iPad Notes Lost After Latest Update

My MIL, in her infinite wisdom, was not backing up her Notes on her iPad to iCloud, she was not sure when her last backup was either, and did the update and Notes are gone. I would not be overly concerned with most things, but this is where she kept all her stories and funny things my kids have been doing for the past 5+ years. I know this has been a global problem but all solutions I have found include Notes having been on iCloud. I know there are some data recovery products out for $50-$100 so I guess what I am asking is if anyone has used one and been successful or has a better solution for me at this point?