Lots of tests at U of M

Hi everyone, There have been so many moves lately that our heads are spinning. I am sure that you are wondering what the heck is going on. After one month of hospitalization in Lansing, we were no closer to finding out why Tom wasn't eating or drinking enough. He used a LOT of energy overcoming many obstacles while there, one after the other which really had nothing to do with his original complaint. All we wanted to do was build up his strength so that we could proceed with chemo and whip this tumors you know what. He was discharged Saturday evening after receiving two units of blood (his hemoglobin was low). We were transported to Hazel Findley in St. Johns to the rehab wing. What a loving place. We were there only about 24 hours however because it was determined by staff, our wonderful GP, Dr. David Pawsatt, and me that he just wasn't ready. Off we went to U of M and were greeted with a positive atmosphere, pro action, and professionalism. Their attitude has been, "We will leave no stone unturned until we find out what is going on." The main issues holding up recovery of strength is not eating and blood in stool. Just yesterday he had a scope of his esophagus, stomach, pancreas and upper part of small intestine. His esophagus is completely irritated because of thrush from the top and acid reflux from the bottom. His pancreas is surrounded by lots of fluid which may have some blood in it and is pressing on the stomach. No wonder he didn't want to eat or drink! Pieces of the puzzle are finally starting to fit together. Later in the day he had a spinal tap to make sure that the cancer is not spreading anywhere else in his body. It looked good and clear. I keep remembering "no stone unturned." Even later in the day yesterday they did an MRI to find out where the bleeding is coming from. Perhaps it is a vein and that can be repaired by going up through the groin like when they do heart caths, etc. I will update when some results come back from all of these tests. Tom and I had a big talk yesterday about the voice inside his head that tells him not to eat. I decided to call upon his warrior instincts. We decided that that voice was the enemy right now and were going to fight it. He is now bravely facing that enemy and has started eating. His strength and resolve never cease to amaze me. Keep praying. It is hard to remember some times with all of this medical activity that God is the ultimate healer. Thank you everyone. Linda