Hold Fast - A Personal Update from Jan Greenwood

A Health Update for Friends

This week I am having a biopsy to determine if cancer is reappearing in my brain. I will be in the hospital for a couple of days and in recovery for several weeks. Since my initial diagnosis in 2009, I have enjoyed the privilege of sharing my life with family and friends, via my blogs. It seems natural to continue to communicate through this tool.


When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, I fell in love with this Scripture.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
— Hebrews 10:23 NKJV

This verse became so important to me because it taught me how to be steadfast.

Steadfast: firmly fixed in place, immovable, not subject to change, firm in belief, determination, or adherence, loyal, faithful, committed, devoted, dependable, reliable

For many years, I tried to behave in all the ways outlined in the definition, but often I found myself double minded, lacking in determination or commitment. As I faced my initial diagnosis in 2009 this verse freed me. I was taught to “hold fast” to one thing - the confession of my hope, and then to allow all the pressure to be steadfast to rest on God alone.


This week I will be having a brain biopsy. We will be looking for answers to questions about my recent test results and of course determining the next steps to sustain my healing. Regardless of the outcome of the procedure or what the days ahead might involve, it’s still true -

my hope is in Him.


As we prepare for the next few weeks, I have some specific prayer requests.

  • Please pray for my healing and full recovery.

  • Please pray for Mark, our children and our family as we walk together.

  • Please pray for clarity and for unity regarding what comes next.

  • Please pray that I will be steadfast and reflect my love for Jesus to those who care for me.


Many of you are also asking if there is something you can do to help us. Mark and I really have few needs, but if you would like to contribute toward a meal card for us, a good friend set up a simple link to make it easy.

I am grateful for your ongoing love and support and I hope today’s post communicates how thankful I am for this community of faith-filled prayer warriors.


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