, and beautiful journey of loving and caring for his wife Janel through stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Janel's raw honesty, deep faith, and unexpected social media presence impacted thousands—especially as she hospiced from home. Pastor Troy shares about her diagnosis, their powerful decision to "sanctify the suffering," and how Janel's legacy continues to point others to Jesus.
Pastor Troy opens up about what it means to be both caregiver and grieving husband, the five things he does each day after her death, and encouragement for those who are walking a similar road. Whether you’re facing suffering, walking with a loved one through it, or grieving a loss, this episode is for you.
Janel’s Anchor Verse:📖 Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Other Scriptures Mentioned:📖 Romans 8:18–28 – The present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory to be revealed📖 2 Corinthians 4 – Our outer self is wasting away, but our inner self is being renewed📖 Psalm 126 – “Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy”📖 Lamentations 3 – Great is Your faithfulness; the Lord will not cast us off forever📖 Psalm 91 – The Lord is our refuge
Resources & Recommendations:
Praying the Psalms (Janelle’s favorite devotional resource)
Start reading the Bible in Psalms or the Gospels if you're new to Scripture
Follow Pastor Troy and learn more about Janelle’s ongoing legacy  Pastor TroyJanel's Journey
Support the Ministry:
Share this episode with a caregiver, spouse, or anyone grieving
Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform
Support Faith Through Cancer by purchasing a JOURNAL

Yet I Will Rejoice: Lauren's Story with Early Stage Breast Cancer and Metastatic Recurrence (ER+/HER2-)

In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Delk, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 29—right in the middle of wedding planning. What followed was a whirlwind of treatments, a beautiful marriage, and eventually the joy of motherhood. But eight years on, Lauren received news no one wants to hear: metastatic breast cancer.
Through every twist and turn, Lauren’s story is one of deep faith, strength, and surrender. She shares how she’s learned to trust God’s provision, lean into His presence daily, and live fully in the moment—even with so many unknowns. Her insights about gratitude, motherhood, and building a strong support system will inspire anyone walking through a hard season.
Whether you're facing cancer yourself or walking with someone who is, I pray Lauren’s voice reminds you that joy, peace, and purpose are still possible—even here.
💛 Looking for faith-filled encouragement on your journey? Go to the website for support, scripture, and hope. 
📖 Let’s connect! Find me on Instagram @terminal.joy for podcast previews, encouragement and faith-filled resources.
Referenced in this episode:– Habakkuk 3:17–19– Luke 22– “Fighting Words” Devotional by Ellie Holcomb
Connect with Lauren:InstagramWebsite

Faith Over Fear: Alicia's Story with Triple Positive Breast Cancer

In this inspiring episode of Faith Through Cancer, I sit down with Alicia, a fierce advocate and warrior navigating her journey with triple positive breast cancer. Alicia shares how she chose faith over fear, learning to trust God in deeper ways as she walked through uncertainty. She opens up about how her diagnosis pushed her to make her faith her own—not just something she inherited, but a personal, life-giving relationship with God.
Alicia also discusses the power of advocacy, how a single friend can impact someone's journey, and the importance of supporting others walking a similar path. If you're struggling with fear, wondering where God is in your pain, or looking for ways to make a difference in someone’s life, this conversation will encourage and equip you.
📖 Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Resources & Next Steps:
Connect with Alicia on Instagram
Find more encouragement on Val's Instagram 
Ways to Support the Podcast:⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!📢 Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement.

Irrational Optimism: Lauren's Story as a Nine-Year Metastatic Breast Cancer Survivor

In this powerful episode of Faith Through Cancer, I sit down with Lauren, a stage four cancer warrior who has turned her journey into a mission of faith, hope, and purpose. Lauren shares how God called her to be a “missionary to those impacted by cancer” and how He has opened doors she never expected. She dives into the spiritual battles of fear, identity, and healing, and how surrendering to God’s timing has changed her perspective.
If you’ve ever wrestled with trusting God’s plan, this episode will encourage you to lean into His promises and believe that your story is still being written.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
How Lauren’s faith shifted from daily to hourly dependence on God
The vision that helped her choose hope instead of despair
Why healing is about more than just the body—it’s about the heart and soul
Overcoming fear by anchoring in God’s Word
Trusting God’s timing, even when plans don’t unfold as expected
The importance of stillness and waiting on the Lord
Bible Verses Mentioned:📖 Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”📖 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”📖 Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Resources & Next Steps:
Connect with Lauren instagram
Join our Faith Through Cancer membership for daily encouragement & Bible study 
Ways to Support the Podcast:⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!📢 Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement.🙏 For more encouragement, follow along on Instagram

Why Not Me?: Nancy's Story with Brain Cancer

In today’s episode, I sit down with Nancy as she shares her incredible journey through a life-altering health crisis. From the shock of a seizure to a brain tumor diagnosis, paralysis, surgery, and recovery, Nancy opens up about the challenges she faced and the unwavering faith that carried her through.
What makes Nancy’s story so powerful is her unique perspective—not “Why me?” but “Why not me?” Instead of dwelling on the unfairness of her diagnosis, she chose to trust God’s plan, leaning into His presence rather than pulling away. She shares how daily conversations with God are her lifeline, the power of community support, and the deep lessons she learned along the way.
Her story is a beautiful reminder that even in the hardest seasons, God’s presence is steady, and His strength is enough. If you’ve ever faced a situation that felt overwhelming, I pray this conversation encourages you to hold on to faith and trust in His plan.
💛 Looking for faith-filled encouragement on your journey? Join the Faith Through Cancer community for support, scripture, and hope. Start your 7-day free trial today: Community
📖 Let’s connect! Find me on Instagram @terminal.joy for daily encouragement and faith-filled resources.