Paula Welch's Fight Against Cancer

Story of Paula's Cancer

UPDATE: 2024 Paula & Mike received the results of Paula's latest MRI on January 17th, 2024. It was confirmed that there is a new tumor growing in Paula's brain. It is expanding to the left side of the brain as well. Ironically, right now, Paula is feeling better and stronger than ever. The tumor is chemo resistant, so a new infusion therapy has replaced chemo therapy. Paula has just started receiving a medication called Avastin every two weeks. The aim of this medication is to reduce bloodflow to the tumor and stop or slow its growth. The result would be delaying the inevitable process of left-sided weakness, loss of physical strength, thought confusion, etc. Unfortunately, life expectancy, barring a miracle from God, is likely 6 months; although it could possibly be longer. Mike has quit his job in order to continue to care for Paula full time. They are both living on social security. Despite the devastating news of the new tumor, Paula & Mike know that the Father in Heaven holds them in the palm of his hands and are trusting God for their future---one day at a time. Paula has a really good attitude and spends time on the phone and in person encouraging others. She's going to keep living like God is giving her that miracle! Paula & Mike are so thankful for all of your support. It has meant so very much to them. 

Paula Welch & her husband, Mike, live in a small, rural village between Buffalo & Rochester, NY.

Five days after celebrating their 22nd wedding anniversary, Paula became extremely sick and was taken to their local hospital by ambulance.

April 12th, Paula had symptoms of nausea, recurring episodes of heat & cold in her limbs, and chest pressure. Cardiac issues were ruled out. And she was diagnosed with panic attacks.

For two months Paula continued to be sick; and experienced these so-called panic attacks with continuous nausea. She was prescribed a variety of psychiatric and anti-nausia medications and encouraged by doctors to seek counselling.

It wasn't until June 27 Paula was taken to the emergency room again because she couldn't walk, was experiencing weakness on her left side, & exhibiting mental confusion. The emergency room staff did a head CT scan and discovered a large mass in her brain.

Paula was transferred to Rochester General Hospital, where she was diagnosed with stage 4 Glioblastoma cancer. She had a large tumor on the right side of her brain the size of a small fist. Paula underwent right brain surgery a week later at UR Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY.

The surgery was a success: 100% of the tumor was removed by Dr. Kevin Walter, when previously it had been thought only 80-90% could be removed.

Paula could not walk, and perform other physical tasks after surgery, so she began the process of physical & occupational therapy. Also, she has some remaining mental deficits like short term memory loss and perception issues.

Because the upstairs of their house is off limits to Paula due to her infirmities, Mike has converted their first floor living room into a bedroom. A hospital bed, wheel chair & walker were aquired for Paula's use. And a local contractor friend was hired to install a walk-in shower on the first floor.

Mike, her husband, has taken FMLA leave to take care of Paula full time at home. He has been living off his remaing personal/vacation time from work. NYS Family Leave Act should pay for 64% of his pay for 3 months. Though he hasn't received a check yet. Mike will most likely have to give up his job to continue taking care of his beloved wife.

Paula & Mike were told, despite the good surgical outcome, the average life expectancy for this type of cancer is one to two years because of reoccurring cancerous tumors. So after a period of recovery, Paula began daily chemo & radiation therapies. Many months of chemo therapy, lab work, & MRI testing lie ahead with the possiblility of more experimental treatments.

Many people have rallied around the Welch's during this time, including family, friends, and their church, Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church--with food, encouragement, cash, and much love--for whom they are so grateful.

Nevertheless, financial costs are mounting. Paying for the shower, hospital equipment, copays, medications, and long term living expenses, has the Welch's in need. Despite this, they are firm in their faith in Jesus Christ. They were shocked by this diagnosis, and have done their share of crying, but they also know they will get through this with God's mercy and grace.

Thank you all for considering giving to this cause. We appreciate you.