A Lifestyle Change

We received devastating news today: the stenosis in my duodenum is almost completely blocked and no food is passing through. As a result, I will need to have a feeding tube placed for nutrition and a drain for the stomach. This is not a death sentence, but a lifestyle change which will take some getting used to. This is God's way of relaxing my grip on earth and its tastes and pleasures and giving me a relish for the greater tastes and glories of heaven. Please pray for us as we go through this time of changes for my family and me.

Pray for Stent Placement

Bryan remains in the hospital. This afternoon he will have another scope to see if there is a possibility of placing the stent. If the stenosis has closed too much, that will not be possible and the doctors have suggested placement of a feeding tube below the closing. Our prayer is for placement of the stent. Although, this means an adjusted diet of no foods with skins or peels. This would indicate no bean burritos with pico de gallo (very difficult for my blond Latino, tomato lover), but solid food without skin would be better than liquids only! As always, we only desire the will of God, knowing He knows what is best for Bryan.

Today's Endoscopy Results

The results of the endoscopy are in.... There is a partial blockage somewhere, we haven't been informed yet, that has trapped food in the stomach. An NG tube has been inserted to completely empty the stomach. We will continue to update as soon as we have new information. Please continue to pray.


Jonathan

Morning Report

Bryan just phoned. I was at the hospital last night, or this morning, until 12:15 waiting for the doctor. Bryan said it was good I went home to get some sleep because the doctor didn't arrive until 3:15 at which time Bryan had an EKG and blood drawn. He will have the scope later today after receiving 2 units of blood. (For those of you who participated in the Pilgrim Bible blood drive enough time has elapsed for you to give again!)

Thank you for your continual prayers, calls, notes, gifts, meals....you all are a blessing to us and our family!

Here We Go Again

One good thing about having past experiences is that one can learn from them and be prepared for the future. The previous hospitalizations for GI bleeding had eventful beginnings--basically, Bryan passing out. Yesterday, however, we got to the hospital before it got that bad. Today, he will have another scope to determine if it is the same area which is bleeding or something new. Our hope and prayer is the same due to tumor shrinkage!

Recently, I have been following Jessica Hulcy's (author of the KONOS homeschool curriculum) caring bridge site http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jessicahulcy/journal. She was in a car accident on May 18th with major injuries. Her husband, Wade, posts regulary and I have been praying for her and him as they journey through their trial of suffering. Yesterday morning, I read Wade's post about ministering to other people in the hospital and shot up a prayer: Lord, if we were to ever go back to the hospital, please give me opportunites to minister to others. Boy, God answered that one quick! Please pray for God to allow me to "comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." (II Corinthians 1:4) He is merciful and the God of all comfort. His mercies are new every morning!

Update

Dad will be admitted tonight and a scope is scheduled for tomorrow morning to see what is going on. In the hospital, he was experiencing blood pressure issues like he has had with the prior GI bleeds. He just caught things early this time. On a funny note, Dad is still on his 48 hour chemo pump and the hospital staff asked my mom to take it off for them! They asked Mom what supplies she will need, because they won't let her bring the supplies from home!

Thank you for your continued prayers!

Sarah, for the Pollocks

Another ER Trip

Sarah here....Dad took another trip to the ER a couple hours ago and is still in the waiting area. He was experiencing symptoms of a possible GI bleed. I will update the blog when I know more. Thanks for praying!

Sarah, for the Pollocks