VIENNA — Rev. Lynn Facemyer, now at the Vienna/Rader United Methodist Church, missed a mammogram in 2013 because she had her knees replaced and couldn’t drive. But after feeling a lump developing on her right breast, she ended physical therapy as soon as she could drive again and went to the appointment. On March 29, 2013, Facemyer was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer, an aggressive type that was treated with traditional chemotherapy, Herceptin, a lumpectomy and radiation. The treatment lasted one year.

“The first one was terrifying because I knew it was dangerous,” she said. “I knew that if it wasn’t treated right, if they didn’t get it all, etc., if the chemo didn’t work — all of that — had a decent chance of coming back.”

A few years later, during a routine mammogram in April 2017, Facemyer was diagnosed with ER/PR-positive cancer, which spreads through the estrogen progesterone receptors. At first, she thought she may need a double mastectomy because the same area can’t be radiated twice.

“I was just like, ‘Oh my goodness. I don’t know if I can do this again,’” she said.

Because it was a less aggressive cancer and on the left side, Facemyer didn’t need chemotherapy but still received radiation, and the lump was removed. For the next five years, she also received a hormone blocker called letrozole.

Facemyer, 69, of Vienna, represents one of the estimated 232,340 U.S. cases of invasive breast cancer that the American Cancer Society projected in 2013. As she battled breast cancer twice, Facemyer found strength in being with people and trusting in God’s faithfulness.

During the first round, Facemyer said the chemotherapy exhausted her constantly and she was on nausea medication to keep from being physically ill.

She said that even though she was cancer free on her surgery date, she still had to finish the treatment.

“The treatment reminds you. It’s always there. It’s always there,” she said. “So you never feel like you’re cancer free until you’re done.”

At the time, Facemyer was attending Ashland United Methodist Church, and she said that the other attendees prayed for and supported her. Her son Zack Christ, who still lived at home, helped take care of her.

Her husband Richard Facemyer wanted her to recover. Because she wasn’t working, she could rest, wash the laundry, cook dinner, watch TV, study, read devotional books and pray.

During the second round, Facemyer experienced menopausal symptoms, including muscle aches, hot flashes and night sweats. During that time, she couldn’t rest as well.

“It wasn’t awful,” she said. “When you have to take something like that for five years, it becomes part of your life.”

The radiation also burned her body and caused blisters. She now has truncal lymphedema that causes the left side of her body to swell.

Because Facemyer was working half-time as a pastor at Gravois Hills United Methodist Church, she had to prepare a sermon and travel from her home in Ashland. But she said the church supported her during that time.

Facemyer said that other women in the church came out and shared their experiences with her so that she knew how to navigate the situation and what questions to ask.

Facemyer also connected with others on a board on breastcancer.org.

Because of Jesus Christ, Facemyer believes that she handled the journey better, knowing He also endured suffering and gives grace to people.

For the first 10 years after the cancer removal, Facemyer was concerned that it would return. But even if it did, she knew she could endure.

“Having that relationship gave me light and hope and gave me the promise that if everything was bad, somehow God would be there in the midst of it,” she said.

During the treatment, Facemyer isn’t sure that she was as aware of God’s presence, but when she looks back, she realizes that He gave her hope and comforted her the entire time.

The passages of Scripture that Facemyer finds comfort in now are different, but she said that Philippians 4:13 was probably one of them during the treatment.

The verse in the Legacy Standard Bible says: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Facemyer also said the Psalms comforted her as David prayed to the Lord about his struggles and asked for help and salvation.

For women currently battling breast cancer, Facemyer encourages them to ask questions and have a close circle of support. And if one thinks there is a problem, she should receive tests early and obtain second opinions if necessary.

She also warned to be careful about others saying that all things work for good and declaring what God’s plan is. This is because God’s understanding of good may be different than man’s.

She also believes that cancer is not a punishment from God for an action someone did, and God will help the person through the journey.

“God is a part of my journey, and prayer is a part of my journey, and I would hope everybody has that anchor under them,” she said.