Although Courtney and I are in Sweetwater this weekend, we wanted to post an update on Glen's current condition. Jennifer just got back from spending a couple of days in McMinnville with Glen and Peggy. Though Glen continues to look good and get stronger, he has now developed a new issue with keeping any food on his stomach when he eats by mouth. Since Tuesday [May 29] he throws up frequently. If he hadn't already had a doc appt scheduled for the Thursday [May 31], he would have had to go anyway. The doctor thinks the issue lies where the work was done at the opening at the end of the esophagus into the stomach. It may have closed to the point of not allowing all the food [and sometimes drink] to enter the stomach. The doc said that this complication is not uncommon for the type of surgery Glen underwent. Assuming the schedulers [on the docs end] can work out the facilities/timing, Glen will go back to Nashville this Tuesday [June 5] for a procedure to 'stretch' the opening. Unfortunately, we will not know for sure if that's the case until the doc actually gets in there to evaluate the situation.
We are praying for the best case scenario now which is: the docs can address the current problem with the stretching procedure with no other complications; Glen can begin feeling better again [throwing up never makes you feel good but especially not after his surgery]; Glen can be weaned from his nightly tube feedings; Glen can tolerate eating enough calories by mouth; and Glen could have the feeding tube removed within the next 3 weeks[June 21st is the new goal].
On another note and with a very big assumption [or positive thinking] that his current issue can be resolved, Glen now has an appt scheduled in a week and a half with his other oncology docs to start the process of dealing with his other equally menacing nemesis - the lymphoma. Although the reports are not great, we are praying that with the right docs... the right chemo treatments...the right amount of physical strength...the right amount of positive mental strength...the right amount of a good support system...and most importantly a huge dose of the Good Lord....Glen [and Peggy] will be able continue to make progress and be able to tackle the huge challenge ahead of them.
Some hours are harder than others both physically and mentally on them, but they are always encouraged by everyone's show of concern by cards, words and deeds. As always, we are extremely grateful and thankful for all the prayers and support.
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