I am a woman of faith, a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an author, a speaker, a financial aid counselor and a breast cancer survivor.
I wear all these titles, but I am Michelle. A woman who has learned through trial and error that God has put me on an assignment on this journey of life. My assignment is to Encourage, Support and Inspire others in my everyday life. I realized it is through how I live, I can encourage the next person. I want God’s light to shine through me so someone else can see their way through their own darkness. My story can bless the next person.
For me fighting Breast Cancer in 2014 was the biggest assignment of faith that I had to face. It changed me and it made me appreciate my life and this journey so much more. I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in my right breast. I opted to have a lumpectomy and then radiation treatment. After my fight with breast cancer, I started a health journey. I started to work with a nutritionist and feel in love with my Peloton indoors spin bike. I worked out 5 days or more in a week. I was the strongest I had ever been. Jeremiah 29:11 is my favorite scripture, and it reminds me that you are going through this alone. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
In October 2019, I celebrated my 5th anniversary of being cancer free. I went to have my annual mammogram and they saw something in the same breast.
The second battle with breast cancer began. To say I was devastated would be an understatement. “I know the plans He has for me”, so I accepted that this assignment was not over.
This time I had a mastectomy with a DIEP Flap surgery to reconstruct the breast. Chemotherapy followed and then Covid 19 came and my treatments halted. I then began taking a Chemotherapy pill weekly. Virtual doctor appointments. I finished my chemotherapy a few months past the original end date due to Covid 19. I was happy to ring the bell in my own house on a Zoom call with friends and family.
I have a reconstruction surgery coming up, so my journey isn’t over, but I hope that through my journey you see my light and it is Bright, and Bold, and Courageous!
I invite you to stay connected with me on Facebook: michellegillnewton or Instagram mgillnewton
God bless you and stay inspired! ~Michelle Gill Newton
