Thank you for taking the time to read our mom's journey. In October of 2018, Sandy was diagnosed with Stage 3 Primary Peritoneal Ovarian Cancer. This diagnosis came as a shock to everyone.

She was placed into the care of Dr. Bell at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. She underwent an 8 hour surgery to remove a 7 pound tumor, full hysterectomy and sigmoid colon, resulting in a colostomy. Following this surgery, she started her first round of chemo. This was a rough one. Taxol/Carbo caused debilitating neuropathy amongst other medical invasions. She KICKED ASS during this period and rang the bell!!

She remained in a remission period for 3.5 years.

In June of 2022, she felt a lump in her abdomen. We reached out to Dr. Bell again and it was confirmed to be another tumor. This was devastating. She underwent surgery again to remove the tumor and back on chemo she went. She had a port placed to only be faced with a staph infection. This lead to a long stay in the hospital, port removal and replacement. We were VERY scared. We thought we were going to lose her a couple of times, BUT SHE PULLED THROUGH!!!

She was tired, but remained vigilant.

Chemo this time was different. We fought for a trial she would be able to handle but didn't have any luck. She started on Doxil (The Red Devil) /Avastin and had to stop a few treatments in due to the gapping mouth sores Doxil creates along with many other horrible side effects. She stayed on Avastin for maintenance for a short time, but needed a little more help. Dr. Bell wanted to try out a treatment called Gemzar, so she did. She really fought like hell. She gave it her all, but her little body just could not take it.

A short time after the treatment ceased, she was faced with a bowel obstruction. This lead yet again, to another surgery, where about 3 feet of tumor binded, small bowel was removed and she endured another long hospital stay.

She was able to come home, but hasn't been able to recover.

We got the news that the infusions and treatments were no longer working on May 15th, 2023. She was placed into Hospice care and this is where we are today, May 24th, 2023.

She is in a lot of pain and is fighting nausea every day. Hospice is helping to keep those things in check, but with every illness, it just sucks to see someone you love SO much and who does not deserve to be in this position.

We are heartbroken. 💔 She is loved by everyone around her. Her husband, Doug, her daughters, step-sons, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family, friends and many many others - that are too many to count. Her empathetic approach to any situation drew you in to her soft- hearted nature. We all adore her.

Finances are getting tight. IF you are able, feel free to donate, but do not feel obligated. Medical bills are never easy and a lift up always helps.

We thrive in prayer and good vibes too!! 🙌

Please comment and tell a story!! We would love to read them to her!

If you would like to come and visit, reach out to us and we will set up a good time to come and see her beautiful face. 

Dawn, Amy and I (Lori) will keep this page updated as much as we can, but time is precious and we want it all!! 💙

Thank you for taking the time letting us share our mom's journey with you! If you made it this far, you love her just as we do!!