[Chelee]

Pam,
I was hoping for better news. You have sure been through an awful lot--far more then your share...that's for certain. I can only imagine how you are feeling...and not just phyiscally, but emotionally too. My heart really goes out to you. I'm glad to hear you aren't having too much pain with your hip...that's one good thing. As you mentioned, I'm sure the oxycodin helps.

I see they (doctors) must of found out the blood is coming from your upper GI track since you said the blood is dark and tarry. That's always upper GI--and really bright red is lower GI. (So they will know where to start looking.) Which I see you have already told yourself it's going to be something really bad. I know I would be saying the exact same thing if I was you--my mind would instantly say it's got to be more cancer...that's normal for all of us...but in this case it's just not true. Sure it's possible..but there are just so many other things that cause upper GI bleeding which you would be very prone too with all the chemo's & medications you have been on.

You might have a duodenal ulcer. All that means is there is a raw area in the lining in the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum), where it connects to the stomach. (It can be easily treated.) Again, with all the drugs your poor body has been exposed to it wouldn't surprise me if you had an ulcer. It also could be gastritis which is caused from inflammation from the stomach lining. Your doctor will probably want to run some tests like a upper endoscopy. That's not too bad, they just sedate you a little and run a scope down your throat to check out your upper digestive tract. I know you must be scared out of your mind but try not to worry yourself sick...I know that's easy for me to say. All the chemo regimens you have been on are so hard on your upper GI track and could easily cause this problem. So hopefully they will run some tests this wk and see where it's coming from? That is no doubt adding to your low hemoglobin. I hope some of what I told you here will help you not worry as much.

As to the PET scan you had today your right...it will react to your surgery site. Mine has every time. It will probably say "reactive" since it's a fresh site...so don't worry about that. It might show uptake too but it will be due to the surgery. I sure hope you get some answers soon because I know this has to be so hard on you. It's time you get some good news to start the new year off with. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Chelee