Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Boswell: The cancer fight continues

Another long-time Portales resident whose life has been hugely impacted by cancer is Yolanda Sanchez.

“I hate the word cancer, because yes, there are survivors, but there are also people who lose loved ones to it,” Yolanda said.

Yolanda’s husband, Humberto, was diagnosed with kidney cancer about eight years ago, having one of his kidneys taken out at that time.

Yolanda has a different perspective than most. Being a breast cancer survivor herself, Yolanda said it’s not really survivors who are her heroes. It’s those who lost their lives to the illness.

"To me, I feel like my mother and sister-in-law were the heroes, because they lost their lives to cancer, but they fought to the very end,” she said.

Yolanda’s sister-in-law, Liz Ortega, died of breast cancer, and her mother, Celia Ortega, died of liver cancer three years ago next month.

"I remember the day that the doctor came in and told my mom she had cancer. I started crying, and she said, 'Don't be sad; rejoice and be glad in the Lord,” she remembered. “Every time something bad happens, I remember what she said. My mom was a great woman. I just hope I can learn from my mom."

In July of last year, Yolanda’s grandson, Daniel, who is more like a son, having been raised by her and her husband since he was a baby, had to go through radiation treatments for a pre-cancerous brain tumor and have surgery.

Yolanda said he sees a doctor every month and is doing great now.

She said if all the cancer her family has battled has taught her anything it’s that you should never take life for granted.

"I just feel like we can't take today for granted, because God gave us the days, and we should be glad for it,” she said. “God has us here for a reason. You just can't take life for granted."

Lifetime Portales resident Shelle Collins also has a unique perspective on cancer.

When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, Shelle laughed.

"I know people are gonna think I'm crazy, but if you don't laugh, you're gonna cry,” Shelle said."I was laughing, because my mom had gone through it and my great aunt had gone through it, and I knew that they had made so much progress with breast cancer, so it wasn't as concerning (to me) as having another form of cancer, such as ovarian."

Shelle just finished her sixth round of chemotherapy for breast cancer and is in the midst of scheduling reconstructive surgery. Diagnosed in October, she had her first chemo treatment the Monday before Christmas.

What has stood out to Shelle the most in the situation?

"How supportive people are and how everyone wants to help in this town,” she said. “This town is wonderful. I've had people say, here's a hat (she lost her hair to chemo), and if you need anything, let us know. People are great."

Shelle said the toughest part has been the injections she takes that boost her white blood cell count, so she does not get really sick. She said that on top of chemo can wear one out.

"The chemo itself drains you, and when that part kicks in, that drains you more. Then three weeks later, you get back up and go again,” she said.

"Overall, it hasn't been that bad. The doctor said it's all in the attitude. I've tried to look on the bright side as much as I can, and I've tried to laugh as much as I can. Laugh at yourself."

Alisa Boswell is the managing editor for the Portales News-Tribune. Contact her at aboswell@pntonline.com

 
 
Rendered 12/13/2024 14:24