This is Andy, Julia's husband, following explicit orders to post an update to the army of people thinking and praying for my wife.
Long story, short, Julia's surgery went well. Julia went in for surgery at 8 am in good spirits. The surgeon affirmed before the surgery that the chemo had done almost nothing to shrink the cancer. At about Noon we received news from the surgeon that there was even more disease than they had thought and that they would have to be even more aggressive than they had planned. The surgeon asked myself and Julia's family if he had the go-ahead to attempt to remove all of the cancer despite substantial risk. Based on Julia's previous wishes and the surgeon's information, we gave the go-ahead.
Then came the long, torturous wait. Finally, at about 7:30, Julia's surgeon came and reported success in removing all of the visible cancer in her abdomen. A further operation is likely to remove additional cancer in her chest within the next couple months. Additional treatment, potentially more chemo or radiation, will be required in the coming months. Please pray that Julia's recovery will go well in the coming days. We expect Julia will remain in hospital for at least 7 days. When Julia is ready for visitors we will let you know.
Thank you does not express how incredibly grateful we are for all of your prayers and support. I know that your prayers were efficacious in making today a success. If it's not too much to ask, please continue in prayer as we have a long road ahead.
-Andy
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ReplyDeleteWe will continue to keep you in our prayers. If you need a nurse Joshua knows how to get in touch... anytime..
ReplyDeleteJosh and Jen's Aunt Lis
Thank you, Andy, for this update. It really helps us to continue with specific prayers. Praise God for success jn removing the cancer in her abdomen! Praise God for this wonderful skilled surgeon! Praying now for smooth recovery for Julia, and continued prayer for the days ahead..sending love and hugs xo..sharon
ReplyDeletePraying always for you too Andy. Thanks so much for taking the time to update us
ReplyDeleteContinuing to pray in Massachusetts!
ReplyDeleteAndy, You don't know me but you know Dave and Barb Hunter. I'm Dave's brother. Beth, my wife and I have been family friends of Julia's parents from childhood and we have been tracking with you and Julia as things have moved along. We will continue to pray for you both and the family and friends surrounding you. Family love, Steve& Beth.
ReplyDeleteAndy, thank you for the update on Julia. We will continue to lift you up to the master healer, the God of miracles and our hope in all things. We know there will be times of frustration and overwhelming emotion as well as joy and hope as Julia begins recovery, but we will continue to pray for both of you and your extended families. We pray for wise decisions to continue by Julia's healthcare team. Our prayers will follow you.
ReplyDeletewe love you guys, we are definitely praying that God continues to have his healing hand over Julia. Praise God for the work the surgeon was able to accomplish today!
ReplyDeleteStill praying. You are courageous and your love is courageous, xoxo.
ReplyDeleteLots of prayers coming from us. Thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteLots of prayers coming from us. Thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteAndy, you have been in my prayers since the beginning and I will continue to pray. Love you both!
ReplyDeleteWe so appreciate the update. Our hearts and prayers are with you
ReplyDeletePraying every day!
ReplyDeleteWe will be praying. Thanks for the update Andy. We love you guys.
ReplyDeleteandrew & kristin
Big love & prayers! Thanks for the update
ReplyDeleteI don't know you but because of my cousin Deana, I know about you and I have been praying for you and thinking about you both encountering this difficult time. May God give you strength and solace, may God's love and the love of others, be present always around you.
ReplyDelete--Alene Wright
He is faithful who promised...and able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. Its so good to know she is in the hands of the One who loves her more than we do. Thanx for ending what has been an excruciating wait for news hugs n prayers Nanse
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for you guys and will continue to pray.
ReplyDeleteThe Andersons in Waterdown (friends of the Hunters) have been praying for you both as you travel this journey. Please be assured of our continued thoughts and prayers. Thank you for this update after a very long day. Brian and Sheila
ReplyDeleteOur hearts are heavy with yours, but our spirits take courage with yours. May this be an encouragement to you: The darkness can not, shall not, will not overcome the light.
ReplyDeletePam's mom Colleen, and my husband Albert, were first cousins. Just want you to know of my prayers to the Great Physician for Julia, and also for you, Andy, for strength and stamina in being her caregiver. I cared for my husband for 10 years as he succumbed to Alzheimers, so I know what it is like to see your loved one suffer.
ReplyDelete"I will never leave you, nor forsake you". "He is our peace".
Kathy Wright
Praying for you
ReplyDeletePraying for you
ReplyDeletePraying for you
ReplyDeleteDear Andy, Julia, Bruce, Pam and family. I am a former colleague of Julia's. I taught with Julia and Emily at West Oak before retiring. Bruce and Pam, I remember you from Forestview days, before I moved to Mississauga. Julia, you are a vibrant, compassionate woman with an enduring love for all around you. Please know you have so much love and support following you daily, and we are here for you whatever, and whenever you need anything. Take care, praying for you...love, Deb Anderson
DeleteJulia and Andy ... I have been receiving messages from my friends all across the country so encouraged by your blog and praising God for the results of your surgery, all vowing to continue to lift you up in prayer as you go through the healing process and further treatments. You both have been such an inspiration and your response to your circumstance is glorifying God to everyone who hears and reads your story. Thank you again for being so transparent. <3
ReplyDeletePraying for you all during this difficult time. Our God is a Mighty God! Sending love and warm thoughts your way!
ReplyDeleteThank you for updating us. My continued thoughts and prayers are with you and Julia. ~ Sharon ~
ReplyDeletePraying for you ( it is the best thing we can do ) Reading some of your posts I wanted to praise you ( could not find the words ) We do not know each other ( family because of Jesus ) Praying for you again ( never too late, never too brief, never too confused ) Blessings, Kathy Tanner
ReplyDeleteDear Julia and Andy, My name is Sue Faber, I am the daughter of John and Jane Burke who are friends with Pam and Bruce. I just want to share with you that I am so touched by this blog and specifically by Julia's post on healing and prayer. I am such a firm believer in the power of prayer and also have witnessed miracles of Christ's hand of healing in profound ways. I feel called into intercessory prayer on your behalf Julia. I want you to know that I am praying for you Julia, with faith, that with God all things are possible..all things, I am praying for a divine touch of the Master's hand and for the cancer to be pushed away for for His divine intervention of healing in every cell within your body. For order and restoration and rejuvenation! I have been challenged myself with a chronic health condition that God calls us to pray without ceasing and to trust that God's plans are good for us, even as we walk through the dark valleys. I am also praying for you to experience the peace that passes all understanding to infuse your hearts and minds. Bless you today. There is power in prayer and yes, our God delights in our healing for His glory. With love,
ReplyDeleteSue Faber
I am a stranger, but will pray so very hard for you and your loved ones.
ReplyDeleteWe are praying and trusting with you. With our love. Joel and Sonja Sweet
ReplyDeleteKeeping you in my prayers. Gaby and Brad
ReplyDeletePraying for you, Andy and your family everyday.
ReplyDeletePraying; Remember "In this world there will be trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
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