Thursday, March 6, 2008

10:18 AM... Extensive Surgery Will Happen!

Thank the Lord! A nurse in the OR just personally informed us that Dr. Foster and Dr. Logi deemed it beneficial to open up Shawndra's belly for in-depth removal of cancer. They're in the process of removing her omentum -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_omentum

The nurse mentioned that there is quite a lot of disease. More than what the PET/CT scans have shown. Nevertheless, this is such good news! The nurse says she'll have a progress report in a few hours. I can't express how grateful I am for everyone that has prayed, and continues to pray.

My mother called about 5 minutes ago. Papa passed away peacefully in her arms. It's not a coincidence that these two events were... well, you know what I'm trying to say. Mom, Nanie, Krissy, thanks for being by Pops' side.

My Dad just arrived. It's nice to have him here.
- Doug

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have been checking in nonstop, so worried, and PRAYING so hard!
I am so THANKFUL she is having the extensive surgery, praying this cancer will be removed and a miracle happen!
Doug I am sorry to hear of the passing of your grandfather, GOD works in his own ways, and maybe your grandfather is now holding Shawndras hand and helping along as her gaurdian angel...I BELIVE IN ANGELS and EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON!
(((Hugs)) you are going through so much, all of you! Shawndra we love you and pray this cancer will be gone from your body and recovery will be as swift...
Our prayers and love is with you all during this time!
GOD BLESS YOU SHAWNDRA!

Anonymous said...

Bless you all!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Doug, I am so sorry to hear of your Papas passing. I do believe he was there for Shawndra at that moment. She continues to be in our prayers throughout the procedure, as well as the recovery.

Anonymous said...

What a blessing! Doug, I'm sure you are having quite the emotional roller coaster today...but knowing that now papa can watch over Shawndra during this procedure is even more comforting. I know that I don't "know" you two, but I feel as if you are old friends. When I read this post it brought a tear to my eye just knowing that the surgery was going through. I will check back through out the day and continue to pray.

Terra

Melony said...

PRAISE GOD!!! I pray that the surgeon is able to remove all of the cancer while he is in there.

Your Papa is in a much better place and I am thankful that your Mom was able to be with him for his final breath.. She will always be thankful that she had those last moments with him. I hate that you are having to go through two very emotional situations at once.

Anonymous said...

Oh ,Doug my heart is breaking for you as you have just lost your Papa...yet rejoicing for your sweet wife...God is so good....thank you for keeping us updated we love your family~~

Anonymous said...

YES LORD!!!!
I am so glad the extensive surgery is being done and I believe with you that Shawndra is on the road to full healing.
I am so sorry about your Grandfather....as you said, this is NO coincidence. But, what an emotional day for you....we're praying for you, Shawndra and your entire family...
May God bless you richly!

Unknown said...

Doug, I'm really sorry to hear about your Papa. May God take him into his loving arms and may he rejoice in the glory of being by his side for eternity. What a bittersweet day. Thank God for the news about Shawndra. That's wonderful! What new hope this day brings. I am so very happy to hear this news. Prayers are answered. Thanks for letting us know something as soon as you did. What a relief. Prayers will continue that the rest of the surgery goes well and that Shawndra has a speedy recovery when it's through. Leisa

Anonymous said...

Shawndra and Family-

We are so blessed to here that Shawndra will be in Extensive Surgery. Just wanted you all to know I was in my car driving and 104.3 I heard the song "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack was dedicated to Shawndra. Prayer is so powerful! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! Keep Believing!!!

The Mudge's

Anonymous said...

Turner Family-

I am so sorry to here that Papa passed away. Please know our thougths and prayers are with your family.

The Mudge's

Mary T said...

I have not yet commented but today is different. I am so full of emotion that I had to comment. I have been following along with Shawndra's family since I heard about Jennifer Ireland. I live in KCMO and work at KU MED and have checked in daily on Shawndra's progress. It touches my heart to hear the things she has gone through. My mother passed away 18 years ago and so I know all too well what cancer can do to a family especially one with small children involved. I am the oldest of 5 and I was only 21 when my mother passed away form brain cancer at the age of 40. I am now about to turn 40 too and so I think alot about what could possibly have been going through my mothers mind knowing she had children she was leaving behind. I cried when the news was posted that surgery was going to be extensive! I also cried that there is another angel with his wings. I just pray that he is a guardian angel for all of you now!
My prayers go out to all of Shawndra's family and friends!!!!
Mary T

Anonymous said...

THANKS BE TO GOD!!! While I'm sorry to hear of your grandfather's passing, he is now at peace and watching over our baby girl.
If I weren't at work, I'd be crying tears of joy! I'm so happy your dad is there to be with you through this difficult day. I have to run to a meeting, but will check-in when I return, hopefully to great news!!

Stay strong for Shawndra - she couldn't do any of this without you Doug.

Love to all, Dustin

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you guys that Shawndra is getting the long version. I've been thinking about her all morning. So sorry to hear about your grandfather. Stay strong, ALL OF YOU!! GO SHAWNDRA!! Your entire family is in my thoughts today.

Anonymous said...

Doug,

I am so sorry about your grandfather. I am overjoyed to hear that a long surgery is in the works!!

You and Shawndra have been on my mind all day...I checked for an update the second I walked in the door, and I am so happy to read the news! We will be praying for all of you today.

Peace to you and your family today, and may God continue to watch over Shawndra.

Michelle

Anonymous said...

Doug we are so sorry for the loss of your Papa. Everyone is in our thoughts and prayers ALL DAY! Love you all!
Mindy and Derek Nicholson

Anonymous said...

Doug,

God does work in mysterious ways.

Papa was just waiting to hear the words "Extensive Surgery".... Papa wanted to be the one to supervise the surgery in the OR; knowing just how much his beloved grandson loves his precious wife.
Papa is present and protecting Shawndra.
Doug, Papa is so proud of you!

"Everytime you hear a bell ring, an angel gets their wings"

Our love,
Brandi

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh, I am sooooo excited for you all! So glad that she gets to have the more extensive surgery. That's usually a weird thing to be grateful for, but not in this instance!! I hope she recovers well and her prognosis afterward is nothing short of miraculous!!
I am so sorry about your Grandfather Doug. How blessed he was to have such wonderful family around him.
I will continue to pray and keep you all close at heart!
Deb

Anonymous said...

First time poster, long time follower. PRAISE GOD for the extensive surgery! Just wanted to let you all know I'm thinking about you always and especially today! Prayers to you!!

Melissa (Lee's Summit)

Anonymous said...

Shawndra,

I am so glad to hear that you will be able to have the extensive surgery you have been praying for!

Doug,

I am saying prayers for your family today and am so sorry for your loss.

Jennifer Teegarden MD

Lisa said...

Doug, thank you so much for the updates. I am so glad to hear Shawndra is getting the extensive surgery. She has certainly been in my prayers all morning long. Everything happens for a purpose and a reason and I feel your Papa's passing was for a very special purpose. God does work in mysterious ways :-) My prayers are with you both.

Anonymous said...

AWESOME about the surgery...that's what she wanted. Let's hope they can do some major removal. My thoughts are with you all for Shawndra and for you and your family, Doug. Wow - stay strong and know you are lvoed

Astraea said...

Oh, thank you Lord. I am in tears right now.

Now Shawndra has one more angel to watch over her. May God bless your family during this time.

Anonymous said...

PRAISE YE THE LORD.....FOR SHAWNDRA, DOUG, ELLA, AND ALL THE PRECIOUS FAMILY THAT GATHERS IN THE NAME OF PAPA....BLESS BE THE TIDES THAT BIND...OUR HEARTS IN CHRISTIAN LOVE..........WITH CHRISTIAN LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP, YOUR ANGEL IN KC, MO...JEN MILLER

Anonymous said...

THank the Lord for a long surgery! I don't know your Papa... but am certain he left this Earth just in time to help SHawndra when she needed him most - from the place where he can help her the most - right next to the Lord!
Bless you all for this emotional rollercoaster you are on.
- Mandy (Hamlin) Featherston

Anonymous said...

The Lord our God is so mighty
God's perfect plan!
I am so sorry for your loss but God knew He would send news of praise along with news of grief

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord!!! We are so glad to hear that Shawndra is able to have the extensive surgery that she hoped for. We are with you in thought and prayer.
We were sorry to hear about your Papa, Doug. We send our love to you and your entire family. You have a lot to deal with right now. May the Lord be with you and give you strength.

Kelly, Mark, Kayla & Grant

Anonymous said...

Yeah, yeah, yeah...I'm sooooo happy!!! I was at the cancer center for my clinical today and all the girls there said to tell Shawndra they are thinking about her. Since I'm not at work I cried your tears of joy for you Dustin!!
Doug I'm so sorry about Papa but you are right in that it isn't a coincidence that this happened today. He was waiting on something and this was it. If your family needs anything please, please call me-I'm always available-everything else can wait.

Ang
PS-Lexi is doing well and sends lots of kisses...yes, she ate today (so what if it was Abby's food...) :-)

Anonymous said...

All I can think of to say is just to echo the beautiful comments that others have been leaving here. And, I will keep right on praying for your family until we hear that she is safely out of surgery. Thoughts and prayers with you all -
Stephanie in KC

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for the updates. I have been checking in all day! I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather's passing. Continued Prayers from Lawrence, KS!!!! GO SHAWNDRA!!!

Anonymous said...

Doug, I am so sorry to hear about your grandpa, but soooo excited to hear about your wife!! I couldn't help but cry tears of joy when I read the news!! Shawndra is so strong and such a fighter, she is going to beat this, I truly believe it. I am praying for you all and will be watching for more updates.
Always, Michelle B.

Anonymous said...

Doug, the strength that you have amazes me. Continue to be strong for Shawndra, but don't be afraid to lean on your support, that is why they are there.
I hope you hear soon about how successful the surgery has been!!
You and Shawndra will continue to be in my thoughts today.

Jeremy Dirkes

Anonymous said...

(((Doug)))

That's a cyberhug.

Laura, NP, Adrian, MO