“Earth has no sorrow heaven can not heal” were the words I had given to my godson’s (K.T.) mom as we laid him to rest on July 23, 2015 after he was hit in a car accident. One month later, I received the diagnosis that would change my life.
My name is Nicole Armstrong and on August 23, 2015, I was rolled out of the UNC operating room and told I had stage IV colon cancer that had spread to my ovaries and caused me to have a full hysterectomy. I was 42 years old and had NO family history of cancer. What was going on? Everything was moving so fast! The one thing that remained the same was My God for he promised NEVER to leave me alone! I wasn’t scared but encouraged knowing that GOD was in control of it ALL! I prayed two prayers: “Lord don’t let me look like what I’m going through” and “Lord I put ALL my financial needs now and through this entire journey in your hands”. Let me tell you, He has answered these prayers! I look like my normal self and NO my hair hasn’t come out and every financial need has and is being met. Glory to His holy name!
Cat scans, MRI, blood transfusions, shots, medicines, port, chemo, home chemo pump – All this was coming at me. After almost ten days in the hospital and eight weeks of recovery, I recovered well from surgery and was geared up to tackle chemo. I started my first treatment in October and I’m half way through my treatments now. I remain empowered and encouraged as I finish the remaining treatments knowing the LORD didn’t bring me this far to leave me! I must acknowledge UNC doctors and staff for their WONDERFUL CARE & PROFESSIONALISM.
My support circle is GREAT. I can’t even begin to thank everyone. I know I am loved because of the support of the following people – My darling Ed, and my 3 sweet angels God blessed me to birth: Nikiyah, Elise, and Edward IV; my loving mother, Liz Armstrong; my church, Faith Tabernacle of Praise; my beloved sister group, Post Script; Patti Crane and WP friends class: Cherlona, Angie, Sheila, Sharon, Thomasina (breast cancer survivor), Ms. Denise (breast cancer survivor) and my Email Sister who emails me EVERYDAY, Suzy :). SO MANY other friends and family have blessed me and my family beyond measure with their Love, Support, and Prayers. My heart is forever grateful for ALL and to ALL.
I am excited about participating in the Get Your Rear in Gear – Raleigh® Walk this March. I am well on my way to raising funds to meet my team goal of $500 as well as increase awareness about colon cancer.
There is a CAN in CANCER and know you CAN make it! Walk on by FAITH each day.
Peace & Blessings
Return to Faces of Blue
What an inspiring story! Nicole’s faith in our Lord far exceeds anything cancer can do to her. As a volunteer with the Lydia Project, (www.thelydiaproject.org), I have the honor of writing Nicole a card every month to support her in her battle against cancer, but as God’s Word says, ” Fear not, the Lord will fight for and rescue you.” Exodus 14:13-14. That’s what Nicole did — she turned it all over to God and God has taken very good care of her and given her courage and strength.
Thank you Nicole for sharing your story – I am so very proud of you!
Your Sister in Georgia
My dear sweet sister has been so strong. She is a blessing to so many..She is a very awesome peron . Her faith has helped her stand so tall and to be so strong for others even with the hand she was dealt .. We talk daily and never has she said why me.. It has been a true honor And blessing to have been here with you on this Journey . Val
I’m so proud of you Nic,because this illness did not take over you but you took over it and you’re have always encouraged others and being there for them,and continue been that beautiful star in this World,Yes you can,we love you
As I was reading Our Daily Bread online and it referenced Psalm 146:8 “…the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous”. It would have been easy for you to wallow in self-pity or bowed down when you received your diagnosis, but you have been righteous and faithful. I remember I was in Nashville, TN at a national conference when I found out. God spoke to me right away and said, “Dry your tears, this is a testimony for your sister-in-law!” I knew then that you would be alright! To God be the glory! Stay strong and encouraged! Love, Felise
Nicole, this is an outstanding testimony to the woman that you are. From the moment you received this diagnosis you have not stopped blessing and encouraging others. We cannot keep up with you and your daily encouragement! All of the women of PostScript love you dearly… and we are so thankful that you are a part of our family. I know that each of our hearts and lives have been enriched as we have come to love you as our sister! You have taught us much. Thank you for being willing to allow your pain to teach you and to grow you and to not defeat you! You are an inspiration to us all. Much love, Marsha
Thank you for sharing your powerful story. You are an incredible encouragement to me. It is a privilege to be your friend and sister in Christ. I
728 Birch Arbor Circle
What an awesome testimony! I’ve always known there was something unique and special about you back in high school when we first met. We’ve grown from friends to sisters. I know without a shadow of a doubt there is a GOD and he lives! We have both been through a lot these past months. You were there for me from day 1 when I got the call about KT. As I look back I have thanked God many times for giving you the strength to be there even though you were sick then but we didn’t know. God knows all and knows what we need. Thank you for allowing God to continue to use you throughout this journey. You encourage me daily, I am so proud of you and proud to call you my sister. I love you to the moon and back! Keep the Faith and I know you will be victorious over this dreadful disease…CANcer has no place here, our GOD is bigger!
Thanks again sis for sharing your story!
You are my hero, sister friend. In the midst of your treatment and feeling yucky and tired and tingly…you still send us encouragement everyday! I was so proud of your at the “race”. You marked each milestone with joy and a picture. And finished strong! and that is what is going to happen on the 23rd…finish strong! I bet they will have a party for you at UNC in the oncology department because of all the joy your brought to everyone there!
What an amazing story of bravery, faith, determination, and example that our Lord still hears prayers and works miracles. So thankful for your testimony and how God will and is using you to help others. Keep on keeping on, keep on keeping the faith and keep on Praising the Lord from whom ALL blessings flow. Love you cousin
Dearest Nicole, your courage, perseverance and faith are a daily encouragement to me and all who know and love you. Through all your trials, you still set the example of a Godly woman. You are a mighty picture of God’s great love and care for all of His children. You daily encourage all you know and even those you don’t. I love you, my dear sister in Christ.
“The joy of the Lord is your strength. ” Nehemiah 8:10.
Karen Miller
Awwwww cuz! You are awesome ! We love you here in Indiana!!!!! We gonna always be your sideline cheerleaders! ??????
Nicole: Dear sister, who shares my birthdate, you have been such an encouragement to me and to many others. Because of your daily postings, you have blessed many more! I send to some of my friends who desperately need your type of outlook. Oftentimes we discuss which of each day’s selections means the most to us! Keep up the good fight and I will be celebrating with you next Wednesday when you receive YOUR LAST CHEMO TREATMENT! May God continue to bless you as you have blessed others!
Sherrill Blazer
Nikki is my cousin . She has a beautiful spirit n a strong faith in God. It is God that has brought her this far n who will give her the strengthen to go on n see all the awesome things he will do in her life that will inspire n bless others. I m so thankful for her n I pray her strength in the Lord. I love her n I look for how God will use her. “Eyes have not seen n ears have not heard the things God has prepared for those who love him ” (1 corinthians 2:9) press on Nikki your best days are yet to come!
She my guardian angel she is so blessed and favorif you meet her you think you known her all your life
What an awesome message and inspiring story being shared with so many. Over the past months, I have become a better and stronger individual because of Nicole uplifting spirit and her strong faith. I am so thankful that God blessed us to cross paths in each other lives. Every comment that has been written on this page in tribute to Nicole are so true and heart soft spirit warms the heart. Watching & supporting her during her journey has provided a strength to me and so many! I am thankful for your healing and your ability to share your stories and encouraging others!! Stay Strong!! Hugs & Kisses!!