For my Mom, please

[Bigwaved]

I somehow missed this thread, Mark. You know you have my family's support and good karma sent your way.

[andrewsutherland2002]

This may be late, but my sincerest thoughts and prayers sent your way.

[Joan]

Originally Posted by vstrommark

Thank you, everyone, your thoughts and prayers mean a lot to me and my Mom.

The only update is that at this time, they believe that she does not have cancer. They can't rule anything else out. They are trying some enzyme testing and will make a decision in two weeks what the next step for testing will be.

They are 90% sure it isn't a parasitic problem, but need to wait on some test results from the Mayo Clinic.

Pshew! No Cancer news is still Good News! GO MOM!

[CigarGal]

Just checking in with ya, Mark. It is so hard not to know what is going on. I'm praying that you hear some news soon. Hang in there, buddy.

[vstrommark]

Originally Posted by CigarGal

Just checking in with ya, Mark. It is so hard not to know what is going on. I'm praying that you hear some news soon. Hang in there, buddy.

Hi Marianne and everyone else

No firm results so far, just a strong likelihood that it isn't cancer. Mom spent Thursday doing various barium drinks and being x-rayed from about every angle imaginable.

The upside is that since she has been on enzyme supplements her symptoms have lessened, although not gone away. She is losing weight at a slower rate, but still losing it.

Next Wednesday is when she finds out the results of these last two batteries of tests and if another set will be required.

Thank you all for your wishes and kind thoughts. I told Mom about them and she is very appreciative.

[tallypig]

Keeping you and your family in my prayers.

[vstrommark]

Got an update.

Short version: no one has any idea what is wrong with Mom

Longer version: all test have come back negative except for a possible indication of pancreatic insufficiency. The symptoms seems consistent with this, so they have doubled her enzyme supplements and are hoping that this will take care of the symptoms. This condition is usually associated with more severe problems of the pancreas or diabetes, which she doesn't have. If the enzymes don't solve the problems, then the next step is to send her to Baylor Medical Center.

For more info: http://www.labtestsonline.org/unders...tic_insuf.html

Even if they do solve the symptoms, they have no idea why they are there.

[bruceolee]

Have they considered idiopathic (chronic) pancreatitis? Lipase and amylase levels would appear normal in this state unlike when someone suffers only an acute attack of pancreatitis. Basically, I have chronic pancreatitis and the doctors in this area usually fall into me educating them about the disease. Most physicians know nothing about pancreatic disorders and diseases. I'd recommend getting to a diagnostic hospital or group asap. If it turns out to be a disorder or disease of the pancreas then the best hospitals in the nation for her would be cleveland clinic, University of Maryland University hospital, & Jackson memorial/University of Miami(Fla). If you need direction or recommendations for physicians at Jackson memorial then please PM without hesitation. She'll be in my thoughts and prayers my friend.


Edit: Idiopathic basically means "of unkown orgin" but in this case means it's a genetic flaw.

[lenguamor]

Your mom and you are in my prayers, Mark.