IMAGINE: You have a bad headache at work- But continue your day because you are that dedicated. The next morning you wake up with a headache that is worse, but you still go to work- because you are that dedicated. But mid morning you realize that you really need to just go home. You actually end up in Urgent Care because you just can't take it anymore.
This is what happened to Betsy and this is HER Story.
At the End of June, Betsy went to the doctor because she had a headache so bad, she was in tears. They ran test after test. Then sent her to have an MRI at Methodist Hospital. Doctors confirmed she had 2 Masses on her brain. Not knowing what they were dealing with...they performed a PetScan.
More masses were found on her Bones, Lungs and Spine. Still not knowing what they were dealing with, they performed a bone biopsy.
During this time- she started having double vision. They did another MRI. Another mass was found at the base of her scull- more than likely the culprit for the double vision.
Even though the doctors really did not know what they were dealing with... but knew they needed to do something- Betsy started getting Radiation. For 3 weeks- she went in 4 times a week.
The Bone Biopsy came back being Metastatic Stage 4 Breast Cancer. Betsy's reaction was: "how in the hell can it be Breast Cancer...I don't have Breast Cancer- I just had an exam."
SO- After much more poking, pushing on prodding - a small mass was found- Only because they knew what they were looking for.
Knowing she would be having Chemo, a Port was put into her chest for easier access to her main blood line.
The first type did not sit so well with Betsy. She had a major allergic reaction to it.
On August 18th, 2016 Betsy was given what would be her 1st round of aggressive Chemo. She was told that it would cause her hair to fall out- And it did. (Because I am telling her Story, I get to tell you that she looks so beautiful and she has the most perfect scalp!!)
The Chemo would continue 3 more times every 3 weeks. Sept 1st, Sept 22nd and Oct 13th.
Betsy spent most of her time in bed in August, September and October.
During the course of the Radiation and Chemo- she had MRIs and PetScans. Very good news came back. All of the masses had shrunk in size, some of them in half. One of them on her brain was completely gone.
For 5 months- Betsy was not able to work. Headaches, Double Vision, Weak, Nausea and just over all sick.
Betsy’s 3 kids, Samantha, Jacob and Taylor do not fall to far from the apple tree when it comes to courage. They have been beside their mom way before she got sick. They are wonderful and so very supportive.
Unfortunately- we are not sure where all of this will take her. She is taking one day at a time...that is all we can ask of her. BUT one thing I do know- and everyone should know, she is one of the strongest woman I know.
She is Loving, Beautiful and Kind.
OK- SO...Although she has medical insurance- as you can all understand, there are still medical bills. All those hidden costs. All those medications. Continued ongoing care. I am asking for donations for Our Friend, Betsy Wohlwend (if you do not know her- she will be your friend- she loves everyone and will go out of her way to Help anyone.
Thank you for being her friend.
Sincerely,
Kelly Schiefelbein