Update 2: A SECOND open heart surgery! Betsy had fluid around her heart. After several echocardiograms to monitor the situation and trying to resolve it through Lasix, Betsy went into went to the Cath lab expecting an outpatient procedure to drain the fluid. During the procedure the fluid was much harder to get to than expected and her Aorta was nicked causing an emergency situation. The Lord watched over Betsy and provided in so many ways. She was immediately moved to the OR. She had to have another open heart surgery, with breaking her ribs and going into the heart to drain more than a LITER of fluid from around the heart! After serveral days in the hospital to monitor her, she has been discharged and will be staying with a friend. The Lord has been with Betsy through the entire time and giving her steadfastness and mercy. However, she is tired and frustrated to be back at square one. This has brought many new finacial needs. Another surgical procedure in a new fiscal year, more doctor appointments, and more time out of work that expected. The best way to support Betsy is to give any amount, large or small, to ease the financial need.

UPDATE: Betsy’s post-op journey has seen successes and set-backs and presented new needs! Betsy’s surgery went very well!! Her surgery was successful and after only 5 days she was discharged from the hospital! She has worked hard to follow doctor orders to rest and to begin to build back up her stamina through walking! On Sat Dec 20, Betsy's friend drove her to the hospital in Holly Springs at 4:00am because she was not feeling well and she was then transferred to UNC via ambulance because her heart rate was very low. The hospital determined that her body was holding a lot of extra fluid, especially around her heart. The hospital determined that her body was holding a lot of extra fluid, especially around her heart. She was admitted to the hospital for tests. They have adjusted her medications and had to do several echos to monitor the fluid. If the medication changes reduce the fluid she can continue to recover at home. If there is no positive change with the fluid she will have to be admitted to the hospital again for several days (over Christmas) for more invasive procedures. This has been a scary turn of events, and of course, not the recovery path Betsy was envisioning or hoping for. But, God has walked alongside her every step of the way and we know He will not stop now. NEW NEEDS: This new round of medical interventions have added unexpected financial needs. Along with the original medical costs, there will now be costs of an ambulance ride, hospital stay (possibly multiple), new medications, doctor visits, several echocardiograms, etc. If you find yourself able to give in a financial way it would truly be a blessing for Betsy in this time of need. Prayers: Please be praying for this new medication to work well, wisdom for the doctors, minimal medical procedures to be required, Betsy to be able to continue her recovery at home especially over Christmas, and peace and steadfastness for Betsy.

Calling all friends and family of one of my lifelong friends, Betsy Westbrook! Some of you may know and some of you may not, but Betsy has always dealt with a congenital heart defect of having a bicuspid aortic valve. Although she has been monitoring this closely for years, she found out recently that she will have to undergo open heart surgery to replace her valve on Dec. 4. Although the defect has been monitored for years, the news of this surgery is very sudden and hard news to hear. Betsy is facing the upcoming surgery and recovery with bravery and faith. The Lord is blessing her day by day with peace and encouragement for each day as she moves towards surgery day. But, facing this surgery and recovery is no small feat for her-- physically, emotionally, or financially. First, she covets your prayers and encouraging words in each season of preparation, procedure, and recovery! Also, she is facing costs of the medical procedures, necessary medical equipment, medications, and lost wages during recovery. Any contribution to support her in this time, whether large or small, would greatly help easy the physical, emotional, and financial burden.

We are confident that the Lord has been preparing Betsy for this trial for years and He will provide and see her through every step of it!