Joe has been in the hospital for over 4 weeks battling a number of issues. He came into the hospital with a virus which turned into pneumonia. He was also having intense pain in his stomach. After several weeks we determined that he had an infection and stones in the gallbladder which was caused from his inability to eat. When the body goes into a starvation mode (as his was for not eating for several weeks), the liver funnels all the bile into the gallbladder rather than releasing it into the stomach for digestion. This caused the build-up of stones (which weren't there when he came in) and then an infection. He has continually ran a fever, had bouts of high and low blood pressure and continued pain. They drained the gallbladder and continue to do so. The bile is now it's normal color indicating no infection, but since he's not eating and is back on TPN, they continue to drain it. In addition this week he started to retain fluid in the abdomen and they drained over 3 L of fluid in one day. After a series of tests the Drs have concluded that it is likely the cancer has moved to the lining (outside) of the stomach and it is the cancer cells that are causing the build-up of fluid. They have cultured samples but they are inconclusive thus far, which may be due to the antibiotics. At this point the Drs do not know if there is much they can do. Joe is coming home today with in-home hospice care and we will see if he gets stronger or not...
Many have asked what they can do. For now we ask that you pray for Joe and for the family.
God bless.
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