On December 18, 2018 NOAH Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Marilyn Yelder’s husband received a life-changing diagnosis: male breast cancer, a rare condition with no family history and an unexpected occurrence outside his breast tissue. This began a challenging journey marked by chemotherapy, radiation, and a continuous fight for health and hope.
After five and a half years of intensive treatment, including a critical bone scan, the couple faced difficult conversations, navigated the grief cycle, and learned to set boundaries. Marilyn, a pediatrician and woman of faith, found comfort in her church’s leadership class, which inspired her to share their story.
Her 98-page book published earlier this July, “Believing Beyond the Diagnosis: A Cancer Caregiver’s Journey,” explores their emotional and spiritual struggles, emphasizing the importance of community, scripture, and gratitude statements. Each chapter offers insights into her faith journey, culminating in a message about faith and gratitude.
Marilyn became her husband’s primary caregiver, seeking resources and support groups but realizing they weren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. She discovered a lack of support groups specifically for male breast cancer patients and their families. Her book aims to fill this gap, serving as a guide for caregivers and individuals seeking solace. Marilyn wants readers to feel seen and supported, acknowledging their struggles and offering hope through her story.
As a healthcare provider, Marilyn emphasizes that healing goes beyond medicine; it’s about faith and belief. Despite the unpredictable nature of life, Marilyn’s faith remained her anchor. She recalls the joy of someone reaching out after reading her book, affirming that if even one person finds comfort in her words, it has all been worth it. “It’s just the beginning to something,” she says.
Today, Marilyn and her husband hold onto the term NED—No Evidence of Disease—with cautious optimism. Through loss and uncertainty, they have never questioned their faith. “Faith is the only thing that holds me up,” Marilyn claims, standing as a testament to the strength and grace found in their journey.
Her book is not just a story; it’s a lifeline for those navigating the difficult waters of male breast cancer. Marilyn hopes her words will touch lives, offering the same hope and resilience that have carried her and her husband through their darkest days
