Elizabeth Musselwhite Cancer Fight

Betty has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer. Since August 2016, she had been suffering from extreme leg and rib pain that was only getting worse. By February of this year, the pain was so excruciating, she was brought to tears every time she got into the car or got into bed. She was at the point where she couldn’t walk without the aid of crutches, and then a walker. At 47 years old, she realized she was too young to be living in that condition, so she met with her primary physician and an orthopedist. Both doctors prescribed a Lumbar and Thoracic MRI, but her insurance denied it claiming it was medically unnecessary! Both doctors fought hard to get it approved and finally, with a peer to peer interview between her primary physician and the doctor from her insurance, it was approved. The results showed spinal stenosis and disc bulges in the Lumbar MRI, however, in the Thoracic MRI, the results showed lesions throughout and a bone scan is recommended for further evaluation. So, her primary physician asked her if she would mind spending a few days in the hospital at Pocono Medical part of the Lehigh Valley Health Network. Almost a week later, and other tests performed, on Easter Sunday, they moved her to Geisinger Medical in Danville, PA that specializes in cancer findings and treatments. There, the doctors performed a bone scan, a bone biopsy, a bone marrow biopsy and many different blood work tests.

All these tests showed lytic lesions in pelvis and femur, pathological fracture of pelvis due to neoplastic disease, multiple lesions, like swiss cheese, in 90% of her bones with a final diagnosis of light chain multiple myeloma. Back to Pocono Medical at the Dale & Frances Hughes Cancer Center, she would now have to be treated with chemotherapy in both pill form and IV infusions twice a week for eight weeks. This diagnosis is treatable but not curable and will be a lifelong fight.

She also had to see another multiple myeloma specialist in Hackensack, NJ at the John Theurer Cancer Center where the doctor performed another bone marrow biopsy and blood work to confirm the seriousness of this disease and how advanced it has become in her body.

As you can imagine this has been quite a shock for Betty and her husband, Jason. They have had their hands full with medical tests, doctors, and insurance. They don't know what the total cost of treatment will be or how long Betty will be out of work, but we felt we needed to start something to help alleviate any financial stress so they can focus on treatment and healing.

The money donated will be used to pay for medical expenses not covered by insurance and to help with daily living expenses.

Please keep Betty and Jason in your thoughts and prayers and thank you for your support. Your thoughts, prayers and generous donations are sincerely appreciated.

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