Less than 24 hours!

It's Ashley...

Whew, the last 24 hours have been crazy. Mom had to have a routine CT scan, and they mentioned while looking around that she may have swallowed a quarter at some point in her life. Something was showing up, and they were sure it was metal! So, she left wondering what it could possibly be...a quarter? A tool from a previous surgery? Um...weird.

Later in the evening, the nurse called and wanted to do an ERCP to take a look. An ERCP is where they basically stick a camera down your throat to look around down there. Apparently it was not metal, it was some sort of "thickening" on the small intestine. (The nervousness began now...) About an hour later, the doctor called and wanted to do an ERCP and a biopsy. They also said that just because her blood work had come back normal, that didn't really mean anything. You can find out your tumor marker levels via blood work, and hers have been normal. (More nervousness...)

So, after a tense night and lots of prayers, we headed to the hospital for the ERCP. She went back, they put her in twilight, and we waited. (A plus for going under the knife tomorrow will be that I don't have to wait around...waiting...now THAT takes courage!!) About an hour or so later, our transplant surgeon came around the corner and said, "It's fine. It's totally normal. Everything is regular." Those were the best words I'd ever heard! So, I proceeded to burst into tears...I didn't hear much of what he told dad and Bryan. I think he said that it was totally normal considering her gallbladder cancer history, etc.....it appeared to be some sort of fold in her small intestine.

So, here we are...relieved. I don't feel like I have to worry anymore.
Onward and upward!

Mom is groggy, but eating a good meal at Ruby Tuesday. Tonight will be spent at dinner with her best friend from childhood and her family. Jenny also gets in town to be my "personal assistant."

We will find out the surgery times later today. Right now we think it will be early.

Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers!

-ashley