October 14th - afternoon

Yesterday's cat scan found that there are still some complications that need to be resolved. An abscess has developed where the perforation of the bowel was. The hole seems to have been sealed off, but it is unclear whether it has actually healed or if the abscess is what is sealing it.
A "pseudo-cyst" has also formed on the pancreas. This is something that sometimes follows pancreatitis by about 2 weeks.
Rather than do surgery at this point, the doctors want to keep him on IV drugs and nutrients - and have him go another 2 weeks without eating. The family and doctors are hoping that he will be able to go home for the next couple weeks and continue treatment and the fast there. At the end of the 2 weeks they will do another cat scan and determine next steps from there.
Continue to pray for Alan and the family during this time. Pray especially that Alan will be able to have the endurance and patience to make it through the next couple weeks without eating. If you've ever skipped a couple meals you know that the stomach starts grumbling, but going as long as he already has and now even longer is very painful. While his body IS getting the necessary nutrients, his stomach still thinks food should be coming through it.
Anna Parkinson