MEET BRENDA

Brenda’s Story

As Montanans say, this is not Brenda’s first rodeo. In fact, this is her third time being diagnosed with cancer. She shares that the initial feelings of surprise, frustration and fear are just as strong now as they were in the beginning. What started as breast cancer in 2016 has now metastasized into bone cancer in 2024. Brenda has gone through several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation; she shares that this time her cancer is treatable but not curable.

“At first I was shocked because I had already gone through this twice,” Brenda shares. “[But] the [Great Falls Clinic] Cancer Center was great! They helped inform me of my medications and treatments; they were super helpful navigating appointments and answering questions. They treat [me] well. It’s uplifting to go see them because they’re so kind, it’s like family Everybody is very personable and makes these experiences a little less scary.”

Brenda has received medications to treat the cancer in her neck and lower back along with radiation. Painful areas of her body will continue to be treated as needed. Regardless of her physical state, Brenda remains positive.

“I think you’ve got to do anything to be positive – to be strong,” Brenda shares. “My lifestyle has slowed down after this experience due to a lack of energy, [but] we recently took a girl's trip to get my mind off everything. I felt myself become more aware of things that we all take for granted, just in everyday life... you don’t realize what you have.”

Brenda’s biggest challenge every day is fear. She tries not to show it, but says it is easy to feel afraid when going through something like this. Luckily, when she gets down, her support system is there to help. Brenda shares her biggest support is her family and friends, but especially her daughter, Kendyl.

“[We] are very close and without her I don’t know where I would be today. Just to have that companionship and a best friend like I do with my daughter, it has made my life amazing. She is my light for sure. My family has always been by my side and will continue to be no matter what I have to face.”

Kendyl shares her feelings, saying that a diagnosis like this is hard on everyone and she doesn’t want to think about what is going to happen eventually. While the diagnosis is grim, Kendyl says her mom hasn’t lost her caring spirit.

“Even going through this hard time, she is more worried about everyone else when everyone else should be worried about her,” Kendyl shares. “I feel like she is the most positive person I know. There should be more people like her.”

To anyone with a recent diagnosis, whatever it may be, Brenda has a message.

“If you stay strong and you’re positive and you just have good vibes about you, I think that will get you through it better and longer,” Brenda shares. “Just enjoy your time. The circumstances aren’t ideal but [you must] make the best of what you have. Enjoy every minute every day; you never know when it will be your last.”