Helmsley Charitable Trust Grants $238,556.00 to Help Mountrail County Medical Center Purchase State-of-the-Art Ultrasound Equipment

7 Mar 2025 News, Rural Healthcare , , ,

Stanley, ND — The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has granted $238,556.00 to Mountrail County Medical Center to purchase a Mindray TE X ultrasound system for the ER and a GE Logiq E10s for the Radiology Department as part of a $27.4 million ultrasound initiative in North Dakota.

The initiative includes more than $21.8 million to help 69 North Dakota hospitals and health centers purchase ultrasound imaging devices and nearly $5.7 million to boost sonography and point of care ultrasound (POCUS) training opportunities across the state.

“The Helmsley Foundation has provided the ability for our radiology department to bring more advanced ultrasound services to Mountrail County and our neighboring communities”, explains Brenna Williams, Radiology Manager for MCMC.  “Our new machine will provide higher quality echocardiograms and more detailed imaging in pre-natal and breast exams along with general, vascular, and pediatric ultrasonography.  The generosity of the Helmsley Foundation will play a key role in achieving superior diagnostic imaging and setting the standard for exceptional rural health care.  Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures inside the body. This safe, cost-effective tool supports other clinical information to help providers make timely diagnoses and provide appropriate treatment.”

Walter Panzirer, a Trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust, said the grants will help improve access to top-notch medical treatment for North Dakotans, whether they live in Fargo, Bismarck, or Grand Forks, or a smaller rural community such as Bottineau, Rugby, or Hettinger.

“These grants will help ensure that hospitals and health centers across North Dakota have the latest in state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment and training,” Panzirer said. “Facilities need to stay current with rapidly advancing technology so they can continue to provide the very best healthcare close to home.” 

The majority (134) of the devices purchased through the grants are POCUS machines, which are used by providers at the bed or tableside for immediate assessment of a patient to quickly determine a course of action. The grants will also provide 57 general ultrasound systems and 24 cardiovascular ultrasound systems, which aid in imaging of the heart.

“The Helmsley grant has allowed us the ability to update our point of care ultrasound system to provide further advanced technology to the Mountrail County Medical Center bedside,” states Brittany Haugtvedt, MCMC’s ER DON.  “The new ultrasound system offers a full suite of innovative features and AI powered Smart Tools to help expedite clinical decision making.  We are very grateful to the Helmsley Foundation for allowing us to have the best-in-class imaging to help provide a higher standard of care in the rural health care setting.”

The initiative also includes nearly $1.9 million to North Dakota State University and nearly $3.8 million to High Quality Medical Education (HQMEDED) to expand sonographer expertise and provide comprehensive POCUS training to doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. Additionally, more than $64,000 will go to individual facilities to boost sonographer training.

The Helmsley Charitable Trust has committed a total of $72 million to fund ultrasound equipment and training initiatives for rural communities and underserved populations in Nevada, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wyoming.

(Additional information including photos and b-roll video can be downloaded from https://helmsleytrust.box.com/s/prhpsbah1ldnd5cun4lcyehhw5474zo9)

About the Helmsley Charitable Trust

The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting exceptional efforts in the U.S. and around the world in health and select place-based initiatives. Since beginning active grantmaking in 2008, Helmsley has committed more than $4.5 billion for a wide range of charitable purposes. Helmsley’s Rural Healthcare Program funds innovative projects that use information technologies to connect rural patients to emergency medical care, bring the latest medical therapies to patients in remote areas, and provide state-of-the-art training for rural hospitals and EMS personnel. To date, this program has awarded more than $750 million to organizations and initiatives in the states of Hawaii, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and two U.S. Pacific territories, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. For more information, visit www.helmsleytrust.org.

January Is Cervical Health Awareness Month: Have You Scheduled Your Screening?

30 Jan 2025 Cervical Health Awareness, Health Awareness, Uncategorized , ,

Each January, we recognize Cervical Health Awareness Month to help raise awareness around cervical cancer. January may be coming to a close, but there’s never a bad time to talk about cancer prevention!

The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 13,360 new cervical cancer diagnoses in 2025, along with 4,320 deaths. But thankfully, cervical cancer is preventable and highly treatable if caught early via regular screenings.

In this blog, we’ll explore what you should know about cervical cancer, how to prevent it, and what to expect when you schedule a screening.

What You Need To Know About Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. HPV is extremely common and can be spread through skin-to-skin contact. 

Most of the time, HPV infections are cleared by the immune system without causing symptoms. But in some cases, an HPV infection can lead to cervical cancer, which can take anywhere from 5-20 years to develop.

In its early stages, cervical cancer often presents no symptoms. However, if you experience the following, it’s important to consult with your doctor right away, as they could be symptoms of cancer in your cervix: 

  • Irregular bleeding between periods, after menopause, or after sexual intercourse
  • Increased or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  • Persistent pain in your back, legs, or pelvis
  • Weight loss, fatigue, and loss of appetite
  • Vaginal discomfort
  • Swelling of legs

With early diagnosis and effective management, cervical cancer is a highly treatable form of cancer. But successful treatment relies on early detection.

Cervical Cancer Prevention 

Cervical cancer is a highly preventable and treatable form of cancer, so regular screenings are important. 

There are two common types of screening tests: the HPV test and the Pap test or “Pap smear.” The first tests for the HPV virus itself, and the second tests for precancerous cells on the cervix that might become cancer if they aren’t treated.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends women start getting Pap tests every three years beginning at age 21. From 30 to 65 years of age, they recommend: the Pap test alone every three years; a high-risk HPV test alone every five years; or “co-testing” for both every five years. Testing isn’t recommended for most women over 65.

What To Expect in Your Cervical Cancer Screening

Both of these screening tests are available through your doctor’s office or clinic. Talk with your primary care physician about what your testing schedule should be.

When you go in for your Pap test or HPV test, your doctor or gynecologist will use an instrument called a speculum to examine your vagina and cervix. During this examination, they will collect a few cells and mucus from the cervix and the surrounding area.

These cells will then be sent to the lab for testing. For a Pap test, the cells will be examined for abnormalities. For an HPV test, the cells will be tested for HPV. It may take several days or even a few weeks to receive your test results. 

If your test results are normal, that means there is very little chance you will develop cervical cancer in the next few years, and your doctor will most likely recommend regular screenings every three to five years. 

If your test shows abnormal cells, your doctor will contact you with next steps. Keep in mind that even if your test results are not normal, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer—there are many reasons test results could show abnormalities. It’s important to follow up with your doctor right away to discuss your results and determine what, if any, treatment is necessary.


If it’s been a while since you had a Pap test, consider this Cervical Health Awareness Month your reminder to schedule one! Contact the clinic at 701-628-2505 today to schedule your next visit.

ALC Donates To Health Foundation

7 Dec 2024 Mountrail Bethel Home, News, Partnering for the Future , , ,

The new nursing home phase of construction at the Mountrail County Health Center received a generous donation of $500,000 from the American Lutheran Church in Stanley last week.

Roger Gjellstad, vice-president of the church council, said that the church has been blessed with oil revenue and they felt this was a great local, Christian project, that they wanted to support. The congregation voted to make the donation last year.

Gjellstad said that they are very excited to have this facility in the community. The community is also very blessed to have MCHC looking to the future of taking care of residents for years to come.

Work on the new nursing home phase of construction remains right on schedule with crews planning to take Christmas week off. Anderson Steel has been hard at work getting the steel set. Outer walls should start going up on December 16 with roofing beginning in the first full week of January. After that, it will be full speed ahead with work on the interior of the building.

The first phase of the construction is the new 36 bed nursing home, including ten basic care rooms, the same number of beds as the current nursing home. This Nursing Home phase is expected to take roughly two years and once completed will come up to where the current north wing is located.

On the hospital side, renovations will start with a new entrance near the existing sunroom at Mountrail Bethel Home (MBH). There will be a gift shop and a new waiting room. Construction down the current south wing of the nursing home will include adding an out-patient infusion suite, pharmacy suite and an MRI suite.

Purchasing will be moving from the basement to the upper level. The downstairs area will be renovated to accommodate a new specialty clinic that will allow the facility to bring in more specialists. It will also include a minor procedure room.

The ambulance bay by the emergency room will be extended to accommodate the larger sizes of the newer ambulances.

They will also be adding seven new apartments to Rosen Place. The assisted living facility currently has a waiting list of 31, showing the need for the new apartments. These will all be single apartments based on the footprint space available. These apartments will be located along the rest of the current south wing of the nursing home. The Rosen Place addition is the final part of construction.

Fundraising for the entire project continues. To date, the Mountrail County Health Foundation has $36 million of the estimated $47 million cost of the project.

“To say the Foundation is grateful for this amazing donation from the American Lutheran Church is an understatement. We celebrated National Rural Health Day two weeks ago. With 61 million people calling a rural community their home, rural medical facilities are the lifeline of America’s underserved, emphasizing the term “The POWER of Rural”. For if the Mountrail County Health Center was not in existence,  that would mean 36 Nursing Home residents, with 18 new admissions over the past year, 15 Rosen Place residents and 4 Basic Care residents would not have a home.  That would mean 345 Outpatients, 23 Swingbeds patients, 9,791 Clinic patients, 6,210 lab visits, 3,641 Radiology visits, 4,445 Physical Therapy patients and 3,005 ER Visits would have to find other facilities outside of Mountrail County to go to. That also would mean 141 employees would have to find another facility to work at.

The Mountrail County Medical Center and the Mountrail Bethel Home Boards approved, over the last year, to move forward with a  $47 million dollar building project, including a new nursing Home.  The County has generously pledged towards the new nursing home. To ensure the future services of the nursing home to take care of the elderly in rural communities, the Mountrail County Health Foundation has set an aggressive goal of fundraising the remaining $11 million dollars. The community has always rallied around the Health Center on its previous projects. And now it’s time to focus on the Nursing Home and allow our residents a higher quality of life.”

To donate to the Partnering For the Future Campaign, please contact Steph Everett at 701-628-8603. For donation options, you can also visit the Health Foundation’s website at www.mountrailcountyhealthfoundation.org.

National Rural Health Day 2024: MCHC Staff on the Power of Rural Healthcare

22 Nov 2024 Events, Rural Healthcare, Uncategorized , , , ,

Created in 2011 by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH), National Rural Health Day is an annual celebration of rural healthcare providers and other organizations dedicated to addressing the unique healthcare needs of rural communities. 

With dozens of webinars and other events highlighting various aspects of rural healthcare, National Rural Health Day helps healthcare providers, community partners, and individuals celebrate the healthcare wins and address the struggles of their communities.

This year’s National Rural Health Day was on Thursday, November 21st. To celebrate at MCHC, we asked some of our long-term staff what they think is the power of rural healthcare. Here’s what they had to say.

An Interview With MCHC Staff: The Power of Rural Healthcare

Jim Clark—Director of Plant & Maintenance, 37 Years of Experience

What do you love about working in rural healthcare?

I love working in rural healthcare because I love providing for a community that I have been part of for most of my life. 

What would you say to a college graduate about why they should consider working in rural instead of urban healthcare?

I would ask them if they like living in a small community and getting to know the people they work with. There is more of a personal touch in the small communities. 

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing rural healthcare today?

The biggest challenge facing rural healthcare is staffing shortages, as well as finding quality employees. 

What traits does someone need to have to work in rural healthcare?

You have to be willing to step up and be able to work in many different departments and wear many different hats.

Pat Aho—Dietary Services, 34 Years of Service

What do you love about working in rural healthcare?

It gives me the chance to help people when they are in the most vulnerable time of their life. 

What would you say to a college graduate about why they should consider working in rural instead of urban healthcare?

You have a chance to get to know the people you work with versus in urban healthcare you see so many people, you don’t get the same closeness. 

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing rural healthcare today?

I think smaller communities have a harder time keeping up with the benefits they can offer compared to urban areas. Urban areas have more resources and can offer employees more pay and better benefits.

What traits does someone need to have to work in rural healthcare?

I think someone in rural healthcare needs to be compassionate and understanding of people’s wants and needs.

LaDonna Kinnoin—Purchasing/CSR, 35 Years of Experience

What do you love about working in rural healthcare?

I love taking care of people and being able to provide what they need so they do not have to travel so far to get the care they need. 

What would you say to a college graduate about why they should consider working in rural instead of urban healthcare?

I would tell them that it is very rewarding.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing rural healthcare today?

In my job, it’s the cost of supplies. Because we are a smaller facility, we do not get some of the discounts offered when you buy in bulk.

What traits does someone need to have to work in rural healthcare?

Someone working in rural healthcare needs to be friendly, kind, and want to help others.

Janel Borud, RN—Clinic Director, 27 Years of Experience 

What do you love about working in rural healthcare?

I love working in rural healthcare because I get to know our patients more intimately due to our smaller population. I have assisted in caring for the same patients from birth to adulthood and cared for their parents and grandparents. It is a sense of community. 

What would you say to a college graduate about why they should consider working in rural instead of urban healthcare?

There are plenty of loan repayment/forgiveness options when working in a rural area. Also, due to the deficit of healthcare workers in rural areas, facilities work hard to incentivize those open positions. Help in relocating may also be part of the incentive package. Being rural also means specialists are few and far between, giving you the opportunity to see a wider scope of patients and gaining a great deal of experience. 

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing rural healthcare today?

Lack of healthcare workers, increased cost of delivering care, insurance companies not paying enough for the cost of care for patients, and the inability of the patients to pay their share of the high treatment cost. I don’t think this is only an issue within rural healthcare, as healthcare facilities in urban areas are seeing this as well.

What traits does someone need to have to work in rural healthcare?

They need to enjoy a slower pace of life, be adaptable and versatile, enjoy community, and have a team player mentality.

Taina Karow, RN — 39 years of experience

What do you love about working in rural healthcare?

I love rural healthcare because it is extremely rewarding to me to do what I love in such a wonderful community of people who I have come to know and love, with genuine concern for their wellbeing. 

What would you say to a college graduate about why they should consider working in rural instead of urban healthcare?

It is the heartfelt care I want to give our patients, always knowing that I am caring for someone’s loved one as I would my own. This comes easily because of the interpersonal relationships that develop in a rural community. 

I am also thankful and honored to work in a rural hospital, as a team player who cares about others and works together for the common good of our patients. Each day we have an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. That is the beauty of community and rural health. For the small things I do, it comes back to me tenfold. 

Please join us in thanking the entire MCHC team for their dedicated work throughout the year to ensure our community has the quality healthcare they need to thrive. Together, we’ll continue to build a healthy community for many years to come.

Looking for a career in rural healthcare? MCHC is hiring! Check out our careers page for open positions.

Bravera Bank Donates To Mountrail Bethel Home Project

7 Nov 2024 Events, Mountrail Bethel Home, News, Partnering for the Future , , , ,

We’re thrilled to share that Bravera Bank has made a five-year, $100,000 pledge towards the new nursing home portion of our building project!

Bravera Bank: A Longtime Supporter of MCHC and the Surrounding Community

Stanley branch Market President Heath Hetzel says that Bravera focuses on giving back and supporting their communities. The hospital and nursing home are a huge part of not just Stanley, but all surrounding communities. 

When Bravera sees a need across their footprint, they want to support and be a part of meeting that need. Youth and healthcare make up a large part of where they want to allocate their giving, as hospitals and schools are two of the largest employers within communities. 

Our own Steph Everett, Administrator of Mountrail Bethel Home and CEO of MCMC shared:

“Bravera Bank has been a longtime supporter of the building projects at the Mountrail County Health Center over the years. We are thankful for their ongoing leadership and support in improving our community, and are so grateful for their generosity and what a blessing they are to the new Nursing Home project.” 

MCHC Building Project Timeline

The first phase of construction for the MCHC project is our new 36-bed nursing home (including ten basic care rooms), the same number of beds as the current nursing home. This Nursing Home phase is expected to take roughly two years and, once completed, will come up to where the current north wing is located.

On the hospital side, renovations will start with a new entrance near the existing sunroom at Mountrail Bethel Home (MBH). There will be a gift shop and a new waiting room. Construction down the current south wing of the nursing home will include adding an out-patient infusion suite, a pharmacy suite, and an MRI suite.

In addition, purchasing will be moving from the basement to the upper level. The downstairs area will be renovated to accommodate a new specialty clinic that will allow us to bring in more specialists and include a minor procedure room. The ambulance bay by the emergency room will be extended to accommodate the larger sizes of newer ambulances.

As the final part of construction, we will also be adding seven new single apartments to Rosen Place. The assisted living facility currently has a waiting list of 31, showing the need for the new apartments. These apartments will be located along the rest of the current south wing of the nursing home. 

Thank you, Bravera Bank, for your generous donation! 


If you or someone you know would like to contribute to the construction of these vital healthcare facilities, visit the Mountrail County Health Foundation website.

Groundbreaking Starts MCHC Project

30 Jul 2024 Uncategorized , , , ,

A groundbreaking ceremony was held in the courtyard at Mountrail Bethel Home on Wednesday, July 17 to mark the start of a four-year project on the Mountrail County Health Center’s campus.

The event featured comments from many involved in the project. MCHC CEO/Administrator Steph Everett highlighted the significance of the project as it creates a new home for the Mountrail Bethel Home residents. With 31 on the waiting list at Rosen place, the project will also add more units for the assisted living. Everett expressed gratitude to the Mountrail County Commissioners, saying they could not have started on the project yet without their support in pledging $25 million toward the $29 million cost of the nursing home phase of the project.

Dr. Mark Longmuir spoke about how long this project has been on the list of projects. He said he started as a CNA in 1997 and they were already discussing the need. The projects already completed include a new chapel at MBH, upgrades to the ER and the clinic expansion, but this project will update the remaining facilities. He expressed his gratitude to everyone who has donated to the various projects, saying he is looking forward to the final completion.

Mike Bratton of McGough Construction, the CMAR for the project, spoke about the project. As a Stanley High School graduate, he is excited to be part of this project and to work with the team at MCHC and EAPC, the architects for the project.

Ryan Gjellstad, president of the board, also expressed how it is nice to have not only McGough with their experience in the field, but also someone local as part of this project. He said that Stanley deserves this new, updated facility. The growth will be great for everyone. He expressed his appreciation to the former board members and board chairpersons, doctors, employees and county for all of the time put it to taking this project from planning to today.

Representative Don Longmuir spoke about how this project is a beautiful example of cooperation and a shining example of what can be done when entities work together. He also commended the tenacity of the various boards in never giving up on this goal.

Former board chairman Heath Hetzel said that the courtyard where the event was held was a special place, just outside the new chapel at Bethel Home. When the nursing home wing comes down, the chapel will be a focal point to the newly completed project. He asked that residents bear with them during the construction. He said that it was amazing to see the county partner with them in such a big way and he is excited to see the project begin. Lord willing, he said, the project will be complete in 42 months.

Pastor Erin Tormanen offered the invocation and blessing for the project, pointing towards scripture and the commandment to love the Lord with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself. The facility will be one of those ways as the doors will open and residents will receive the care and assistance they need including the emotional and spiritual care and help. He encouraged everyone to never lose sight of the rare and beautiful treasure of souls that will fill the rooms in the new nursing home.

The residents at Mountrail Bethel Home were given the shovels for the ceremonial groundbreaking. Lunch was served in the Rosen Place parking lot with Bravera Bank on hand to do the cooking.

Construction will get underway this week with the demolition of the former Centennial Court. The first phase of the construction will follow on that site with a new 36 bed nursing home, including ten basic care rooms, the same number of beds as the current nursing home. This Nursing Home phase is expected to take roughly two years and once completed will come up to where the current north wing is located.

On the hospital side, renovations will start with a new entrance near the existing sunroom at Mountrail Bethel Home (MBH). There will be a gift shop and a new waiting room. Construction down the current south wing of the nursing home will include adding an out-patient infusion suite, pharmacy suite and an MRI suite.

Purchasing will be moving from the basement to the upper level. The downstairs area will be renovated to accommodate a new specialty clinic that will allow the facility to bring in more specialists. It will also include a minor procedure room.

The ambulance bay by the emergency room will be extended to accommodate the larger sizes of the newer ambulances.

They will also be adding seven new apartments to Rosen Place. The assisted living facility currently has a waiting list of 31, showing the need for the new apartments. These will all be single apartments based on the footprint space available. These apartments will be located along the rest of the current south wing of the nursing home. The Rosen Place addition is the final part of construction.

The entire project cost is estimated at $47 million, with $29 million of that for the new nursing home. The Mountrail County Commissioners have stepped up and have pledged $25 million over two years for the nursing home portion of the project. A grant for $15 million is guaranteed and an additional $10 million is pending the outcome of the property tax elimination bill.

MCHC has set a goal to fundraise an additional $15 million dollars for this project. Everett says they have additional funding sources set aside for the project. That includes funds available from Mountrail Bethel Home, Mountrail County Medical Center, Rosen Place, Mountrail County Health Foundation, kitchen funds set aside in a donation, and 340B money. They will also continue to look at grant opportunities along with the fundraising campaign. The Foundation continues to accept donations from the public including the ability to donate on their website: www.mountrailcountyhealthfoundation.org/how-you-canhelp.

A Farewell To Centennial Court

19 Jun 2024 News, Uncategorized , , , ,

With work slated to begin on the new MCMC project this summer, a farewell to Centennial Court was held on Wednesday, May 29. The public was invited to the event that included a short program and a time to share memories of Centennial Court.

Pastor Erin Tormanen opened the program by quoting Psalm 71:9, which reads “Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone,” (New International Version). He said that people are often troubled by the past, present, and future, perplexed by the challenges, but that can be alleviated by placing faith in God’s faithfulness and covenants.

As you look across cultures, all too often those can feel cast off. In his five years in Stanley, he said, he has had the opportunity to share both at the chapel at Bethel Home and Centennial Court and is thankful and give praise for this place that does not cast off, but rather provides a place to come and have a rich life. He also pointed out, it was not the building, but rather the residents and staff that provided the legacy. As the work at Centennial Court comes to an end, God is not done but rather following his plan and what replaces Centennial Court will build a new legacy. Indeed, he said, it is time to yield to the changes, glorify what is to come and rejoice in what has been, as he offered a prayer of blessing.

Ardis Loock, who was the director at Centennial Court for 21 years, shared her memories of what a wonderful place this was to work. While she shared that she hates to see it go, she knows that what will come will be just as nice.

MBH Activities Director Chuck Repnow shared his thankfulness for the location and opportunities it has given for the residents over the years, saying that the community has shown its desire to take care of its loved ones here, providing a quality of life and more. He praised the foresight to provide the connection between assisted living, the nursing home, hospital and aquatic center.

MBH Social Worker Kelly Wilhelmi spoke about the use of the building during COVID, to provide a unit with the staff to take care of them allowing them to stay at home. She said they were able to have their own employees provide care during the worst possible times while also allowing families to be able to visit their loved ones, often times through the windows, but also in the comfort of their own community.

Melissa Peterson, who has worked at Centennial Court since its opening, says that the importance of the facility was the people she got to meet, who she says enriched her life even more than she gave them.

Others attending shared memories of the gathering space, which was used for birthdays, family gatherings and more. Those memories will always be there as the facility moves forward with the new construction.

It has been more than a year since the Mountrail County Health Foundation began the Partnering for the Future Campaign to add new services to the hospital, expand residences at Rosen Place and build a brand new, state-of-the-art nursing home facility. The first phase of the construction will be a new 36 bed nursing home, which will start with the demolition of Centennial Court in July. Once that phase is complete work can begin to remove the old nursing home and begin hospital renovations and finally the addition of new apartments to Rosen Place.

Breast Cancer Stories: How Early Detection Helped Janis Thompson Become a Breast Cancer Survivor

28 May 2024 Breast Cancer Awareness, Health Awareness , , , , ,

Early detection through routine mammograms dramatically improves your chances of survival. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early and is localized to the breast, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%!

Janis Thompson found this to be true in her own experience. Diagnosed in 2021, within months Janis received chemotherapy and underwent a mastectomy of her right breast. Today, she is a breast cancer survivor — totally cancer-free!

We recently sat down with Janis to hear her story of diagnosis and treatment, as well as her advice for other women who are diagnosed with breast cancer.

When were you diagnosed, and what was your prognosis at the time?

They found something in my right breast in January or February of 2021, and I started chemo in April of 2021. I had my surgery (a mastectomy to remove my right breast) in July — I remember that because it was right after my granddaughter got married.

Luckily, my cancer was localized. When they did surgery, they didn’t find anything in my lymph nodes or anywhere else, so that was good.

How was your breast cancer detected? 

I have a mammogram every year. I came over here to Stanley to have it done, and they saw something, so they sent me to Bismarck for treatment. Before the diagnosis, I didn’t have any symptoms, and the only history of cancer in my family was prostate cancer in my dad and brother.

How old were you when you started getting regular mammograms? 

I don’t remember exactly, but I was pretty young. 

In 1970, when I was 28, they found something in my left breast. I was three months’ pregnant with my son at the time, and the doctor told me that when I went in for surgery, if they found cancer, they were going to have to take both of my breasts and my baby. So it really scared me.  But, thankfully, everything turned out to be fine. 

After that, I had to go to the doctor a lot because they would find these little cysts that they would take out with a syringe. What they removed was always coffee-colored, so they told me it was nothing to worry about.

Where did you receive your treatments? 

I was in California at the time of my first surgery in 1970. I moved back home to North Dakota in 1972, so my treatments after that were done here. My surgery and chemo treatments were done at Sanford in Bismarck, and I received my other care at MCHC in Stanley. 

What was your experience like there? 

It was wonderful, he was a great doctor (Dr. Bennett at MCHC). This is crazy, but I felt so close to him — he knew everything about my breasts!

When I was diagnosed in 2021, I had chemo first, and I was kind of sick from it. I gained weight because I didn’t feel well and couldn’t do as much as I usually would. 

The type of cancer I had was called spindle cell neoplasm. My oncologist (Thandiwe Gray, M.D.) told me there were five of us who had the same kind of cancer at the same time, and we had the same chemo (which was different from other kinds of chemo). 

My chemo was from April to July of 2021, and my surgery was in July of 2021. By December, I was starting to feel like myself again. I went in for a lung biopsy between my surgery and then, because they thought I had lung cancer (but it turned out to be nothing). When we went in for the diagnosis, I cried because I was so happy! 

Now, I’m following up with yearly mammograms. 

Any advice you’d share with other women going through breast cancer treatment right now?

Have a support system, that’s the main thing. My husband was so good! My daughter and granddaughter did a lot for us too. They came over and did things for us. My granddaughter brought us groceries, and they both came and cleaned the house. At the time I was scared I’d go out and get COVID too, you know, so the only place we went was to the clinic in Bismarck. 

I had company at that time, and they didn’t want to get me sick, because you’re so susceptible to disease. So when people came to visit us, they’d visit in the garage or outside when it was warmer. It was hard. 

Even now, you have to stay away from people for a while after chemo, because of all the stuff you could get. Don’t think you can run around as much as you did before! You have to take care of yourself.

After a while, though, you have to get out and do stuff — don’t let yourself get stuck inside for too long! I was stuck inside for a year or more, scared to go out. I started back volunteering at the nursing home a couple of months ago now. I worked there for years. Now I go on Friday nights and dance with them. 

I’m doing great now. Well, I have other things — I have to have knee surgery in June, and I had my right shoulder done about 5 months ago…all kinds of operations! The scariest one was the breast cancer, though, it really was.

Another thing that helped me get through my treatment was that I read from my Bible and from the Jesus Calling devotional (by Sarah Young) every day — it’s something I always do and have done, but I wouldn’t have been able to get through it all without my Jesus.

Early Detection Could Save Your Life. Schedule Your Mammogram Today!

Thank you, Janis, for sharing your story with us! And congratulations on being cancer-free!

Take a page out of this breast cancer survivor’s book, and make sure to get routine mammograms — even if you don’t have a family history of cancer. Mammograms are quick, easy, and one of the best things you can do to take charge of your health and invest in your future.

Contact us today to set up your yearly mammogram at MCHC!

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month — Here’s What You Need To Know About Screening

21 May 2024 Colorectal Cancer Awareness, Health Awareness , , , , , , , ,

March was Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, but it’s always a good time to schedule your screening!

Since 2000, March has been the time for ​​colon cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates join together to spread awareness of colorectal cancer and the importance of prevention. 

In honor of this year’s Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we sat down with Abbey Ruland, PA-C at Mountrail County Medical Center, to learn her best tips and helpful information about colorectal cancer screenings. While Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month has passed, these things are always important to keep in mind.

Read on to learn some facts about colon cancer, the recommended timeline for screenings, and the different types of screenings available.

Did You Know…? Facts About Colon Cancer

Each year, around 150,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer in the U.S. 

It is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second deadliest type of cancer in the U.S. The average age of diagnosis is 66 years old, but people in their 40s and 50s are increasingly being diagnosed as well. In fact, about 10% of those diagnosed with colorectal cancer are now under age 50. 

The good news is that screenings can detect colorectal cancer — and when detected early, it is a highly treatable form of cancer. While more than 50,000 people will die from colon cancer this year, many more will survive their diagnosis, thanks to regular screenings.

How Often Should You Have a Colorectal Cancer Screening?

Previously, it was recommended that people start to get regular colon cancer screenings once they hit age 50. However, due to the increasing trend of colon cancer in younger people, that recommendation has changed — we now recommend screening starting at age 45. 

If caught in the early (precancerous) stages, colon cancer or colonic polyps can easily be removed during a colonoscopy. This is great news, because that means those polyps cannot continue to grow into colon cancer! In fact, if everyone had their screening done early enough, we could nearly wipe out advanced colon cancer. 

But having a colonoscopy is not exactly everyone’s idea of fun (it would be strange if it was!), so let’s talk about the various screening options available.

What Colon Cancer Screening Options Are Available?

Colonoscopy

The “gold standard” in colon cancer screening is the colonoscopy. This procedure is done at an outside facility: Most of our patients have them done in Minot, Tioga, or Bismarck, but we are happy to arrange your screening where it is most convenient for you.

A colonoscopy usually involves a day of “prep” in which the colon is cleaned out. This involves drinking clear liquids, taking laxatives, and spending a significant amount of time in the bathroom. Then the next day, you go to the facility for the colonoscopy, are sedated, and a surgeon uses a camera to look through the colon to find any abnormalities. (Note that because you are given sedation for the procedure, you will need to have a driver pick you up afterwards.)

The best part of a colonoscopy is that if any polyps are found, they can be removed, and the problem is solved before it even begins! 

If your colonoscopy is totally normal, we recommend having one every 10 years. 

DNA Stool Testing and FIT Tests

For many patients, a colonoscopy is not the only screening option available. There are a number of less invasive screening tools, including DNA stool-based testing (a.k.a., Cologuard) and FIT tests.

To qualify for either of these tests, patients need to be considered “low risk.” This means they need to have no family history of either colon cancer or precancerous polyps. Also, patients who have a history of precancerous polyps on previous colonoscopies do not qualify for stool screening tests.

DNA stool testing consists of a kit you can receive in the mail. You then place a stool sample in the appropriate container and mail it back to the company. The company will test the stool for blood and other DNA markers that can indicate colon cancer or precancerous polyps. 

If your results are negative, we recommend retesting every three years. If your results are positive, that may mean the test found cancer, but more commonly it means it found precancerous polyps that need to be removed. We would then schedule you for a colonoscopy for further evaluation, and if there is a precancerous polyp it will be removed during the procedure.

The FIT test is more basic than the DNA test, as it only checks for blood in the stool. This test needs to be completed yearly and is a little more likely to miss a cancer or precancerous polyp. Again, if the test returns a positive result it would be followed by a colonoscopy for further evaluation.

Neither of these tests require any prep, and both can be done from home, keeping you from missing a day or two of work. 

In addition, we now have standing orders in place for our patients for these tests, which means if you’re a regular patient who is at low risk, you can give us a call, speak to a nurse, and place an order for these tests to be completed…without even coming in for an appointment!

Schedule Your Colorectal Cancer Screening With MCMC Today

At MCMC, our goal is to help each of our patients live their longest, best life. We want to find problems before they begin — which is why colorectal cancer screening is so important. We encourage you to schedule an annual wellness exam to make sure we are keeping you in tip-top shape! Please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment or reach out to the nurses to ask about getting your colorectal cancer screening scheduled today.

New Faces At MCHC

13 Sep 2023 Events, News

New faces are joining the staff at Mountrail County Health Center, including a new director of nursing and a new nurse practitioner. April Warren started as a new DON on the hospital side last month. A familiar face, Carol Hynek, is now a new nurse practitioner at the facility.

April Warren started on August 21 and brings a wide range of experience to the job. With a doctorate in organizational leadership, she has been an FNP since 2008. She has worked in emergency medicine, mental/behavioral health and psychiatry. She also founded a private practice in Minot, which she operated for seven years before closing the practice in 2020 because of covid.

She was the department chair of the nursing program at MSU and worked as a nurse practitioner with inpatient psychiatry at Trinity Health. She also was an advanced practice provider and behavioral health division lead. She says that she has always had two or three jobs at a time until now.

Coming to MCHC, she says she is passionate about nursing and clinical excellence. She has a love for rural health. A colleague had reached out to her about the open position and asked if she would be willing to consider the job. While she was not looking for a change, she says that she visited with MCHC and made the decision. She said that she loved the people and the facility’s commitment to the community in providing the best healthcare.

Looking at her job, she says that healthcare is a challenge right now, including staffing crises everywhere. That is where she says rural healthcare becomes even more important, sharing the commitment to clinical excellence and providing comprehensive quality care to the residents of Stanley and the surrounding areas.

She and her husband, Chad, live between Minot and Burlington. Chad is a federal contractor on the Minot Air Force Base and retired military. They have two daughters, Emily and Alaina. Both daughters attend UND and the couple have been empty nesters as of August 18.

In her free time, she says she loves to fish and go to the lake. She also loves to visit family in the UP of Michigan, where her husband calls home. Her parents live in Bismarck.

Carol Hynek will be working in the clinic and ER as a nurse practitioner, having started on August 23. She says that she will be working on her schedule as she continues her facility training, but will be seeing patients on a part-time basis in the clinic.

Hynek was an RN for 15 years, having only worked at MCHC as an RN. She has worn many hats over the years, including at the hospital and nursing home. She has been the care coordinator at the nursing home. She has assisted Dr. Williams with podiatry surgeries. She also helped with the cardiac rehab and taught the medication assistance course. When the facility implemented electronic health records, she was the clinical lead.

Hynek decided to go back to school and earned her doctorate degree in nursing practice and family nurse practitioner from the University of Mary, graduating in April of 2023. She says that she always wanted to advance her education to this level and also wanted to come back to Stanley to practice as this is home.

She too looks at the struggle of staffing rural healthcare. She says that her goal is to provide quality care to the rural residents in the community and surrounding area. Advancing her education, she says, is the best way she could do that and serve the people of the community.

Growing up in Kerkhoven, MN, she met her husband, Blair, at NDSU. The couple has lived in Stanley for the past fifteen years. They have five children, Jack, Ben, Jacob, Abe and Ella. Her hobbies include gardening, outdoor activities and traveling, especially to the mountains. They also include chasing after her five children and all of their activities.

Hynek says that she is excited about returning to MCHC. She says it is a great environment with great staff and a positive attitude. She is excited to work with the clinical staff throughout the facility. As a new provider, she is learning from the current providers. She says as she continues to grow and become more confident as a provider, she looks forward to providing high quality, evidence based care to our rural population. “We are always looking to improve the care we give at MCMC”, says Steph Everett. CEO. “I am thrilled to have April and Carol join our team. This allows us to become even stronger in our goal of providing well-rounded, truly amazing Healthcare for Mountrail County and beyond.”

1 2 3 … 11

Search

+