Cautiously Optimistic

Dear Friends & Family...I know you have all been stalking the site to see what is coming, so here it is:

It took about 2.5 hours for the dye test.  While in there, they found no direct pour of blood inside.  However, they did find that his stomach is completely filled with clotted blood.  They are still unsure the reason, but there are two arteries that go into the stomach.  They cotorized (sp?) the one artery to minimize blood flow to the area.

The main suspicion is that (and this is where we're "cautiously hopeful") the chemo did it's job and is essentially causing the tumor to melt, which leads to bleeding.  If this is the case-YEA!  However, there are still many many uncertainties, and I do not want to downplay the seriousness of the current condition.

Due to the artery cotorization, Kevin has to lay flat on his back completely still for 6 hours.  He'll be FINALLY done with this at 7pm.  In the meantime, we have him pretty well sedated with his anxiety medication to make him more comfortable.  He also cannot drink until this 6 hours is done.  So, he's pretty darned miserable right now.

Our fears were alleviated slightly hearing this could all be due to the tumor disintigrating, however, we still have reservations about the outcome.  Kevin is stable-his blood pressure is holding, and they are giving him fluids to hopefully bring his heart-rate down.  Kevin did lose a lot of blood, and subsequently, needed several transfusions.  We ask you to please go donate blood to "fill the bank".

We met with the pulmonary doctors, who plan to do a bronchoscopy tomorrow to see what may be causing Kevin's severe coughing espisodes.  They fear there may be a perforation in the windpipe, or something like that, that developed from the tumor.  Pray that Kevin stays stable through the night so they can do that procedure tomorrow.  It only takes about 15 minutes, and they will sedate him for the procedure.

Both the cardio-thoracic and general surgeons are "holding steady" to see how Kevin does through the night before they consider any OR options.  We really have no idea what they'll do, or what the plan is, but they need to see how he does tonight.  It may be possible there is an oozing blood leak somewhere that didn't show up on the dye scan.

So we're just waiting and praying.  Please leave some positive, inspirational comments tonight for me to read to Kevin when he wakes up.  We love you all and continue to ask for God to lift him up.  If you haven't already...read the verses that accompanied today's devotional:

Isaiah 43
Israel's Only Savior
1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.

3 For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush [a] and Seba in your stead.

4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give men in exchange for you,
and people in exchange for your life.

5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east
and gather you from the west.

6 I will say to the north, 'Give them up!'
and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.'
Bring my sons from afar
and my daughters from the ends of the earth-

7 everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made."