Community rallying to help Hill battle breast cancer
For Lisa Busby Hill it started just like any other day, get up, get dressed, get ready for for work. Then she found the lump.
Now, nearly two months later, the Columbia Falls native has just completed her first round of chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer.
“At first I just thought it was a random lump. I thought it was probably nothing. I was thinking to myself, a lot of women go in with this and it is usually benign. My initial thought was that I was glad they were doing the tests, but it was going to be nothing,” Hill said. “The doctor set me down and made sure I understood the gravity of the situation. She said she had seen a lot of this and she was very concerned. She did a great job making sure I understood what was going on. It was a very emotional time for me.”
According to her doctors, the cancer is between stages two and three, having already spread to her lymph nodes, but should still respond well to the chemotherapy treatments, which she gets every other Thursday.
“It’s amazing how all of the doctors are working together. It’s truly amazing and I really feel like I am in good hands,” she said.
Hill, who now lives in Kalispell and works at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in the kid care department, says the first round of chemo was not too bad and that she plans to continue working as much as she can.
“It’s not bad. I was tired for the first couple of days afterwards. The bed had been my best friend. If I am not feeling well, I like to try to go to sleep and just forget about things for a little while, but so far it is not too bad,” she said. “I have never called in sick to work in more than nine years, so if I have to, they know it has to be pretty bad.”
As Hill’s battle begins, she has been grateful for the help and support of her family, friends and community. To date, local businesses have already hosted two fundraisers to benefit Hill, including one at the En Vogue Salon in Columbia Falls and one at the Country Inn and Suites near the Kalispell Airport.
Her family and friends have also set up a Facebook page, which can be found by searching the site for Lisa Mustache You To Fight For Her. T-shirts supporting her fight against breast cancer have been made available, and her supporters plan to wear them on the days when Hill receives chemo treatments.
“I am super grateful for the support of my family and friends. Everyone has been like a rock to me,” Hill said. “I feel like I am just resting in God’s hands and the prayer from my family and supporters has helped keep me sane during all of this. I am glad people are thinking of me and supporting me. I feel loved.”