Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913
Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913
After being told she would likely lose her hair due to chemotherapy as a result of a breast cancer, Gwendolyne Honrud went through a few different hairstyles, including a mullet, mohawk and then bald as a way to take control of the situation.
Gwendolyne Honrud (pictured top row, second in) was one of many breast cancer patients and survivors that were recognized during Pink Night at the NILE Rodeo on Oct. 11.
Gwendolyne Honrud undergoes chemotherapy at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow Jan. 30. She sports a Darren McCarty game-worn jersey from his time with the Calgary Flames. McCarty is Gwen's all-time favorite Detroit Red Wings player and the jersey was lent to her by one of her dearest friends, Bart "Bubba" Buckel, of Baton Rouge, LA. He also sent a cameo video from McCarty wishing Gwen the best on her battle with cancer. "A little Mac game worn action and a Mac video message are just what Dr. Bubba prescribed to boost the spirits while traditional methods deal with the material stuff," he told her.
October has been the month of bringing awareness and support for those living with Breast Cancer, including celebrating the survivors of the disease. The American Cancer Society states that breast cancer affects one in eight women in their lifetime and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Montana. With that statistic, everyone residing in Valley County either knows of someone who is currently battling the disease or is a survivor of the disease.
Glasgow Courier Sports Reporter Gwendolyne "Gwen" Honrud has now transitioned from being a patient to a survivor in her breast cancer journey, after being first diagnosed with stage three Nov. 13, 2023. She was one of many patients and survivors recognized during Intermountain Health's Pink Night at the NILE Rodeo on Oct. 11, MetraPark, an event dedicated to raising awareness for breast cancer. "St. Vincent's has been so good to me throughout this entire process," Honrud said. "Attending the Pink Night is my way of giving back and showing that breast cancer doesn't have to be as terrifying as we might imagine it to be. Plus I have never been to the NILE!"
She had faced her diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer with a unique blend of resilience, positivity and humor. Her journey is a testament to the power of finding joy and hope in healing, even in difficult moments.
Her initial diagonals was challenging because she was previously diagnosed with PASH (Pseudoangiomatous Stromal Hyperplasia), a breast condition that can mimic breast cancer, including benign growths. She experienced growing lumps and intermittent pain but after her pain and symptoms increased, she contacted her primary care provider.
"I wasn't too concerned initially, but then I started getting stabbing pains all throughout my right breast," Honrud explained.
Due to the progression of her symptoms, Honrud was referred to specialists at the St. Vincent Breast Center in Billings. Because of the severity of her symptoms the care team expedited her through a series of tests and a biopsy revealing a large tumor that was found to be breast cancer.
"It was an absolute whirlwind, but everyone there was great and getting me taken care of right away," she recalled of her experience.
Because her breast cancer was aggressive in nature, the comprehensive treatment would include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Honrud's sense of humor and positive attitude became a crucial part of her coping strategy. When she found out she would likely lose her hair due to chemotherapy, she decided to try on a few unique, new hairdos.
"Dr. Christensen told me I was definitely going to lose my hair, so I said 'That's fine, I'm going to get a mullet, and then a mohawk,'" Honrud shared with a laugh. "He was a little taken aback but said, 'That's good. Take control.'"
She also found creative ways to stay positive during treatments. As a passionate hockey fan, she named her chemotherapy drugs after her favorite Detroit Red Wings players, known for their aggressive style of play, symbolizing the drug's role in attacking the cancer.
"When I would get pains, I would just think, 'Kronwall's beating the crap out of the cancer,'" said Honrud.
Her community also rallied around her. A friend sent her a game-worn hockey jersey to wear during chemotherapy sessions, providing her with a symbol of support and strength. "I wore that jersey to chemotherapy a few times just to keep my spirits up," Honrud said. "It was really awesome."
Throughout her journey, she was supported by a dedicated care team. The staff at the Intermountain Health St. Vincent Cancer Center of Montana ensured Gwen received the care she needed and worked to reduce barriers for her. They established a process for telemedicine appointments, reducing travel to Billings and allowing her to receive her chemo treatments in Glasgow at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital (FMDH). Additionally, Honrud was able to stay at the Meadowlark House, a house provided by the St. Vincent Foundation for patients needing to travel to Billings, for her radiation treatments which provided a convenient and calming place for healing.
After several months of chemotherapy, Honrud underwent a bilateral mastectomy. Due to the aggressive nature of her cancer, reconstruction was not immediately possible. After coming to terms of not having the possibility of reconstruction, she found a silver lining. Honrud has a family history of breast cancer and had previously considered a preventative mastectomy.
"I'm shocked that having a bilateral mastectomy and not having any breasts has been incredibly freeing," Honrud admitted. "I hadn't realized how much the idea of breast cancer had weighed on me all those years."
Today, Honrud continues her recovery with a positive outlook. She remains on medication to prevent recurrence and regularly monitors her health with her providers. "Going in with a positive attitude was crucial," Honrud emphasized. "I told my doctor that the treatment was here to kick cancer's ass, not mine. That mindset helped me get through it."
Her story is a powerful reminder that while cancer can take a toll on the body, it doesn't have to take the same toll on your spirit. Her journey serves as an inspiration to other women who are facing treatment.
As she continues to follow-up with health care providers and medications, this resilience continues. She recently requested a copy of the images of her tumor, in order to hang up alongside her hunting trophies. "I was diagnosed during hunting season and it turned out that my tumor is what I was calling 'trophy sized,' off the charts. With hunting in mind and with my season being cut short, I determined that beating cancer was going to be the kill of my life," expressed Honrud.
According to Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital, early detection is crucial in the fight against breast cancer. When cancer is detected early, it is generally easier to treat and less likely to have spread to other parts of the body. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year relative survival rate for women with stage 0 or stage 1 breast cancer is nearly 100 percent. Regular screenings can help detect cancer at these early stages, underscoring the power of such preventive measures.
Screening guidelines may vary depending on individual risk factors and professional medical organizations. Generally, the American Cancer Society recommends that women with an average risk of breast cancer begin yearly mammograms by age 45 and can transition to every two years starting at age 55. Women with a higher risk, such as those with a family history of breast cancer or certain genetic mutations, should discuss their screening options with a healthcare provider. They may need to start screening earlier and more frequently and may also require additional tests like the breast MRI.
FMDH has screening services available for all ages as well as dedicated professionals who take a holistic approach to your healthcare, looking at risk factors and genetic history to determine the best time for screening for cancer. Call the clinic at 406-228-3500 to schedule an appointment.
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