A Story of Breast Cancer, Courage, and God’s Grace

Author: Deacon Elyse Savoy, Retired RN

The first time you hear the dreaded words, “You have cancer,” fear can immediately set in. Questions come flooding into your mind. Will I die? What will happen to me? My family? My home? My work? What will happen next?

A cancer diagnosis can bring overwhelming uncertainty. Everyone responds differently. Some experience fear, others anger, disbelief, or even numbness. For me, my faith became an important source of strength as I faced what was ahead.

I knew that fear could cloud my thinking and make it difficult to make sound decisions. I wanted to understand my diagnosis, explore my treatment options, and surround myself with people who would support me throughout the journey.

Prayer was an essential part of that process. I talked to God and sought His guidance. I also understood the importance of medical knowledge, asking questions, and considering treatment options. As a nurse, I knew that medicine was grounded in science and that advancements in treatment continued to offer new possibilities.

I assembled my prayer warriors because I knew I could not walk this journey alone.

My Breast Cancer Journey

In 2017, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I found the lump and went to my primary care doctor. As a nurse, I knew what was coming. There would be a biopsy, staging, and additional testing.

After all the testing, I was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. The cancer had spread beyond my breast. It was aggressive. I had undergone my yearly mammogram less than a year earlier, and the results had been normal.

Somehow, I was not afraid. I was mad.

I had my prayer team ready. There were moments when I needed others to pray for me because I could not find the words to pray for myself. Their prayers, encouragement, and presence helped sustain me.

I did not feel that I was going to die. I felt that I was going to fight, and I did.

I told cancer that it could have 2017, but it was not getting anything else. That was my declaration of faith and determination. I chose to face my diagnosis not with anger, but with God's love, peace, and compassion.

Faith Through Treatment and Recovery

My mindset was an important part of how I coped with my diagnosis and treatment. I took early retirement so I could concentrate on my healing.

Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation all took a toll on my body. There were challenges along the way, but my faith helped me endure them.

I surrendered to God's will, whatever the outcome would be. I also tried to prepare my family for whatever might come.

I asked everyone around me to see me as healed and whole. That was how I wanted to see myself, even as I underwent treatment and faced the uncertainty of my diagnosis.

Today, I am grateful to say that I have been in remission for nine years.

I am back at work, helping others to heal.

I understand that this is not the outcome everyone experiences. Every cancer journey is different, and I do not take my healing for granted.

My experience taught me the importance of faith and prayer through life's most difficult moments.

Throughout my journey, I believed God was with me. I cannot tell anyone how their journey will unfold, but I can share what sustained me through mine. My faith gave me hope.

For me, God's grace was present through it all.

God Bless,

Deacon Elyse Savoy, Retired RN

Resources & Prayer Support

If you need a mammogram or have concerns about your breast health, contact your healthcare provider or local breast imaging center. For information about free or low-cost screenings, visit the CDC's Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Resources.

You do not have to walk this journey alone.

Throughout her cancer journey, Elyse found strength through her faith and the prayers of her church community at Grace Baptist Church, Mount Vernon, NY.

If you would like prayer or spiritual encouragement, the Grace Baptist Church Prayer Ministry welcomes requests at thegracetopray@gmail.com.

May you find comfort, strength, and hope in knowing that others are praying for you.