"Can't See for Lookin'"

(by Red Garland)

I Can't See for Lookin' by Red Garland on Grooveshark

I thought I'd give y'all a little update on Mister Christopher's cataract surgery. It really wasn't a big deal, but we appreciate everyone's concern & prayers! I hadn't really mentioned it to very many people, because it was so minor compared to any of his other surgeries!

Anyways, the surgery was quick & relatively pain-free. We got there a little before noon & were home before Cody got home from school. {Jana & Caleb kept me company while I waited, which was quite nice!} Chris is now the owner of a lens implant, complete with ID card & everything. Seriously, we have an official card with the model number & everything. Do all types of implants come with an ID card & model number? It's wallet-sized, though I don't suppose he'll actually carry it around with him. I really don't know why we need it, but I'll file it with his incredibly thick stack of medical papers.

One of the eye drops he has to use for a week causes some pain, but other than that he's good! He can't see any better, as expected. In fact, he didn't even realize that the shield he had to wear over his eye was actually clear until he looked in the mirror last night. [Update: his peripheral vision had actually improved a little by this afternoon, but the following couple of paragraphs still apply...] It kinda sucks that he had to have surgery that won't help him on a daily basis, but I suppose if it helps the doctors then it's worth it. Or maybe not...

I don't remember if I've ever mentioned to y'all that he is actually considering enucleation (removing his eye). At this point, he is seeing two doctors every two months. He has had laser treatments, steroid injections, vitrectomy surgery & now cataract surgery, in addition to the original plaque surgery to sterilize the tumor. All to save an eye that he can't even see out of. Had we known all of the facts in the beginning, we quite possibly would've gone with enucleation in the first place. We didn't know that 85% of OM patients treated with radiation eventually lose their sight. There is also some inaccurate information out there stating that there's a higher chance of metastasis with enucleation (which we now know has not proven to be true). Anyways, we have spent a lot of time & money on doctor visits & different treatments for an eye that is essentially useless.

He wanted to give the cataract surgery a shot, because there was a possibility of some improvement to his peripheral vision. He didn't want to have any regrets about not trying everything that he could. We have no idea if insurance would cover enucleation at this point, but he plans on talking to his ocular oncologist about it at his next visit.

On a much heavier note, I ask for you to join me in praying for my first OM friend Sara. I am so very sad to say that her husband Gregg lost his 5-year battle with Ocular Melanoma on Tuesday. My heart is broken for her. He was only 40 years old, and today would've been their 4th anniversary. They have been a huge part of the OM community and a vast source of information & encouragement to me personally. I appreciate your prayers, and I'm sure that she (& their family) would, too.



Amy

Comments

Brooke said…
praying for your family as you explore this difficult choice. also lifting your friend up!

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