Trish's Breast Cancer Story

Breast Cancer Stories: Trish Bearman’s Breast Cancer Journey

9 Oct 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness, Uncategorized

Getting a yearly mammogram can significantly improve your chances of catching breast cancer early — and surviving it. 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 more than 99%!

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in US women after skin cancer — it accounts for about 1 out of every 3 new cancer diagnoses in women each year. In fact, you probably know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

In the MCHC community, we have Trish Bearman. Trish is an ultrasound tech at MCHC who recently went through treatment for breast cancer. We asked Trish to share her story with you, in the hopes of encouraging more women to get regular mammograms.

Here’s Trish’s story, in her own words.

October 2025: My Yearly Mammogram

My breast cancer journey began when I went in for what I thought was a routine mammogram. When the report came back, I was told that I needed to return for a spot-compression mammogram and an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed a slightly suspicious area, but it wasn’t convincing enough for me to feel comfortable moving forward with a biopsy at that time, even though one was suggested.

Because I am an ultrasound technologist myself, I understood what they were seeing and what the possibilities were. After discussing my options, I decided to take the six-month follow-up approach and have the area monitored.

April 2026: The Diagnosis

In April, I returned for my follow-up mammogram and ultrasound. Unfortunately, the suspicious area was still there, and this time it appeared a little more obvious.

Being an ultrasound technologist myself made the experience surreal. I was used to being the person performing the ultrasound and helping patients through their fears. Now, I was the patient. It was difficult having to sit on the other side of the machine and put my trust in someone else’s skills and judgment. 

Luckily, I was able to get in for an ultrasound-guided breast biopsy the very next day. A couple of days later, I received the results. I had invasive lobular carcinoma. Hearing those words was like getting punched in the gut.

Suddenly, everything changed.

The next step was a breast MRI, followed by an appointment with my general oncologist, Dr. Ibrahim, at CancerCare in Minot. Genetic testing was also recommended to determine whether there was a hereditary component to my cancer.

The breast MRI found another suspicious mass in the same breast, so I needed another biopsy — this time an MRI-guided biopsy.

Waiting for the results of that second biopsy was stressful, but thankfully, the mass was not cancerous at that time. However, I was told that it was a type of abnormality that would eventually develop into a completely different type of breast cancer.

Biopsy markers were placed during both the ultrasound-guided and MRI-guided biopsies so that the areas could be identified later. The next step was meeting with a surgeon.

Luckily, I have a close friend who is a nurse practitioner, and she told me something I didn’t know: North Dakota has a surgeon who specializes specifically in breast surgery. Nothing against the general surgeons at Trinity, but knowing there was an actual breast surgeon — someone who specializes in this particular type of cancer and surgery — made me want to seek out that level of expertise.

An appointment was made with Dr. Diane Ellis at the Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo. My nurse navigator at Sanford then called and told me that they wanted me to have another breast MRI, this time performed at their facility. After that, I met with Dr. Ellis. 

The next decision was surgery. My options were a double lumpectomy or a mastectomy. Since my genetic testing came back negative, I ultimately chose to have the double lumpectomy.

The Day Before Surgery

Neither of the tumors could be felt by touch, so the radiologist needed to precisely mark their locations so that my surgeon would know exactly where to operate. They used mammography to guide a tiny magnetic marker, called a seed, directly into the tumor. 

I have to say, this procedure was much more unpleasant than either of my biopsies. I had to sit in a chair while the mammography machine compressed my breast. Lidocaine was administered in the area where the marker was going to be placed, and then the procedure was performed.

Needless to say, it was a lot, and I actually passed out for a few minutes. Thankfully, the staff was absolutely amazing. They took great care of me and made sure I was okay.

The Morning of Surgery

The morning of surgery brought another challenge. My best veins are in my right arm, but because they were operating on my right breast, they couldn’t use those veins. Seven needle sticks later, they finally got the IV into my left arm. At that point, I was more than ready to get this whole thing started!

Before surgery, I also needed a sentinel lymph node biopsy. For this, I went to nuclear medicine and received four subcutaneous injections of a radioactive tracer around my nipple. The tracer travels through the lymphatic system to the first few lymph nodes that drain the breast. It essentially creates a roadmap that allows a special camera to identify the sentinel lymph nodes during surgery. Those nodes can then be removed and tested to determine whether cancer has spread to the lymphatic system. It wasn’t pleasant. But it was another necessary step in figuring out exactly what we were dealing with.

Then came surgery. When I arrived in the operating room, my surgeon was there to help me onto the operating table. That small gesture meant a lot to me. Knowing that the person who was going to perform my surgery was right there with me before everything began was incredibly reassuring.

The surgery lasted approximately an hour and a half. Afterward, I only needed the prescription pain medication for one day — after that, consistent pressure on the incision was recommended for a few days, followed by a follow-up appointment with my surgeon two weeks later.

The pathology from surgery did bring some unexpected news. The mass was larger than originally expected, which moved my diagnosis to Stage 2 breast cancer. My surgeon recommended an Oncotype DX test to help determine how likely the cancer was to return and whether additional treatment would be beneficial.

Because my cancer was hormone-positive, I also needed an endometrial biopsy. Thankfully, that biopsy came back negative.

Next Steps

About a month after surgery, I met again with my general oncologist and also with the radiation oncologist. The focus now was on figuring out everything we could do to reduce the chances of the cancer coming back.

The Oncotype test provided some encouraging information. With hormone medication taken for ten years, my estimated risk of recurrence was about 5%. 

The radiation oncologist then developed my radiation treatment plan. I completed radiation treatments five days a week, for 34 treatments total. It became a routine that I never imagined would be part of my life.

After completing radiation, I met with my general oncologist again to determine the next step in my treatment. The next step was tamoxifen. I started taking tamoxifen daily, with the plan to continue it for ten years. 

And now, I move into the next chapter of this journey.

My plan is to follow up with my general oncologist every two months and have regular blood work done, including monitoring my cholesterol and liver numbers, since those are some of the things that can be affected by tamoxifen.

Looking back at everything that happened — from that first mammogram in October 2025, the biopsies, the MRI, the unexpected second mass, the trips to Fargo, the surgery, radiation, and now ten years of hormone therapy — it is hard to believe how much can change in less than a year. I went from being the person performing ultrasounds to becoming the patient lying on the other side of the machine. I went from wondering whether a suspicious spot was anything to worry about to hearing the words “invasive lobular carcinoma.”

There were moments of fear, moments of frustration, moments when I simply couldn’t believe this was happening to me. But there were also incredible people along the way — friends, family, nurses, doctors, technicians, my nurse navigator, and especially my surgeon — who helped me navigate each step.

I don’t know exactly what the next ten years will look like. But I do know that I made it through the first part.

And now, I’m moving forward.

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

Thank you, Trish, for sharing your story with us! 

Take a page out of Trish’s book, and make sure to get regular mammograms. Since early detection through routine mammograms is so effective at preventing death from one of the most common cancers out there, getting your yearly mammogram is a no-brainer. 

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!

A New Provider Starts At MCMC ER

8 Jul 2026 Events, News

Patients in the emergency room at Mountrail County Medical Center will see a new provider on staff this month. Mollie Stubstad graduated from the University of Mary in April of this year with her Doctor of Nursing Practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Hers is not a new face, though, as she has worked in the emergency department since receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Minot State University in 2015. She also worked at the Trinity Health Community Clinic in New Town.

Having worked in the ER since she graduated from nursing school, she now transitions to the ER coverage with her DNP-FNP. She joins the other staff members that take coverage one to two shifts per week. Coverage comes in 24 hour shifts. ER coverage is something that benefits all of the staff in the facility. Covering the clinic and ER at the same time can be a lot for providers.

Her professional interests include emergency and hospitalist medicine. Since graduation with her first degree, she says she has been passionate about trauma and emergency medicine. That is where her heart has always been and she is happy to be back at MCMC again now having attained her DNP-FNP.

She also said she has always loved rural medicine. She feels grateful to be able to provide that care close to home, especially in emergency services. She is grateful to be able to serve the residents of Stanley and the surrounding communities.

MCMC Administrator Steph Everett says, “Mollie brings considerate and talented Nursing Care into an ER Provider role that will allow her to not only be able to treat ER medical conditions, but with the compassionate Nursing nature. We are very blessed to have her be a part of our ER Team.”

Originally from Mayville, she now resides near New Town with her husband Garrett. They have been married for eight years. She has two daughters. Scarlett is 14 and will be a freshman in Stanley next year. Her father is the late Andrew Raasakka. Molly and Garrett’s daughter Hazel, age 7, will be a first grader this year. Garrett is employed by Estvold Oilfield Services in New Town.

In her free time, she likes to spend time at the lake, traveling and gardening. She also says she spends time following her kids’ sports.

AgCountry FCS Awards MBH $25,000

26 Mar 2026 Mountrail Bethel Home, Partnering for the Future, Uncategorized , , ,

AgCountry Farm Credit Services awarded the Mountrail Bethel Home $25,000 as a recipient of the Rural Community Grant Fund. The grant funds will go towards purchasing patient beds for the nursing home.

Stephanie Everett, Mountrail County Health Foundation Director and MCHC Administrator, accepted the check that will be used towards that purchase.

“AgCountry Farm Credit Services is proud to provide grant funding for new patient beds for the nursing home facility,” said Scott Ruzicka, Relationship Officer with AgCountry Farm Credit Services. With the completion of the new state-of-the-art nursing home, and hospital and assisted living expansion, the facility is integrating Panacea 8000 Bariatric Beds and accompanying equipment in the nursing home, providing caregivers with ergonomically efficient tools that will improve daily care. “These features address unique healthcare challenges, ensuring higher-quality care and greater comfort for every patient,” adds Ruzicka.

The Mountrail Bethel Home serves residents from across the region, including Stanley, New Town, Ross and Minot. Ag Country Farm Credit Services believes it is important to give back to the community.

AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Farm Credit Services of Mandan, and AgriBank, established the Rural Community Grant Fund to assist in the implementation and development of projects and programs in communities and rural areas in western North Dakota which have been impacted by mineral exploration.

The RCGF is currently accepting applications for future funding requests. Interested parties can apply at www.AgCountry.com.

A Time For Remembrance

26 Mar 2026 Mountrail Bethel Home, Partnering for the Future, Uncategorized , , ,

A week after the dedication of the new Mountrail Bethel Home nursing home section, there was another gathering on Wednesday, March 11, at the Mountrail Bethel Home. This time, those gathering were there to say goodbye. This was a time for families to return, remember, and give thanks. It was one last visit to the original nursing home before it is taken down, including a prayer of blessing and an opportunity to visit loved ones’ rooms.

The hallways already show the beginning of the work to take down the north and south wings of the old nursing home. It was quiet in the gathering space, a place that was used by residents for many of their activities throughout the day.

Pastor Erin Tormanen offered his thanks for these spaces that held a special place in the hearts of those attending. This day was a time to remember those who had made the rooms their home and where they lost many of them. He says this is true in nursing homes, where those living there were cared for in the last chapters of their lives.

He asked that the memories continue to be a blessing. As they were taking one last walk through the spaces, he encouraged those attending to remember the faces and let the memories come back as a precious gift from God. He encouraged them to let the memories flood in and fill them with the love and life they shared.

Angels were left on the ledges in the old nursing home with those attending encouraged to take those home with them. They were given a time to wander and see these spaces in whatever manner they chose before leaving.

Crews are beginning the work in the north and south wings as they prepare for the next phases of construction that will lead to the hospital renovations. It will start with the removal of the old nursing home wings to create a new entrance and parking area.

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 final phase of construction will be adding seven new apartments to Rosen Place. The assisted living facility always has an extensive waiting list, showing the need for the new apartments. These will all be single apartments based on the footprint space available.

The entire project cost is estimated at $47 million, with $29 million of that for the new nursing home. The Mountrail County Commissioners committed $25 million over two years for the nursing home portion of the project. Other donors and fundraising efforts have left the entire project with $5 million left to raise. The Foundation continues to accept donations from the public including the ability to donate on their website: www.mountrailcountyhealthfoundation.org/how-you-canhelp.

Dedication Held For New Nursing Home In Stanley

24 Mar 2026 Mountrail Bethel Home, News, Partnering for the Future , , , ,

Wednesday, March 4, was a big day at the Mountrail Bethel Home in Stanley as the new nursing home was opened to the public for the first time with a dedication and open house in the afternoon.

The day began earlier for the residents of Mountrail Bethel Home as they got their first look at what will be their new home in the morning. Residents were able to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included a prayer of dedication with activities director Chuck Repnow.

Following the ribbon cutting, they were able to tour the new facility and find their new rooms. Faces lit up as they were given their tours of all of the new spaces before going back to the older wings of the nursing home for now. Residents were expected to begin moving into their new rooms on Monday, March 9.

The new rooms are larger and more modern. There is a new family room for private events and a new outdoor patio with fire pits and grill. The facility also added a new beauty and nail salon for residents.

The dedication ceremony was one of thanks, opening with Administrator Steph Everett welcoming everyone to this new nursing home which has been decades in the making. She thanked board members who have made this positive decision over the years and construction company McGough for their beautiful work. She said the generosity of donors, including the Mountrail County Commissioners, have made this possible. She also thanked the staff for their “all hands on deck” work to get ready for this day. She looks forward to the amazing resident and patient care that will come from the entire project.

Dr. Mark Longmuir said this is a new chapter in the lives of the residents. It is a celebration of the commitment of all in the community. He thanked family members for trusting the facility to care for their loved ones.

While this is a new journey for all, the new facility is the representation of decades of planning and a shared belief that everyone deserves the very best.

He thanked all those who have put in so much time and effort getting to this point, including McGough and their contractors, CEO Steph Everett for her work put into the planning and details, Jim Clark for the decades of work preparing for this project, and the maintenance staff and housekeeping staff for the work preparing for this day.

To the residents, he said this opens a new chapter of joy, peace and love, ending with “welcome home”.

Board member Heath Hetzel said that projects like this take change. The community will continue to see that change when the north and south wings of the old nursing home begin coming down.

He also pointed to the chapel at Bethel Home, which is amazing. When the north wing comes down, that chapel and its beauty will become a focal point.

He also expressed how excited they are to have a new home for the residents and gave all glory to God for the process.

Current MBH board chairman Ryan Gjellstad gave his thanks to all of the staff and commended them for the work to take care of everything, saying he has all the confidence in the world in the future of the facility.

Former board president Bob Grant said that over twenty years ago, while he was on the board, they discussed what they could do to help the residents but they faced the space struggles. They looked at whether they should remodel, fix or build again, all the while wondering what it would take.

Looking at the way the facility is now a campus with the nursing home, hospital, clinic and assisted living, he commends those who followed after them for following through. He, too, looks forward to seeing the chapel as a front focal point for the facility. He ended by saying that he is proud of all they have done, building for the future and adapting to the changes.

Former board president George Olson remembered the time in the 1950s when the homes in rural communities were filled with older, retired people. They were faced with the challenge of what to do to help them. It was these people who formed the committee and created MBH and he is thankful for that. He said this new facility is a place where people can come and be blessed again. He expressed his gratitude to the community, the generations before us, and those to come.

Pastor Erin Tormanen reflected on the official groundbreaking on July 17, 2024, with the goal of MBH to create an environment that works to satisfy the physical, emotional and spiritual needs for the residents and their families.

While the physical facility is now here, it is more than a building. It takes love, personal and intimate care for those residents. The command to love and take care of our neighbors is woven through God’s creation and scripture. He offered praise to God for all of the efforts to bring forth this facility, making it a glorious reality to serve those precious and beautiful souls that will come in and fill the rooms. He ended with a prayer of dedication for this new facility.

Following the official ceremonies, those attending were treated to an amazing charcuterie spread that filled the nurses’ station. Those attending were also allowed to tour the facility, checking out all of the amazing new spaces and rooms.

Groundbreaking on the new nursing home was held on July 17, 2024. This first phase of construction is the new 36 bed nursing home, including ten basic care rooms. This is the same number of beds as the former nursing home.

With that work now complete, construction will move to the hospital renovations. Those will start with the removal of the old nursing home wings to create a new entrance and parking area. The public is invited to join the facility again as they host a farewell to the original Mountrail Bethel Home on Wednesday, March 11 at 12:00 noon. This will be a time for families to return, remember and give thanks. It will be one last visit to the original nursing home before it is taken down, including a prayer of blessing and opportunity to visit loved ones’ rooms.

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 final phase of construction will be adding seven new apartments to Rosen Place. The assisted living facility currently always has an extensive waiting list, showing the need for the new apartments. These will all be single apartments based on the footprint space available.

The entire project cost is estimated at $47 million, with $29 million of that for the new nursing home. The Mountrail County Commissioners committed $25 million over two years for the nursing home portion of the project. Other donors and fundraising efforts have left the entire project with $5 million left to raise. The Foundation continues to accept donations from the public including the ability to donate on their website: www.mountrailcountyhealthfoundation.org/how-you-canhelp.

Lions Donate To Building Project

16 Jan 2026 News, Partnering for the Future , , ,

Last week, the Stanley Lions Club presented a check for $10,000 to go towards the building project at Mountrail County Medical Center. They are also pledging another $5,000 per year over the next six years.

The funds this year came from the golf cart raffle ticket sales and other fundraisers. Some of the funds have also come from memorials received, including some very generous memorials given in memory of their members who have passed away.

The Lions Club encourages other service organizations to consider donating to this project as well.

As the project continues on the nursing home side for the next few months, plans are to be able to have the residents move into their new home in March. Once the nursing home phase is complete, work will begin on the renovations for the hospital side of the project and then conclude with the addition of more apartments at Rosen Place.

Fundraising continues for the project with MCMC Administrator Steph Everett saying they still have a goal to raise another $3 million dollars.

Pictured above are MCMC Administrator Steph Everett and Stanley Lion Roger Gjellstad in the new family room space in the new nursing home.

Mountrail County Health Center looks to future with 3-year project

23 May 2025 Mountrail Bethel Home, News, Partnering for the Future, Uncategorized , , , , , ,

New nursing home under construction

Jill Schramm/MDN Construction workers with McGough raise wall supports inside what will be a new nursing home at Mountrail County Health Center on Feb. 24.

STANLEY – Mountrail County Health Center in Stanley has launched a three-year, $53 million construction project designed to enhance care for its community and particularly for its long-term care residents.

Currently, the contractor, McGough, has construction underway on a new 46-bed skilled and basic care facility to replace the existing Mountrail Bethel Home, with completion expected in March 2026.

“We’ve talked about this project forever, so I’m excited to have it come to fruition,” said Stephanie Everett, administrator and foundation director for MCHC. “The residents deserve a nice home.”

The 60 year old nursing home building is showing its age, she said. Pipes are crumbling. Bathrooms are too small to accommodate lifts and barely fit wheelchairs.

The new nursing home will have 36 skilled care beds and 10 basic care beds, as does the existing facility. Everett said maintaining the number of beds is important with the continued aging of the Baby Boom generation.

A couple of construction workers with McGough secure exterior covering on the side of a section of a new long-term care facility in Stanley Feb. 24.

Visitors entering the new nursing home will be greeted by the nursing station, located near a large, open area with tall ceilings and large windows.

“We want to have events, but sometimes we have to take it off campus because we just don’t have the space. So, we’ll be able to now have this great space to have our health fairs and all kinds of different events that we want to do,” Everett said.

The new nursing home will offer mostly private rooms, with more spacious rooms and full-sized beds. There will be two double rooms available for skilled or basic care per state requirements.

Green spaces and patios will be located around the facility, with a patio area with a firepit just outside the facility’s family room. A new beauty and nail salon will replace the current salon space.

North Dakota law allows counties to donate to local medical centers for new construction. The Mountrail County Health Foundation approached the Mountrail County Commission with a $25 million request and received $15 million last year and $10 million this year.

A construction crew with McGough works Feb. 24 inside a new long-term care facility that is coming to fruition in Stanley.

“I thank them and credit them for that donation, for allowing this project to happen,” Everett said. “I cannot thank the county enough for their support and having the vision of wanting to support their local nursing home and see it survive.”

The $25 million will pay the bulk of the nursing home construction cost. As of February, the foundation had $14 million yet to raise through donations and grants to fully fund the $53 million project.

Eight local Lutheran churches that have ownership in Mountrail Bethel Home also are looking at ways to support the project. Community financial support is critical to be able to make the improvements, Everett said.

“You don’t make money running a nonprofit, rural nursing home or rural hospital,” she said. “You literally are doing it for your community. You want to bring in the best providers. We’re blessed to have local providers.”

A future phase of the proposed construction includes a new hospital gift shop, extended ambulance bay and extended hospital waiting room.

Equipment and crews with McGough break up ground where work is ongoing on Mountrail County Health Center’s new long-term care facility Feb. 24.

This spring, construction will start on the ambulance garage. That work is set for an October completion. The waiting room in the middle of the hospital will move closer to the ambulance side of the building.

The kitchen will double in size during renovation scheduled to commence in March 2026 and finish in 2027. Additionally, the 11-bed, critical access hospital, built in 2001, will get a new entrance.

Once the new nursing home opens, both the north and south wings of the existing facility will be demolished, allowing expansion of the hospital and creation of a parking lot. A single parking lot ending in a circular driveway in front of the facility will connect the access points to the nursing home, hospital and clinic.

The hospital expansion will include space for MRI equipment and an infusion suite, both of which will be new offerings that will allow for more outpatient services, Everett said. Pharmacy will be getting a new suite, and a suite area will be created for outside specialists who come to provide care.

“We have six specialists that come in now, but we need to designate a space for it because it’s just getting too tight in the clinic,” Everett said.

The expansion construction is scheduled for July 2026-September 2027.

Rosen Place on 8th Assisted Living and a chapel, both built in 2019, will stay, and a new wing will be added to Rosen Place during 2027. As of February, Rosen Place had a waiting list of 31 individuals. The plan is to add seven more units to the current 14.

If all goes as planned, MCHC will have its new look fully completed by December 2027.

The latest projects come after an earlier series of projects that started about 15 years ago with the addition of a CT scanner, expansion of the emergency room and enclosure for the ambulance bay. That was followed by a clinic expansion and construction of Rosen Place, an executive conference room and chapel.

Advance Directives and POAs: How To Ensure Your Healthcare Wishes Are Honored

21 Apr 2025 Uncategorized ,

April 16th was National Healthcare Decisions Day — a day set aside to focus on advance care planning and making sure your healthcare choices are known. 

Advance care planning includes having conversations with your loved ones, as well as taking care of some paperwork, including completing an advance directive and appointing a healthcare power of attorney (POA). These actions help you prepare for future medical decisions should you become seriously ill or be unable to communicate your care preferences.

When you have a carefully considered plan in place, you’re more likely to get the care you want when you need it. So consider this your invitation to learn more about advance directives and POAs to ensure you are prepared.

What Is an Advance Directive?

An advance directive (sometimes known as a living will) is a legal document that specifies your healthcare preferences in the event you become unable to communicate your wishes or make decisions for yourself. This document outlines your medical care instructions in detail, and can be tailored to specific situations. 

For example, your advance directive provisions could include items like:

  • “I do not want to be kept alive by artificial means, such as a ventilator or feeding tube, if I have a terminal illness and there is no reasonable expectation of recovery.” 
  • “I want to receive all necessary medical treatments to prolong my life, unless I am in a persistent vegetative state and have no hope of regaining consciousness.” 
  • “I do not want to be resuscitated if my heart stops or I stop breathing.” 
  • “I want to be resuscitated only if there is a reasonable chance of survival with a good quality of life.” 
  • “I do not want to be intubated or placed on a ventilator.” 
  • “I want to receive pain medication and other comfort measures, even if they shorten my life.”
  • “If possible, I want to donate my organs after my death.” 

These are only examples — the wording and provisions in an advance directive will vary depending on your individual circumstances and the laws of your state.

What Is a Healthcare Power of Attorney?

A healthcare power of attorney (POA), is also known as a “durable power of attorney,” and may have a different name depending on the state you live in. It is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone as your healthcare “proxy.” Your healthcare proxy is someone who can make healthcare decisions for you if you aren’t able to communicate your wishes or make decisions yourself. 

This is another option to ensure your medical treatment preferences are respected, even if you aren’t able to communicate them. A POA can be used either in addition to or instead of an advance directive.

The person you choose as your healthcare proxy should be someone you trust who is familiar with your personal values and wishes. They will be able to make decisions for your medical care, including:

  • Consenting to or refusing medical treatments 
  • Choosing healthcare providers and facilities 
  • Authorizing pain relief 
  • Accessing your medical records 
  • Authorizing life-sustaining care, such as a feeding tube or ventilator 

Note that a healthcare POA is different and separate from a standard POA. Where a standard POA is generally focused on financial and legal matters, a healthcare POA is focused on medical decisions. These documents are separated because medical decisions are highly personal and require a specific legal framework that differs from that for a standard POA. 

Additional Considerations for Advance Directives and POAs

Without an advance directive or POA, the state laws where you live will determine who can make medical decisions on your behalf (typically a spouse, parents, or adult children).

It’s important to note that advance directives and POAs are not only for the elderly or those who are already ill. A medical crisis can happen at any age and leave you unable to communicate your healthcare wishes. It’s important to make a plan now to ensure you get the medical care you want when you need it, and that someone you trust will be there to make decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself.

A few other things to keep in mind when completing your advance directive and/or POA:

  • You must be mentally competent to complete these documents.
  • Consult with a healthcare professional and/or an attorney to ensure your advance directive and healthcare POA are legally valid and will result in your desired outcomes. 
  • Discuss your wishes with the person you choose as your healthcare proxy for your POA to ensure they understand your medical care preferences.
  • Store both documents in a safe, but easily accessible, location. 
  • Distribute copies of your advance directive to your healthcare providers, family members, and close friends.
  • Make sure your healthcare providers, attorney, and your chosen healthcare proxy have copies of your POA.
  • Review your advanced directive and healthcare POA once per year and/or when a major life event occurs, such as retirement, moving to a different state, or significant changes to your health.

Questions regarding these documents? Reach out to your doctor or attorney to discuss any medical or legal questions you have.

This National Healthcare Decisions Day, the team at MCHC encourages you to fill out your advance directive and/or create a healthcare POA to ensure your healthcare wishes are honored.

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.

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