Dearest Friends and Family,
Apologies for the long delay on an update, but the days and weeks have been flying by faster than we realized. Stephen visited the Neuro Ophthalmologist last week on Tuesday July 26th. At the appointment the Dr. evaluated how much and in what direction his eye sight is off and also the movement of his eye. He told us that in many cases there is spontaneous healing that occurs as the nerves heal, but that healing is also contingent on the tumor not growing back and many other factors. It is truly a complicated, interwoven issue. He requested that we see him again in 6 weeks and he would check on Stephen’s progress towards healing. He recommended he wear an eye patch so that he could open and close the eye normally to help the muscles remain strong.
In other news, we will be seeing an oncologist this week on Wednesday August 10th at 10:30am for a consultation. We are eager to hear what they have to say regarding the tumor being cancerous and what their suggested next steps would be. In the meantime, Stephen has decided to go on a mostly raw food, fruit, veggie, legume, + nut/seed diet inspired by stories of beating cancer naturally through diet. We are juicing tons of fruits and veggies, making whole food smoothies, lots of salads and nut butter for some extra protein. Our kitchen has been quickly transformed into a complete work zone for his food needs. It has sometimes been a challenge to remember that I also need to eat something, as well as two rascally boys :) By God’s grace, we are adjusting and getting into more of a rhythm.
Stephen also started a cancer fighting treatment at a local doctor’s office who uses a groundbreaking treatment called photodynamic therapy. We feel confident that if there are any remaining teeny fragments of the tumor that this therapy will help to eliminate those cancerous cells from his body. He will be rotating the PDT treatment with ozone therapy and high dose vitamin C infusions over the course of the next 3 months.
We are so thankful for the outpouring of love and support through cards, messages, gift cards, checks, and meals provided. We would be drowning if it weren’t for you all and your generosity! So thank you so much! Your generosity is helping to provide for many things including the produce needed for Stephen’s new diet, medical expenses we are facing as well as the natural cancer treatments he is receiving, plus many of our basic needs.
We appreciate your continued prayers —
As we visit the oncologist this week that we would have peace, wisdom, and discernment for how to move forward
For continued provision and discernment for where the Lord is leading our family moving forward
All our love,
Laura (& Stephen)
P.S. Here are some additional fun picture updates from the past few weeks
Thanks again for the update.
Thanks so much for continuing to share this journey. You are in my prayers daily!