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April 29, 2005
Friday, April 29, 2005
Leif had an appointment for an endoscope and colonoscopy this morning. He has been experiencing a lot of acid reflux-type chest pain which has gotten worse lately and the procedure this morning was to find out what's going on. WELL... when he got to the hospital his blood pressure was very low, they could not register his temperature and his hemoglobin count was 6 (should be closer to 13.5 for a guy his age)... so they admitted him right away because that indicates that he was bleeding... from someplace... the inital thought was a bleeding ulcer or his colon... After administering a couple units of blood the medical staff conducted the scopes late this afternoon.
Leif has stomach cancer.
A malignancy was found where the esophagus and the stomach meet. That's also what's causing the bleeding... which they are trying to get under control... they've given him 4 units of blood today... his hemoglobin count is still lower than it should be... but it is improving... they will operate to remove the upper portion of his stomach and his lower esophagus... good news - it doesn't appear that the cancer has spread anywhere... according to a CAT scan his liver and spleen are ok which is the direction this type of cancer has a tendency to spread... they will know more once they get in there... they have discussed removing some surrounding lymph nodes as a precaution... other good news - he will never have acid reflux again because they will cut the nerve that produces the acid causing him problems... and he will probably also lose some weight as a result...
They plan to operate Monday if the bleeding stabilizes and his hemoglobin count increases... there is only a skeleton crew at the Muscatine hospital over the weekend... so they would prefer to wait until they are fully-staffed Monday... but they will take him sooner if the bleeding continues to be a problem... he's probably been bleeding for a while... but it was all the prep stuff he had to do for his colonoscopy that made it an apparent problem... crazy. They did remove one polyp during the coloscopy but it was benign and there were no other concerns from that test.
Send positive thoughts his direction...
Posted by Jenn at April 29, 2005 12:00 AM
Comments
Jenn,
I first want to say how nice it is of you to maintain this website. It is allowing many of us to stay connected to Leif's recovery process.
I had stopped by the hospital this evening to see the family, but you all had recently left.
Pastor and all of you are in our prayers...
Lowell
Posted by: Lowell ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://leif.pohl-family.net/nav-commenters.gif)
at May 14, 2005 07:49 PM
Dear family of Pastor Pohl,
I just wanted to say I wish you and him the best of luck during tis trying time, and I will be praying. I am a 14 year old boy who, though I do not attend his church, has known him for awhile through my grandma Marion Masemann, who passed away October 5, 2004. Throughout the health problems my grandma had, Pastor Pohl was extremely helpful and caring for her and the family, and I will always rememer his great kindness. Again, I am praying for him, and wish him a good and speedy recovery.
Sincerely,
Taylor Wettach
Posted by: Taylor Wettach at May 18, 2005 04:13 PM
To Leif's family and friends,
You are all in our prayers and in the prayers of my congregtion (Lord of Life in Ames).
Paul and Sarah Larsen Nelson
Posted by: Prs. Paul & Sarah at May 18, 2005 06:40 PM
To Leif's family and friends,
You are all in our prayers and in the prayers of my congregation, Lord of LIfe in Ames.
Paul and Sarah Larsen Nelson
Posted by: Prs. Paul & Sarah at May 18, 2005 06:41 PM
Dear Leif, Jan, and family,
Marie and I are thinking of you often and keeping you in our prayers. As it happens Leif was admitted to the room I was occupying at the hospital on April 29th. Leif and I had a chance to share our faith that Jesus knows what is best for each of us, came to this earth for us, and that all things work together for good for those that share that faith. Leif's confidence was a blessing for me and an inspiration for all of us. Thank you for keeping us informed through this website. We are hoping and praying for the best for all of you.
Peter & Marie Press
Posted by: Peter & Marie Press at May 19, 2005 03:49 PM
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