We do not lose heart when faith, hope, and love abide. I am one of one in eight women receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. The news came in 2015. Before that, life was busy, and I never thought much about this disease except to donate money for research from time to time. I knew it killed too many of my sisters and left too many children without a mother. Even knowing this, I supported the cause for a cure but did not necessarily commit to the cause. Times and seasons change!
After my diagnosis and over a year of treatment, the disease was in remission. And sharing my story became a testimony of hope and encouragement. I learned it is crucial to have a support system. Anyone facing a crisis needs at least one trustworthy friend, and my husband was that friend.
The diagnosis was frightening and shocking because there was no breast cancer in my maternal or paternal family. I did not have much medical information about my family at that time. So, it was reasonable to cry out, “Why me”? As Christians face this disease, “we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair” (2 Corinthians 4:8). I called on the Lord, and He answered me. I tell you, ignorance about your family medical history or breast cancer is not bliss. Knowledge is power, so get a heart of wisdom and with getting, let us get understanding.
Undergoing a lumpectomy, chemo, and radiation gives one time to think about life. The blessing of having a caring family doctor (Dr. Chowdhary) is invaluable. She was responsible for my early diagnosis. I never consistently did breast checks on my own, so I thank God for her. I encourage every woman to do a breast check. I am an Army Veteran and an Army Retiree’s wife, so medical care was not an issue. Again, thank God!
No ordinary citizen can access the resources that First Lady Biden can, but I offer my small voice and the little funds I can contribute to the fight for a cure. We pray the research this generation conducts will end this dreaded disease. I am blessed to be able to testify about my experience with breast cancer and encourage others to increase their knowledge and establish a support system.
Find information about breast cancer on the National Cancer Institute website. People are also available to answer questions in English and Spanish at 1-800-422-6237. The Centers for Disease Control provides breast cancer screenings and diagnostic services to low-income individuals and those otherwise qualified for the program.
Anguish soon dissolves because we are survivors who wait on the Lord to renew our strength. “Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up” (2 Corinthians 4:1, NLT). For this cause, we faint not!
Minister Nettie Pennington, Associate Minister, Springfield MB Church
