Mayo

We took Alex to the Mayo ER yesterday afternoon since we were not yet able to move his appointment to an earlier date. We drove up to Grandma and Grandpa Hendrickson's in Iowa on Sunday evening and then on up to Rochester that next day. Alex was admitted after some bloodwork, a CT scan and 8 hours of sitting in the ER.

Basically, we found out that the inflammation in his duodenum is not allowing much, if anything, to pass through and his stomach was therefore stretching out (distending) to a VERY abnormal size...VERY abnormal. The doc showed us the CT images and it easily took up 3 quarters of his abdomen. He said it was the largest stomach he had ever seen. So they placed an NG tube (tube through nose to tummy) to drain all of the excess fluid/residue that was not able to otherwise pass. Alex was not very excited about this, but it was absolutely necessary. He has had an NG tube in the past, but was not awake when they placed it. He got through it and I think feels much better now that there has been LOTS of fluid drained out of his tummy. The GI doctors will be in this morning to help come up with a plan for the area of obstruction.

Meanwhile, Lydia seems to be having a fantastic time on her Minnesota vaca with Nana. They went on the BUS to Walmart (fun!), played in the sand, saw ducks, went on walks, etc, etc, etc yesterday. She got a new bib that says "I'm a hoot!" with a picture of an owl :) :) :) "Owl" is her new favorite word and she's a little obsessed with birds in general (all of which she calls "owls" now), so it was very fitting! We are staying in an apartment that is just a couple of miles from the hospital. It has 2 bedrooms, a full kitchen and plenty of room for her to explore. It has been tremendously helpful to have Carol here to watch her while Alex and I are at the hospital!

Our only prayer requests right now are peace, calm and decreased anxiety for Alex and wisdom and guidance for the doctors who will decide on next treatment steps. Oh...and Alex's room number...316 :). A nice reminder of a favorite verse :).

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. We should know more by the middle-end of the day today. Love to you all...