Eugenie Ffrench marks 20 years as a breast cancer survivor
Published:Friday | October 18, 2024 | 12:11 AM
In 2003, as Eugenie Ffrench lay in bed, an unexpected moment would alter the course of her life forever. With a passing touch, her hand grazed over her right breast, and there it was – a thickening that felt out of place. What followed was a journey that would test her courage, faith, and resolve in ways she could never have imagined. As Ffrench marks 20 years as a breast cancer survivor, her story has become a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the impact of faith and community on the road to recovery.
“When I first felt it, my mind immediately flashed to my two aunts who had died from breast cancer,” Ffrench recalled. “I thought, ‘Oh Lord, no. This can’t be happening to me.’” But despite the overwhelming fear, she knew she needed to take immediate action. A visit to the Jamaica Cancer Society led to a series of medical appointments, culminating in a surgical biopsy in February 2004.
On February 24, Ffrench received the news that no one ever wants to hear; she had cancer. The diagnosis was ductal carcinoma in situ, a form of breast cancer that hadn’t yet spread to nearby tissues. “I walked out of the hospital and thought, ‘The thing I feared has come upon me.’ But even in that moment, I said to myself, ‘Cancer nah kill me!’ For Ffrench, this resolve wasn’t just an act of defiance, it was a declaration of faith. Her belief in God became her anchor, guiding her through the darkest days. “One day, the Lord focused my attention on the words of a song: ‘Courage, do not stumble, though your path be dark as night.’ I took that as God’s voice, encouraging me to be brave in the face of this obstacle,” she shared.
Her treatment plan was aggressive: a mastectomy in March 2004, followed by a regimen of chemotherapy and radiation. The doctor gave her what she described as ‘the red devil,’ a radical chemotherapy drug. The cancer was HER2 positive and aggressive, but Ffrench was even more aggressive in her fight to survive. Though the physical toll was immense, she remained steadfast in her will to overcome.
It was a difficult time for her family. Her young children, still in primary school, grappled with their mother’s illness, and the diagnosis put additional strain on her marriage. But even in the face of personal challenges, Ffrench found strength in her faith and the unwavering support of her community. Her church family rallied around her, offering financial and emotional assistance, while friends and colleagues from the Jamaica Theological Seminary ensured that she never faced her cancer journey alone.
“I remember my friends making it their duty to accompany me to chemotherapy and other appointments. They even took me out to the movies or church services, helping me focus on life beyond the diagnosis. They reminded me that I was still here, still living,” Ffrench told Living.
Through it all, Ffrench was determined to continue her studies. Despite undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, she remained committed to her goal of graduating from the seminary. “I remember telling the registrar that I could continue with my studies, even though my body was marked from radiation,” she said with a smile. And in June 2004, she proudly walked across the stage to receive her degree, an achievement that symbolised not just academic success, but personal triumph over the odds.
Today, Ffrench’s perspective on life has shifted. Cancer taught her to embrace every moment, to prioritise self-care, and to let go of anything that doesn’t align with her well-being. She learnt that stress and unforgiveness are killers. She now focuses on keeping a positive mindset, nourishing her body with the right foods, and exercising regularly.
Her journey also deepened her sense of purpose. In 2020, Ffrench founded Blessed Beyond Brokenness Ladies’ Ministry, a platform designed to empower women who, like her, have faced life’s challenges and emerged stronger. “I want to show women that no matter what they’ve been through, they can still rise and become the best version of themselves,” she shared.
As she celebrates two decades of survivorship, she is filled with gratitude. “Early detection saved my life, and I thank God for that. But more importantly, I want others to know that cancer is not a death sentence. With faith, determination, and the right support, you can overcome.”
Her message to those currently battling cancer is simple, but powerful: “You are stronger than you think. Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Lean on your faith and take things one day at a time. And remember, cancer nah kill you!”