Update

We have survived so far today without a bleed. We had a scare this evening when her heart rate went up, but it seems to be due to her diuretic, not a bleed. We (and the staff) are walking on eggshells, worried that she'll bleed again. But thus far, we've made it.

The staff has also come up with a plan for the next bleed, if there is one. They will scope her, just like usual. The senior GI doc will be there and will use a different cauterizing technique than last time (argon laser) and see if that looks promising. If they aren't satisfied with that, she will be sent to surgery immediately. The surgery team is ready for her, if needed. Based on the location of the ulcers, the plan would be to remove the affected portion of the stomach. However, they are located in a part of her stomach that would require them to take at least 75% of her stomach, if not more.

The hope is 1) that she avoid bleeds altogether (but they aren't counting on that), and 2) that the scope would sufficiently treat her if she does bleed again. Surgery is only a backup plan. Though it would take care of the bleeding risk, the procedure and recovery would present a lot of other concerns.

We need more time, more stability, no more bleeds, and to continue to pull fluids off of her to allow her lungs to function better.

This all feels a bit like a tightrope act; high stakes, high risk, and very high reward if we save Maggie.

If you pray, pray for Maggie's stomach to heal without further bleeds, for her lungs to improve, and for no more complications. Thank you.