From Brain Tumor to Cancer-Free: A Christian Testimony of God’s Healing Power

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Introduction: Sharing This Testimony for Those Waiting on God

My name is Joyce Noel-Merisier, and I share this testimony to encourage anyone who is waiting on God, walking through uncertainty, or fighting a battle that feels unseen.

Early Warning Signs and Infertility Struggles

In mid-2019, I began noticing unusual changes in my body. My breasts started growing rapidly and became extremely painful—so painful that wearing bras, clothing, or even lying down was difficult. Around the same time, my husband and I, married just over a year, began trying to conceive. Month after month, I experienced pregnancy-like symptoms, yet every test came back negative. I also began having frequent, severe headaches.

Being Dismissed but Trusting Discernment

In 2020, I brought these concerns to my OB-GYN, but I was told it was likely stress. Still, deep in my spirit, I knew something was wrong.

“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit…” — Romans 8:16

A Fertility Referral and Alarming Test Results

By 2021, after continued infertility, I was referred to a fertility specialist. Bloodwork revealed extremely elevated hormone levels—especially prolactin—and I was sent for an MRI.

The MRI That Confirmed Something Was Wrong

The day I went to Bowes for my MRI, the MRI technologist kept coming back into the room. Over and over, he checked my hair and body to make sure I had no jewelry on. After the third time, I asked him, “Is everything okay?”

He calmly replied, “Yes, everything is fine. We’ll send your results to your doctor.”

But when I got home, I told my husband, “Something is wrong. I believe the technician saw something on my scans.”

In that moment—before any doctor confirmed anything—God gave me discernment, not fear. Even then, the Lord was preparing my heart.

The Diagnosis: A Pituitary Brain Tumor

In December 2021, my OB-GYN informed me that something appeared on my brain scan. Shortly after, a neurologist confirmed the diagnosis: a pituitary tumor.

I was given two options—medication that could control the tumor but would permanently end my ability to have children, or brain surgery. The recommended surgery was a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy.

Understanding the Brain Surgery Procedure

• The surgeon enters through the nostril or under the upper lip

• An endoscope or microscope guides the procedure

• The pituitary gland is accessed through the sphenoid sinus

• The tumor (and sometimes part of the pituitary gland) is removed

  
  

I left that appointment in shock, but through prayer, counsel, and trusting God, we chose surgery.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart…” — Proverbs 3:5

Facing the Risks and Choosing Faith

I was warned of serious risks: stroke, spinal fluid leaks, meningitis, vision loss, even death. Still, I placed my life in God’s hands.

A Divine Encounter Before Surgery

The Friday before surgery, during pre-op testing at Manatee Memorial Hospital, a nurse felt led to speak with me. She shared how my surgeon had helped her daughter and reminded me, “You still need God.”

She asked to pray with me. As we prayed, other nurses joined hands and prayed too. I couldn’t hold back my tears.

God answered the quiet prayer of my heart—He showed me He was with me.

Brain Surgery and God’s Sustaining Grace

On March 1, 2022, I underwent brain surgery. When I woke up, I could see and answer all the questions asked of me. Though I faced brain swelling, high blood pressure, and an extended ICU stay, God carried me through.

“For I am the Lord who heals you.” — Exodus 15:26

A Second Diagnosis: Stage One Colon Cancer

During recovery, I experienced severe abdominal pain and blood in my stool. A colonoscopy revealed two polyps. In August 2022, I received another devastating call: stage one colon cancer.

Crying Out to God in the Hallway

Standing in a hallway at work, I cried, “Lord, not again.”

Still healing from brain surgery, I felt overwhelmed and broken.

Yet even in my questions, I never stopped talking to God. I brought Him my pain because I knew He could hold it.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…” — Psalm 34:18

“Cast all your anxiety on Him…” — 1 Peter 5:7

That hallway became an altar.

Treatment at Moffitt and the Waiting Season

I was referred to Moffitt Cancer Center. Scans showed the cancer was confined to my colon. Surgery was planned, and chemotherapy was a possibility. Doctors worked carefully to preserve my fertility.

After surgery came the waiting.

The Report That Changed Everything

Due to scar tissue, the surgeon followed detailed notes and removed tissue for testing. Chemotherapy would be next if cancer cells were found.

So I waited.

I prayed.

I trusted God.

Near Thanksgiving 2022, I received the news:

• No cancer cells found

• No chemotherapy needed

• Cancer-free

“Wait for the Lord…” — Psalm 27:14

“I will restore you to health…” — Jeremiah 30:17

A Rare Tumor and a Living Miracle

Doctors told me my brain tumor was extremely rare—about 150 cases worldwide—and that every documented case returned within six months.

Yet three years later, I remain completely clear of both the brain tumor and colon cancer. My follow-ups were moved from yearly to every two years.

“With God, all things are possible.” — Matthew 19:26

Final Encouragement: God Still Performs Miracles

I share this testimony to remind you to listen to your body, advocate for yourself, and never stop praying. God still performs miracles. I am living proof.

“They overcame by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” — Revelation 12:11

God is good.

“Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think…” — Ephesians 3:20

Share this testimony with a friend 🧡 🔗