Elizabeth Welsh Fund

Elizabeth has what the doctors believe to be a rare type of appendix cancer. She will be traveling to Pittsburgh on February 24th. The doctor in Pittsburgh wants to do a core biopsy on the omentum on the 25th, consultation regarding his findings and the procedure on the 26th, and the surgery is planned for February 27th.  The first surgery will last 10-12 hours, and we are asking the morning of February 27, 2015, that everyone say a special prayer for Elizabeth, her surgeons, and her nurses. If the biopsy of her appendix indicates it is a low grade tumor, she will have the surgery on the 27th. In this case, she will have her appendix removed, the right side of her large intestine removed and reconnected, the peritenial lining removed, and the omentum removed. The surgeon will then fill her abdominal cavity with liquid chemo which has been heated to 104 degrees and leave the chemo wash for 90 minutes...a cooling pad is used to keep her body temperature normal.  The wash is then removed, and she will get all the tubes which follow such extensive surgery. After this, she will remain in ICU for a couple of days to a week on a vent, so her body and lungs can rest.  Elizabeth will be in a room for 2 to 3 weeks after ICU.  She will be in Pittsburgh for at least three weeks and traveling back and forth to Pittsburgh  for chemo after her original surgery. If her tumor is not low grade, she will have to have three weeks of intense chemo before the surgery, and then the surgery is much more extensive. Her spirits are good, and her faith is strong, so she fully plans to be traveling back and forth for chemo. Benjamin is her primary concern, so please say special prayers for him that God will give him the strength to get through all this. He does LOVE his mom. Elizabeth does have insurance, but insurance will not cover all of the necessary expenses.  Along with prayers, any financial help you can contribute, large or small, will be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much, and God bless you!! The rest of the family (my family, Andrew and Janet, and Mom and Dad) will be driving to Pittsburgh to be there for her surgery. We only ask you to pray for a safe trip for us. Mom will remain with Elizabeth in Pittsburgh for the duration and will keep everyone updated. Richard and Benjamin will be with her at least for the first week. Thank you for all the prayers and the outpouring of love she has already felt from so many.

In His love,
Katie Welsh Brown