Last Monday, September 24th, I had surgery to remove the radioactive plaque that was placed on the tumor in my eye. The plaque was placed there during my first surgery on September 17th. 

The past two weeks have been full of ups and downs. This is a short update (I'll spare some of the more uncomfortable details) for everyone who has been so faithful to pray for me. I want you all to know that I am so grateful for every prayer that was prayed. I am doing really well. The healing process from a traumatic surgery in the eye is slow, but every day I am feeling better. 

Both of the surgeries and the week of radiation in between went really well. I have an exceptional doctor and team taking care of me. My parents and new Houston family cared for me in more ways than I can count. I am so incredibly blessed. 

This path of treatment by my doctor has been proven to be 100% effective in all of her previous cases. She is hopeful of the same for me. My doctor will be unable to look at the tumor for some time due to the swelling of the surgeries, but she is confident it has shrunk and will continue to shrink, and is no longer active. Lord willing, I am cancer free! 

I will continue to see my doctor for follow-up appointments, and look forward to going back to Houston with my sister on October 12th for a check up. 

God has been so good to me these past few weeks. He has given me extra grace to persevere during this time of physical suffering. He keeps reminding me of his Son, Jesus, who died and rose so that I may walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). Newness of life in Christ gives me hope and joy during hard days. 

How you can continue to pray:

• Continued healing from surgery and patience to endure (I am still dealing with overall eye discomfort, blurry vision, headaches, pain from stitches, side effects of eye drops)
• Wisdom for my doctor about the plan moving forward
• For my trust in Christ to grow deeper and for my eyes to be fixed on him and his Word

Thank you again for all of your prayers! And don't forget to schedule an eye exam for yourself! :)