A pelvic and abdomen CT scan on April 23 showed a large complex cystic mass (measuring 19 x 14 x 16 cm) concerning for malignant ovarian neoplasm. A chest CT scan the next day, April 24 was clear, which was good news. A biopsy on May 14 showed the cancer was in lymph nodes in the pelvic area. A seven-hour surgery was performed by Dr. Alexis Hokenstad in Billings on June 17. These are some, but not all, of the big words in my report. A total abdominal hysterectomy, tumor debulking, bowel resection, lymph node dissection, omentectomy, right diaphragm stripping. A nine-inch incision. The oncology outpatient report reads Stage IVB High-Grade Ovarian Serous Carcinoma. My surgeon looked me straight in the eyes and said, "I removed every bit of cancer I could feel or see. I expect there is no cancer left in your body and the chemo will make sure of it." I pray God continues to bless the work of her hands. I am certain she saved me. I spent seven days in Intermountain Health in Billings. Probably the most difficult week of my life, but one of the most important weeks of my life.

After twenty-five days of healing, I received my first chemo treatment at the Bismarck Cancer Center on July 12. My six chemo treatments are set up every twenty-one days. I had a second on August 2. A third on August 23. And a fourth on September 13. A fifth is set for October 4 and a sixth set for October 25. The effects will be felt for another twenty-one days, which is November 14. According to the date-to-date calculator, from April 23 to November 14, is six months and 22 days. Lots of dates and numbers here but trying to answer the questions about what I have gone through and how I am feeling.

Now some good news with positive test results. The CT scans were repeated this last week on September 12. It has been 20 weeks and two days since April 23. My oncologist, Dr. Matthew McGee informed me on September 13 that the chest and pelvic CT scans were clear of cancer. I am still letting that sink in.

A second test called a tumor marker, measures protein levels in the blood. The test for ovarian cancer patients is CA 125. More numbers here for you. The normal range is 35 for this test. On April 23, my number was 551. On May 28 the number was 881. On July 12, after the surgery, it was 74. On August 23, it was 43. On September 12 it was 32. This number of 32 is no longer in the high range but in the NORMAL range. I am grateful to see the drop in the number from high of 881 to 32 in normal range. Also still letting that sink in.

I will live the rest of my life praying the cancer has not spread to a new place. I will have scheduled tests and spend days waiting for results of tests. I will have maintenance drugs of different sorts once I have received the six treatments.  I have just started a new immunotherapy drug that I will take for fifteen months which is a maintenance drug.

I get a lot of questions on how I am doing and how I am feeling. What is it like? While you are all having your days revolve around the work week and months on the calendar, my life has been on a twenty-one-day schedule. I get the treatment on a Friday, which is day one. I feel ok for the first few days. Then days four, five and six are sit down days where I am weak and tired. Then I need to stay away from people on days seven to fourteen, this is when my immune system bottoms out. But I still feel pretty good. Days fifteen to twenty-one I feel quite normal while my body fights whatever is happening inside me. I spend my mornings in the garden and outside getting fresh air and sunshine. And I try to have normal days like you all get to have. Only I am just having them at home away from the rest of the world. I can have visitors on some days and some days not. So out of twenty-one days, my good days far outweigh the bad days.

One hard part is not being around people. I am afraid of hugs. I am afraid of people in general when we have to leave the farm and go to the appointments. I wonder who could be carrying something that might make me sick as I walk by them. My family is very aware of staying away from me if anyone in their house has the sniffles or a cough or sore throat. So, visiting has been very limited. I miss the freedom of being able to spend time with my kids and grandkids. Thankfully there is technology to help with some video chats and snaps.

As long as I am feeling sorry for myself let me tell you I also am not very fond of losing my hair. The truth is I hate it. That is the nicest way I can put that. Yes, I know it is just hair and it will grow back but meanwhile I just hate it. And I don't want people to see me. Until you have experienced it, all the words in the world will not convince me to feel otherwise. I am told it should begin growing back around six weeks after my last chemo. So, 2025 should be my year to have hair. Enough of this, let me turn this back to the positive. No more chin hairs!

So, two more treatments to go as I plan out my next few twenty-one days. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel from here. And the good news with the CT scans and the CA 125 test is so uplifting. A giant weight has been lifted.

It is fair to say my faith has been tested. I have clung to words to give me strength and courage in this time in God's waiting room. Do not fear. Trust God in the storm. The battle is not yours. I have never been in such a storm before. I have never before bargained with God. People have been praying for a miracle. Can I believe the words your faith has healed you? I am working on believing and trusting with all my heart.    

The power of your prayers. It means so much to hear someone say, "You are in our prayers." They have been the most important part in my recovery and my journey and my battle. Thank you for all the prayers, the rosaries, the texts, the calls, the visits, the cards, the emails, the gifts, the hugs, the songs, the jokes. Thank you for checking in on how I am doing.

Reed has been my rock and our children, and their spouses continually watch over me. The grandchildren give me nine more reasons to fight. My family, I love them so.

I ask that you please continue to keep me in your prayers. My body needs to continue to fight against all these drugs that are infused into me. I have a way to go yet, but there is newfound hope and gratitude.

All praise and glory to God. The Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit and Mother Mary and my Guardian Angel and Healing Angels are with me, along with all of you. I love you, my people. And thank you, thank you, thank you.