Neomi Echols

I am a missionary, a member of Mount Hebron Baptist Church in Meriden. I also participate in the nurse’s aide unit there. I am married. I had four sisters, but I lost one, so there are only three left. I cannot recall anyone in my family having breast cancer. My mother did not have it and none of my sisters have had it. I was called in to see my doctor. He wanted me to go for another mammogram because they had seen a ½ inch lump on my left breast. I was upset, but I went to see my surgeon. He explained the procedure to me, and I had my surgery done. I was really very upset to find out that I had breast cancer. I never thought that it would happen to me because no one in my family was ever diagnosed with breast cancer. I prayed and prayed that I would be able to handle this. I asked myself- “Why Me? What have I done? What is so wrong for me to get this cancer?” I have been very upset with myself. I was very upset with my doctor because I should have been told more about this. I did not want to talk to anyone. I did not want anyone to feel sorry for me. I did not give up. I talked to my husband about it. He gave me some good support. He went to the doctor and when I went for treatment he was right there with me. He told me “Keep smiling.” He was with me all the way. I had 26 weeks of radiation. After my treatment, I felt better about myself. I could talk about this thing. Prayer changes things. When there is no way out, no way to turn, you can always call God. Later on in the month, I myself found a lump on my right breast. I got that taken care of. The doctor has checked me and there is no sign of cancer, now. It has been two and ½ years of surviving for me. I feel good. I can tell the world about this. I pray and pray that I am able to continue to survive this cancer. I have faith in God and I take one day at a time. I walk by faith. So do not give up the fight. God is with you all the way. Keep the faith and trust God. He will take care of you.

”Keep the Faith and trust in God. He will take care of you”