Tuesday, January 12, 2016

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.

23 comments:

  1. Thank you for the update Andy, praising the Lord with you and continued prayers.

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  2. Thank goodness all is okay with you Julia. Thank you for the beautiful update Andy. You are both an inspiration, I can't even describe. There is no mountain too high to conquer. You can conquer anything with your faith and love in each other and God. Love you all.

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  3. So good to hear, she is a very special person, as are you all. Deb

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  4. praying all day, and will continue <3 thank you for the update. love you all!!!
    xo

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  5. Thank you for updating! We will keep praying. Laura Ferguson

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  6. Great news. Yes Amen to that.

    Pierre

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  7. Praise the Lord! Great news! Praying for a healthy recovery! Blessings to you all!

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  8. Amazing news!! Thanks for the update Andy! Praying for a speedy and healthy recovery. You are so loved, Dan & Aly Brown

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  9. Wonderful to know it went well, I've been thinking and wondering. Excellent news.

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  10. I was praying so much! He is able

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  11. So good to hear that the surgery went well. Continuing to pray!

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  12. Thank you and praise God for this good news! We will continue to pray that God's healing hand stay upon her and that he may lift all of your spirits, give you strength and encouragement!

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  13. Answered prayer is so affirming of how great our God is! So happy to hear this good news Julia and Andy!! On to a quick and uneventful recovery!!

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  14. Hurrah! So many people up here on St. Joseph Island were praying for you guys today. We announced it on church on Sunday and I went to my Aunt to remind her and she countered with, "Oh I pray for Julia every day!" We are very thankful that things went so well and will ask the Lord to continue to hold you as you journey forward!

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  15. thanks so much for the update Andy!!!! God is so good! we will continue to pray!

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  16. So, so thankful to read this! Will pray for her recovery :)

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  17. Just "met" you guys! Wishing you God's nearness and strength!

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  18. Our God is an Awesome God! Praying for a speedy recovery and thanking God for his goodness. Blessings to you all.

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  19. What an incredible Anchor!! Praying for Julia's recovery and your reception to God's strengthening for each day. You are both such a blessing in your witness of Christ's love. Thanks Andy!! Jordyn, Sue & Hal Hunter

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  20. Such wonderful news, Andy! We are so thankful for successful surgery, Praise be to God! Praying for a smooth recovery for Julia and that you may both be home soon. Love to you and all the family..S&P xo

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  21. Praise God! I was praying for you guys this morning, so wonderful to hear you are feeling God so close. Please know you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. Joyce DeBoer (Daniel Rainey's aunt...)

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  22. That is so great to hear that things are good with you Julia. These type of surgeries are especially scary. I lost a dear friend who had the same type of situation as you. Count your blessings and enjoy the rest of your life together. Thank you for letting us share in your life and look forward to any updates.

    Madalyn Oconnell @ Steadman Hawkins Clinic Denver

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