Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Yesterday Rocked my world....

I was diagnosed with cancer. I am shocked, scared, humbled, and anxious to know more answers. My family and I would greatly appreciate your prayers in our behalf!

It was a surreal day where I had to call my husband at work to tell him that I had cancer. I had to call my mom, dad,sister, and other family. I NEVER imagined I would have to do that!

I will try to update my blog with more information as we get it. What I know right now is that I have cancer. It is a VERY rare cancer that originated in my appendix and they found it after a regular lab test once I had my recent appendectomy. Even though my appendix has been removed, we know that I still have some degree of remaining cancer on my colon. We will be doing more tests as soon as possible to see if it has spread beyond that. I will also be having surgery next week to remove the right half of my colon and several lymph nodes. The doctor will be able to more accurately stage my cancer once this surgery is complete. He knows that I am at least a stage 2...but he is very hopeful that that is all.

What lies ahead might be a bit of a LONG road, but I will beat this...this is day two of my journey and I feel strengthened by my Heavenly Father. I would have never known about this cancer without the strange bouts of appendicitis that I have had...so they were disguised blessings. I have great faith...but need your faith and prayers as well. This is SCARY!

21 comments:

Renee' Morris-Dezember said...

Shanda you have every prayer that I can offer - please know that I am here for you and your family.
You are strong and I will do whatever I can to help you get through this!

Andrea J said...

Oh my. I'm sorry that you have to go through this difficult period, but like you said - it's just the beginning and your outcome will be very positive. I will certainly be praying for you and your family.

RP said...

Shanda I'm so sorry that you have to deal with all of this. Your family is in our prayers and hope all goes well with the surgery and recovery.

Jen said...

Just wanted to let you know that we love you and are praying for you. We put your names in temple last night. You have incredible faith that will surely comfort you no matter what. We love you and tell Larry to get going on getting a housekeeper!!!!

Ellyn said...

Shanda, I am so sorry to hear of your horrible news. My family and I will keep you in our prayers. You have always been one of the strongest people that I have met in my lifetime so I know you will beat this. Hugs!

Brent & Kimberly said...

Shanda,
We love you and are praying for you! You're strong, have many people who love you and are praying for you and you will beat this!

c-natalie-l-k-l said...

We were sad and shocked to hear the news, Shanda! You are in our prayers. Heavenly Father works in mysterious ways...who knew appendicitis could be a blessing?!

Best of luck with your surgery!

MetroParks said...

So sorry Shanda. I know there is nothing like that awful feeling when you hear the word cancer with your name. I just got another bad scan of my lungs after 5 years of nothing. It sucks but we can do it.
There is another sister here in the Kirtland Stake that just had surgery on Monday for a rare cancer that originated in her appendix and was discovered during its removal. There is a specialist here at the Cleveland Clinic that is one of three in the nation that specializes in this.
Our prayers are definetly with you.
Sarah Parks

jodi said...

Shanda, I'm SO sorry you guys are going through this. It seems too crazy to really be real. You are so strong, you will beat this! I want to help out however I can. Seriously. Is your surgery next week at Kadlec? We are praying for all of you!

Dave and Loralee said...

Shanda, what a scary thing. But like others have mentioned-you are one of the strongest women I know. I'm grateful to have such a great example of faith to look to. We'll definitely be thinking of you and praying for you. I wish I was there to help out in any way, but know we're praying. I LOVE YOU!
Loralee

Diane said...

I pray you will get through this in a timely manner and get back to normal everyday life! I am absolutely sickened to hear this, I hate the C word. And to hear it mentioned with someone so young and healthy is a shock. Heavenly Father has a plan for everyone, and you are his special daughter and he will comfort you in this time of need! Praying for you tonight in our family prayer, and every night if need be!

Tom said...

Well, you have our prayers from here in Okinawa.

Melissa and Lance Atkins said...

Hey Shanda! This is Melissa Atkins (Borup). I am so sorry about the news! I am definitely thinking of you and hope everything is okay!

Cami said...

You're truly one of the strongest people I know and we will be praying for you. I hope the news to come is good.

Unknown said...

Our thoughts and prayer are with you.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Shellie said...

Wow, Shanda. I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but I'm confident that you can beat it. Heavenly Father is watching over you and your family and because of your appendix, you were able to catch it. I just called and put your name on the Columbia Temple prayer list and I will definitely keep you and your family in my prayers. Lots of love! Shellie

adrianne s. said...

Shanda, all of our prayers are with you and your family. You can do this. Your strength and faith will get you through this. You are an amazing woman!

The Larsons said...

Shanda, you are in our prayers as well... you have such great faith, and your girls are so lucky to have you as their example of how to face adversity. Thank you for updating your blog, and I hope you'll continue to do so... Hope the surgery goes as well as possible!

Auna Leigh said...

You give me chills! You are truly being held in the Lord's hands! I love you guys soo much! You are always in my prayers!

Rick and Janae said...

Shanda, we are so sorry to hear that you have to go through this, but you attitude is inspiring. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.