My Cancer Diagnosis: Don’t Waste the Pain!

Shane Idleman

Audio By Carbonatix

By Shane Idleman, Crosswalk.com

When I was recently diagnosed with cancer, I was amazed at the environment of negativity and fear that encompassed most medical facilities. Not to mention all the well-meaning people who offered tons of advice regarding “what I should be doing” — it was truly overwhelming.

And when YouTube removed my announcement about my diagnosis because I dared to use the word “alternatives,” I said, “Game on!” Their censorship, along with my diagnosis, awakened a renewed fire … a renewed passion for God, truth, faith, trust, and perseverance. For more, listen here to the first sermon I gave after my diagnosis: Lessons Learned Walking Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.

The process of fighting cancer can be a roller coaster ride of emotions based on opinions, options, scans, MRIs, and assessments. I would get excited if the lymph node was decreasing in size, and then dread the day when it felt larger.

From denial to acceptance, there are emotional stages when you hear the word “cancer.” Acceptance doesn’t mean retreating into fear; instead, it says, “Here’s what’s going on, and here’s how I’m going to fight it.” For this reason, I have put together this short booklet.

My prayer is that you seek the Lord for direction. And please share this with those who need to be uplifted and inspired to take back their health.

I’m also putting together a booklet, The Dark Night of the Soul, that focuses on weathering the heavy storms that hit all of us. You can read an excerpt here.

Key: God’s Got This

Depending on where you’re at in your journey, it’s normal to experience fear and anxiety. Take a breath, slow down, and remember that God has got this. Surrender everything to Him.

It’s also important to focus on others and not yourself. Pray, “Lord, how can I help others during this journey?” Maybe, like me, you’ll write a book or compose a blog, or share your story to help others. Purpose brings peace as well as motivation … motivation to persevere.

The first week after my diagnosis was touch-and-go. I was highly emotional, fearful, and anxious. During this time, I was often reminded of King Asa, who did not seek help from God, but only from his physicians (cf. 2 Chronicles 16:12).

I made seeking God my main priority, and the more I sought Him, the more I found Him. And He will do the same for you. (See Jeremiah 29:13). I would also encourage you to incorporate a season of fasting as soon as possible so you can seek the heart of God.

This can be an incredible turning point in your life, both spiritually and physically. Don’t waste the pain. It’s often only when we hit rock bottom that we turn to the Rock at the bottom (Jesus).

A Journey Rather Than a Destination

Always remember … don’t worry: God will meet you right where you’re at. He doesn’t need you to do anything; He wants you to trust in Him.

You + God are better than all of the supplements, treatments, and biohacks combined.

Remember, this is a journey, and answers often don’t come right away. As a pastor, I’ve seen God heal people through conventional therapy, and I have seen countless people healed when God led them to alternatives. I’ve seen God heal impossible situations, and I’ve witnessed Him call His saints home.

Ultimately, all of us must bow our knee to God’s sovereignty and trust in Him. Jesus is the Great Physician. A good friend recently reminded me, “We do what we can in the natural, and trust Him with the supernatural.”

They Don’t Know What They Don’t Know

The sad reality is that nine times out of ten, most physicians will discourage you from alternative therapies. But I don’t blame them — that’s all they’ve been taught. As one very skilled doctor told me, “They don’t know what they don’t know.”

There are oncologists, doctors, and specialists who endorse what I’m about to share with you, but, as with all things, there are also skeptics. The key for me is to look at creation and design. How did God create us and design our immune system?

I love physicians. I have friends and members of our church who are in the medical field — we need them. But unfortunately, many in the secular world look through the lens of evolution and completely miss the connection to God.

Additionally, many doctors who are well-versed in conventional and alternative therapies tell me that the medical industry is about 20 years behind the curve, and much of what today’s physicians recommend is now obsolete. Did you catch that? Wow.

Even oncologists have privately shared that, although they agree with many of the alternative solutions, they can’t say anything for fear of losing their license. How sad.

Remember when fasting was bad, but smoking was okay? Remember when fat was bad, but highly processed, chemical-laden, low-fat products were good? Remember when type 2 diabetes patients were told that there’s nothing more they can do? That’s not true. Changing their lifestyle is key to fighting type 2 diabetes.

I can keep going, but I think you get the picture. We must take back our health and steward it correctly.

For those who need help and hope, I’m going LIVE on Rumble Wed. 3/18/26 to share the lessons I’ve learned on this journey: https://rumble.com/c/c-2149701