Wednesday, August 25, 2010

My cup is FULL...

My eyes are FULL of tears, my hearts is FULL of love, and my cup runneth over...  if that makes any sense at all.  Never in my life have I seen, felt, or witnessed such an outpouring of love and concern.  You (my friends all over) have been so kind to me.  I treasure your cards, letters, flowers, and comments on this blog.  I know I go into this surgery with a huge support system and your strength magnifies my own.  Your faith brings me so much comfort...and your kindness helps me to know that the fight is all worth it.  I feel so humbled, weak, and unworthy of the kind things you have shared with me and about me...but I am so grateful as well.  Thank you for being in my life and for the unique roles each of you play in my life.  Some of you are friends of old, some I haven't seen in years, some are from one of my many moves, from school, from church, some are my family, and some of you are newer treasured friends that have entered my life through various means.  To all of you I am grateful and I feel as though the Lord blesses me through each of you.  You have acted as instruments in his hands...and have answered many of my prayers over this last year.  Thank you!

My surgery is scheduled to start around 12:30 pm on Friday.  Depending on what the Dr. finds, it could be a very long afternoon.  It is just the only place he could fit me in his schedule to get me in quickly.  Larry or my mom will blog and post the updates as I come out .  They are very concerned that the cancer has spread, but I am not going to go there unless it happens.  We will see...and you will know as soon as we do.  I am worried about many things entering this, but feel so much comfort at the same time.  I am at peace with this part of the process...and I hope that this will be a means to healing and health.  I am trying so hard not to focus on the physical pain that I will soon endure...I can do it!  I will do it!  Here I go!!!

21 comments:

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

Shanda, we love you. We will be praying and praying for you, your family, and the doctors!

PalsRWe said...

Prayers, Prayers, Hugs, Luvs & More Prayers is all that needs to be said.. And maybe enjoy a little piece of chocolate too, if that's sounds yummy.
Luvs ya, Kiley

Carol said...

SHANDA you are so inspire me with all your hard work and all your worries you have. I just wish I could take on some of this to give you some peace even if just for just a moment in time. I will be thinking about you as I always do BUT doing much more praying come friday at 12:30. Remember the thousands of people who think and pray for you and you will feel at ease.

Kelly said...

I'm a firm believer that the mind helps heal the body! Keep your spirits up. Think positive. I know you won't enjoy your birthday this year, but it's just one more step to many more birthdays. Hang in there. Love you
Kel

The Dunham Family said...

Shanda - you are in my thoughts and prayers. You are truly and inspiration of strength, faith and love. Stay strong!!

Aly G said...

Wow, that is so great that they can get you in soon! You are a strong girl and will do great!! You are constant in our prayers and thoughts! Your doctor sounds like a great one. SO many people behind you! You can do it!!!!!! Luvs!

Melissa Conway said...

Shanda, my thoughts are with you and your family often, and on Friday something tells me your grace and bravery and sheer tenacity will pull you through with flying colors. xxoo

reverseoreo said...

Hello Sunshine!!! Sometimes I think my load is hard to bear but I just listen to that song and think that there is sunshine and I find that in you!!! We will be praying for you. Love ya Annette

Jennica said...

It's amazing how you do it over and over again. I have never met a person that can lift, inspire, and motivate so many others while enduring what you have endured. You are such a strong and amazing woman! You can do this and all of us will be praying for you. Keep believing and keep fighting hard...we are all behind you!

Megan's Mommy Blog said...

Shanda - I'll be thinking about you tomorrow and praying for a safe surgery and healthy outcome. Know that you have people all over the country praying and hoping for the best. We'll be holding your hand in our thoughts and asking God to guide you safely though this.

Laurene said...

I will be in the temple Friday for a session, fasting and praying for you and your family. Kevin and I will be in Richland visiting the Kester family September 3rd through 7th. Perhaps we'll be granted a short visit with you. You've got a magnificent army of angels backing you, Shanda!

Natalie said...

Sending you our love, thoughts and prayers!

Auna Leigh said...

I wanted to write you and let you know that we are praying for you and think of you often. I don't know what to say that I haven't already said in the past... Kick Butt Shanda! You can do anything! Love you!

Tracey said...

We have the good fortune of being a day ahead of you so for me it's already Friday. So far Friday is a good day so don't worry! I want to fast for you today and realizing that it's still Thursday for you I will be praying that you can hold strong to the positive feelings and that you will go into tomorrow with a sense of peace and the knowledge that your Heavenly Father truly does have a plan of happiness for you. He is mindful of you and your family and will continue to send angels to help you. I look forward to the updates!

The Larsons said...

Thanks so much for thinking of US while going through this. Your thoughts and comments are inspiring. Thanks for keeping us all updated so well! Will you be in Spokane then? Will you be up for visitors next week? Or would Larry want to come for dinner or have us bring food? Let us know!

216-559-0143

chesam said...

praying for you and your sweet family. may the Lord bless you & those who will care for you. you are such an inspiration! don't ever give up! you can do it!

Unknown said...

Shanda, You have been on my mind so much and I want you to know that we will continue to offer up our prayers along with that of so many others on your behalf. You have such a strong, fighting spirit and have inspired so many throughout your life (not just the current chapter). I look forward to offering up thanks for your health and happiness in the coming years. You are loved!! (((HUGS!!))

Gigi Geitgey said...

Shanda, we will be in the Columbia SC Temple tonight and as always will keep you in our personal prayers and add you, the doctors, and your family to the Temple Rrayer Roll this evening (Friday). Since it's EST it will be about the time you're going in for the surgery. We'll be watching for the updates. Love you.
Ruth & Warren Geitgey

Marian said...

Best wishes today and during the healing process, We're praying for you - you can do it! - Brandon and Marian Kofford

Lexie said...

Shanda we love you and we know that you can and will handle this marvelously! We are praying that the surgery is done and has gone well, hoping that it was short because there was no new cancer to find. Thanks for being so thoughtful about keeping us updated. We love you!

Susi said...

Fear not, the Lord is with thee and thine. This scripture brings peace. Our love, prayers and peace we send to you and your family... Brad and Susi Woodworth