Monday, July 21, 2025, Michael came to the emergency room looking pale and completely worn out. For those in the know, Michael hates needles. For those new to Michael's life, Michael HATES needles! It took quite a bit of medication to get him relaxed enough to draw blood, and when the results came back, we were grateful we had gotten him to the emergency room when we did. His hemoglobin was 5 (normal is >12!). They promptly ordered two units of blood! Something was going on and we needed to figure out what and quick!

Tuesday, July 22, Michael had an endoscopy to figure out why his hemoglobin (or as he calls it, hobgoblins) was so low. Everyone thought he must have a GI bleed, but what none of us (Drs included) saw coming was a tumor in his esophagus and the top of his stomach.

Wednesday morning, we listened as the doctor said, "His CT results are not good. He shows signs of cancer in the lymph nodes of his abdomen and spots on his liver. Thursday morning, the doctor told us what we suspected, "Stage 4 adenocarcinoma.

We came home with a plan: consultation with oncologist on Tuesday, PET scan on Wednesday, and port put in on Thursday of this week. That is not what happened!

Monday, July 28, we found ourselves back in the emergency department. Michael's hemoglobin had dropped again to 5.1. They decided he needed three units of blood. He would be spending the night. From there it's been warp speed ahead!

Tuesday, July 29, he was mapped for radiation on the tumor in his esophagus as radiation should stop the bleeding.

Wednesday, July 30, was a full day! He had a PICC line set in place, a liver biopsy, and radiation. His oncologist came in and let us know she would be starting chemo either Monday or Tuesday of next week and, quite possibly, immunotherapy as well.

The mountain we face is steep and full of jagged edges. BUT! The God we serve is so much bigger!! We have been met with goodness at every turn! Our community has surrounded us in such special ways! Along this journey, I'll share more information about how God put the people in place that needed to be there.

This will be our primary source of updating. Thank you for your love, prayers, encouragement, and good thoughts during this time.