Our Services

"I Believe" Survivor Stories

Molly Leinen

Molly LeinenI am a survivor of pancreatic cancer. I was diagnosed in 1999 and underwent three surgeries to remove cancerous tumors from my pancreas. I also received chemotherapy here at Clinic Services and radiation therapy at Dakota Clinic in Fargo.

When undergoing radiation therapy, I had to make that trip five days a week for seven weeks. I was lucky enough to have friends and family to drive me to my appointments. In fact, many of them were my co-workers at Lake Region Healthcare, for which I am so grateful. But the trips got to be exhausting. I was sick to my stomach all the time, and the last thing I wanted to do was get in that car one more time. I just wanted to say “let’s not and say we did." But I also knew that if I skipped even one or two appointments, I would have to start all over and would only prolong the healing process. I became severely dehydrated and needed IV hydration on a regular basis. I truly feel that if I had been able to get all of my care from one set of clinicians in one place, I wouldn’t have had as many complications. The staff in Fergus Falls are so thorough and kind, and I got to know them so well, that I know they would be better able to watch for the little things that might become big things.

I can’t tell you what a difference it would have made to receive all of my treatments closer to home. When you’re feeling sick, you want to be in your own bed. When you need a ride, you hate to inconvenience your friends and family. When you have a good relationship with your oncologist and nurses, you don’t want to get half of your treatments from someone else. The ability to receive all of the care you need in your hometown isn’t a matter of convenience. It’s a matter of dignity, quality of care and quality of life.

My last surgery was in 2000. Every year I visit my radiation oncologist to do testing and review lab results to make sure my cancer hasn't returned. I am thankful every day for my health, and that now I can help make the healing process so much better for others like me. Please help us make this cancer center a reality. It will definitely improve things for your co-workers, family, friends or neighbors who may someday need it.

If you believe like Molly does, we invite you to go to the Cancer Care and Research Center donation page and offer your support today.

Back to top