God’s Unrelenting Mercy: An Interview with Breast Cancer Survivor, Gail Pelletier

For the month of October Xulon Press is taking the time to reach out to those who have recovered from breast cancer, those who have never been diagnosed with breast cancer, and those who may have lost someone to breast cancer. Gail Pelletier, a Xulon employee and breast cancer survivor shares her compelling testimony in an interview.

Krystina: Hello Gail. Let’s begin with giving readers a brief overview of what you do at Xulon Press.

Gail: I am a Interior Book Designer or (Typesetter) for the Production Department at Xulon Press.

K: It is understood that you’ve been here for quite some time!

Gail: Yes, I have been working here for 11 years. There were only 3 people employed here when I was hired.

K: Incredible. Xulon Press has grown so much since then! Were you working at Xulon while you were diagnosed with breast cancer? How did you find out the news?

Gail: Yes, I was. I woke up one morning a took a shower and discovered a pretty good sized lump in my breast, that was not there the day before. It was aggresive and came on quickly. My diagnosis was agressive ductal carcinoma.

K: During your diagnosis and treatment, how did you reach out to God for Him to give you the strength to keep the faith?

Gail: During my diagnosis, fear gripped me and I thought to myself, “My life may be ending here on earth and I haven’t completed what the Lord is wanting me to do yet. How are my grown children going to take this? I’m not ready to leave my wonderful husband yet!” I attended church services and had people praying for me all over the world through a ministry I once worked for. Every day I opened my Bible several times and wherever the Bible opened, God would pour into me exactly what I was needing to build my faith and give me the courage to go the next step. A peace came over me and even though I wondered how long I had left here on earth, the love of God overwhelmed me and I was at peace no matter what happened. My co-workers created a notebook of e-mails with Scriptures and encouraging letters that filled my heart and mind with positive thoughts. God poured His love out to me through everyone in my life. At that point, I knew I was going to be just fine. I remember the words, “Yay, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil….” and “He will never put you through more than you can handle…” because He knows you can make it to the other side.

K: How important is it for people to have a spiritual, familial and emotional support system during treatment? What encouraging words would you have for those who have a family member suffering from breast cancer?

Gail: It is VERY important to have a support system during this time. It helps keep the negative thoughts from ravaging your mind and it keeps the fear at bay. A family who shows a lot of love, speaks positive strength into your life and holds your hand is so important. My family wasn’t there with me when I got the diagnosis, but God was and He calmed me with His softness and told me that it was going to be alright. No matter where I was, He was going to be there with me through it all. All the praises go to our loving Father because He’s so faithful and knows us like no one else. We can’t do it without Him.

To those who have loved ones suffering from breast cancer, the world says, “Don’t just stand there, do something!” But, God says, “Don’t just do something, stand there!” Be there to listen to them, cry with them, love on them. Don’t let them read anything on the internet about cancer; there is no truth there. Bring them encouraging Scriptures and pray with them. Cook meals for them so that they won’t have to worry about their family. Make them laugh and let them know that you are there right beside them all the way. A hug and God’s love means more to them than ANYTHING this world can offer. One day, their testimony will encourage someone else who is in that same situation and they will look forward to that.

K: Lastly, some women may be inhibited in sharing their story. They may feel the sting of recalling past memories and may not be comfortable with feelings of vulnerability. How important is it for survivors to verbally share or write about their story?

Gail: It’s important because women feel alone when this happens and when you meet or hear someone else’s story, that have had all the same feelings you are experiencing, it gives you the reassurance that if God did it for them, He can do it for me. Oh how He loves us!

Gail has recovered from breast cancer and remains grateful to God for her blessings.