BRIAN MORGER

Brian’s Story

Brian Morger holds many titles: Artist, Brother, Montanan. But one he wears proudly on his sleeve is Cancer Survivor.

“I’ve lived in the area off and on for about 30 years. I’ve tried to leave but my stories keep bringing me back. And I never thought that cancer would be one of those stories, but here I am.”

For Brian, his cancer story began 15 years ago when his sister, Audra, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. After genetic testing it was revealed that she was a carrier for the BRCA-2 gene, a mutation which can increase the likelihood of ovarian and breast cancer in women, as well as prostate and pancreatic cancer in men. Early detection of this gene is the key to successful treatment and saving lives. Medical professionals urged Brian and his eight siblings to get tested for this mutation, however, he declined as he believed ignorance is bliss.

“All my siblings were tested and 5/9 were positive. I opted not to be tested because I figured “with no children, what was the utility?” but the truth was, I was a bit of a coward.”

Brian had a change of heart when his primary care provider at the Great Falls Clinic, Nash Hallfrisch, convinced him to get tested for the BRCA2 gene due to his family history.

“As fate would have it my test was positive. I had the BRCA mutation, and that put it at 6 of 9 siblings. Hallfrisch screened me for BRCA prone cancers. The prostate and specific antigen (PSA) showed an abnormal and elevated number. And the urologist confirmed cancer a week later. I was given three choices, surgery, radiation or active surveillance… given my stubborn nature I chose [the last] one.” Surveillance.

After two years of monitoring and his PSA levels continuing to rise, Brian chose to go through treatment. Brian shares his friends and family highly recommended Dr. Underhill at the Great Falls Clinic Cancer Center.

“She set up the schedule. Nearly every day, for several weeks. The treatment was stranger than I imagined. The Lupron affected my mood, and the radiation had a myriad of differed physical side effects. And of course, [I had] worrisome thoughts.”

Brian has been cancer free for two years. After his treatment, Brian is proactive with his health and he consistently completes detection testing to make sure that if cancer does arise, it will be caught and treated early. He has become an advocate for early detection and treatment, he even informs others of the importance of testing. While many may see him as a courageous warrior, Brian thinks of himself as a light of comic relief in the darkness of his family’s cancer story.

“My sisters are the warriors, I watched them go through the horrendous ordeals with chemotherapy after receiving stage 4 diagnosis’. I’ve contributed mainly to the family’s fight by keeping a sense of humor about cancer. I’m more like a warrior/jester.
When my sister Audra’s treatments were no longer working, and she knew her life was ending at 43, I said “well look at this, you won’t have to grow old and still have to do dishes.” This made her smile.”

Today, Brian continues to maintain an air of humility through his remission.

“[I am] humbled most definitely. And again, reminded that many others have it far worse. Usually if I meet someone and learn they are going through cancer, I don’t mention mine. It allows me to be present for them in their fight.”