In November 1998, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, a disease that affects 1 in 9 women. The American Cancer Society estimated that in 1999, about 175,000 women would be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States and 43,700 would die in that year.

Like many of you, I thought it would never happen to me. I thought getting regular exams, taking vitamins and antioxidants, and watching what I ate would surely help me beat the odds. In addition to diet, there are other factors that put women at risk, such as: A family history of breast cancer, age, her age when she begins her menses, her age at the birth of her first child, the presence of precancerous tissue, her race, and the simple fact that she is a female.

There are several types of breast cancers. I was diagnosed with a less common type referred to as infiltrating ductal cancer, which spreads through the duct wall. A defective growth-promoting gene known as HER-2/neu, found in about 30% of women with breast cancer, was also present. My paternal grandmother and my paternal aunt had breast cancer; therefore, having a family history of breast cancer may have definitely put me at risk.

A stickler for annual checkups, I was due for my next exam in December 1998. In September I was led to call and move my appointment up. Feeling fine, with no signs of anything being wrong, I didn't understand the need to go early; nevertheless, I made the call. I was able to get an appointment for October 15, 1998. During the exam, my doctor found a small lump in my left breast. He recommended a mammogram and a sonogram right away. The sonogram showed some suspicion so he referred me to a surgeon. On November 6, 1998 a biopsy was done which confirmed the tumor was cancerous. My prognosis was good due to the fact that the cancer was diagnosed early. "To God be the Glory." I encourage each of you who have not had your annual checkup to do so; for we perish for lack of knowledge, not lack of faith.

Needless to say I was shocked at the diagnosis. The woman in me became emotional, but the winner in me reminded me of Romans 8:37 that in all things I am more than a conqueror through him that love me. The same God that led me to move my appointment up, would also be with me through the test and bring me out victoriously.

God does not always heal miraculously. There are times when he chooses to heal us by taking us through a process, but yet he is still a healer. God is performing so many miracles as he takes me through the process of healing to restore my health. It was a miracle for me to go two months early for my exam. God also worked a miracle as he took me through chemotherapy. Sometimes while going through our test and trials we can miss the miracle by looking for the miraculous.

I thank God that it was only a test and not an actual emergency. The difference between a test and an actual emergency is weather are not you have God in your life. When we have the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, have faith in his word and can stand on his promises, then our problems and challenges are merely a test of our faith. It is when we fail to believe in God and put our trust in him, our problems and challenges become real life crisis or an actual emergency. God has made us promises. Sometimes there are problems we must overcome before we can acquire the promises. The way we respond to the problems will determine the provisions that God will make for us in the test. My daily affirmation is I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalms 34:1.

The Lord allowed me to go through this test, that I may have a testimony and he may get the glory out of my life. I know it is my faith in God and the fervent and effectual prayers of the righteous that are availing much on my behalf. Cancer patients that do well in the treatment process are those who have faith in God, a positive attitude and a strong support system. I praise God that he has equipped me with the necessary tools to make it through the treatment process, I thank him for a support system beyond all support systems. First and foremost for my husband Bishop Mark Tolbert who immediately canceled his engagements to be with me through the entire process, my children who have took on extra responsibilities, my natural family, friends and relatives who prayed for me around the country and last but definitely not least the Christ Temple Church family who went beyond the call of duty to help me and my family during this time of need. Your prayers, encouragement, cards, flowers, meals, gifts and the cleaning service.

May God bless each of you and may you prosper and be in health even as your soul prospereth.