Thursday, March 6, 2008

3:15... Dr. Foster Reports

Dr. Foster is very happy with the outcome of the operation. He completely removed Shawndra's omentum, gall bladder, spleen, a small portion of the pancreas, and was able to remove a large portion of the disease. Although not completely cancer-free (there is still milliary disease in various cavities) , the organ systems are functioning fine and Shawndra is doing well.

The next phase of the operation is the hot chemo flush. Dr. Foster estimated we'd be able to see her in the ICU at approximately 7PM.

I think this may have been the longest 12 hours of my life. But the outcome was well worth the wait. Make no mistake about it. This news is very positive and we're grateful.

After re-reading this post, I should apologize, because it comes off a bit "matter of fact". I think I'm just emotionally spent, and my mind knows no other way to communicate.

Sweetie, I love you. I can't wait to see you.

- Doug

71 comments:

Astraea said...

Yeah!!! Give her a hug for me. :)

God bless! Now I will pray for a speedy recovery!

Anonymous said...

What a blessing of good news this afternoon!

God Bless!

Jenn

Anonymous said...

Wow, she has been through it as well as you Doug. Jan V. has been getting updates from me because she cannot get your blog today but sends her love and prayers. You guys hang in there and know there are so many people who care so much for your family. Get some rest when you can. Melodie Chrisman

Anonymous said...

Still fighting the tears of joy back!!! Wonderful news!
Thank you again - I'd be going insane without your updates.

Love, d

Anonymous said...

Thanks Doug for these posts. I know Shawndra will appreciate it when she wakes up! Praying the HIPEC melts away the rest of those cancer cells...

Tell my friend I love her! And give Greg and Carolyn hugs for me!

Ang

Melony said...

Our God is an Awesome God!! I am so thankful that the report was positive. You guys deserve good news!!

Anonymous said...

What great news!!!!! I am so happy to hear the outcome was so positive. I'll be praying for an uneventful and speedy recovery for Shawndra.

Take care of yourself, Doug. You've had quite a day. My family will be praying for you all.

Michelle

Anonymous said...

What a blessing! fantastic news. Thinking of you and your family.

k in tx

Anonymous said...

Tears of joy and praise to the Lord for this good news.

God Bless and much love!

Brandi

Lucian Ochian said...

Many hugs from Minnesota. Since I found your blog yesterday, my thoughts and prayers were with you.

Thanks God that Shawndra is ok!

Doug, you are a hero!

Anonymous said...

I am relieved, this is a great sign, of good things to come for her ...Hoping this hot chemo flush will melt the rest away and the cancer will be GONE!
WE ALL LOVE YOU SHAWNDRA!
Cheering away like crazy and praying for a quick recovery!
(((HUGS))) to your whole family!

Anonymous said...

Oops...I guess I can give Greg my own hug if I need to, but I meant Gary!!

Ang

Anonymous said...

Praise the lord!! What wonderful news..Thanks for all of the updates. We are all so thankful for your family.Hugs and kisses Jenny

Anonymous said...

AWESOME!!!!
We'll continue praying for a very speedy recovery and complete victory over cancer!!!!

lkb said...

Doug,
I've check your blog several times today for updates. We are so happy to hear that Shawndra's surgeons were able to proceed with surgery. I know that was news you were all waiting for. Terry and I were sorry to hear of your Papa's passing. Please know that your family is in our hearts and prayers.
love to you all,
Lisa B, Chanute, KS

Anonymous said...

Amazing news but will not stop the praying. Let some of that weight fall from your shoulders, Doug.

Anonymous said...

What awesome news! Kellie in Ohio

Anonymous said...

Hooray for Shawndra!! Hope she feels better afterwards!! Hang in there. Hopefully the rest of the surgery will go as great as it has gone.

Spencer Chu

Anonymous said...

Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers!!

Karen

Anonymous said...

So thankful for more good news!! We will continue to hold you up in prayer as the healing now begins. Thank-you so much for keeping us up to date on her progress today. It means so much to all of us who love you and your family. You are all amazingly strong. We send our love and best wishes.
Kelly, Mark, Kayla & Grant

Unknown said...

All I can say is WOW! This is wonderful news. I know this is all exactly what Shawndra had hoped would be possible. She is blessed. She so deserves this outcome. She will be so pleased with what a great job you've done with the updates. Keep them coming and thank you very much. Love and prayers, Leisa

Anonymous said...

I was so relieved to be able to get on my computer and read the past three updates...even though I was not able to access my computer until now, all I thought about today was how Shawndra's surgery was going. You all continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Doug, What a difficult day for so many reasons. I will pray for you and your family with the loss of your grandfather.

-A faithful blog reader

jas said...

Doug,
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER feel a need to apologize. We all know how mentally (and even physically) trying today must have been for you. Your love for Shawndra is one that so many pine for. You are each other's rock, and everyone knows that. Tomorrow is the beginning of a whole new life for you all. One where cancer isn't running your life. I know she will beat this, and you and Ella are the reason- you give her that will to live and to win this battle.
Try to take it as easy as you can tonight. Give her our love!
One of the many prayer "warriors"

Anonymous said...

That is wonderful news! God bless you all! Thank you for keeping all of us so informed. Your family is in our prayers.

Susan & family

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful day! Thank you God for making Shawndra's surgery successful. Keep her in your eye and guide her toward complete recovery.

Marcia said...

Doug,
GREAT NEWS!!! God is sooo good! You will all continue to be in my thoughts and prayers!!! So sorry about your grandfathers passing. God bless you all!
Marcia Slack

Anonymous said...

THANK YOU JESUS....ONE PRAYER ANSWERED AT A TIME...NOW IT IS TIME FOR HEALING AND REST...THANKS AGAIN FOR THE POSTS....MAY U AND SHAWNDRA REST AND HEAL WITH EACH OTHERS LOVE AFTER SUCH A DRAINING DAY....WITH CHRISTIAN LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP, YOUR ANGEL OF PRAYER IN KC, MO....JEN MILLER

Anonymous said...

I have been reading the blog all day and waiting for this great news! I will continue to pray for Shawndra and all of her family and friends. Thank you so much for the updates!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful news!!! I will share this with our prayer shawl ministry ladies tonight.
Lynene Sandbloom

Anonymous said...

We are rejoicing in the great news of Shawndra's surgery.
Doug, thank you for the updates and take care of yourself.
Barry and Miki Wallace

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather- but crying with joy that Shawndra's surgery was a go. Doug- you have a lot on your plate. I hope you are taking care of yourself and can get some rest b/c Shawndra will need you- I know I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. Godspeed on the recovery! Thank you so much for keeping us all up to date!!!!! xo Adriane & Kevin Latz

BKNRC said...

I am just SO excited to hear this news! YIPPEE!!

Kristi E.

Anonymous said...

I have been thinking of Shawndra and praying for her off and on all day. I have been following her blog for several months. Peg in Southern Missouri

Anonymous said...

You and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers all day! What wonderfull news!! I will continue to pray for a speedy recovery.

Jen from Michigan

Anonymous said...

Give her a hug from us as well ~ wow what a day! I am thankful for GODs work to help her through this, everyday can only get better from here, BEAT that cancer Shawndra, this was a huge hurdle you overcame, you CAN do this! YOU ARE SO STRONG! I cant belive with all you went through, you were helping me through my illness, my goodness, you are truley a angel on this earth~ I AM PRAYING for a speedy recovery, and that soon you will be hugging your sweet baby Ella...Doug you have been her rock and you have been through alot today too, go and give your sweetie a hug and let her know we all love her too~ so many of us have been following along this whole time today and are so thankful for your updates ..
Thank you Doug and Andrea for keeping us posted..

Anonymous said...

It didn't sound at all "matter of fact"--it sounded like wonderful news after a long and exhausting day! So very sorry about your dear grandfather, Doug. Blessings on you both, and prayers for a speedy recovery, Shawndra.
Karen

Anonymous said...

I'm overjoyed for you guys!
so glad that CANCER is OUT!!!!
Still more to be wipped out, but this is great progress!!!!
Thinking of you,
Hayley

nancygrayce said...

What wonderful news! Bless your heart Doug...I know waiting is so hard. God is working!

Anonymous said...

Praise and all glory to God for answered prayer!!!! Continued prayer for a speedy recovery. Praying for strength for your family during the loss of PaPa.

Love
Michelle Cranford
Andrea's Pt Friend

Paulette said...

God is so good, he is at work on Shawndra, I am intensely praying. I am praying for you Doug.
Blessings to all of you waiting.

Anonymous said...

This is great news. Our prayers will continue for a quick recovery and continued success at beating this! No apologies necessary for the post. You have had more than an armys share of weight today, you are entitled to be short. Hang in there.

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Doug, for the continuous updates. What great news!
We continue to pray for all of you. I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your grandfather...am thinking of your mom as well right now!
God Bless you all!
Steve, Shelley, Brady & Sydney Lierz

Anonymous said...

Shawndra & Doug,
I have kept my computer up all day at school, (I usually don't) when a message would come accross, my teacher buddies would run and find me, so we could all read your updates. Thank you soo much for doing that for all of us.
We had the entire staff, praying for God to Bless you greatly and he did in one way with Shawndra but we are so sorry about your Grandfather.
We aren't letting up on our prayers, the cancer will all be gone soon.
Shawndra I am very sorry I couldn't make your prayer vigil on Mon. I couldn't walk very good that day, and I thought I had better pray from home and I did.
Please give my love to Carolyn and Gary, we have them on prayer also.
Praise the Lord!!
Your Mom's cousin- Brenda

Anonymous said...

Doug,
We am so very sorry about your Papa, but are sure that he is taking care of all of this from heaven.
Thank you so much for all the updates. You are a wonderful husband and father - Shawndra is fortunate to have you.
Give our love to Carolyn, Gary and especially Shawndra! Expect a miracle - God gives them everyday!
Love,
Jan

Anonymous said...

Praising God for this news. I will continue to pray.

Blessings,

Carol

Anonymous said...

Shawndra,

I was so glad to read Doug's update with the news of your surgery. I hope that you rest well tonight. Continued prayers are being sent your way.

Jennifer Teegarden MD

Anonymous said...

I am overjoyed with your news. I couldn't concentrate all day. I'd probably be fired if my boss knew how much time I spent thinking and praying for you and watching your blog. Speedy recovery is our new prayer!!
I wish I knew Shawndra personally, I could learn so much from her:)
Sorry for your loss of your grandfather, Doug.

Kelli

Anonymous said...

That's good news. I hope you heal very quickly.

Jon C.

Anonymous said...

What a day and what great news! Get some rest and give that wife of yours a big hug from us all. In my prayers as always!
Deb

I am sure your papa is thrilled with these results and at peace.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful day!! Bless you Doug for always being there for Shawndra! I am still praying hard for all the C to be GONE when Shawndra wakes up!!
Suew1234@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I have been glued to my computer today checking for updates on Shawndra's condition. I am so thrilled with the good news! We will continue our prayers!
Kristine Nuss

Anonymous said...

Oh Doug!!! I'm so happy for the outcome of Shawndra's surgery. Sounds good to me and a very positive sign. I know that you are torn and Dennis and I were sad today to learn of the death or Norm. I know how torn you must be but this is ok, your place is with Shawndra and Pappa wouldn't have it any other way. Nanny too for that matter. Hang in there and take good care of yourself and Shawndra. Tell her folks that we are thrilled for them too as I know this is a difficult time for them to see their child suffer. See you soon,

Dennis and Kathy Ferraro

Anonymous said...

Dear, doug and shawndra

I know it`s been hard but shawndra
can get though this.THE HOLY GOD
WILL BE THERE EVERY STEP YOU GUYS
TAKE!
from,
sally walker:9 years
old

Anonymous said...

Praise God for this good news. I knew it would come!
Julie

Anonymous said...

What GREAT news. I am so happy for your entire family. What a blessing.
Wendy

Anonymous said...

What great news I am so happy for both of you and your daughter. I will continue to pray for a speedy recovery.

My deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your grandfather.

What an emotional day for you.

God Bless

Anonymous said...

What a day for you all! I am so relieved to read the news of Shawdra's surgery. Fabulous!! Sorry to hear of your Papa's passing. Hugs and prayers to all of you.

Anonymous said...

Praise GOD! So glad to come home this evening after not being able to check the blog for the last few hours and finding that Shawndra is in recovery. I will continue to keep your family in my prayers.

Thank you, Doug!
Thank you, Shawndra!! :)
PRAISE the LORD!

Melissa (Lee's Summit)

Anonymous said...

It was so wonderful to come home and read such AWESOME news! Thanks for sending detailed updates! We are praying for all of you here in St. Louis and for Shawndra's recovery.
Love,
Amy K.

Unknown said...

I prayed for her all day, I am so thankful that things are going well. I am sending Shawndra, Doug, Bella, everyone, a huge hug. Today was a good day. Donna

Anonymous said...

Excellent, excellent news! Praise God!

Christy Harrell

Anonymous said...

Doug, Just remember there are so many lifting Shawndra and you (and the rest of the family) up in prayer. Shawndra is a fighter!!

Becky E.
Lees Summit, MO

Anonymous said...

What wonderful news...isn't the power of prayer amazing! We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your grandfather...what an emotional day you have had.

God Bless,

Curtis, Allyson, Brooke and Luke Ellis

Anonymous said...

Shawndra and Family-

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you all during this time. Please know we are here for you! Keep Believing!!!

The Mudge's

Paulette said...

Hey Shawndra,
It is midnight here in Texas, and I wanted to check on you before going to bed for the night. I want to tell you how grateful I am that they were able to remove so much cancerous tissue. I pray the warm chemo flush they did will kick the rest to the curb!
I admire so much your faith Shawndra, and your positive attitude all along. I do not know if I could be so courageous given what you have dealt with in the past many months.
may the Lord continue a mighty miraculous work in your body. May he grant you the gift of a long life with your sweet Doug and precious Ella. This will always be my prayer for you.
Father, as Shawndra sleeps this night may you touch her body and remove all the disease. Father I pray that you would wrap her in your arms and heal her. Thank-you for the impact that Shawndra's testimony has on so many. May you see fit for complete healing for this precious young woman.
Goodnight family.

Anonymous said...

Just checking in before I head off to bed.

I will be thinking of you all as I drift off to sleep.

May your night be restful knowing most of the cancer has been removed from Shawndra's body. May your heart be at ease knowing Papa is in heaven. I'd say he did an excellent job on his first assignment as an angel. Papa never let Shawndra's butterfly wings touch the ground. :)

Love,

Brandi

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy for you all.
I'm reading this Friday, March 7th, at your local 7AM time.
How are you all?
I'm sorry Doug for your grandfather passing away.
I'm always praying for you all.
Wish you all the best.
You're always in our hearts and prayers.
Love,
Roswita

Anonymous said...

Doug and Shawndra,
Not a day goes by that our family doesn't think about and pray for you. I am glad that the surgery went well. Love from Texas, Eric and Tami Storey family

Astraea said...

I pray today brings many cozy quiet moments for the two of you. :)

Unknown said...

God Bless you and yours........ So pleased she had a successful and LONG surgery. Good news indeed...

I am sorry for your loss of your Grandfather. I am praying for your family and their loss.

Dinah

Anonymous said...

Our prayers are working!!! I am so thankful to hear that she fought through all those hours of surgery. Shawndra is so strong..I am truly in awe of her. Thanks for all the updates Doug, you are a wonderful husband..Shawndra is lucky to have a rock like you by her side! Tell our girl I love her and she ROCKS!!
Always,
Michelle B