When Cancer Becomes a Teacher
Cancer is a word that strikes fear in the heart, but Jan Brearley takes that fear and turns it into wisdom. Her book, My Journey through Breast Cancer, is a deeply personal reflection that shows how tragedy can be transformed into strength and gratitude. With raw honesty and unshakable faith, Jan shares the highs, lows, and lessons learned through a journey that would break most, yet built her into someone stronger than ever.
This book isn’t just about surviving; it’s about living. It’s about finding joy in the smallest things and hope in unexpected places. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest valleys, there’s always light if you choose to see it. Brearley’s story isn’t only her own; it’s a voice for anyone facing a diagnosis, a struggle, or a fear they never thought they could conquer.
“Cancer. At first I feared you, then I hated you, now I have accepted you, even embraced you, as a part of my life. You plucked me from my existence and placed me on a new path. An unknown path, fraught with surgeries, chemotherapy, the fear of dying, so much out of control. And yet, I have found peace there.”
— My Journey through Breast Cancer, Embracing Cancer, p.24
A Story of Faith and Resilience
Jan’s writing is more than a memoir; it’s a lifeline for those who need reassurance that their pain is not wasted. She opens up about losing her mother to breast cancer, facing her own diagnosis, and walking a road filled with fear, uncertainty, and difficult decisions. Through her honest words, you’ll feel the raw emotions of her battle but also the incredible courage it took to find hope in the middle of it all.
One of the most striking sections of this book is her reflection on gratitude. Cancer, instead of robbing her of joy, taught her to appreciate life in ways she never had before. She writes about the taste of warm bread, the softness of her cat’s fur, and the sound of wind through trees with such vivid appreciation that you can almost feel it yourself. Jan’s voice is tender but powerful, leaving readers inspired to find beauty even in pain.
More than a cancer memoir, this book is a call to embrace life fully. Jan’s experience is a reminder that adversity doesn’t define us; it refines us. Readers will close this book with a renewed sense of faith and a deep appreciation for life’s little treasures.
The Heart Behind the Words
Jan Brearley is a registered nurse with a lifelong passion for caregiving, faith, and family. Married with two grown sons and three grandchildren, Jan’s life in rural Oklahoma is filled with the warmth of family, horses, and a deep love for the simple joys of life. Her work in labor and delivery gives her a unique perspective on resilience, and her own cancer journey adds a depth and authenticity that resonates in every chapter of this book.
Her love for storytelling comes through with sincerity and grace, making her not only an author but a companion to readers who need hope, comfort, and encouragement during life’s hardest battles.
Why This Book Belongs on Your Shelf
My Journey through Breast Cancer is not just a memoir; it’s a conversation with a friend who has been through the fire and come out with a message of courage and hope. This book invites you to reflect, to heal, and to believe in miracles even when life feels impossible.
Jan Brearley
My Journey through Breast Cancer
Grab your copy today and let Jan’s story guide you through your own seasons of struggle with hope, faith, and strength that will carry you forward.