[ad_1]
By JOYANNA LOVE / Senior Writer
When Yvonne Mitchell of Maplesville was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2017, she decided to share her journey with cancer in hopes of helping someone else.
Mitchell had found a ball in the chest a weekend while she was lying on the couch.
She had had a mammogram a few months before and had been cleared.
"It happened very quickly," Mitchell said. "That's why it's so important that women always do a self-examination."
Mitchell went to see his OB-GYN on Monday.
"She was very aggressive and I like it," Mitchell said.
Mitchell was happy that the doctor had sent him directly to a surgeon rather than waiting to see if there were any changes.
"Over the next week, the mass was removed and, of course, it was a cancer," Mitchell said.
"A few weeks later, I had a lumpectomy because the cancer cells had moved into my lymph nodes, and it was pretty hard … I really could not do anything with my arm."
She completed 15 cycles of chemotherapy and eight weeks of radiotherapy. She left her job to focus on her treatment and improvement.
"I have tried to understand in my mind what is worse, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, but they are both difficult," Mitchell said.
While receiving treatment, Mitchell created a Facebook page called "Breast Cancer Choices the Bad Chick" to highlight his journey. Mitchell said that shortly after her diagnosis, she felt that God wanted her to tell her story.
Those who saw the page began to tell him that it inspired them for the challenges they faced.
"That's what I wanted people to know – God is bigger than cancer or anything else you have to go through," Mitchell said.
She trusted that the treatments would work and that God would see her in remission. She was declared in remission on September 10, 2018.
"Cancer is a bad thing, but it has really opened a lot of doors for me," said Mitchell. "I had the opportunity to meet a lot of new people."
Mitchell began speaking to women's groups to learn about breast cancer.
"I've been able to do a talk show on national radio and it's really the beginning of it that has really made history known," Mitchell said.
One of his friends had set up this opportunity.
"Even if it helped others," said Mitchell. "It really helped me out of my shell because I knew God wanted me to do something with it … God did not put us here to be here for us," Mitchell said. "We must be here for others, so whatever I can do, I am here."
She has scheduled days to talk to groups throughout the month of October as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
"Do not be scared," Mitchell said. "If something is different, have it checked."
She said that her family had been very supportive during the treatment and that the experience had brought them closer.
Mitchell said her husband was present at every chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
She continues to see her doctors for follow-up visits and will be taking medications for the next five years.
"It has side effects, but you do what you need to do to survive," said Mitchell.
She said maintaining her strong immune system was the key to recovery.
Mitchell has joined the Chilton County Relay For Life to support the fight against cancer.
Source link
