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

How Far God Has Brought Me: Alicia's Story of Discovering Breast Cancer During Pregnancy

In this episode of Faith Through Cancer, I’m joined by Alicia Robinson, a homeschooling mom from central Illinois who shares her remarkable story of being diagnosed with stage IV bilateral breast cancer while pregnant with her third child.  Alicia opens up about discovering lumps during pregnancy, navigating an early delivery and NICU stay, and learning to advocate for herself by seeking a second medical opinion that ultimately changed the course of her treatment. She reflects honestly on fear, motherhood, and learning to live fully in the present rather than being consumed by “what ifs.” Throughout her story, Alicia points listeners back to God’s faithfulness, the power of prayer, and the importance of speaking truth and hope over yourself, even on the hardest days. This conversation will especially encourage anyone facing a difficult diagnosis, walking through cancer while parenting, or learning how to trust God when healing feels slow and uncertain. Alicia’s story is a beautiful reminder to look for how far God has already brought you, even when you’re still waiting for the next miracle. Find Alicia and Val: * Alicia's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mrsrobinson808/] * Terminal Joy's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/terminal.joy/] * Devotional Quilts Project HERE [https://www.terminaljoy.com/quilt-project]

Unlikely Hope: Lew's Story with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer

In this episode, Val sits down with Lew Worthington, a retired pastor and author living with stage IV pancreatic cancer, to talk honestly about faith in the middle of uncertainty. Lew shares his journey from diagnosis to remission, the realities of fear and “scanxiety,” and how Scripture, community, caring for others, and gratitude have shaped the way he lives each day. Rather than offering easy answers, Lew speaks candidly about suffering, hope that is deeper than optimism, and the long, quiet ways God shows up over time. This conversation is especially meaningful for anyone navigating cancer, caregiving, or the tension between trusting God and living with unanswered questions. Connect with Lew * Website and Book: https://lewworthington.com [https://lewworthington.com/]Unlikely Hope Available in print, Kindle, and audiobook on Amazon and Audible * Lew's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/authorlew/] Connect with Val & Terminal Joy * Terminal Joy Website: https://terminaljoy.com [https://www.terminaljoy.com/] * The Devotional Quilts Projec [https://www.terminaljoy.com/quilt-project]t:  * Terminal Joy Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/terminal.joy/]

Healing Hope: Lauren W's Story with Terminal Breast Cancer Age 26

When Lauren was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer at just 26, her whole world shifted overnight. In this episode, she shares what it has looked like to walk through years of treatments, setbacks, unanswered questions—and the surprising ways God has met her with peace, provision, and even moments of joy. Lauren talks honestly about those early days of fear and anger, the long stretch of failed treatments, and the miracle of finally finding a clinical trial that’s working and shrinking her tumors. She also shares the practices that have kept her grounded—lament, worship, community, and choosing gratitude even when life looks nothing like she expected. Her story is tender, hopeful, and deeply practical for anyone facing a diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or trying to find God in the middle of something painful. * Lauren’s Blog: Healing Hope [https://www.laurens-healing-hope.com/] * Lauren's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lauren.wolffis/] * Book Mentioned: Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop [https://www.amazon.ca/Dark-Clouds-Deep-Mercy-Discovering/dp/1433561484/ref=asc_df_1433561484?mcid=28e6d9a143fe327e8497294fe5f24082&tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=706745562880&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8708703435614092774&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001347&hvtargid=pla-669567072713&psc=1&hvocijid=8708703435614092774-1433561484-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=4] * Favorite Scriptures: * 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” * Isaiah 55:9 – “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.” * Philippians 4:6–7 – “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” * Favorite Worship Songs: * “Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me” – CityAlight * “More Than Able” – Elevation Worship / Maverick City Terminal Joy Resources * Terminal Joy Website [https://www.terminaljoy.com/] The Devotional Quilts Project * Learn about the seven quilts inspired by the “7 Truths to Hold On To” * Nominate a woman with cancer to receive a quilt * Support the project or purchase raffle entries 👉 https://www.terminaljoy.org/quilt-project [https://www.terminaljoy.com/quilt-project]

Clinging to Hope When Life Gets Dark: Keely's Story with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

In this powerful episode of Faith Through Cancer, I sit down with Keely Burton, a wife, mom, athlete, and follower of Jesus who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer (invasive ductal carcinoma just before her 40th birthday. Keely shares how God prompted her—out of nowhere—to check her breast, leading to the discovery of a lump that doctors initially thought was “just a cyst.” What followed was a journey marked by divine direction, supernatural peace, and medical miracles that even her doctors couldn’t explain. Keely opens up about experiencing profound loss before cancer, hitting a moment of full surrender to God, and discovering joy and purpose she never had before. She also shares how her tumor shrank without treatment, how God carried her through surgery and chemo, and how He turned a terrifying diagnosis into the beginning of a brand new life of calling and impact. Resources & Links Mentioned * Keely’s Book – Clinging to Hope When Life Gets Dark [https://blauwshackmedia.com/keely-book-of-hope/] (pre-order available now) * Follow Keely’s Journey / Contact Her: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/breast_cancer_survivor_2023] * Scriptures Mentioned: * Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything…” * Mark 10:27 – “All things are possible with God.”   * Also Mentioned: * Faith Through Cancer Devotional Quilts Project [https://www.terminaljoy.com/quilt-project] – seven quilts, seven truths of healing * Free Bible reading & journaling plan at Terminal Joy [https://www.terminaljoy.com/] How You Can Support This Ministry: ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 📢 Share this episode to encourage someone walking a similar journey 🙏 Visit terminaljoy.com [https://www.terminaljoy.com/] for more stories, resources, and ways to get involved ✨ If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend who needs hope today.

Pick Me: Marty's Story with Stage 4 Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer, Triple Positive

In this episode of Faith Through Cancer, I sit down with my new friend, Marty Carrell, whose story overflows with hope, faith, and the daily miraculous. Marty opens up about her cancer journey, the perspective shift that comes from asking, “What is my assignment today?” and the countless ways she’s seen God’s hand in her story. Her testimony will encourage you to surrender, to look for God’s purposes in the middle of struggle, and to live each day with courage and joy. You’ll walk away challenged to say, “Pick me, Lord”—and to watch for His everyday miracles Links * Find me (Valerie Dube / Terminal Joy): terminaljoy.com [https://www.terminaljoy.com/] * Connect with Marty Carrell: Marty's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/martycarrell/] * Learn more about the Devotional Quilts Project: terminaljoy.com/quilts [https://www.terminaljoy.com/quilt-project]