Three Miles City Women Living Through Breast Cancer Treatment with Support of Family, Friends and Caregivers at Intermountain Health
A breast cancer diagnosis may stop a woman in her tracks, but life still goes on. Three Miles City, Mont. women, undergoing treatment for breast cancer at the Intermountain Health Holy Rosary Cancer Center, share how they have navigated the ups and downs of treatment while still finding moments of joy and comfort in everyday life.
For Kathie Ballance, a positive outward focus has been important after being diagnosed in March. Her focus has been three things: “For me it’s God, it’s family, and however I can be of service to others around me.”
Throughout her treatment, she has helped care for her grandkids, giving her purpose. That spirit of service also means showing appreciation and being supportive of her caregivers, and all who have helped her. “I want to be grateful and helpful to the staff,” she shared. They are here to make me better. Whatever I need to do to help them to make me better is my priority. Also, I am grateful for my many clients and friends who have help by praying for me, cooking for me, and with financial needs.”
“It’s been hard for me to slow down and not be able to do all the things I want to do,” said Jennifer Goff, who was diagnosed in May and has just finished nearly six months of chemotherapy treatment. While she wanted to shield her six children, ranging from age 9 to 19, from the challenges and fears she was facing, they became an incredible source of comfort.
“They took care of me, and they showed up in all the ways,” she shared. “They wrote me cards on my treatment days, gave me extra snuggles and keep me in a good mood.” Her advice to women facing treatment: ask and accept help from friends and family.
“People want to help,” she said. “Your friends and family matter and it has been the biggest blessing to have them all around.”
For Tracey Peterson, a busy, working mom with four kids, she highlights the importance of taking time to pause for selfcare.
“It’s important to take time for yourself,” she said. “As busy women, you sometimes forget about yourself.” This new perspective has allowed her to lean on friends and family, approaching her cancer care one day at a time.
“I have had a wonderful support group of family and friends,” she said. “I wouldn't have gotten through it without them. They have held me up through the process.”
These women also shared their gratitude for being able to have most of their care close to home at Holy Rosary. Holy Rosary opened its new comprehensive cancer center in September 2024, expanding access to cancer care for patients in eastern Montana. The center added radiation oncology services to Holy Rosary's existing services. The $17 million project was supported by a $6 million grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.
"Having these services available at Holy Rosary has made a tremendous difference for our patients. Being able to receive treatment close to home reduces the burden of travel and allows patients to remain near their families and support systems," said Katie Donnelly, director of oncology care at Holy Rosary. "We are grateful to help ease some of the challenges patients face during an already difficult time."
All three women will begin radiation therapy in the coming months, making access to treatment close to home in Miles City invaluable. Radiation therapy treatments are generally daily for several weeks. Before the new center opened, patients might have had to spend weeks away from home for this treatment.
“It was a huge relief that you can do it all here,” said Ballance. “I have heard the struggles that people have, finding reliable transportation for care out of town. I thank God and his children for bringing such needed care to our area.”
“I am so thankful that I don’t have to travel,” shared Goff. “It is wonderful to have the center here and have cancer care close to home.”
For Peterson, convenient care is essential as she balances busy family activities, work, and supporting her family’s ranch.
“We have been trying to keep life as normal as it can be,” she said. “The ease has been really nice. It’s something I can still do on my own.”
"A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and the journey through treatment brings emotional, physical, and financial challenges," said oncology nurse navigator, Jenille Brugger. "By reducing some of the burdens of care, it allows our patients to focus on what matters most: their health, their families, and their quality of life."
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, Goff has an important message for all women: screening saves lives.
“I was 41 years old and had never had a mammogram,” she shared. “Make the appointment and get checked. And if something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. You know your body better than anyone. Encourage your mom, sister, daughter, friend, or coworker to do the same.”
For more information or to schedule a mammogram, women can call 406-233-2673 or visit: hrh-mt.org/mammography