We’ve been blown away by the support we’ve received since sharing our story. We’re still learning how to juggle it all. From treatment to updates to just living in the moment. So if we’re slow to reply or post, thank you for your patience. We see you and appreciate you.
Where to begin… Well, let’s just take a moment to talk about where we’ve been. You can hear Ross tell the whole story here:
Here’s a whirlwind version, in the style of Billy Joel’s We Didn’t Start the Fire, here we go – Yes, we went there:
BB gun ricochet, BB pellet falls down drain, Ross’ doc says some scarring, but nothing all that alarming. Not to worry, he sees fine – 10 to 15 years go by. Notices light refracting, floaters and flashers acting.
Goes to ophthalmologist, finds out what uveal melanoma is. Travels to Texas for tests. Ocular Oncologist knows best. Eye on Grace and our friends helped with the check – so grateful to have our village on deck.
Set for Plaque Brachytherapy. One little cough, you see, stopped the … anesthesiologist… she could not sign off, you get the gist. Got home quite disappointed, few days later told “two plaques” – We want to avoid it.
Ross didn’t see the doctor – for 15 years because he didn’t wear glasses.
Ross didn’t see the doctor – Because what’s the point if you don’t wear glasses?
Emailed 43 clinical trials – no thought of denial. Heard from doctors in the states. Race began to get us in, Mayo Clinic in October did we begin. Not a singular regret. Mayo does medicine best!
Took trial meds with a drink, 6 pills daily did the trick. Tumor shrunk an awful lot, 50% at the end was lost. Now, he only needs one plaque, feels like we got all the time back. One mission is clear and true, we share our story so this doesn’t happen to you!
Ross didn’t see the doctor – for 15 years because he didn’t wear glasses.
Ross didn’t see the doctor – Because what’s the point if you don’t wear glasses?
Ross didn’t see the doctor – for 15 years because he didn’t wear glasses.
Ross didn’t see the doctor – Because what’s the point if you don’t wear glasses?
But seriously… This story is so much more than us sharing Ross’ journey with Ocular Melanoma.
It’s a powerful reminder that we can and do hard things every day.
It’s a testament to the power of faith, hope, and belief.
It’s an affirmation that asking for help is an underutilized skill.
This story isn’t just about cancer, it’s about hope and courage. It’s about medical advocacy. It’s about informed consent. It’s about trailblazing through clinical trials and having faith for the results we prayed for.
It’s about saving Ross’ life, then his eye, and then his sight.
It’s about our family. We have found ways to bond closer together through our fierce love of Ross Doc Wither. We also believe that “Lenny” has no place in Ross’ eye.
And last but certainly not least, it’s about all of you. Those who have joined in our story with a hopeful or funny comment. When people have sent us prayers and positive vibes, we feel it. We know that you are with us and we’re never truly alone!
Ross’ Post Op Update 💙🖤💙
Our latest update, Ross is currently sleeping after his plaque was removed today. The team did have to cut his eye muscle to place the plaque. So now that that is back, he could have some drooping or some double vision for a while or forever. There are a lot of unknowns with this cancer. There are other surgeries that he can have to correct those things. Right now, we are so happy that our guy is “home” and resting.
To stay connected with us, here are a few ways:
We can’t wait to share what’s next and how Ross is doing through weekly or more frequent updates! Thank YOU so much for following the journey! We love having you along for the ride!
Much Love!
The Traveling Withers
thetravelingwithers.com 
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