A Discussion with Hayden McDonald

Hayden McDonald is a Montgomery native who has spent her life being active and helping others improve their health by doing the same, working as an exercise physiologist with the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Baptist Medical Center South for years while also teaching group exercise classes and serving as a personal trainer at various fitness centers and country clubs for two decades.  A routine mammogram caught an aggressive cancer, but the love Hayden has received from friends and family is proving tougher than the tumor, especially the sweet support delivered daily by her husband Brandt and her three boys, Chase, age 14, Caden, age 11 and Miller, age 4.

When were you diagnosed with cancer and with what type?  I turned 40 years old, so I scheduled my mammogram.  I’m very thankful I didn’t wait!  A 3D mammogram in February 2020 showed a suspicious area, and ultrasound confirmed a tumor.  I had a biopsy, and then a couple weeks later, had surgery to remove the Stage 1 (small) Grade 3 (aggressive) tumor that was hormone positive and HER negative.  Since my cancer was aggressive, and I was only 40 years old (which meant a great chance of reoccurrence because of my age and since I plan on living a long life!), it was decided that I would benefit from both chemotherapy and radiation, so that was my treatment.

What was your first thought when you beard the diagnosis? I was very surprised! There is no history in my family of breast cancer, and 40 is very young for breast cancer, especially such an aggressive one with no family history.

What treatments have you undergone and/or are you going through? I have endured four rounds of chemotherapy that were spaced three weeks apart. The main side effects were fatigue, menopause symptoms and hair loss. I then began radiation in August.And I will take hormone blocking pills for at least five years.

Through the treatment process, what have you wanted and needed most from your friends and family? Lots of prayer! The Trinity Presbyterian 4th grade and 7th grade boy moms surprised me with u drive by prayer chain in front of our house the evening prior to my first round of chemo. Knowing that my husband and children are well taken care of was and is top priority. Amazing friends have brought us dinner several days a week for 15 weeks!

What forms of help and support really stood out? The drive by prayer chain, Friends and family dropping off flowers and gifts for me at my front door, encouraging cards in the mail, paintings, prayer boxes, meals, cookies for the children, inspiring/motivational clothes, beautiful masks and scarves, and scripture-based jewelry given to me during my journey. Also, my husband, my three boys and my parents have all been so helpful and extremely supportive this entire journey. My husband and parents drove me to all my doctor appointments and shuffled children around town all hours of the day.  My first round of chemotherapy really knocked me for a loop, and on day three following treatment I really was feeling sick and extremely fatigued. My boys surprised me by all wearing Breast Cancer Awareness shirts reading “For Mom” that Brandt had purchased for them. The following week, when my hair started falling out, my teenager lead the group and once again, they shocked me by quickly changing into those T-shirts and loving and hugging on me. We had a quick, impromptu photo session between Zoom calls with their teachers and classmates.

I believe the most powerful thing I have done during this journey is to create a playlist on my phone that I titled ‘Praising God Thru the Trials.’ I listen to this playlist throughout the day whether I’m in the car, on a walk or doing housework.  These songs serve as a reminder and help me stay focused on the fact that He is in control and He has a purpose and a plan for my journey and pain.

What did you do for yourself that most helped you cope? I have been a Christian and have had a strong faith since I was a child. It’s in times of trial when our faith is tested, and we can either turn towards the Lord or turn away.  I have struggled with fatigue greatly due to the chemotherapy, but on days where I am feeling stronger, I enjoy going on a short walk around the block as well as participating in Pure Barre and Pilates classes at home. Sometimes, my boys even join me for these light workouts!

What advice would you give others on how to approach and help their loved one who is going through cancer treatment? Be very attentive and supportive. Enduring cancer treatment is taxing both mentally and physically and cancer patients are in constant need of love and support. It’s never a bother when l receive a text or a phone call from a family member or friend checking on me and asking how they can pray for me and/or help me out on a particular day or week.