Six days ago, my mother in law had a severe stroke and is in a hospice center. It's very difficult
to have her in this condition and it breaks our families hearts. I know that it won't be long and
she will be moving on to the next stage in life....which is to return to our Heavenly home.
Because I know for myself that Heavenly Father lives and that Jesus Christ conquered sin and
death, it makes it easier to deal with death when it comes. I found a very special poem that
touched my heart and I would like to dedicate it to my mother in law at this time.
You are the other Mom
I got the day I wed your son.
And I just want to thank you Mother
For the lovely things you've done.
You are a lovely Mother,
And I am a lucky wife!
I wonder if you know how much
you've added to my life.
You used to pat His little head,
And now I hold his hand.
You raised in love a "Little Boy."
And gave me then a "Man."
(I love you Mother!)
Then, at the same time, I've been thinking about Thomas, who is serving a full time mission for
the Lord in Washington State. In just two days, it will be a year since he has been out. One
more year left and we will have him home! Yea! Yet, at the same time, we are receiving so
many blessings from his service that I want to have him continue. But most
importantly, he is teaching the gospel to my brothers and sisters in Washington and that makes
me happy. I feel very blessed to have the true gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and to know of
God's plan for me. So, we are planning to send him a special love package for Valentines Day
and for his 1 year mark as well. The main thing he wants is pictures. It's hard for Thomas at
this time to be away from family especially because he loves his grandmother so much. But, he
has a great understanding of God's plan and he will be fine.
I feel so blessed to have a wonderful husband who loves his parents so much. Larry and I have
had some real choice experiences singing hymns to his mother and just being there with her.
Also, Larry has also enjoyed spending time with his Dad and going out to dinner together.
These are hard times and but we will get through them.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Feeling carried
Sometimes I feel that the Lord is carrying me. Actually....all the time. He has blessed us in so
many ways that I just don't have enough fingers and toes to count the blessings on. For
example, he helped us modify our house loan, a bill for $1,000 was just dropped and the
company wrote it off, our dental credit card percentage was dropped 20%...amazing. Our
daughter, Maria, posts our business on Craig's list and we are starting to get a lot more work
because of it! Joseph, our son in law is working for us and doing a great job with bids and we
are starting to see the fruit of his labor. Richard, my brother, is in the middle of creating a new
website for our business and is quite the master mind when it comes to computers. I could just
go on and on and on. I hope that everyone can experience the love and support in their lives
just as I feel love and support from my dear husband, family, friends, and especially the Lord.
God is my best friend and I love Him with all of my heart.
He has made my burdens light and continues to warm my heart and fill my
life with joy!
I'm happy and find so much joy in teaching my grandchildren piano and singing
lessons. They are just so cute and delightful to be around. I think they actually help me to heal
in many ways. Just being around them makes my heart smile!
On a lighter note, last night I dyed my hair a dark brown.
It's been a year since I put any color on it and my doctor said I shouldn't use any chemicals on
my hair but that I could use henna from the health food store. I was skeptical at first
because my sister said that it made her hair turn red. So, I heard that if you add coffee to the
dry henna in the preparation stage instead of water that it helps to eliminate the redness. So,
Larry and I went to MacDonald's and bought coffee. It was so embarrassing. I made sure that
the lady at the window knew what it was for. I stayed up late last night following the
directions exactly. It has to be on the hair for 3 hours. So by 1:30 or 2 pm I had finished. It
was a job...but it turned out! Yea! Hope it lasts a while. I was getting tired of the mousy
grayish brown color. It makes me feel even better to have my hair darker again. Also,
I got a pair of glasses so now I can see better. I'm just feeling like a new person!
Also, I had an appointment with my oncologist, Dr.Kellogg, a couple of days ago and he said
that he also feels that I am in partial remission just as the other doctors had stated.
He said to keep doing what Dr. Burzynski prescribes....because it is working.
He is amazed at the progress and probably quite surprised as well!
many ways that I just don't have enough fingers and toes to count the blessings on. For
example, he helped us modify our house loan, a bill for $1,000 was just dropped and the
company wrote it off, our dental credit card percentage was dropped 20%...amazing. Our
daughter, Maria, posts our business on Craig's list and we are starting to get a lot more work
because of it! Joseph, our son in law is working for us and doing a great job with bids and we
are starting to see the fruit of his labor. Richard, my brother, is in the middle of creating a new
website for our business and is quite the master mind when it comes to computers. I could just
go on and on and on. I hope that everyone can experience the love and support in their lives
just as I feel love and support from my dear husband, family, friends, and especially the Lord.
God is my best friend and I love Him with all of my heart.
He has made my burdens light and continues to warm my heart and fill my
life with joy!
I'm happy and find so much joy in teaching my grandchildren piano and singing
lessons. They are just so cute and delightful to be around. I think they actually help me to heal
in many ways. Just being around them makes my heart smile!
On a lighter note, last night I dyed my hair a dark brown.
It's been a year since I put any color on it and my doctor said I shouldn't use any chemicals on
my hair but that I could use henna from the health food store. I was skeptical at first
because my sister said that it made her hair turn red. So, I heard that if you add coffee to the
dry henna in the preparation stage instead of water that it helps to eliminate the redness. So,
Larry and I went to MacDonald's and bought coffee. It was so embarrassing. I made sure that
the lady at the window knew what it was for. I stayed up late last night following the
directions exactly. It has to be on the hair for 3 hours. So by 1:30 or 2 pm I had finished. It
was a job...but it turned out! Yea! Hope it lasts a while. I was getting tired of the mousy
grayish brown color. It makes me feel even better to have my hair darker again. Also,
I got a pair of glasses so now I can see better. I'm just feeling like a new person!
Also, I had an appointment with my oncologist, Dr.Kellogg, a couple of days ago and he said
that he also feels that I am in partial remission just as the other doctors had stated.
He said to keep doing what Dr. Burzynski prescribes....because it is working.
He is amazed at the progress and probably quite surprised as well!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Raining blessings from heaven
This week it has rained almost every day....almost continually at times. Just like the rain has
fallen down, money has also been pouring down to help me with my medicine. Last Sunday, a
member of our bishopric came to our home. He gave us an envelope with a note inside that
said, "please give this to Margaret Manning." Inside was $1000 to use towards my
pills. Then each day, others have contributed. A family member brought over $500 this week.
It just made me cry because I knew they needed it. My grandson several times gave me money
that he had earned. Once it was about $4, another time a penny, another time $5.04. A dear
friend sent a lovely note and donated $10. She is so sweet and such an example to me. A grand
daughter brought over money and quietly put it into my pill bank. Grandpa caught her. I am
soooo blessed and Heavenly Father surely hears and is answering our prayers in my behalf. My
prayer is that every one that helps me in any way will be blessed a hundred fold.
fallen down, money has also been pouring down to help me with my medicine. Last Sunday, a
member of our bishopric came to our home. He gave us an envelope with a note inside that
said, "please give this to Margaret Manning." Inside was $1000 to use towards my
pills. Then each day, others have contributed. A family member brought over $500 this week.
It just made me cry because I knew they needed it. My grandson several times gave me money
that he had earned. Once it was about $4, another time a penny, another time $5.04. A dear
friend sent a lovely note and donated $10. She is so sweet and such an example to me. A grand
daughter brought over money and quietly put it into my pill bank. Grandpa caught her. I am
soooo blessed and Heavenly Father surely hears and is answering our prayers in my behalf. My
prayer is that every one that helps me in any way will be blessed a hundred fold.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Home from Burzynski Clinic
Yesterday we returned home from the Burzynski Clinic in Houston Texas. We had a good trip
and found great results with my health. My daughter Maria and her 5 year old son, Tate, and I
flew out together and stayed at the CandleWood Hotel. Tate was so fun to have along and was
very well behaved. Because of his eagerness to learn and exciting personality, he delighted
everyone we met and added much to our trip. Maria was very helpful as usual and drove the
freeways like a pro. She helped in many ways and was great company.
We met with my 3 doctors in a large consultation room on the 2nd floor. Dr. Burzynski, Dr.
Kubove, and Dr. Weaver were all there together to discuss my health. Basically, my gene
marker test is normal and my Pet/Ct scan results were very good. The skull base and neck is
normal. The chest is continuing to improve. I have one node that is on the right chest area that
is slightly larger than normal but smaller that the last pet scan findings. The abdomen is clear,
the pelvis is as well. Dr. Burzynski said that I am in partial remission. I am 95% better but
must stay on the medications until at least my next 3 month visit. They want to make sure that
the cancer completely leaves and doesn't come back.
Next, we met with the radiologist and he compared several of my ct/pet scans.
It's amazing to see the difference. My body was covered with enlarged active
cancerous glands back in March of 2009, and now 10 months later, I am almost completely
well. What a miracle. Dr. Kline, the radiologist said that about 45%-50% of the patients get all
the way better. I am part of that percentage. Also, my gene marker test came back normal.
Yeah! So, I am doing really good. The Burzynski Clinic is one of my favorite places to be. It is
booming with activity, as they are very busy. People fly in from all over the world and are
getting great results. Most of these people are those that have not been given any hope from
traditional medicine and are given up to die. The feeling in the clinic is one of great hope and
love and the staff is happy, upbeat and very energetic. They are some of the most
knowledgeable doctors and nurses that I have met. So, I enjoyed my visit very much and am
very happy with my progress. I will be staying on the same medicine until told otherwise,
and will continue to follow what the doctor tells me to do. Life is wonderful. God is working a
miracle and I have a big smile on my face!
and found great results with my health. My daughter Maria and her 5 year old son, Tate, and I
flew out together and stayed at the CandleWood Hotel. Tate was so fun to have along and was
very well behaved. Because of his eagerness to learn and exciting personality, he delighted
everyone we met and added much to our trip. Maria was very helpful as usual and drove the
freeways like a pro. She helped in many ways and was great company.
We met with my 3 doctors in a large consultation room on the 2nd floor. Dr. Burzynski, Dr.
Kubove, and Dr. Weaver were all there together to discuss my health. Basically, my gene
marker test is normal and my Pet/Ct scan results were very good. The skull base and neck is
normal. The chest is continuing to improve. I have one node that is on the right chest area that
is slightly larger than normal but smaller that the last pet scan findings. The abdomen is clear,
the pelvis is as well. Dr. Burzynski said that I am in partial remission. I am 95% better but
must stay on the medications until at least my next 3 month visit. They want to make sure that
the cancer completely leaves and doesn't come back.
Next, we met with the radiologist and he compared several of my ct/pet scans.
It's amazing to see the difference. My body was covered with enlarged active
cancerous glands back in March of 2009, and now 10 months later, I am almost completely
well. What a miracle. Dr. Kline, the radiologist said that about 45%-50% of the patients get all
the way better. I am part of that percentage. Also, my gene marker test came back normal.
Yeah! So, I am doing really good. The Burzynski Clinic is one of my favorite places to be. It is
booming with activity, as they are very busy. People fly in from all over the world and are
getting great results. Most of these people are those that have not been given any hope from
traditional medicine and are given up to die. The feeling in the clinic is one of great hope and
love and the staff is happy, upbeat and very energetic. They are some of the most
knowledgeable doctors and nurses that I have met. So, I enjoyed my visit very much and am
very happy with my progress. I will be staying on the same medicine until told otherwise,
and will continue to follow what the doctor tells me to do. Life is wonderful. God is working a
miracle and I have a big smile on my face!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Recent health update
I am feeling pretty good and am well over the laryngitis and "flu or near walking pneumonia."
I'm so glad! Last week was my 4th Ct/Pet Scan and next week is the trip to Houston, Texas to
see Dr. Burzynski. I'm really looking forward to finding out how my gene marker test was as
well as the Ct/Pet Scan. Just wondering if the medicine will change or what he will say. I'm so
glad that my daughter, Maria is going to go with me as well as her son Tate. He was been
saving money for me all along and it will be a blessing to have him with us. For some reason,
he makes me feel better just to be around him. Maria is wonderful and will be a great help as
usual. Today, I saw my endocrinologist who recently ran some more thyroid tests. I was
officially diagnosed with hypothyroidism (Low thyroid) and will be starting on the medicine in
the morning. So, I should be feeling better in many ways. Hypothyroidism runs in the family,
as I have 2 sisters with it and many other family members as well. I have had many of the
symptoms for some time now but have put it on the back burner since cancer took preference.
I will write more next week and give a thorough update.
I'm so glad! Last week was my 4th Ct/Pet Scan and next week is the trip to Houston, Texas to
see Dr. Burzynski. I'm really looking forward to finding out how my gene marker test was as
well as the Ct/Pet Scan. Just wondering if the medicine will change or what he will say. I'm so
glad that my daughter, Maria is going to go with me as well as her son Tate. He was been
saving money for me all along and it will be a blessing to have him with us. For some reason,
he makes me feel better just to be around him. Maria is wonderful and will be a great help as
usual. Today, I saw my endocrinologist who recently ran some more thyroid tests. I was
officially diagnosed with hypothyroidism (Low thyroid) and will be starting on the medicine in
the morning. So, I should be feeling better in many ways. Hypothyroidism runs in the family,
as I have 2 sisters with it and many other family members as well. I have had many of the
symptoms for some time now but have put it on the back burner since cancer took preference.
I will write more next week and give a thorough update.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
End of year
This year has been quite the adventure! I've learned about faith and miracles.
God is certainly mindful of me and of each of His children and He surely keeps
His promises. So, at the beginning of 2009 I wrote down some goals for myself. Some of these
goals were to get new carpeting, to lose weight, and to read a book monthly. But, then in
March, my life took a different course and I had to reevaluate my New Year's Goals.
I no longer cared about carpeting, losing weight or reading a book monthly.
My goal was to get over cancer and to do my part in this miracle that was unfolding.
Some of the things that I have learned are:
That the Lord has a plan for each of us and knows us personally
That He cares about our desires and wants us to SEEK for our righteous desires
That we need the prayers of others and also their faith and help
Friends and family are such a great support
The scriptures are a great source of strength and comfort
The importance of often and fervent prayer
People are so generous with their money
The Lord sure does love His children!
God truly loves to heal and perform miracles!
So, my cancer adventure has been hard, tiring, adventurous, and a great learning experience.
I know that it is not only blessing my life but it is also blessing the lives of many people,
including my husband, my children,their spouses and my grandchildren.
It won't be long and this cancer adventure will soon be coming to a close.
My health is returning and life goes on...
Blessings never cease and 2010 is going to be a great year for the Manning Family!
God is certainly mindful of me and of each of His children and He surely keeps
His promises. So, at the beginning of 2009 I wrote down some goals for myself. Some of these
goals were to get new carpeting, to lose weight, and to read a book monthly. But, then in
March, my life took a different course and I had to reevaluate my New Year's Goals.
I no longer cared about carpeting, losing weight or reading a book monthly.
My goal was to get over cancer and to do my part in this miracle that was unfolding.
Some of the things that I have learned are:
That the Lord has a plan for each of us and knows us personally
That He cares about our desires and wants us to SEEK for our righteous desires
That we need the prayers of others and also their faith and help
Friends and family are such a great support
The scriptures are a great source of strength and comfort
The importance of often and fervent prayer
People are so generous with their money
The Lord sure does love His children!
God truly loves to heal and perform miracles!
So, my cancer adventure has been hard, tiring, adventurous, and a great learning experience.
I know that it is not only blessing my life but it is also blessing the lives of many people,
including my husband, my children,their spouses and my grandchildren.
It won't be long and this cancer adventure will soon be coming to a close.
My health is returning and life goes on...
Blessings never cease and 2010 is going to be a great year for the Manning Family!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Feelings of Christmas
I have mixed emotions this holiday season. Christmas was absolutely wonderful! It was great
to have each of our children and their spouses and our grandchildren over and it felt so warm
and wonderful. All except Thomas, who is serving in Washington as a missionary But, he called
and just warmed our hearts even more! I was totally spoiled by everyone and it felt so good.
I'm used to it. ...it's true. Being sick has it's ups and down. One of the downs is that the food
that I serve usually isn't very good. I try to simplify and it's just not the same. Even with lots of
help in the kitchen somehow the homemade cooking is still missing. We had the huge tortillas
and beans and salsa and all the fixings. Many people helped. But, because the tortillas were a
couple of days old... for some reason we couldn't get them soft and they just weren't the best.
Maria worked hard in the kitchen and insisted on me opening her gift early Christmas morning
so as to use it in serving the meal. She said that I would love it. I did! It was a lazy susan with
ceramic gold containers with a center bowl. It was perfect to serve the food on Christmas day
and the food looked beautiful in it! We received special gifts from each of our children as well.
Each of the married children, which is all of them but Thomas, gave a gift to each couple.
James and Julie had brought a homemade bean salsa which was delicious. It was put into 4
different containers and Julie put it into the kitchen. For some reason, I thought it was for the
meal and so I dumped a couple of them into a container into the lazy susan for everyone to
enjoy. James and Julie have only been married since August and it was her first Christmas with
us. She didn't say anything at first....but later James told me that the bean salsa's were
intended to go to the other 4 couples for their gifts. I felt really bad. There were only two left,
so just two of the couples got to have their gifts. Oh well. I wish I could be perfect and not
make mistakes but somehow I just keep making them. James and Julie were nice about it and
overlooked it.
Then Christmas night, Larry got up with cramps in his legs and when he almost fell I braced
him with my body and helped him back onto the bed. In doing so I hurt my left knee. So, I
have a brace on it and it is injured. So, Larry is at church right now, and I am home alone again
with the same old conjestion and the knee problem. But, wonderful news is that my voice came
back and I was able to talk with Thomas on Christmas Day. That was the best Christmas gift
ever!
Oh, and I mustn't forget the very special Christmas Eve that Larry and I experienced. At first, it
wasn't so wonderful....as we were struggling to finish our homemade gifts for our children. We
were saying to ourselves, "how did we ever do it in the past....why are we so slow this
year....and how are we ever going to get all the pages stuffed into these plastic sheets to put into
the books...." When all of a sudden we heard someone knock on the door or ring the doorbell.
Larry went to the door and there was a heavy basket with a pink and white checkered cloth
over it. He brought it in and we looked inside. There was fresh citrus fruit and a big jar filled
with quarters and other coins in it which was labeled "Christmas Jar". Then we opened a gift
that was in the basket and it was a book entitled "Christmas Jars". We had never heard of this
book and thought this was pretty special for someone to think of us. We sat on the couch
together and our hearts melted. Here we were having a hard time and someone was out doing
something so wonderful for us. We wanted to read it Christmas night but were too busy...so we
decided to read it together after Christmas. (We are now about 3/4 through it and are enjoying
it so much together...it's our night time story!) It wasn't but 10 minutes later when there was
another knock at the door. I went to the door and didn't see anyone. Then I looked down and
saw a large container of cashews and 2 bank envelopes stuffed with money. I brought them in
and we sat on the couch together to count the money. We started crying together as we
counted out the 100-crisp dollar bills that someone had so carefully put into the envelopes for
us. People are so kind and thoughtful. It surely made our Christmas so special. Larry and I
worked faster and had renewed energy. By about 2 am we had finished our gifts and crashed!
Late Christmas morning, we were just getting up when the phone rang. Larry saw it was
Washington. He answered the phone and said, "Thomas?" I jumped up and grabbed the other
phone. What a wonderful Christmas morning. He couldn't talk long but wanted to tell us that
he was going to call a couple of hours earlier than expected. Our hearts felt so good and it was
certainly Christmas!
to have each of our children and their spouses and our grandchildren over and it felt so warm
and wonderful. All except Thomas, who is serving in Washington as a missionary But, he called
and just warmed our hearts even more! I was totally spoiled by everyone and it felt so good.
I'm used to it. ...it's true. Being sick has it's ups and down. One of the downs is that the food
that I serve usually isn't very good. I try to simplify and it's just not the same. Even with lots of
help in the kitchen somehow the homemade cooking is still missing. We had the huge tortillas
and beans and salsa and all the fixings. Many people helped. But, because the tortillas were a
couple of days old... for some reason we couldn't get them soft and they just weren't the best.
Maria worked hard in the kitchen and insisted on me opening her gift early Christmas morning
so as to use it in serving the meal. She said that I would love it. I did! It was a lazy susan with
ceramic gold containers with a center bowl. It was perfect to serve the food on Christmas day
and the food looked beautiful in it! We received special gifts from each of our children as well.
Each of the married children, which is all of them but Thomas, gave a gift to each couple.
James and Julie had brought a homemade bean salsa which was delicious. It was put into 4
different containers and Julie put it into the kitchen. For some reason, I thought it was for the
meal and so I dumped a couple of them into a container into the lazy susan for everyone to
enjoy. James and Julie have only been married since August and it was her first Christmas with
us. She didn't say anything at first....but later James told me that the bean salsa's were
intended to go to the other 4 couples for their gifts. I felt really bad. There were only two left,
so just two of the couples got to have their gifts. Oh well. I wish I could be perfect and not
make mistakes but somehow I just keep making them. James and Julie were nice about it and
overlooked it.
Then Christmas night, Larry got up with cramps in his legs and when he almost fell I braced
him with my body and helped him back onto the bed. In doing so I hurt my left knee. So, I
have a brace on it and it is injured. So, Larry is at church right now, and I am home alone again
with the same old conjestion and the knee problem. But, wonderful news is that my voice came
back and I was able to talk with Thomas on Christmas Day. That was the best Christmas gift
ever!
Oh, and I mustn't forget the very special Christmas Eve that Larry and I experienced. At first, it
wasn't so wonderful....as we were struggling to finish our homemade gifts for our children. We
were saying to ourselves, "how did we ever do it in the past....why are we so slow this
year....and how are we ever going to get all the pages stuffed into these plastic sheets to put into
the books...." When all of a sudden we heard someone knock on the door or ring the doorbell.
Larry went to the door and there was a heavy basket with a pink and white checkered cloth
over it. He brought it in and we looked inside. There was fresh citrus fruit and a big jar filled
with quarters and other coins in it which was labeled "Christmas Jar". Then we opened a gift
that was in the basket and it was a book entitled "Christmas Jars". We had never heard of this
book and thought this was pretty special for someone to think of us. We sat on the couch
together and our hearts melted. Here we were having a hard time and someone was out doing
something so wonderful for us. We wanted to read it Christmas night but were too busy...so we
decided to read it together after Christmas. (We are now about 3/4 through it and are enjoying
it so much together...it's our night time story!) It wasn't but 10 minutes later when there was
another knock at the door. I went to the door and didn't see anyone. Then I looked down and
saw a large container of cashews and 2 bank envelopes stuffed with money. I brought them in
and we sat on the couch together to count the money. We started crying together as we
counted out the 100-crisp dollar bills that someone had so carefully put into the envelopes for
us. People are so kind and thoughtful. It surely made our Christmas so special. Larry and I
worked faster and had renewed energy. By about 2 am we had finished our gifts and crashed!
Late Christmas morning, we were just getting up when the phone rang. Larry saw it was
Washington. He answered the phone and said, "Thomas?" I jumped up and grabbed the other
phone. What a wonderful Christmas morning. He couldn't talk long but wanted to tell us that
he was going to call a couple of hours earlier than expected. Our hearts felt so good and it was
certainly Christmas!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
No voice
Today is Sunday, and I had to stay home from church. I've had a bad sore throat and laryngitis.
Not fun! I whisper and ring a bell when I need Larry to help with something. It's so funny!
It's wonderful to have the Priesthood in my home and that Larry could give me a blessing.
I just have to get better so that I can talk to our missionary son, Thomas, when he calls on
Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day...we don't know when he will be calling yet.
Our oldest daughter, Maria, made lunch for us today and it was so delicious.
She made whole wheat spaghetti and a fruit drink with spinach blended up in it.
It doesn't sound very good, but it was the best!
We enjoyed the two family Christmas parties last night. One was for Larry's side of the family
and was held at the church building. We enjoyed a lovely dinner, a great story, message from
Grandpa, and a hayride. The other was for my side of the family and was held at my sisters,
Martha's home. We arrived after dinner, as both parties were on the same evening. But,
we so much enjoyed visiting and hearing the musical performances. It was wonderful!!
Having two parties on one night was a little too much for me and by the end of the evening,
I had lost my voice. But, it was great to see family and just be together.
...Well, Larry is in bed and it is super late... so, I will hurry off to join him soon. He set up a
humidifier next to our bed to add a little moisture to the air and to help with my throat.
That was so nice of him. Larry is really good to me and is constantly serving and helping me
out. I am very blessed to have such a wonderful husband!
I just want to add, what a blessing it is to be alive and to get to enjoy this wonderful Christmas
season with family and friends!
Not fun! I whisper and ring a bell when I need Larry to help with something. It's so funny!
It's wonderful to have the Priesthood in my home and that Larry could give me a blessing.
I just have to get better so that I can talk to our missionary son, Thomas, when he calls on
Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day...we don't know when he will be calling yet.
Our oldest daughter, Maria, made lunch for us today and it was so delicious.
She made whole wheat spaghetti and a fruit drink with spinach blended up in it.
It doesn't sound very good, but it was the best!
We enjoyed the two family Christmas parties last night. One was for Larry's side of the family
and was held at the church building. We enjoyed a lovely dinner, a great story, message from
Grandpa, and a hayride. The other was for my side of the family and was held at my sisters,
Martha's home. We arrived after dinner, as both parties were on the same evening. But,
we so much enjoyed visiting and hearing the musical performances. It was wonderful!!
Having two parties on one night was a little too much for me and by the end of the evening,
I had lost my voice. But, it was great to see family and just be together.
...Well, Larry is in bed and it is super late... so, I will hurry off to join him soon. He set up a
humidifier next to our bed to add a little moisture to the air and to help with my throat.
That was so nice of him. Larry is really good to me and is constantly serving and helping me
out. I am very blessed to have such a wonderful husband!
I just want to add, what a blessing it is to be alive and to get to enjoy this wonderful Christmas
season with family and friends!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Our Family Party
I'm so excited for our Larry and Margaret Family Party tomorrow. We have a wonderful
tradition every year of going to a nursing home and performing for the elderly people.
Then, afterwards, we all come to our house for pizza and make ginger bread houses! So fun!
We started performing when Aaron and Jonathan were little and have kept it up through the
years. Some people give gifts and money to those in need at Christmas, and that is a great
thing to do, but as we really never had much money to give away, we decided years ago to share
something that we did have....music! It's very rewarding and humbling to go into the nursing
homes and find it a privilege to get to share some of the Christmas Spirit with them.
Although when we leave, we find that they blessed our lives far more than we did theirs.
We visit and hand out candy canes afterwards. It really makes my Christmas
special because, not only do I get to hear my children and grandchildren perform, but get
to see the smiles on the faces of the elderly as well. It's a great tradition and we plan on keeping
this throughout the years. Larry and I are singing a song together and are enjoying practicing
practicing it every morning. Along with the hustle and bustle of Christmas, music
brings that special glow inside. We are going to miss Thomas this year as he is in Washington
serving a mission for our church. Maybe he will find an opportunity to sing for others as well.
tradition every year of going to a nursing home and performing for the elderly people.
Then, afterwards, we all come to our house for pizza and make ginger bread houses! So fun!
We started performing when Aaron and Jonathan were little and have kept it up through the
years. Some people give gifts and money to those in need at Christmas, and that is a great
thing to do, but as we really never had much money to give away, we decided years ago to share
something that we did have....music! It's very rewarding and humbling to go into the nursing
homes and find it a privilege to get to share some of the Christmas Spirit with them.
Although when we leave, we find that they blessed our lives far more than we did theirs.
We visit and hand out candy canes afterwards. It really makes my Christmas
special because, not only do I get to hear my children and grandchildren perform, but get
to see the smiles on the faces of the elderly as well. It's a great tradition and we plan on keeping
this throughout the years. Larry and I are singing a song together and are enjoying practicing
practicing it every morning. Along with the hustle and bustle of Christmas, music
brings that special glow inside. We are going to miss Thomas this year as he is in Washington
serving a mission for our church. Maybe he will find an opportunity to sing for others as well.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Peggy Sue Golf Tournament
Although I missed going the the tournament, I was there in spirit. I so much appreciate all who
gave up their Saturday (and the wife's who gave up their husbands) to golf the 18 holes in my
behalf. The hat's turned out so nice...thanks to Ellen Rogers and her son Jeff. Bryan Stradling
deserves a big hand for all that he did in my behalf. (and Maria as well!) So many people
donated money and time and I don't how to begin to thank everyone.
But, I just couldn't go to bed with out attempting to express my deep appreciation to all that
were involved. It comes down to love. There are so many Christ-like people out there. One
person donated $5. Some $75... others more. Another donated $1,000. All the money
combined sure adds up. Thank you...thank you...thank you....to all of you that helped in any
way. I love you all!
gave up their Saturday (and the wife's who gave up their husbands) to golf the 18 holes in my
behalf. The hat's turned out so nice...thanks to Ellen Rogers and her son Jeff. Bryan Stradling
deserves a big hand for all that he did in my behalf. (and Maria as well!) So many people
donated money and time and I don't how to begin to thank everyone.
But, I just couldn't go to bed with out attempting to express my deep appreciation to all that
were involved. It comes down to love. There are so many Christ-like people out there. One
person donated $5. Some $75... others more. Another donated $1,000. All the money
combined sure adds up. Thank you...thank you...thank you....to all of you that helped in any
way. I love you all!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Peace
Throughout this whole cancer experience, I have felt such deep peace. It has sustained me and
given me great comfort. I know what it is like to be held in the Lord's hand and to be blessed
while experiencing a deep trial. He has truly been with me every step of the way and is
continuing to bless my life and to give me strength. This Christmas season I want to testify that
God lives and that He loves each of His children. I know that miracles have not ceased and that
healing continues even in our day. I have such a wonderful husband that is very supportive and
helpful to me. He loves me and that means everything to me. I am blessed with such great
children that have strong faith and are there for me constantly. They, along with so
many others have sacrificed much in order to help me. Thank you to all that pray for me and
give so generously to help me get my pills. May God bless each of you with your needs this
Christmas season. Good news! I made the Easter Pageant along with my granddaughter
Rebecca. So, we will be having a very special experience this spring. It will be wonderful to
participate in testifying of Jesus Christ through music and acting!
given me great comfort. I know what it is like to be held in the Lord's hand and to be blessed
while experiencing a deep trial. He has truly been with me every step of the way and is
continuing to bless my life and to give me strength. This Christmas season I want to testify that
God lives and that He loves each of His children. I know that miracles have not ceased and that
healing continues even in our day. I have such a wonderful husband that is very supportive and
helpful to me. He loves me and that means everything to me. I am blessed with such great
children that have strong faith and are there for me constantly. They, along with so
many others have sacrificed much in order to help me. Thank you to all that pray for me and
give so generously to help me get my pills. May God bless each of you with your needs this
Christmas season. Good news! I made the Easter Pageant along with my granddaughter
Rebecca. So, we will be having a very special experience this spring. It will be wonderful to
participate in testifying of Jesus Christ through music and acting!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thankful List
Here are a few things I'm grateful for today.
That may kids and family could come over today for Thanksgiving Dinner and that
we had such a great time together
I am thrilled to be alive and getting better.
It's exciting to be a part of a "healing miracle" even though I would rather be the one helping
and praying for someone else. I'm so happy that I am getting better.
I'm thankful for my family. I have wonderful parents, parents in laws, sisters, brothers, in laws,
a great husband and fantastic children and darling grandchildren! So blessed!!
I'm grateful to have a house to live in with good food to eat and clean water to drink.
Also, I'm thankful for a comfortable bed and pillows, and a bathtub with warm water.
I'm thankful for a living prophet to guide us in these perilous days.
I'm very thankful for a loving Heavenly Father and for His plan for his children, for our
Saviour, who personally suffered for me and is making it possible to be healed.
I'm also grateful for our son, Thomas, who is serving a full time mission in Washington State
and for all the missionaries that are serving throughout the world and sharing the gospel of
happiness with my brothers and sisters.
I'm so grateful for the scriptures and for the strength that I get from searching them.
Probably one of the most important gifts that I have is that of the Holy Ghost and I am so
grateful for the peace that is mine even in the midst of trials.
God is holding me close and easing my burdens. He has not forsaken me but has been there for
me every day.
I am sooo grateful for His help and also for everyone that is helping me get well through their
prayers, faith, money, service.....and support!
Life is wonderful and these are just some of the things that I am grateful for today!
That may kids and family could come over today for Thanksgiving Dinner and that
we had such a great time together
I am thrilled to be alive and getting better.
It's exciting to be a part of a "healing miracle" even though I would rather be the one helping
and praying for someone else. I'm so happy that I am getting better.
I'm thankful for my family. I have wonderful parents, parents in laws, sisters, brothers, in laws,
a great husband and fantastic children and darling grandchildren! So blessed!!
I'm grateful to have a house to live in with good food to eat and clean water to drink.
Also, I'm thankful for a comfortable bed and pillows, and a bathtub with warm water.
I'm thankful for a living prophet to guide us in these perilous days.
I'm very thankful for a loving Heavenly Father and for His plan for his children, for our
Saviour, who personally suffered for me and is making it possible to be healed.
I'm also grateful for our son, Thomas, who is serving a full time mission in Washington State
and for all the missionaries that are serving throughout the world and sharing the gospel of
happiness with my brothers and sisters.
I'm so grateful for the scriptures and for the strength that I get from searching them.
Probably one of the most important gifts that I have is that of the Holy Ghost and I am so
grateful for the peace that is mine even in the midst of trials.
God is holding me close and easing my burdens. He has not forsaken me but has been there for
me every day.
I am sooo grateful for His help and also for everyone that is helping me get well through their
prayers, faith, money, service.....and support!
Life is wonderful and these are just some of the things that I am grateful for today!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wonderful Son in Law
I just want to say something about Bryan Stradling on this blog. He is really going the extra
mile and serving me, his mother in law, with putting together the Peggy Sue Golf Tournament.
It's true that all the family is helping him, but, it was his idea and he is heading it up. That is
really nice of him and it means a lot to me. I hope that many people support us in this event
and that we can make the money needed for my pills. Anyway, I just wanted to say how much I
appreciate Bryan's love and support.
Yesterday, Larry and I took a walk together with our darling grandson, Craig. We walked to
my sister Mary Nielson's house and had a nice visit and then walked home again. We walked
about 3/4 a mile and I was just fine. So, my energy level is certainly increasing and I am soooo
happy that I'm getting well. Truly, Heavenly Father is watching over me and taking care of my
needs. I have great peace inside.
mile and serving me, his mother in law, with putting together the Peggy Sue Golf Tournament.
It's true that all the family is helping him, but, it was his idea and he is heading it up. That is
really nice of him and it means a lot to me. I hope that many people support us in this event
and that we can make the money needed for my pills. Anyway, I just wanted to say how much I
appreciate Bryan's love and support.
Yesterday, Larry and I took a walk together with our darling grandson, Craig. We walked to
my sister Mary Nielson's house and had a nice visit and then walked home again. We walked
about 3/4 a mile and I was just fine. So, my energy level is certainly increasing and I am soooo
happy that I'm getting well. Truly, Heavenly Father is watching over me and taking care of my
needs. I have great peace inside.
Monday, November 9, 2009
My friend
I just want to share a special experience that happened this morning. A dear
friend called me and said that she was reading her scriptures this morning and
thought of me. So, she called and said that she is concerned about having a big trial in her life
someday and that she wants to be prepared for it. So, she was studying the atonement and is
trying to increase her faith. She asked me how I can remain happy and positive through my
health trial. She realizes that I am getting better and that a miracle is occurring and wanted to
ask about what has given me strength to meet my trial. She is so sweet and it touched me heart
to think that she is trying to prepare now...for the future. Most people don't even think about
trials until one hits them. So we talked and cried together. I told her that I don't have to worry
about things because the Lord told me I would be healed all the way and instructed me where
to go to get the help I needed. I just trust in the Lord and know that He keeps His promises.
At the same time, I am doing the things He asked me to do. I know that it is not occurring just
because of my faith. It is because of the faith of so many. Faith is real and it precedes the
miracle. Then she asked if there was anything else that has blessed my life and gives me
strength, and I told her about D & C 98: 1-3 and how the early saints were being persecuted and
how they were instructed to handle trials. They were given 5 things to do. I learned those
steps when my husband was so sick and now I can apply them to myself and I am... and they
work.
They are to fear not, let your hearts be comforted, rejoice evermore, in everything give thanks,
wait patiently on the Lord for he has heard our prayers....and all things will work out for our
good.
So, life is wonderful and I am again very grateful for the tender mercies that the Lord is
granting to me.
By the way, I just got back from a nice long walk around the neighborhood and to the retention
basin and I feel great!
friend called me and said that she was reading her scriptures this morning and
thought of me. So, she called and said that she is concerned about having a big trial in her life
someday and that she wants to be prepared for it. So, she was studying the atonement and is
trying to increase her faith. She asked me how I can remain happy and positive through my
health trial. She realizes that I am getting better and that a miracle is occurring and wanted to
ask about what has given me strength to meet my trial. She is so sweet and it touched me heart
to think that she is trying to prepare now...for the future. Most people don't even think about
trials until one hits them. So we talked and cried together. I told her that I don't have to worry
about things because the Lord told me I would be healed all the way and instructed me where
to go to get the help I needed. I just trust in the Lord and know that He keeps His promises.
At the same time, I am doing the things He asked me to do. I know that it is not occurring just
because of my faith. It is because of the faith of so many. Faith is real and it precedes the
miracle. Then she asked if there was anything else that has blessed my life and gives me
strength, and I told her about D & C 98: 1-3 and how the early saints were being persecuted and
how they were instructed to handle trials. They were given 5 things to do. I learned those
steps when my husband was so sick and now I can apply them to myself and I am... and they
work.
They are to fear not, let your hearts be comforted, rejoice evermore, in everything give thanks,
wait patiently on the Lord for he has heard our prayers....and all things will work out for our
good.
So, life is wonderful and I am again very grateful for the tender mercies that the Lord is
granting to me.
By the way, I just got back from a nice long walk around the neighborhood and to the retention
basin and I feel great!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Recovering
The flu got me. Sunday I was down all day and then Monday as well. It's strange
how you start to feel better and then get sick again. Maria brought us in a delicious
chicken soup...it is the best. I loved it. Also, she made me carob brownies with
whole wheat flour and honey, They are very moist and yummy. Larry just went to
the store for me and I am so taken care of and blessed.
Someone very special gave the money to buy a months supply of my Tykerb
medicine, which took a tremendous amount of stress off of Larry. It was so helpful!!
Also, my son in law, Bryan, is putting together a "Golf Tournament" to raise money
for me. He has put a lot of time and effort into it and it should be very successful. It
will be the first Saturday in December. I hope that anyone who is interested in
golfing or helping in anyway will contact Larry or me or Bryan Stradling. All my
kids are helping out with it. They are calling it "Peggy Sue's Golf Tournament", as it
is my nickname. My real name is Margaret Susan but the popular name of the day
was Peggy Sue. So.....Bryan sometimes calls me by that name. He is so funny. I am
grateful for a very supportive family. They make me smile and feel happy and
loved.
I am looking forward to feeling better from this dreadful flu and then trying out for
the Easter Pageant with my grand-daughter this Friday. Hope we make it!
how you start to feel better and then get sick again. Maria brought us in a delicious
chicken soup...it is the best. I loved it. Also, she made me carob brownies with
whole wheat flour and honey, They are very moist and yummy. Larry just went to
the store for me and I am so taken care of and blessed.
Someone very special gave the money to buy a months supply of my Tykerb
medicine, which took a tremendous amount of stress off of Larry. It was so helpful!!
Also, my son in law, Bryan, is putting together a "Golf Tournament" to raise money
for me. He has put a lot of time and effort into it and it should be very successful. It
will be the first Saturday in December. I hope that anyone who is interested in
golfing or helping in anyway will contact Larry or me or Bryan Stradling. All my
kids are helping out with it. They are calling it "Peggy Sue's Golf Tournament", as it
is my nickname. My real name is Margaret Susan but the popular name of the day
was Peggy Sue. So.....Bryan sometimes calls me by that name. He is so funny. I am
grateful for a very supportive family. They make me smile and feel happy and
loved.
I am looking forward to feeling better from this dreadful flu and then trying out for
the Easter Pageant with my grand-daughter this Friday. Hope we make it!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Grandchildren
It's so much fun to play with and watch my grandchildren. They are the cutest and so
adorable. As Aaron and Andrea are moving, I get to watch some of their children. Rebecca, age
5, brought with her a special envelope which was all sealed up with money inside. On the outside
she had written "Rebecca Disneyland Money". Then she gave it to me for my pills. She said
that she had earned it by doing lots of chores and was saving it for Disney Land... but she
changed her mind. I was so touched.
We emptied it onto the bed and counted out the nickles and dimes and pennies. It was two
dollars and 95 cents. What a sacrifice. It really is special that my grandchildren want to help
me. I know that their money is like the widow's mite and that the Lord recognizes their money
as such. I love being their grandmother.
adorable. As Aaron and Andrea are moving, I get to watch some of their children. Rebecca, age
5, brought with her a special envelope which was all sealed up with money inside. On the outside
she had written "Rebecca Disneyland Money". Then she gave it to me for my pills. She said
that she had earned it by doing lots of chores and was saving it for Disney Land... but she
changed her mind. I was so touched.
We emptied it onto the bed and counted out the nickles and dimes and pennies. It was two
dollars and 95 cents. What a sacrifice. It really is special that my grandchildren want to help
me. I know that their money is like the widow's mite and that the Lord recognizes their money
as such. I love being their grandmother.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Blessings from Heaven
As you know, we have been strugling to pay for our expensive pills to keep me alive. But, the
Lord is right there to bless me through so many angels on earth. My brothers and sisters each
contributed and together were able to come up with $1,100, which is very helpful. Then today,
another angel dropped $100 off at my door.
Larry's parents gave us money as well. It's wonderful to know that I am being taken
care of and that somehow the money comes in. Our son in law, Bryan is also
working to put together a golf tournament with pledges, to go towards my medicine. I
know that our loving Heavenly Father watches over us and He hears our heartfelt prayers. So
many people on earth are in tune with the Spirit and are willing to sacrifice for little old me. I
feel very blessed! (By the way, if anyone ever reads this blog and has questions about my experience at the Burzynski Clinic you can email me at musicmanning@gmail.com and I would love to talk with you about it)
Lord is right there to bless me through so many angels on earth. My brothers and sisters each
contributed and together were able to come up with $1,100, which is very helpful. Then today,
another angel dropped $100 off at my door.
Larry's parents gave us money as well. It's wonderful to know that I am being taken
care of and that somehow the money comes in. Our son in law, Bryan is also
working to put together a golf tournament with pledges, to go towards my medicine. I
know that our loving Heavenly Father watches over us and He hears our heartfelt prayers. So
many people on earth are in tune with the Spirit and are willing to sacrifice for little old me. I
feel very blessed! (By the way, if anyone ever reads this blog and has questions about my experience at the Burzynski Clinic you can email me at musicmanning@gmail.com and I would love to talk with you about it)
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
False Alarm!
Sorry about the mix up. Larry King ended up having a substitute and they wanted
to talk about the boy and the big balloon that went up into the sky. So.....the Dr.
Burzynski is suppose to on either tonight or Friday night. Please try to watch it if
you can.
I had a very special blessing occur today. Larry and I have been concerned about
getting more pills for me as it is quite costly. We just don't have the money right
now and needed to order them. After much pleading, the Burzynski Clinic is going
to send us a week supply of the PB (cancer pills) free. Yay! That will give us some
more time. Also, my sister, Mary, said that some of my brothers and sisters gave
her some money last night at her birthday party to give to me. So, I may be able to
by my Tykerb on Wednesday. I know that the Lord is watching over me and our
family. But, please continue to keep me in your prayers and pray that we will be
able to have the pills that I need to live! Thanks so much, Margaret
to talk about the boy and the big balloon that went up into the sky. So.....the Dr.
Burzynski is suppose to on either tonight or Friday night. Please try to watch it if
you can.
I had a very special blessing occur today. Larry and I have been concerned about
getting more pills for me as it is quite costly. We just don't have the money right
now and needed to order them. After much pleading, the Burzynski Clinic is going
to send us a week supply of the PB (cancer pills) free. Yay! That will give us some
more time. Also, my sister, Mary, said that some of my brothers and sisters gave
her some money last night at her birthday party to give to me. So, I may be able to
by my Tykerb on Wednesday. I know that the Lord is watching over me and our
family. But, please continue to keep me in your prayers and pray that we will be
able to have the pills that I need to live! Thanks so much, Margaret
Saturday, October 17, 2009
CNN
Exciting News!
Dr. Burzynski will be on the Larry King Live Show (CNN) on Monday,
October 19th at 6 pm. He is going to talk about what they do at the clinic
and why he can help people with cancer. I'm so excited to see the show
and hope that everyone I love can see it too. He's kind of shy but very
intelligent and full of energy. Hope you can watch it.
Dr. Burzynski will be on the Larry King Live Show (CNN) on Monday,
October 19th at 6 pm. He is going to talk about what they do at the clinic
and why he can help people with cancer. I'm so excited to see the show
and hope that everyone I love can see it too. He's kind of shy but very
intelligent and full of energy. Hope you can watch it.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Cancer Clinic
I am sitting at the computer at the Ironwood Cancer Clinic killing time while the
rituxin finishes through my IV. It is great to have computers down here.
This is the third week of four and then I'm done with this series until April. yay!
The people down here so nice and very humble. but, I am so glad that I am not taking
chemo...because in all honesty...many of them are very sick. But, I always enjoy my visits
with the nurses and the patients around me. It's an experience that I'm glad to have.
It's been a very busy week with lots of activities. The saddest thing is that my brother, Stephen,
passed away. The funeral was wonderful and Mary and the family did an amazing job. but, my
heart hurts for him and I will miss him so much. Other things that happened are we got to enjoy
Jonathan and Carrie's kids for several days while they went on a business trip. All in all it went
well until I either sprained or broke my toe. Fortunately, it happened the evening before they
returned and picked up the kids. But it was really nice having them.
Our pipe broke in the front yard and the water was off....but we got it repaired.
We were able to plant much of our garden with our grand kids help and they
had a lot of fun. Emma was sick most of the time but she felt good about helping to plant a few
flowers in the front yard. Lily was ecstatic that she learned to ride a two wheeler all by herself.
I forgot to mention, the 2 baby blessings went very well on Sunday and now this Sunday, will be
one more. I'm so happy to be alive and not be sick with chemo treatment so that I can enjoy
these special times with my family. Life is wonderful and I am enjoying every moment of it. Got
to go because my IV is done.
rituxin finishes through my IV. It is great to have computers down here.
This is the third week of four and then I'm done with this series until April. yay!
The people down here so nice and very humble. but, I am so glad that I am not taking
chemo...because in all honesty...many of them are very sick. But, I always enjoy my visits
with the nurses and the patients around me. It's an experience that I'm glad to have.
It's been a very busy week with lots of activities. The saddest thing is that my brother, Stephen,
passed away. The funeral was wonderful and Mary and the family did an amazing job. but, my
heart hurts for him and I will miss him so much. Other things that happened are we got to enjoy
Jonathan and Carrie's kids for several days while they went on a business trip. All in all it went
well until I either sprained or broke my toe. Fortunately, it happened the evening before they
returned and picked up the kids. But it was really nice having them.
Our pipe broke in the front yard and the water was off....but we got it repaired.
We were able to plant much of our garden with our grand kids help and they
had a lot of fun. Emma was sick most of the time but she felt good about helping to plant a few
flowers in the front yard. Lily was ecstatic that she learned to ride a two wheeler all by herself.
I forgot to mention, the 2 baby blessings went very well on Sunday and now this Sunday, will be
one more. I'm so happy to be alive and not be sick with chemo treatment so that I can enjoy
these special times with my family. Life is wonderful and I am enjoying every moment of it. Got
to go because my IV is done.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Dr. Burzynski
Right now I am in Houston, Texas with Larry. We went to the Burzynski Clinic today and it was so
wonderful. Dr. Burzynski knows exactly what he is doing, and is very detailed with my case. He reveiwed
the Gene Marker test results and the Her2 protein was with- in range. Yeah! I got to meet with 4 doctors today. They are
Dr. Marquee, Dr. Kubove and Dr. Kahn. One is an oncologist, another a regular doctor I believe, and then the radiologist.
I had my list of about 15 questions answered and had my medicine adjusted. Good news, the tykerb has been reduced to
2 a day instead of 3 a day...a savings of about $700.00 a month. The zolinza has been changed as well.
Also, I am to drink 1/2 cup of grapefruit juice with my rapamune to help it work better.
Overall, I am greatly improving and as Dr. Burzynski himself said...he believes by the next appointment
or by February...I may be all better. He is very hopeful. (although I will need to continue with the rituxan every 6 months
for maintenance for 2-3 years...depending on blood results)
It's truly a blessing to be able to experience this miracle in my life. I appreciate all the prayers for me and our family.
Even the guy helping us at the airport asked my name and said that he would pray for me. I started to cry, it was so
embarrassing. Larry and the family very supportive and it sure makes it easier for me.
So, my job is to keep taking the pills and pray that Larry can afford to buy them.
We are being blessed with more work which will help. It also is a great blessing to have our son, Thomas, serving
in the mission field. He is working hard and sending blessings our way.
Houston is very humid. Some of the store windows are covered with moisture. It's 75% humidity. I don't mind it
though. With huge oak trees and New England homes...it's very pretty. We also went to the Houston Temple this
afternoon. The Spirit was strong and more inspiration came to both of us. We are just having a great time together.
Our hotel is very nice with a living room, a king size bed which is very comfortable...etc. etc. It's called the Sheraton and
it's located right in the middle of Houston. We put in a bid to priceline.com and said that we would pay $49.00 a night
they accepted our price. It has a heated pool and a jacuzi, a gym and more. They deliver us the newspaper and
yea....we're spoiled and loving it!
But the most important part of this trip was going to the clinic and getting the care. We spent
about 45 minutes with the radiologist and he showed us the difference in the pet scans. It was quite interesting as he
showed us the cross section of my body and compared the pet scans. Most of the tumors have gotten smaller and the
cancer is less active... or is gone. Everyone that works at the clinic is so upbeat and very professional. It's very impressive
and you just don't want to leave it. We love to be there.
Friday I go to the clinic in Chandler for the rutixin IV and will contine it for the next two Fridays after that.
Oh, and by the way... Dr. Burzynski will be on the Larry King Live Show on CNN on Monday, Oct. 19th. I think at 6 pm.
They are preparing for more patients. They are always very busy but will most likely get a lot busier. Well, Larry
is falling to sleep down here in the lobby and wants me to go up to the hotel room. So...good night!
wonderful. Dr. Burzynski knows exactly what he is doing, and is very detailed with my case. He reveiwed
the Gene Marker test results and the Her2 protein was with- in range. Yeah! I got to meet with 4 doctors today. They are
Dr. Marquee, Dr. Kubove and Dr. Kahn. One is an oncologist, another a regular doctor I believe, and then the radiologist.
I had my list of about 15 questions answered and had my medicine adjusted. Good news, the tykerb has been reduced to
2 a day instead of 3 a day...a savings of about $700.00 a month. The zolinza has been changed as well.
Also, I am to drink 1/2 cup of grapefruit juice with my rapamune to help it work better.
Overall, I am greatly improving and as Dr. Burzynski himself said...he believes by the next appointment
or by February...I may be all better. He is very hopeful. (although I will need to continue with the rituxan every 6 months
for maintenance for 2-3 years...depending on blood results)
It's truly a blessing to be able to experience this miracle in my life. I appreciate all the prayers for me and our family.
Even the guy helping us at the airport asked my name and said that he would pray for me. I started to cry, it was so
embarrassing. Larry and the family very supportive and it sure makes it easier for me.
So, my job is to keep taking the pills and pray that Larry can afford to buy them.
We are being blessed with more work which will help. It also is a great blessing to have our son, Thomas, serving
in the mission field. He is working hard and sending blessings our way.
Houston is very humid. Some of the store windows are covered with moisture. It's 75% humidity. I don't mind it
though. With huge oak trees and New England homes...it's very pretty. We also went to the Houston Temple this
afternoon. The Spirit was strong and more inspiration came to both of us. We are just having a great time together.
Our hotel is very nice with a living room, a king size bed which is very comfortable...etc. etc. It's called the Sheraton and
it's located right in the middle of Houston. We put in a bid to priceline.com and said that we would pay $49.00 a night
they accepted our price. It has a heated pool and a jacuzi, a gym and more. They deliver us the newspaper and
yea....we're spoiled and loving it!
But the most important part of this trip was going to the clinic and getting the care. We spent
about 45 minutes with the radiologist and he showed us the difference in the pet scans. It was quite interesting as he
showed us the cross section of my body and compared the pet scans. Most of the tumors have gotten smaller and the
cancer is less active... or is gone. Everyone that works at the clinic is so upbeat and very professional. It's very impressive
and you just don't want to leave it. We love to be there.
Friday I go to the clinic in Chandler for the rutixin IV and will contine it for the next two Fridays after that.
Oh, and by the way... Dr. Burzynski will be on the Larry King Live Show on CNN on Monday, Oct. 19th. I think at 6 pm.
They are preparing for more patients. They are always very busy but will most likely get a lot busier. Well, Larry
is falling to sleep down here in the lobby and wants me to go up to the hotel room. So...good night!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Pet Scan Results back
Today was my appointment with my oncologist, Dr. Kellogg. He reviewed the
Ct/Pen Scan with me and sure enough I am continually improving. The conclusion
reads: There has been further improvement with decrease in size and decrease in the SUV of
mulitple bilateral axillary, chest wall, pelvic, and inguinal lymph nodes. Several lymph nodes in
the chest have resolved. No new lymph nodes are seen and there is no increase in the maximum
SUV in any of the lymph nodes.
My doctor is very pleased with the results and wants me to continue with what I am doing so
far. I am not all the way healed yet...but am progressing along very well. Monday we will head
off to the Burzynski Clinic and find out more and have the medicine adjusted. So...good news for
Margaret!
I just want to thank each of you for your prayers. It means so much to me to think that faithful
people are asking God to bless me. I believe in miracles and it is by the prayers of many that I
am being healed.
Love,
Margaret
Ct/Pen Scan with me and sure enough I am continually improving. The conclusion
reads: There has been further improvement with decrease in size and decrease in the SUV of
mulitple bilateral axillary, chest wall, pelvic, and inguinal lymph nodes. Several lymph nodes in
the chest have resolved. No new lymph nodes are seen and there is no increase in the maximum
SUV in any of the lymph nodes.
My doctor is very pleased with the results and wants me to continue with what I am doing so
far. I am not all the way healed yet...but am progressing along very well. Monday we will head
off to the Burzynski Clinic and find out more and have the medicine adjusted. So...good news for
Margaret!
I just want to thank each of you for your prayers. It means so much to me to think that faithful
people are asking God to bless me. I believe in miracles and it is by the prayers of many that I
am being healed.
Love,
Margaret
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Family Support
I finished taking my 42nd pill for the day and gave myself a big star on top of my
check-off paper....then took a warm shower...and wanted to share my feelings on
my little blog. It's been a wonderful day and it's not over yet. As I am typing, my husband
and children (except Thomas who is serving a mission in Washington) are all together conversing
about ways to raise money for my pills. I wasn't invited. I'm glad. So, they are over at Maria
and Bryan's house brainstorming different ideas for fund raisers. Larry called the family
meeting and they all responded favorably. If I was with them, I would feel so bad and yet very
appreciative as well. I have mixed emotions. I mean, three of them recently had babies, one is
leaving out of town for a week tomorrow, one is moving at the end of the week....one is sick. I
really appreciate their help but they can hardly take care of their own little families. So, it is
better that I am home and where I won't get in the way. (Just kidding)
But, on the other side of the coin ( and I use the word coin, because that is what I am thinking
about right now) it's good to have the family all draw together for a common cause..to help their
mom. It's really a blessing in disguise, because sacrifice brings forth rich blessings. I just know
that the Lord is with our family at this time and that we are all in this together. Larry is doing a
great job with rallying the family together tonight. I love all of them very much. So, it will be a
surprise to see what they all come up with and I'm sure the next few months will be full of
adventures for me, the family and many others that may be involved. Life is great. The miracle
continues. Your prayers are felt and much needed! May the Lord bless everyone who is praying
and helping in anyway.
x0x0 Margaret
check-off paper....then took a warm shower...and wanted to share my feelings on
my little blog. It's been a wonderful day and it's not over yet. As I am typing, my husband
and children (except Thomas who is serving a mission in Washington) are all together conversing
about ways to raise money for my pills. I wasn't invited. I'm glad. So, they are over at Maria
and Bryan's house brainstorming different ideas for fund raisers. Larry called the family
meeting and they all responded favorably. If I was with them, I would feel so bad and yet very
appreciative as well. I have mixed emotions. I mean, three of them recently had babies, one is
leaving out of town for a week tomorrow, one is moving at the end of the week....one is sick. I
really appreciate their help but they can hardly take care of their own little families. So, it is
better that I am home and where I won't get in the way. (Just kidding)
But, on the other side of the coin ( and I use the word coin, because that is what I am thinking
about right now) it's good to have the family all draw together for a common cause..to help their
mom. It's really a blessing in disguise, because sacrifice brings forth rich blessings. I just know
that the Lord is with our family at this time and that we are all in this together. Larry is doing a
great job with rallying the family together tonight. I love all of them very much. So, it will be a
surprise to see what they all come up with and I'm sure the next few months will be full of
adventures for me, the family and many others that may be involved. Life is great. The miracle
continues. Your prayers are felt and much needed! May the Lord bless everyone who is praying
and helping in anyway.
x0x0 Margaret
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Gene Marker-Oncogene Tests!
Yesterday, I got my Gene Marker or Oncogene Testing done at Sonora Lab. The
test tubes are now on ice and are on the way to a lab in California where it is done.
Many people want to know more about the clinic and just what Dr. Burzynski
does.....so if you are interested...I have copied a little from "The Townsend
Letter" Aug/Sept. 2008 issue below that is simple and very interesting. Happy
reading!
In the 1960s, Stanislaw Burzynski, MD, PhD, a young physician and researcher in Poland,
discovered novel peptides, or protein fragments, in the blood. Noting that these peptides were
absent in patients who had cancer, he theorized that they must have something to do with the
body's cancer protection system. And indeed they do, for Dr. Burzynski's discovery cuts right to
the heart of both the cause and the cure for cancer.
Cancer cells, whether in the brain, pancreas, lung, breast, or elsewhere, have one thing in
common: undisciplined, uncontrolled division that can destroy tissues around them, metastasize,
and cause death. This is driven by changes in gene expression, chief among them a "silencing" or
"turning off" of tumor suppressor genes, resulting in an increase in oncogene activity that leads
to cancer cell proliferation. If silencing tumor suppressor genes increases oncogene activity and
spurs cancer growth, then the inverse is also true. Turning on tumor suppressor genes and
turning off oncogenes shuts down cancer.
A Real Cancer Cure
This is exactly what the peptides Dr. Burzynski discovered – which he named antineoplastons –
do. Antineoplastons are the body's innate defense system against cancer; they normalize gene
expression and prevent unruly cell division. When these peptides are in short supply, cancer
goes on a cell-division rampage. But when they're abundant, cancer cell proliferation stops, and
cancer goes away. It's that simple.
Antineoplastons explain the inexplicable in cancer. How can a woman have a normal
mammogram with no evidence of tumors, then die nine months later from rapidly growing
breast cancer? Why does another woman with the same type of cancer survive for years, with or
without any treatment? The answer lies in the concentration of antineoplastons circulating in the
patient's body. Those who succumb to cancer are virtually devoid of these peptides, while those
who have them in greater abundance are far more likely to survive.
Dr. Burzynski figured out how to isolate these peptides from blood and urine and eventually how
to synthesize them in a lab and administer them to patients. He first proved the safety of this
therapy. There's no danger of antineoplaston treatment harming healthy tissues because it
doesn't poison or burn cells – it simply gives the body what it needs to stop uncontrolled cell
division. And he has clearly demonstrated its effectiveness in scores of clinical trials and
thousands of patients, many of whom were singing Dr. Burzynski's praises on that special night
in Houston. This is why I consider antineoplastons to be the single-most important breakthrough
in cancer therapy ever and possibly the only one we will ever need. Antineoplastons are to
rapidly growing and universally fatal cancers what penicillin is to pneumonia.
For those of you who have made it to the bottom and have read
this....congratulations! It's really interesting isn't it. So, next week is the 3rd
petscan and then I have an appointment with Dr. Burzynski on Oct. 7th. Larry
and I will be heading off to the Texas clinic again. Miracles never cease!!!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Family Over
Tonight we had our family over. We had a great time! I'm just feeling really good. We
enjoyed having a nice dinner and celebrated 2 birthdays. Busy times....lots of fun! I love life. I
love my family. It's exciting to be alive at this time in history when so much is happening. I'm
learning a lot about faith, hope, and charity. I'm continuing to learn from the scriptures and am
finding hidden treasures. I enjoyed going to the temple on Saturday and am looking forward to
going on Tuesday with Jessika to do Baptisms. Life is busy and I am keeping up with it. Yeah!
God is keeping His promises to me and I know that He will continue. One of the reasons for the
blessings is because of our son Thomas who is serving a full time mission in Washington. It's
true. He is our fourth son to serve and we have always received amazing blessings while our
sons have been serving. So, although we miss him very much and it is a sacrifice for us....it's well
worth it. It's so exciting to know that he is blessing so many people's lives and bringing souls to
Christ. At the same time, I am being healed. I am so tired, so goodnight!
enjoyed having a nice dinner and celebrated 2 birthdays. Busy times....lots of fun! I love life. I
love my family. It's exciting to be alive at this time in history when so much is happening. I'm
learning a lot about faith, hope, and charity. I'm continuing to learn from the scriptures and am
finding hidden treasures. I enjoyed going to the temple on Saturday and am looking forward to
going on Tuesday with Jessika to do Baptisms. Life is busy and I am keeping up with it. Yeah!
God is keeping His promises to me and I know that He will continue. One of the reasons for the
blessings is because of our son Thomas who is serving a full time mission in Washington. It's
true. He is our fourth son to serve and we have always received amazing blessings while our
sons have been serving. So, although we miss him very much and it is a sacrifice for us....it's well
worth it. It's so exciting to know that he is blessing so many people's lives and bringing souls to
Christ. At the same time, I am being healed. I am so tired, so goodnight!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Continued Health
My health is just continuing to improve! It's incredible, but the miracle continues
on. I have the ability to just walk and walk and walk. I hardly get tired
anymore. It used to be that when we went to Sam's Club, I would need to sit in the
electric cart instead of walk. I don't ever do that anymore. It's been a long time.
We have had a wonderful week as we have a young woman named Jessika Brown
that is staying with us until next Wednesday. She was baptized by our son,
Thomas, who is a wonderful missionary serving in Tacoma Washington. Anyway,
she moved down here to Arizona to stay with her aunt in Gilbert. It didn't work
out as planned. So, we are enjoying her this week in our home. She is continuing
to grow in the Gospel and is learning so much everyday. Everyone just loves her.
We will miss her when she leaves to move back to Washington. It's been a great
experience for us. I also enjoyed watching one of my darling grand sons today,
as Christina went grocery shopping. I held him the whole time and rocked him.
So fun! Also, I've been enjoying my niece and nephew this week as well, as my
sister is out of town.
So, it's been a great week. Lots of people at our house and fun times!
on. I have the ability to just walk and walk and walk. I hardly get tired
anymore. It used to be that when we went to Sam's Club, I would need to sit in the
electric cart instead of walk. I don't ever do that anymore. It's been a long time.
We have had a wonderful week as we have a young woman named Jessika Brown
that is staying with us until next Wednesday. She was baptized by our son,
Thomas, who is a wonderful missionary serving in Tacoma Washington. Anyway,
she moved down here to Arizona to stay with her aunt in Gilbert. It didn't work
out as planned. So, we are enjoying her this week in our home. She is continuing
to grow in the Gospel and is learning so much everyday. Everyone just loves her.
We will miss her when she leaves to move back to Washington. It's been a great
experience for us. I also enjoyed watching one of my darling grand sons today,
as Christina went grocery shopping. I held him the whole time and rocked him.
So fun! Also, I've been enjoying my niece and nephew this week as well, as my
sister is out of town.
So, it's been a great week. Lots of people at our house and fun times!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Health Blessing
Larry and I just returned from St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix. It wasn't for me...we went to
visit my brother Stephen who has been there since August 3rd. He's been sick for a year now
and the doctors are still trying to figure out what is wrong. They know he has lesions in his brain
and are trying to help him with chemo and steriods, etc....etc....etc. So, he has a feeding
tube and he is numb on his left side. He is very sick.
Tonight, we went to visit him and my sister Martha and her husband drove over as well. Also,
our son, Jonathan drove all the way from Queen Creek. But, it was for a very special reason.
Not only did we want to cheer him up and visit with him but it was for the reason of giving
him a healing blessing. He asked if Doug would offer a prayer, which he did, and the Spirit
was very strong. Then Larry anointed his head with oil and Jonathan give the blessing.
He spoke the words that were put into his mouth and it was amazing. It was one of the most
powerful blessings I have ever heard. The Spirit was so strong and we all felt of the love of
God and felt his presence there with us. I remembered the special blessings that were
given to me...blessings of healing.....and I felt the same feelings from the Spirit as I listened
to Stephen's blessing. I testify that God loves us. He knows each one of us and is very aware
of our illnesses and trials. It is through the atonement and faith in Jesus Christ that we are
healed. I am so grateful for the priesthood power that is on the earth today. I know that even
as I am being healed that my brother will be healed as well. What a special experience this
has been for all of us involved. We wept tears of joy!
visit my brother Stephen who has been there since August 3rd. He's been sick for a year now
and the doctors are still trying to figure out what is wrong. They know he has lesions in his brain
and are trying to help him with chemo and steriods, etc....etc....etc. So, he has a feeding
tube and he is numb on his left side. He is very sick.
Tonight, we went to visit him and my sister Martha and her husband drove over as well. Also,
our son, Jonathan drove all the way from Queen Creek. But, it was for a very special reason.
Not only did we want to cheer him up and visit with him but it was for the reason of giving
him a healing blessing. He asked if Doug would offer a prayer, which he did, and the Spirit
was very strong. Then Larry anointed his head with oil and Jonathan give the blessing.
He spoke the words that were put into his mouth and it was amazing. It was one of the most
powerful blessings I have ever heard. The Spirit was so strong and we all felt of the love of
God and felt his presence there with us. I remembered the special blessings that were
given to me...blessings of healing.....and I felt the same feelings from the Spirit as I listened
to Stephen's blessing. I testify that God loves us. He knows each one of us and is very aware
of our illnesses and trials. It is through the atonement and faith in Jesus Christ that we are
healed. I am so grateful for the priesthood power that is on the earth today. I know that even
as I am being healed that my brother will be healed as well. What a special experience this
has been for all of us involved. We wept tears of joy!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Enjoying Life
I'm just feeling so good right now....and it's so nice! It's great to have good health
and be able to do the things that I need and want to do. It's such a blessing from
Heavenly Father, to grant me this desire of my heart. I'm just so grateful for his
bounteous blessings in my behalf!
So, if you wonder if God is still a God of Miracles, then look no further. He is
working a magnificent miracle on little old me. It's true! I'm so grateful to be
the recipient of His blessings and hope that everyone receives the righteous
blessings of their hearts as well. Have a wonderful day and week!
and be able to do the things that I need and want to do. It's such a blessing from
Heavenly Father, to grant me this desire of my heart. I'm just so grateful for his
bounteous blessings in my behalf!
So, if you wonder if God is still a God of Miracles, then look no further. He is
working a magnificent miracle on little old me. It's true! I'm so grateful to be
the recipient of His blessings and hope that everyone receives the righteous
blessings of their hearts as well. Have a wonderful day and week!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Third baby here
Yeah! Christina and Joseph had their big baby boy today! He was taken C-Section. But, I'm
glad he is here safe and sound and that Christina is doing good also. He weighed 9 pounds 5.6
ounces and was 20 inches long. He looks a lot like Joseph. They named him Craig. He was
breech and was stuck in a strange position and the doctors couldn't turn him.
He's so darling or rather handsome and big compared to baby Miriam who was almost
half the size. So now we have our two big boys and our little girl. We call them our triplets as
they were all born within 6 days of each other. We know the hospital pretty well by now.
Tonight we have a couple of Aaron's children spending the night and in the morning we will be
going to watch Aaron participate in a triathalon. So we be leaving by 5:30 am. I better get to
bed. We are really tired. By the way, the tumors in my groin area are truly shrinking... or
disappearing. My energy level is really good as well. All glory be to God... who is performing
one of His mighty miracles. I feel so blessed and extremely grateful for life. I just count my
blessings everyday. Life is wonderful and I love being a wife, mother and grandmother!
glad he is here safe and sound and that Christina is doing good also. He weighed 9 pounds 5.6
ounces and was 20 inches long. He looks a lot like Joseph. They named him Craig. He was
breech and was stuck in a strange position and the doctors couldn't turn him.
He's so darling or rather handsome and big compared to baby Miriam who was almost
half the size. So now we have our two big boys and our little girl. We call them our triplets as
they were all born within 6 days of each other. We know the hospital pretty well by now.
Tonight we have a couple of Aaron's children spending the night and in the morning we will be
going to watch Aaron participate in a triathalon. So we be leaving by 5:30 am. I better get to
bed. We are really tired. By the way, the tumors in my groin area are truly shrinking... or
disappearing. My energy level is really good as well. All glory be to God... who is performing
one of His mighty miracles. I feel so blessed and extremely grateful for life. I just count my
blessings everyday. Life is wonderful and I love being a wife, mother and grandmother!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
I love being a Grandma!
On Sunday, Jonathan and Carrie had their darling little baby girl, named Miriam Belle. She was
only 5 pounds 16 ounces. Cutest little thing! I count my blessings that I have had good enough
health to care for their two oldest children...until last night when Carrie was released from the
hospital. Then a few hours later....Aaron and Andrea's baby boy was born. So, this morning,
Maria and I went down to see him (We hardly ever get to see each other anymore as she is
always serving and helping and I've been busy on my end as well) and Christina and Joseph
arrived to perhaps have their baby today. Our little (or big) grandson is very handsome. They
have named him Spencer Don. While we were visiting, Spencer needed to have his diaper
changed. I quickly volunteered and it took three of us to do it. Andrea had to given the
instructions as to where everything was and to make sure we used vaseline on his circumcision
and Maria and I accomplished the task. It was so fun! So.....Grandma days are filled with fun.
I'm enjoying it so much.
only 5 pounds 16 ounces. Cutest little thing! I count my blessings that I have had good enough
health to care for their two oldest children...until last night when Carrie was released from the
hospital. Then a few hours later....Aaron and Andrea's baby boy was born. So, this morning,
Maria and I went down to see him (We hardly ever get to see each other anymore as she is
always serving and helping and I've been busy on my end as well) and Christina and Joseph
arrived to perhaps have their baby today. Our little (or big) grandson is very handsome. They
have named him Spencer Don. While we were visiting, Spencer needed to have his diaper
changed. I quickly volunteered and it took three of us to do it. Andrea had to given the
instructions as to where everything was and to make sure we used vaseline on his circumcision
and Maria and I accomplished the task. It was so fun! So.....Grandma days are filled with fun.
I'm enjoying it so much.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
