Friday, February 29, 2008

Prayer Vigil

Hello everyone- Well it is getting closer and closer. Surgery is next week, on Thursday morning at 7:30, I just found out the time. I will have a small outpatient procedure on Tuesday to place the filter near my heart to prevent clots into my heart and lungs. I will then go home that night and be admitted Wednesday to prepare for the early Thursday surgery.

I wanted to let you all who follow my blog know that some people have planned a prayer vigil for this coming Monday evening at 6:30 in my neighborhood. Due to privacy issues, I do not feel comfortable giving my address out on the blog! But, what I will do is if you are interested in coming please comment on my blog that you are interested and give me your email address that I can respond to you on. I will then let you know where it will be. I know many of you by your name, so I can then screen who I recognize and who I do not. I also had someone mention sending Ella a gift, again I won't give my address out, but you can do the same thing, give me your email and we can talk privately! Thank you for understanding that I do share a lot of things on my blog but I have to keep my family safe and unfortunately I don't know everyone out there that see's this blog.

I did find out today that my CEA level has gone up a bit, to 22. I am not alarmed yet, I know that it can very and that even though it has gone up, it is still a low number.

Thank you all for your continuous support you have shown me! I appreciate it so much and can not thank you all enough. This is a very stressful time for myself and my family but with all of the support we have received we can get through it. So thank you for helping us get through it together! I hope you all have a great weekend. I have to leave on one more important note.... GO KU! hehe. Saturday night, the Jayhawks will stomp the wildcats. I am off to go watch the Huffalump movie for the 100th time with Ella. Enjoy the wonderful weather we are supposed to get this weekend. shawndra

42 comments:

Astraea said...

I would love to send something to Ella. Please email me.
3under4@cox.net

Anonymous said...

Hello prayer warriors:

For those who plan on attending the prayer vigil/candlelight ceremony on Monday, please bring one long taper candle and one rose for Shawndra. (Shawndra's favorite flower is the rose). I have purchased a large supply of candle holders and will be distributing them as people arrive.
If you are unable to attend, please share a moment of silence in prayer at 6:30pm. Shawndra, Doug and Ella, as well as the rest of the Turner family, will feel your support and long-distance embrace:)
From a friend and someone who loves Shawndra like my own sister, Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, words of wisdom and support. Many times she has shared with me just how much this support lifts her up when she is scared and afraid. Please continue to be the wind beneath her wing.

WE LOVE YOU SHAWNDRA!

Love,

Brandi

Anonymous said...

Hello prayer warriors:

For those who plan on attending the prayer vigil/candlelight ceremony on Monday, please bring one long taper candle and one rose for Shawndra. (Shawndra's favorite flower is the rose). I have purchased a large supply of candle holders and will be distributing them as people arrive.
If you are unable to attend, please share a moment of silence in prayer at 6:30pm. Shawndra, Doug and Ella, as well as the rest of the Turner family, will feel your support and long-distance embrace:)
From a friend and someone who loves Shawndra like my own sister, Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, words of wisdom and support. Many times she has shared with me just how much this support lifts her up when she is scared and afraid. Please continue to be the wind beneath her wing.

WE LOVE YOU SHAWNDRA!

Love,

Brandi

Anonymous said...

Hum, what if thise WIldcats stomp KU? Sorry, but I paid a fair share to the purple campus. I would love to attend the vigil, and if I can rearrange my schedule I will be there. Please know that if I am unable to come that I will be there is spirit. Please let your Mom know that if I can help in any way, I am more than willing to do so.

Christie said...

Hi Shawndra!

I think I have only commented once before but I read & pray about you every day! I have a selfish question...will anyone "guestblog" to keep us updated on your surgery and recooperation? We want to know how WELL you are doing! I can't make it to the prayer vigil in body (I live in GA) but I will be there in spirit, lifting my prayers up to our Sweet Heavenly Father whose glorious hand will heal you!

Anonymous said...

Hi Shawndra,

I haven't commented in a couple of weeks, but I have been following your blog faithfully, and praying for you everyday. Even though we've never met, and most likely never will, I hold you close to my heart and pray everything will work out the way we all want it to. Please know that you have the support of so, so many people...holding you up in prayer, along with Doug and Ella. I will be thinking of you this week, Shawndra. I can only imagine all the emotions you must be feeling...stay strong and positive!

I would really like to send Ella something, too. Please email me - livsmom@hotmail.com.

Prayers to you, my friend.

Michelle

Anonymous said...

I read your blog regularly and will be praying for you, Doug & Ella from the West Coast on Monday and throughout this next week. You give such strength through the sharing of your personal journey. The prayer vigil is a great idea so that we can give some strength to you during this special time.

Cheryl

Michele said...

We will be praying for you right here in Cape Girardeau Monday night. I will post on my blog to ask everyone else to pray too. Please ask Doug to keep us updated, we will all be checking the site.
I would LOVE to send Ella something, please email at
mpeters6@charter.net Thanks so much, we all love you, even if some of us haven't met you. You are such a special person. God Bless.
Michele

Anonymous said...

Shawndra,
I will not be able to attend due to work but I will be praying for you..esp. on Thursday. I remember how hard it was being away from family and friends while at my mom's bedside at the MAYO, but I just kept reminding myself that even though they weren't close they were praying for her cancer to be gone and for a speedy recovery. I know I have said this before but they told my family that my mom wasn't going to survive her cancer and it has been almost 4 years since her surgery....miracles do happen and prayers do work. I just know you are going to be one of those miracles along with my mom. I will be checking your blog for updates and keeping you(& your family) in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong Shawndra....the best is yet to come fo you!!!!
Love and Prayers,
Melody

Lisa said...

I would love to try and come to the prayer vigil on Monday. I am sending a different email then I use here on blogger since that one has my last name in it (again, privacy issues too) lisa2885034@yahoo.com I live in LS so we are pretty close I believe. And yes...go KU!! Certainly keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!

Lisa

Unknown said...

You know I would like to come, not sure of my schedule, but would like the information. Many prayers will be coming your way next week, even if I can't get there Monday p.m. Stay the course, we are behind you 100%. God Bless.

dew0645@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

From a fellow Jayhawk fanatic who has only posted here a couple times but reads often - I'll be thinking of you next week! Please have Doug or someone keep us updated.

Hugs and prayers -
Barbara in KC

Anonymous said...

Oh Shawndra I can only imagine how anxious you must feel. I think about you, Doug and Ella all of the time and even though we don't know each other I consider you guys family of the heart. I will pray for you extra hard this week! I know you will get the miracle we all are praying for! Please have someone keep us posted. I can not make the prayer vigil but will be there in spirit. Take care! Deb

BKNRC said...

I will certainly be thinking of you Monday and all next week. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. If you could drop me a line, I may be able to make it on Monday (and I would LOVE to send something to Ella too). Have a great weekend!!

Kristi E. (Lee's Summit)
krisegg@kc.rr.com

Anonymous said...

Shawndra-

Even thought I won't be able to attend the prayer vigil please know you will be in my prayers. I check your blog daily and will say an extra prayer for you Monday evening.

I live about 100 miles south of KC but am in Olathe frequently as my son attends the Kansas School for the Deaf.

I know God is with you and your family at this time. I have asked several of my friends to keep you in their prayers this week.

love
Robin

My email is robin.junker@us.army.mil

Anonymous said...

I also would like to send something to Ella~ I definetly understand your not wanting to give a home address out to just everyone, maybe a PO box would be appropriate?
Also for sending cards /flowers to you, is there a hospital name/address we can send them to during your recovery?
We are PRAYING for you!
I can imagine you mind must me running a million miles a minute, so much to think about..just know we are all there for you in spirit and sending you our best.

nancygrayce said...

I live far from you, but I will be praying too.

Paulette said...

Dear Shawndra and family,
I have been praying and praying. You are a permanent addition to my Bible. I have your name in the front. My bible is my prized possesion and it goes with me everywhere, I am always reminded to lift you up in prayer and I will not stop. Iam sure the vigil would be wonderful, and such a special time for you. I will be thinking of ya'll and definately uplifting you and your family.
Blessings Shawndra.

Anonymous said...

Even though I am too far away to come to your house on Monday, I will be with you in spirit. I just know things are going to go well for you on Thursday.

Love, Marny

Anonymous said...

Shawndra-

I wanted to share this saying with you. Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you. Peter 5:7 TLB Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Keep Believing!!!

The Mudge's

Melony said...

Shawndra,

I will be praying for God to fill you with peace on Monday and through out the week.. I also will be praying that God will be with that wonderful surgeon and guide his hands to work his miracles. It's amazing how something as simple as a blog can connect you to a total stranger. I think about you often and check on you daily..

May the peace of the Lord be with you...

Melony
Knoxville, TN

Anonymous said...

Shawndra, much love and many prayers from minnesota. Monday i will spread the word and all of Austin, Minnesota will hold you in their hearts and prayers. Would be there if we could on Monday ...and Thursday ...our thoughts will be with you and your family. Go in with your heart full of hope.
love from minnesota, Julie (jill's mom)

Anonymous said...

consider it a satellite prayer vigil in MN... godspeed.

stassen

Anonymous said...

Shawndra- I think you still have my email address..if you dont post me and I will resend it later- I have a few things I would like to send along for Ella..
My heart and prayers are with you- Having a two year old myself, I know how mommy oriented they are at this age, and I imagine it will be hard on you both- you are so strong and later in life she will be so proud when she understands why you had to be away, as she will have her mom there with her at her hs graduation, wedding and when she has a baby- these sacrifices now are so you will be able to be with her for a loong long time, you can do this GOD is with you, and miracles DO HAPPEN!

Anonymous said...

BIG Hugs from Texas...as well as continual prayers. We will be praying for you on Monday night and through-out the week. Peace be with you, Doug and Ella. You know we are "nuts" about you three!!!

Tim, Terri, Kendall and Shelby

Anonymous said...

Shawndra:
I will be thinking of you this week! God will take care of you, place your trust in him and all things are possible.
Take care,
Jill Watt

Anonymous said...

Shawndra - It has been years since we have talked and I have been hearing about you from several people I talk to who still attend Rolling Hills. I am too far away(Castle Rock, CO) to attend your prayer vigil/candlelight ceremony, but you are in mine and my family's prayers as you have been since we heard of your illness. You have a beautiful family. If there is ever anything I can do or you just want to chat, my e-mail is kmacandsuzyq@hotmail.com.

Susan (Beaver) McRae

Nancy said...

Hi Shawndra,

I read your blog daily and you are in my thoughts and prayers. I have also asked friends and family to pray for you. You are truly an inspiration and you have touched so many people's lives.

A while back, I emailed you to see if you had heard of the interperitoneal chemo flush. I am so happy to know you will be having this procedure during your surgery. I have heard it can be very effective.

I pray for God to give you strength, faith and courage this week. I know he will lift you up and carry you through this journey. Before you know it, you'll be back home with your beautiful family.

I live too far away to attend your prayer vigil, but I will be there in spirit.

God bless you Shandra.

Nancy

Anonymous said...

Shawndra,

I have posted a few times and am a daily reader. I would like to try attend the prayer vigil, so please email me at bmarks1@kc.rr.com. Thanks!

Unknown said...

Shawndra, I hope I'm not too late. I've not spent much time on the computer this weekend and just found out about the prayer vigil. You have been such a big part of my prayers these days. I would be honored to be able to attend your prayer vigil and be a part of the opportunity to show support for you for your upcoming surgery this week. My son has a thing at the school at 6:30 tomorrow to find about about some activities at the newly built high school he'll attend next year (we live in the Northland). But hubby said he could handle it without me. My 11 year old daughter, Rachael said that she would want to go to the prayer vigil with me. I've talked about you to her over the course of the time that I've been following your blog and she feels like she knows you too. I've actually talked to you about her as well. My email address is lgrossman@kc.rr.com. I know you'll be busy tomorrow getting ready to leave and I hope I'm not too late in making the request for you to email me some information on where the prayer vigil will be held. If I don't hear from you, please know that I will be praying for you and your family at 6:30 tomorrow and all week long as well. God bless you and I hope you're doing ok as the day gets closer. My heart goes out to you and your family. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Leisa

Anonymous said...

I'll be with you at the vigil prayer time, here from Florida.


Don't be afraid.
He'll be with you.
He's your father and creator.
You're never alone.

Slow down, breath in, and pray.
Pray for patience, acceptance, endurance and keep the FAITH GOING.

WE'RE ALL THERE WITH YOU, AT A DECIDING TIME OF YOUR LIFE.

YOU'RE THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN BE CALM, AND PUT YOUR LIFE INTO HIS HANDS.

LOVE,
LOVE,
LOVE,
LOVE,
ROSWITA, MARCUS, RAINER AND CARLA SCHMIEDT

Anonymous said...

DEAREST SHAWNDRA,
I WILL NOT ATTEND YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER VIGIL, BUT I WILL PRAY AT 6:30 THIS EVENING JUST FOR YOU....I PRAY EVERYDAY FOR U AND YOUR FAMILY, BUT TONIGHT HAS YOUR NAME ALL OVER IT....MY LONG DISTANCE EMBRACE WILL COME FROM THE NORTHLAND....MAY U HAVE COMFORT AND HEALING THIS WEEK, KEEP FAITH IN YOUR HEART AND THE GOOD LORD WILL DO THE REST...WITH CHRISTIAN LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP, YOUR PRAYER ANGEL IN KC, MO....JEN MILLER

Anonymous said...

Shawndra,

I will be with you in prayer all of next week. My Father is also having surgery the day before yours and I pray for inner peace for the both of you. Remember that you are never alone in any of this. Have Faith and things will get brighter!!!!

Anonymous said...

Shawndra,

I am out of town for work, but will be praying for you, Doug, Ella and both of your families. Our church family is praying for you as well. God bless you and your family.

Kristal

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with you Shawndra...Sue

Anonymous said...

Shawndra,
I will be praying for you and your family. Your journey has touched me so deeply. I am the mother of three young children(ages 8,5,and 2). I can't imagine what you must go through facing cancer and having a young child. You are such an inspiration to me. I pray that you will be cured and live a long and healthy life.
Love,
Wendy

Anonymous said...

With so many prayers and so much love already coming your way, there isn't much more to say.
You have been a cherished friend for almost 30 years and you will remain in my heart and mind for eternity.
I've also been thinking a lot about Doug's grandfather. This incredibly tough week for your family reminds me of a quote that helps me get by..."To those with the strongest character, God gives the most challenges."
You are strong. You are loved. Please don't forget that for a second.

See you tonight. Love, d

Anonymous said...

Planned on making it but I have been out of work for a week with strep and now the flu, spending lots of time in bed. Trust me I don’t want to get anybody sick but want to let you and Doug both know my prayers are with you Shawndra, and your entire family. God Bless! TZ

Anonymous said...

one of the wonderful ladies from our old stomping ground on 34th street passed on your blog, so from one drake phi to another, you are in my thoughts :0)

i hope your daughter reads this blog and learns from your strength, effusiveness and honesty.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you and sending positive thoughts your way.

Laura, Adrian, MO

Anonymous said...

God bless you Shawndra and may He go with you on your journey to Creighton. May He guide Dr. Foster's gentle hands during your surgery. May He hold you closely while you recuperate. May He watch over Ella, Doug and the rest of your family and give them comfort.
Have faith. You have angels here on earth and in Heaven holding you up in prayers.
With much love and many prayers,
Jan, here on Earth and my Jen, in Heaven

Anonymous said...

Shawndra - what a beautiful candlelight ceremony this evening. You have so many people who love and care about you and will be keeping you in their thoughts and daily prayers this week.

You have touched so many lives and truly are an amazing person.

Please know we will be thinking of you...

Allyson Ellis