At the end of December, Vivian began to experience some health issues which sounded like diverticulitis. She was referred to the Mayo Clinic by her primary care physician for further investigation.
On Thursday, January 28th, after a long day of testing procedures, it was discovered that diverticulitis was causing quite a bit of damage to her intestine, bladder, and other parts, but this was only part of her story. They also found a mass further up in her intestines that the colorectal surgeon thought possibly looked malignant.
Later that day, after the colonoscopy, Vivian developed chills and fever because of inflammation and infection, most likely due to the procedures, and was hospitalized at Methodist Hospital for a few days. She is now fully recovered from the infection and is at home awaiting further appointments.
The plan, moving forward, is to surgically remove the mass and repair the damage from the diverticulitis. This is scheduled to take place on February 22. It is unclear how far up the mass is, which is the determining factor in how much of her bowel they will have to remove. In terms of malignancy, it is undetermined at this time and will be evaluated post-surgery.
Vivian has very much appreciated your prayers and encouragements.
We will update as new information becomes available.
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