After surviving breast cancer, Tracey Wellington was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of melanoma that spread to her lymph nodes and abdomen. When doctors told her there were no further medication options, she discovered a deeper intimacy with God and a peace that carried her through the darkest moments of her life.
My cancer journey began in 2020, during Covid. While looking for a second-hand bookcase, I met a lady called Cheryl, who told me she had breast cancer. She asked when I had last had a mammogram. When I admitted it had been several years, she looked me in the eye and said: “Well, the least you can do is check your own breasts.”
That evening, I discovered a tiny lump, which turned out to be extensive ductal carcinoma in my left breast. I needed a mastectomy, but thankfully the cancer had not spread to my lymph nodes.
In June 2023, while undergoing the final stages of breast reconstruction, I asked my surgeon to remove a pale, warty mole above my knee. Routine pathology revealed a rare form of malignant melanoma called amelanotic melanoma, which lacks the characteristic dark pigment.
READ MORE: Breast cancer taught me when the battle is mine and when I should surrender it to God
Scans revealed that the cancer had already spread to my groin lymph nodes. Despite surgery and immunotherapy, it continued spreading into my abdomen and became stage four.
Following major abdominal surgery in February 2024, my oncologist told me there was nothing more they could do with medication. They would monitor me with three-monthly scans and consider further surgery or radiation if necessary.
READ MORE: “I have incurable cancer – but it’s taught me to live with more hope, not less.”
Then my thyroid stopped functioning, and in July I began experiencing liver failure.
Then my thyroid stopped functioning, and in July I began experiencing liver failure. It felt like a storm, with one wave after another. There is a wonderful quote attributed to Charles Spurgeon: “I have learnt to kiss the waves that throw me up against the Rock of Ages.”
Initially, everything felt unreal. I remember seeing a sign saying “Welcome to Cancer Care” and wondering how on earth I had ended up there. When my oncologist explained the dismal five-year survival statistics, I knew I was fighting for my life. I desperately needed the Lord’s presence, peace and courage. Psalm 42 describes a deer panting for water. That became my experience. I needed to know God’s presence minute by minute. As my relationship with him deepened, something remarkable happened. Being with the Lord became what I desired most – even more than healing. Slowly, the fear of death began losing its grip on me. Of course, I desperately wanted more time with my beloved family and friends, and hopefully to meet my grandchildren one day.
One particularly difficult conversation was with my youngest daughter, who tearfully asked all the “what if” questions. I couldn’t promise her everything would be fine. Instead, I told her that although I didn’t know what lay ahead, I knew God was good, that he loved us both, and that whatever happened, we would be okay.
READ MORE: Cancer taught me who I really am in God
Two and a half years after my abdominal surgery, I have had nine three-monthly scans, and every one has been clear. Praise God!
My husband was incredible. As a doctor, he researched additional and integrative treatment approaches alongside my medical care, and we continually prayed for God’s wisdom and guidance. Two and a half years after my abdominal surgery, I have had nine three-monthly scans, and every one has been clear. Praise God!
Another extraordinary part of this journey has been the love poured into my life by our church, friends and family. My home group, especially the women, supported, prayed for and encouraged me throughout. Church elders anointed me with oil, and whenever there was an opportunity for healing prayer, I went forward. Previously, I avoided going forward for prayer!
Cancer stripped away my self-consciousness and any illusion of self-sufficiency. Galatians 6:2 tells us to bear one another’s burdens. I have experienced just how beautiful and powerful that can be. I am not some super-spiritual Christian who has earned God’s special favour. I am an ordinary sinner saved by his extraordinary grace. There were lonely hospital nights, frightening scans and moments when I could barely hold on. Yet Philippians 4:7 promises that God’s peace, which surpasses understanding, will guard our hearts and minds.
I also discovered the power of worshipping God in the storm. Instead of focusing on the enormity of my circumstances, I began reminding myself of his holiness, kindness, majesty and love. One particularly precious moment came when a woman from church contacted me unexpectedly. While praying, she had seen a picture of Jesus walking through stormy waves, carrying a woman in his arms. As he approached, she realised the woman was me. Jesus was inviting me to rest my head against his chest and listen to his heartbeat. I wept when she shared this. At one of my lowest moments, I felt God reminding me that he saw me, loved me and was carrying me. This journey has changed me forever. I have discovered not only where I am going at the end of my earthly life, but, more importantly, who I am going to. And he is altogether wonderful.
