Admitting to the hospital

Mom was admitted to the hospital this afternoon after getting the pain under control and after a bunch of tests to help narrow down the source of the problems. The top problems that are being addressed are:

1. Racing heart - Mom's pulse rate has been elevated for apparently several days and is a concern because she cannot undergo surgery until it is addressed. She has the option of treating it with medication or by undergoing a short procedure that would electronically pulse the heart. There is apparently a rhythm problem with the heart (which is a real shocker because mom has always had good rhythm :) ).

2. Possible clots in the lungs - one of the tests revealed possible clots in Mom's lungs. The CT scan that was done this afternoon will help confirm their presence, size, number, etc. These are a concern because they require treatment to ensure no clots move during or after surgery. We're not sure yet what the plan is to address this.

3. Severe abdominal pain and possible blockages - There are apparently some blockages of the ureter or bowels or both that are contributing to the severe pain that Mom is experiencing. A urologist is going to consult with Mom and a plan will be put together from there. There is a possibility of installing a shunt in the ureter if that is necessary.

Mom will stay in the hospital until things have stabilized more, possibly through to the time of the tumor removal surgery, which is currently anticipated to happen next Monday.

We don't have the results of the CT scan back yet.