Faith in the Storm: A Survivor’s Story

Last year my dear friend Tiana shared her story. The words you will read below are her own. They are words I cherish now more than ever, as she made her home in heaven last week.

On November 30, 2017, after her breast cancer aggressively returned, she passed away. It was not without a fight and her journey remained full of faith.

She is loved. She is missed. And through the pain of her earthly absence, we will rejoice in the beauty and strength of the angel we have gained. 

My name is Tiana Hines.

I am 34 years old.

I am a wife and mother from the San Francisco Bay Area, born and raised in East Palo Alto- the soul in the Silicon Valley.

My family and I currently reside in the East Bay Area, and to say I’m grateful we are together would be a gross understatement.

This is my story, the one God gave me to share, but it wouldn’t be complete without first telling you our story.

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On our 4th wedding anniversary, 09/04/14, my 34 year old husband had a hemorrhagic stroke which caused a brain bleed and an AVM rupture.

He flat-lined, was in a coma for 2 weeks, and wore a medical helmet for 6 months because he had no left bone flap on the left side of his skull.

I assisted with in-home infusion treatments, helped bathe, feed and clothe him. I watched him learn to read and walk again.

In February 2015 he had his last brain surgery to replace his skull. He made a full recovery by our 5th wedding anniversary and his one year stroke anniversary on 09/04/15.

Two weeks later I found a lump.

Photo Courtesy of Tiana Hines
Photo Courtesy of Tiana Hines

On October 1, 2015 I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer.

I began my first of 6 chemo rounds on October 1, 2015. I had bronchitis, pneumonia and a blood transfusion.

On December 17, 2015, two days before my 34th birthday, I learned that chemo worked and upon physical examination the tumor shrunk. A breast MRI in February 2016 revealed no tumor.

On February 24, 2016 I had a double mastectomy and BSO (removal of both Fallopian tubes and ovaries), and the pathology results from that surgery confirmed no evidence of cancer.

Photo Courtesy of Tiana Hines
Photo Courtesy of Tiana Hines

Praise God I was CANCER free!!!

However, I still had a road ahead of me.

I have the BRCA-1 breast cancer gene, therefore, I had to finish out my treatment plan. 25 treatments of radiation every weekday for 5 weeks in May 2016. I am to receive herceptin infusions every 3 weeks until November 2016, and have two more major reconstruction surgeries to go.

Photo Courtesy of Tiana Hines
Photo Courtesy of Tiana Hines

After what we’ve been through the last couple of years, we’ve both kicked our faith into high gear. We’ve leaned into the Lord and grabbed a hold of His Word more than ever before. I’ve prayed and cried and cried out to Him more times than I can count, yet even in my darkest hour He brings me back to His truth.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Photo Courtesy of Tiana Hines
Photo Courtesy of Tiana Hines
Photo Courtesy of Tiana Hines
Photo Courtesy of Tiana Hines

We have so many  praying people in our lives and I can’t even begin to imagine what this battle would’ve been like without their support. We want them to know how much they are appreciated and how deeply moved we are by their love.

We also want to teach our daughter that even in the midst of our circumstances  the Lord has provided ways for us to be a blessing to others as we have been blessed.  We always say that if we didn’t GIVE we wouldn’t have! At every opportunity we can, we make every effort to give back.

Our daughter is the reason we fight. She’s a huge part of our healing. She’s our sunshine even when it appears we are only surrounded by grey skies. She is our gift from above.

The pain of these circumstances is still very real and  the emotions are raw. But by God’s grace we are survivors!!!!!

We are ready to fight hard to watch our 4 year old daughter grow up and continue to grow old together. 

We are ready to live!

Photo Courtesy of Tiana Hines
Photo Courtesy of Tiana Hines

The family is accepting Legacy Donations for her precious daughter. If you feel led to give, you may do so here. #TEAMTIANA  

Thank you, Tiana, for sharing your story.

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56 thoughts on “Faith in the Storm: A Survivor’s Story”

  1. It’s so refreshing g to see your positive attitude after these medical setbacks. You and your family are so strong and such a huge inspiration! I’m so happy to hear that your husband has made a full recovery and that you are cancer free!

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  3. I am a firm believer that God give His toughest battles to His toughest warriors. What an incredible praise report and giving God all the glory that your friend persevered and drew near to His word.

    A beautiful testimony and thank you for sharing 🙂 My heart is bursting with joy for your friend!

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  4. the hairs on my arms are standing up from this powerful story. Thank you so much for reminding me how great our Lord is. Blessings to your family ! <3

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  9. Another amazingly inspiring post! I have so much admiration for this beautiful family and their unfaltering faith after everything that that they have been through. I am so happy to hear that they are healthy again.

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  14. Tiana, wow, thank you for sharing this. What faith and boldness you walk in through your journey. You quoted my favorite verse as every thing I’ve ever walked through, on the other side I understand His plan. You never know who you may inspire, continued prayers for you.

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    1. He knows our end from our beginning! I’m so happy that through any of life trials we can stand on His Word. Tiana is incredible!

      Blessings,

      Patricia

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  18. I loved reading your story. Thank you so much for sharing. I can’t believe what the two of you have been through. You are so strong.

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  21. oh my goodness, I had no idea!! you are superwoman! thank you for being so transparent and sharing your story, you are definitely an inspiration!

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  22. Thank you so much to each of you for taking the time to read and comment. I appreciate all of your kind words. I very much appreciate my friend @lifeofaministermom for sharing the story that God gave me. GOD IS SO GOOD!

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  26. The ability for you to grow your faith in the middle of this storm gives me goosebumps. Sending so many prayers! Blessings to your family and thank you for sharing with us all! What an inspiration you are!

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  28. Wow I’m lost for words right now. Such a touching story, I’m an emotional person already but this really touch me. You are a true inspiration for all of us here! Thank you thank yoouuu Tiana for sharing.

    Reply

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