Story Published:
Oct 10, 2011 at 12:45 PM MDT
Story Updated:
Oct 20, 2011 at 2:41 PM MDT
BILLINGS - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and KULR-8 is bringing you stories of women who are rising to the challenge of beating the terrible disease.
Brenda Chinadle did everything she was supposed to do.
"When I was 40, I started to go in for my mammograms," said Chinadle.
Bad news came fast, however.
"Even with the very first one, they saw a spot on my left breast."
Eventually, the single mother of two decided to have surgery, where she faced an even bigger surprise.
"Surgeon decided to do an MRI before the surgery, like the day before surgery, and they found another spot that was actually a very aggressive, growing, invasive cancer," said Chinadle.
The original spot doctors found on Chinadle turned out to be nothing, and Chinadle said her diagnosis came with the news that she has the HER2/neu (Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2) protein in her system, which further enhances the aggressiveness of her cancer. Chinadle's daughter, Courtney, said it was shocking news.
"It was really sad. I didn't really know what to expect. I kind of expected the worst, just because, from stories you hear and everything."
Chinadle had a double mastectomy during the summer of 2011, and began chemotherapy. She said everyday is a fight, not only for her, but for her two girls as well.
"I get tired right after treatment, for four or five days or whatever. I've only gotten sick once, and I think it's just a matter of learning how to manage yourself."
With the prospect of hair loss, Chinadle took matters into her own hands, and cut off all her hair before chemo takes it away from her. Chinadle is wearing a wig currently, but you won't even be able to tell.
"It's a good one," said Chinadle, laughing as she attests to the good quality of the wig, "I got it at the Billings Clinic. They actually have a boutique there for cancer patients, and the wigs are free."
Chinadle is scheduled for six rounds of chemo, and she is about to go for a third round. Her friends are rallying around her for moral support.
"Trying to bring some normalcy in her days, to still be silly and funny, and to try to do normal things that we would previously do, just to make it seem like life hasn't stopped or halted," said family friend Misty Ross.
Chinadle said she is no longer concerned with statistics, and that she is trying to live life to its fullest, one day at a time. She does, however, have some words of wisdom for those who are going down the same road she traveled.
"I just hope that other people will be able to take things as they come, and just know that cancer is something that a lot of people go through, and if you're diagnosed early, and stay up on your preventative diagnostic testing and whatnot, that it's definitely beatable," said Chinadle.
Chinadle has set up a Caringbridge account for updates on her condition. To visit the site, click on Connections. KULR-8 is also looking for more inspiring stories from Breast Cancer survivors, or those being treated for the illness. Click here for Breast Cancer stories and more information.
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