Chest Surgery Update

This is Andy, Julia's husband, giving a brief update on Julia's surgery. The bottom line is that everything went well and they were able to remove all visible cancer!

We arrived at 8am and Julia was in great spirits, quoting scripture and cracking jokes as the medical team did their extensive preparations. They rolled her into the OR with a smile on her face at 10. We, her family, waited happily, albeit nervously, in the surgical waiting room before we finally heard at about 2pm that things were going well so far, but it would be a couple more hours at least. Many great friends showed up, or texted us, to help us pass the time. The feeling was very reminiscent of the September surgery - the restlessness increased with each passing minute.

Shortly before 4 I finally got a call from Dr. Pierre, our great Thoracic Surgeon. The surgery went very well - a lot of cancer was removed, mainly from the lining of both lungs. In fact, all the visible cancer was removed! (Impossible to know about the pesky microscopic stuff.) Some cancer was very close to the nerve to the vocal chords but it does not seem to be damaged. A little hoarseness could result. Praise God that the surgery went as well as can be expected!

And thank you all SO very much for all your prayers and encouragements. It's almost impossible to comprehend how many people were praying for Julia, the medical team, and for us, her family. We know God has been working, not because the surgery was successful - although I believe he had a hand in that - but because He has strengthened all of us in this trial. Please continue to pray as the surgeon thinks Julia will be in the hospital for at least a week, and the recovery will not be easy.

We love you all.