Doctors Visit and almost 20/10

Today was a bit up and down. The stress of the upcoming Doctors visit and Hunter Vision doing 6 surgeries today had me all over the map. I was dreading talking to the oncologist and excited about seeing our vision for a refractive surgery practice come to reality. I read 3 letters out of 5 on the 20/10 line this morning. That was awesome.

The doc visit was about all that we could have asked for. They pledged to support us no matter what direction we take. However, they re-confirmed that the prognosis was grim. I hated it and I was grateful all at once. We left there feeling freed up to do what we believe is best for Ava and at the same time it is clear they give us no hope. It was no new information, but it was still no fun. I was grateful for the care they showed, but it was gut wrenching talking about all of it in such somber terms again. I just want Ava well. That is all.

We are drawing great support from our friend Renee whose daughter has gone through the same battle. She lives in New Jersey and has been a wonderful source of encouragement for Lisa and me. We are so grateful that God put her in our lives. Her little girl Katlin is 3 years out from diagnosis of a GBM after being given 36 weeks to live. Currently there is no sign of a tumor anywhere in her body. Praise God. It gives us hope and life to know that this monster can be tackled. We also are fully aware everyday that God is going to have to heal her. The docs know modern medicine, but I don't think this particular Oncologist is familiar with the God we serve. We are still praying for and counting on a miracle.

It's been a pretty good week. Ava still has the occasional mild headache, but is mostly in great spirits. She is playing and goofing around just like always. She is mostly still working on healing from the surgery and will be for a couple more weeks. What a little warrior she is. She provides great inspiration for me when I am tired. She fights on, so we must too.

As I sit here in my office at 9pm on a Friday night just trying to finish up some stuff for the grand opening on Monday, I realize how blessed I am in the midst of trial. If someone would have said, "you can get everything you need to open the doors of Hunter Vision in the midst of the worst economy since the great depression" 5 years ago...I would have taken it in a heartbeat. For that, I am grateful.

The continued prayers for our family are as follows:

1. Pray for divine and miraculous healing for Ava. That the cancer would be wiped away and that she would be afforded the opportunity to live a long and healthy life here on earth.
2. Pray that Lisa and I would continue to be filled with hope and not get discouraged as we battle in the long, long road ahead.
3. Pray that Noah would feel how loved he is by our family and that he would not in any way feel slighted by all of the attention his sister gets...and pray that we would specifically give him what he needs to get through this with us.
4. Pray for Hunter Vision. These next two months are critical. A steady flow of patients and a bunch of vision correction procedures will go a long way in helping Ava get the care she needs.

As always, I am grateful for all of you who follow this part of our lives and pray daily for our little girl. She needs all of it and so do we.

Not to end too somber...did I mention I am 20/10?