Celebrating 30 Years Cancer-Free: Jannie Mae Hudson’s Breast Cancer Journey

This year, Jannie Mae Hudson celebrates 30 years cancer-free. The beloved Brooklyn matriarch reflected on her breast cancer journey with MadameNoire, sharing how family and faith provided the strength to persevere as she navigated her diagnosis. Today, Jannie Mae is happily retired and enjoying time with her family, exploring the world and spreading goodwill through the power of service and her faith in God.

Jannie Mae Hudson / Source: James Johnson Jr.

The mother of two was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 49.

Jannie Mae and her husband were vacationing in the Poconos when she discovered a lump in her breast. Later, the doctor confirmed her diagnosis: she had stage 2 breast cancer. “My mind just went blank,” she said. “My first thought was, am I going to die?”

It was difficult to process, but Jannie Mae fixed her focus back on faith. “After the reality of what he said sunk in, I knew I had confidence in God, and I had some decisions to make.” The first thing she did was turn to her pastor for support. “He prayed with me and I felt a peace that came over me. And I felt that everything after that would be okay,” she said.

Jannie Mae’s doctor walked her through her treatment options. “At that time I didn’t need radiation, so I chose the mastectomy with chemotherapy and reconstruction,” a procedure to restore the shape and appearance of the breast.

Although early detection of breast cancer is ideal, treatment options exist for any stage, including stage 4 or metastatic breast cancer. Despite being the most advanced stage, metastatic breast cancer is treatable with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted drugs.

Chemotherapy impacts everyone differently.

After undergoing surgery, Jannie Mae rested for “maybe a month” before returning to work. Since she did not experience severe side effects from chemotherapy, she was able to continue working full-time as a hospital manager. “I would take my treatment and then I would go to work because I didn’t get nauseous. My hair got thin but I didn’t lose all my hair,” she recalled.

Chemotherapy impacts everyone differently, she acknowledged. “Everybody’s body is different.” After six months, Jannie Mae completed her final round of chemo. This year, the beloved grandmother is celebrating 30 years of thriving cancer-free.

Jannie Mae leaned on the healing power of family and faith.

Jannie Mae was, and continues to be, covered by her family and her faith. From her pastor and church family, to her brothers, sisters, children and grandchildren — their unwavering support gave Jannie Mae strength during this time. “The love that God allowed me to experience through different people got me through some of the darkest moments of my life,” she said. “Sometimes I would get depressed, and the doorbell would ring or someone would call me on the phone. It was a good feeling that people were there for me, that they supported me.”

Jannie Mae also leaned on the power of prayer, which played a vital part in the healing process. “My other support system is my faith in God, which allows me to stay focused,” she said. “I thank God because I say it’s the prayers that kept me going.”

‘Giving is part of my ministry.’

Jannie Mae received support beyond her family and church as well. When she was in the hospital, the American Cancer Society reached out with support and guidance. They offered a 24-hour support line — which ACS maintains to this day — and resources to help navigate every part of her diagnosis.

She was inspired to return the favor and spread the love that she received. “That’s how I got involved with the American Cancer Society. They helped me so I wanted to help somebody else.”

Jannie Mae gives back through fundraising for cancer research and hospital donations through Lions Clubs International, a global service organization she has been a part of for over three decades, well before she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “I try to give wherever I can. Giving is part of my ministry,” she said.

She is ready to explore the world.

Jannie Mae is a certified jet-setter. She recently returned from a trip to Australia this past summer, her latest adventure abroad. She’s traveled all over the map — from China, Hong Kong and Bangkok, to Greece, Aruba, Bermuda, and all over the United States. And she’s ready for more.

“I would say that my dream is to travel the world. And I’ve traveled a lot,” she said. Her favorite part about exploring the world? “Seeing the different cultures, seeing how beautiful different parts of the world are. It really is a wonderful experience.”

‘When you talk about it, you don’t keep it inside.’

Having lived through this experience and looking back on the years since then, Jannie Mae emerged on the other side of her diagnosis with a “better appreciation of life and good health.”

To those newly diagnosed with breast cancer and facing a challenging road ahead, Jannie Mae offered words of encouragement. “I would say to them, trust God. And talk about your diagnosis. Tell somebody,” she said. “That’s part of healing, when you can talk about it and relate to someone else. I think that’s one of the most important things: when you talk about it, you don’t keep it inside.”