A single line of footprints in the sand: my brief encounter with breast cancer.

On 22 October 2025, after a routine mammogram, I was told that a biopsy was needed on my left breast, which was done immediately. Two days later I received a phone call confirming that stage one lobular cancer had been detected. Putting the phone down, Charles and I immediately prayed and gave this new journey to God, trusting Him for a positive outcome. From that moment, His peace filled us.

Philippians 4:6–7, my go-to verse since 2010, says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 minds in Christ Jesus.” This once again became our daily prayer and reality.

November was filled with doctors’ appointments, explanations, and planning. The prognosis was the best possible under the circumstances: the tumour was small, slow-growing, and could be removed with a lumpectomy only. Full reconstruction could be done immediately, followed by radiation. I had always felt I could not face chemotherapy, and I thank God daily that this type of cancer does not respond to chemo, so it was never part of my treatment. Throughout these procedures we remained calm, trusting God every step of the way. Loved ones agreed with us in prayer, and their support carried us, keeping us positive. I was fit and in good health, and we continued to exercise whenever possible—even finishing a 97 km cycle race at the end of October.

On 1 December the tumour was removed and recovery began. A hot summer followed, with menopause hot flushes back in full force because I could never again take estrogenic supplements, and six weeks of plasters that prevented swimming. Still, God kept us calm and in good spirits. During January 2026 all follow-up checks were positive. From 2 to 23 February I received 15 sessions of radiation to catch any cancer left behind.

During my stay in Pretoria I was hosted by Jan and Jeanine, friends of my daughter, who generously opened their home across from the hospital. When I was told I needed to be in Pretoria for three weeks, Monday to Friday, we did not know how to manage it—too expensive to stay, and too time-consuming and costly to drive every day. We prayed immediately, and the very next day our daughter Andrea phoned from Canada, saying she would ask Jeanine, who lived across the road from the hospital. Once again, God answered perfectly, providing a solution to every part of my journey. The payout from a cancer policy, which I never thought I would need but had faithfully contributed to over the years, was further proof of God’s perfect provision, even in these challenging moments.

In the words of the song You’re Still God by Philippa Hanna, I can confirm: “Although I can’t see what’s before me, I know that I can trust Your heart… You still reign, and You’re still God!”

All glory to my living and loving God!
Stephne Kendall