For Julie Sowles, life revolves around family. 

After nearly three decades in Waconia, Julie and her husband built a life centered on their four daughters and a growing number of grandchildren. Eight grandchildren currently fill their days with sporting events, phone calls, laughter, and family gatherings, with two more expected in early 2027. 

"I'm a very present grandma," Julie said. "I see them all the time and talk to most of them every day. It fills my time and keeps me occupied. I love it." 

Those relationships became even more meaningful when Julie received life-changing news in August 2024 that would lead her to a care team she describes with deep gratitude and trust. 

An Unexpected Diagnosis 

Julie began experiencing significant abdominal pain. "I thought I had a kidney infection," she recalls. 

Her doctor quickly ruled out an issue with her kidneys and scheduled an ultrasound, which revealed uterine thickening. A biopsy was ordered and shortly after Julie learned she had Stage IV endometrial cancer. It was a surprise as she did not have any of the symptoms typically associated with endometrial cancer such as bleeding. 

Her family immediately rallied around her. One of her daughters recommended gynecologic oncologist Dr. Adrianne Mallen at Minnesota Oncology. Within days, Julie had an appointment. 

"Getting in so quickly was wonderful," Julie says. "From the very beginning, the experience with Dr. Mallen has been wonderful." For Julie, that quick access to specialized care helped bring reassurance during an overwhelming and uncertain time. 

Care that Adapted with Her Needs 

Initially, Dr. Mallen planned to perform surgery shortly after diagnosis. But once the procedure began, it became clear the cancer was too extensive to remove safely. 

"They found there was too much cancer," Julie said.  

Dr. Mallen quickly adjusted the plan, carefully guiding Julie through the next step. Julie would receive chemotherapy and radiation first to shrink the cancer before surgery, an approach that reflected both the complexity of her diagnosis and the team’s focus on the safest, most effective path forward. 

After months of treatment, Julie underwent a major surgery in February 2025 and spent five days recovering in the hospital. After her surgery, her results were encouraging. A blood marker used to monitor her cancer levels dropped dramatically, from approximately 1,100 at diagnosis to just 12 after treatment and surgery. 

She then continued a new regimen of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, supported by a care team that monitored her closely and helped her move through treatment with confidence. Remarkably, she tolerated treatment exceptionally well. 

"I just breezed through everything," Julie says. "Even surgery. I had no sickness and no major side effects." 

Julie credits her support system for helping her through this journey. "My family is so supportive, and that's a big part of it. My grandkids give me so much joy." 

A Setback, Continued Care and New Hope 

In December 2025, scans revealed that the cancer had returned. 

The recurrence appeared in two locations, requiring a collaborative surgical approach involving Dr. Mallen and thoracic surgeon Dr. Louis Jacques. Together, they successfully removed the visible disease. 

She recovered quickly and was able to take a trip of a lifetime to Milan with family to attend 2026 Winter Olympic Games, continuing to embrace life despite the uncertainty that cancer brings. 

When she returned, Dr. Mallen presented another option: a clinical trial. For Julie, it was another example of how her care team continued looking ahead, searching for options that could offer hope when standard approaches had become more limited. 

"There had been good results," Julie says. "She thought it would be a good opportunity." 

Julie began participating in the trial that included a regimen of infusions and oral medications. However, after receiving mixed results, she and Dr. Mallen decided to stop this trial.  

Julie was not discouraged. Dr. Mallen researched additional trials and presented Julie with two new clinical trial opportunities as the next step in her care, reinforcing the importance of ongoing research and access to innovative treatment options close to home. 

Why Clinical Trials Matter 

For Julie, clinical trials represent both personal possibility and a way to help move cancer care forward for others. She speaks passionately about their importance. 

"Just do it," she says when asked what she would tell other patients considering a clinical trial. "This is how they find cures. Clinical trials are so valuable." 

She appreciates that participation can give patients access to promising new therapies while also contributing to research that may help future patients and families facing the same diagnosis. 

"These trials are great because they might work for you, but they also help researchers find better treatments and someday maybe a cure." 

Julie never hesitates when discussing why she trusts Dr. Mallen to guide those decisions. 

"I feel like Dr. Mallen is up on all the different studies that are out there and all the options she has for me," Julie says. "I'm really grateful to her." 

As much as Julie values Dr. Mallen's medical expertise, it's the personal connection that stands out most. "She really cares," Julie says.  

Throughout every appointment, Julie says Dr. Mallen takes time to answer questions, explain research options and make sure she feels heard. "You never feel rushed," she says. "Dr. Mallen takes all the time you need and never makes you feel like she has to get on to someone else. Dr. Mallen is like family." 

Looking Ahead with Hope 

This fall, Julie plans to take a cruise with her sisters while she regains strength and takes a well-earned break before beginning a new clinical trial. 

Despite everything she has endured since her diagnosis, she remains remarkably optimistic. And perhaps that's because Julie continues to focus on what matters most: the grandchildren she cheers for from the sidelines, the family members she talks with every day, and the future moments still waiting to be made. 

With family by her side, innovative clinical trials opening new possibilities, and a physician and clinical team she deeply trusts, Julie continues doing what she loves most: showing up for the people she loves and making every moment count.