State Sen. Catelin Drey says she has no signs of cancer

DES MOINES — State Sen. Catelin Drey said this week she has no signs of cancer following surgery.

The Sioux City Democrat revealed late last month she had been diagnosed with stage 1 uterine cancer. She was hospitalized on Jan. 27 for a hysterectomy.

“From the beginning, I promised transparency with regards to my illness and recovery, and today I am elated to share that after a successful surgery and period of recovery, follow-up tests show no further signs of cancer,” Drey said in a statement released by House Democrats on Tuesday.

“I want to express my deep gratitude to my doctors and nurses for their exceptional care, to my colleagues in the Senate for their accommodations and patience, and to the people of (Senate District) 1 for bearing with me during this temporary setback."

Drey said she has been back in the Senate chamber for several weeks and "am proud to continue serving the people of northwest Iowa to the absolute best of my abilities."

Drey, 38, learned of her diagnosis five days before the legislative session started Jan. 12, after having a cervical biopsy done in December. Her diagnosis comes after her predecessor, former Republican state Sen. Rocky De Witt of Sioux City, died in June at age 66 from pancreatic cancer.