Shelby's cancer treatments

Hi. Our daughter-in-law, Shelby, was diagnosed with a rare type of very aggressive ovarian cancer. Only about 500 cases world-wide. It is so rare that most doctors have never seen it. She has had surgery in Springfield and infusion chemotherapy in Decatur, during which the cancer continued to grow. It was then that her oncologist from Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois referred her to Dr. Einhorn of IU Simon Cancer Center Hospital in Indianapolis. While there Shelby underwent massive doses of chemo to prepare for a stem-cell transplant, twice. Since then, she has been on chemo pills. Scans in Jan and Feb didn’t show any cancer and her blood markers were down but she knew something wasn’t right because her chest hurt bad enough that pain meds didn’t take it away. The cancer (which has moved to her lungs) just keeps growing. She was set to start immunotherapy today (March 29) in Indianapolis; but had to go to St. Mary’s ER Monday (March 28) because the largest tumor in her lung was pressing on her trachea which made it hard to breath. Shelby was transported by ambulance to IU this morning about 3:00 am. She will start the immunotherapy tonight or tomorrow. 

The insurance has paid for most of the procedures and meds, but they need help with their portion plus the transportation and Keith’s meals while staying with Shelby in Indianapolis. His employer has been great by letting him take the time he needs to be with her. They even paid the insurance premiums while he was not working. He is paying them back.

I know they would never ask their family and friends for financial help, but they really do need it, and will be very grateful for any help they get. No one knows quite how much money they will need, but any left over after all the bills are in and paid will be donated to Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois or to IU Simon Cancer Center Hospital.