What began as a routine mammogram in April 2024 quickly became a life-changing journey through chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, radiation, and multiple surgeries. Through it all, Lucy leaned on her faith, her family, and the friends who surrounded her with love and prayers.
Today, she shares her experience with an important message about the value of routine screenings—and a testimony of the strength that carried her through some of the most difficult days of her life.
The following is Lucy’s story, in her own words.
“I Am a Survivor”: My Breast Cancer Journey
By Lucy Strickland
April 2024 was when my life changed. I went for a routine physical and mammogram. As I was leaving Macon, I received a call telling me I needed to come back the next day. That was a long night, I thought.
After my visit the next day, I was told I would have to come back the following day for a biopsy. Wow! Three days in a row. I thought one day was long until I heard that news.
I was scared. My heart was racing, and I prayed every second.
One week later, I was told that I had triple-negative breast cancer and that it had metastasized into at least 13 lymph nodes. My heart almost stopped. Triple-negative breast cancer is a very aggressive cancer, and I was stage 3–4. My doctor put together a team, and they started working fast.
On May 15, 2024, I had my port put in, and I began chemotherapy. After being halfway through my treatments, I had a scan and was informed that the chemotherapy was not working. My faith in God gave me the strength to carry on.
I was given a new chemotherapy treatment, which some people call the “Red Devil.” I called it the “Blood of Jesus,” and the side effects were awful.
I was on prayer lists in four states. God got me through this, but I still had more to come.
On December 2, 2024, I had a double mastectomy with complete lymph node removal.
In February 2025, I started 33 radiation treatments, and I was burned to a crisp.
In September 2025, I started reconstruction and have had several surgeries. This month, I will have one more surgery. Hopefully, this will be the last.
I lost my hair and experienced severe neuropathy and weakness. When I looked in the mirror, I wanted to cry, but I knew I had to trust the process.
Ladies and men, please do not ignore signs of unusual lumps or discoloration. Breast cancer does not occur only in women; men can develop it as well. I did not have any signs. It only showed up on my mammogram, so please go for your yearly checkups and be checked. If I had not gone for my regular checkup, I would probably not be here today.
On a good note, throughout this entire journey, I felt like God was walking with me daily. I could not have made it without my family and friends. There were days when I couldn’t walk, eat, or sleep, but I kept repeating the Bible verse Philippians 4:13:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
A special thanks to my mom, Margaret; my sister, Linda Gail; and the village of friends and family who have supported me throughout this journey.
I am a survivor.
Lucy lives in Lumber City with her husband, Steve. Their daughter, Molly, just married their new son-in-law, Blake Barry.
