Bobbette McDonald

By MITCH WORD

When first asked to grant an interview about her story, Bobbette McDonald admitted “I don’t do that very much.” Something about being sort of shy and being out of her comfort zone.

But when it comes to talking about her battle with cancer, McDonald shows a true fighting spirit, not only for herself, but for others facing the same battle.

McDonald, who lives in Brownfield with her husband Mike, has faced not one, but two separate battles against the dreaded disease.

She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995. She went through a lumpectomy, then a full mastectomy, all the while enduring overwhelming amounts of chemotherapy. The radiation caused her to lose her hair, made her ill and drained all her energy.

“I’d lie around a lot, and I hated that,” she said. “I’m not the type of person that lies around all day.”

Fortunately, the efforts to get rid of the cancer were successful.

However, in October of 2009, she saw another chapter in her story begin.

“I developed a lump on my collarbone. My daughter, Deadra, is an LVN. She looked at it and said I needed to go to the doctor,” Bobbette said.

At the doctor’s office, Bobbette discovered she had bone cancer. In addition, the cancer had spread to her lungs.

The Warrior

Turn the clock back to 1996. Bobbette, who had been the recipient of many, many prayers from her church group and others, turned her first battle with cancer outward, determined to not only overcome the disease, but to join the fight in getting rid of cancer altogether.

“I had heard about the Relay For Life,” she said. “In 1996 I participated in my first one.”

That day also marked another victory for Bobbette. She had donned a wig after losing her hair. Prior to the Relay that day, she took off her wig and went out in public with a new attitude.

And she’s glad she did.

“I’m glad I got involved with the Relay For Life,” she said. “You get to meet so many good people here in Brownfield. I think the American Cancer Society (the Relay For Life beneficiary) is a good organization that helps patients.”

In fact, Bobbette was scheduled to take part in the annual Relay For Life rally in Brownfield this weekend.

In addition, she began to work with the Susan G. Komen Foundation Race for the Cure, another fundraising effort. She also goes out and talks to women who have had recent mastectomies.

“I really love helping people,” she said. “It makes me feel good to get out and raise money for research for cancer treatments. Even in the last 15 years there have been many improvements, so I’ve seen how it can help.

“Before this, I never did get out in public or work for the community. Now I’ve met a lot of people and did things I have never done before. I thoroughly enjoy it.”

Bobbette’s story isn’t over yet, however. Two weeks ago, a CT scan revealed the cancer still remains.

“They say it will probably never go away, but they’re watching it to make sure they don’t get any larger.”

Bobbette, a dental assistance at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Jim Rudd has continued to work through her entire ordeal.

And she continues to rely on the thoughts and prayers from friends and family, as well as a new ally – Facebook.

“I don’t do Facebook, but my daughter does, and she tells me all the time about all the people on there who are praying for me,” she said. “As far as the cancer goes, I just get on with life, try not to worry about it and try to stay busy.”