Blog Post #18

Dear Loved Ones,

I haven't posted for a very long time.   First, because there was never much to report.   Mark seemed to plateau for a very long time.   It is hard to continue to write that there is no change.

Mark was diagnosed with end stage melanoma almost exactly a year ago.  At the same time, he's struggled with prostate cancer and parkinson's disease.   His attitude has been wonderful - full of hope and full of determination to do his part to keep his body as healthy as possible.

It has truly been a year of miracles.   We are so thankful for each day, for each act of kindness, for sweet relationships, for children, brothers, sisters, parents, friends, for the miracle of forgiveness and hearts mended, for the many gifts of the Spirit.   We are most especially grateful for the miracle of our Savior's love which we have felt, and continue to feel, so abundantly.

Now more recently, I haven't posted because there is too much to report, and no time in which to express it all in writing.   Mark celebrated his 65th birthday on May 12th.   On that day, he sat in the backyard and enjoyed visits from all of his children and grandchildren living in Utah.   He also enjoyed phone calls from all of his children living far away.   He either saw or heard from almost all of his siblings, and of course, his parents.   It was a wonderful, beautiful day.    Also, on that day, he was put on hospice.   But for lack of age, he would have qualified for hospice months ago.   Miraculously, neither he nor I really needed that kind of help until now.    But, how we need it now!   

Mark's health has precipitiously declined - truly as if he stepped off a cliff.    For many days, I was assisting him around the clock getting to and from the bathroom.   I went 15 days without a full night's sleep, and in some of those days I got no sleep at all.    Then, just as suddenly, Mark can no longer get out of bed, even with assistance (unless he is literally lifted and carried).   He is unable to swallow easily, he is often confused and rarely communicates.   It is thought that the cancer has reached his brain, which doctors expected to happen months ago.   I am caring for him at home, with the help of family and friends who come in regularly to give me time to rest or work.    Mark spent a few days in a care center (after the 15 days of little rest), but did poorly there.    He is much happier and peaceful at home.     I have become an expert at many of the things nurses do.    (I was thinking that during the millenium when the only advocate (attorney) we'll need is the Lord, I'll have to change professions.   Maybe I can be a nurse - but oh! wait!  We won't need them either! Won't that be wonderful?)

Yet, during this stressful time, I continue to see miracles.   I certainly feel the sustaining love of the Lord.  I am touched by the many people who are willing to help.  I am so grateful for so many things.    And tonight - another miracle.   Mark was lucid and we shared our feelings as I read chapter 8 of Romans.   He led us in prayer, and as I finished it for him, he said, "Yes! Yes!" as I expressed our trust in and love for the Lord, and as I prayed for our children.

I feel certain peace, a gift for which I am most grateful.   Mark is in the Lord's hands and we both totally and completely trust the Lord.   I testify that "all things" do truly work together for our good if we trust our Father in Heaven and His Holy Son.    Whether Mark miraculously recovers, or passes through the veil to the world of spirits, or lingers in a disabled condition longer in mortality, I know that it will be okay because He who loves us is in charge. 

Thank all of you for all that you do.   Please hold us in your prayers.

Love, Laurel  

 

Blog Post #17

Dear Family and Friends,

 

Someone just pointed out to me that I hadn't posted since October 13th and that some of you out there still worry and check!   So, so sorry!

 

No news is very good news.   Mark continues to improve and get stronger.   We are still juicing and using supplements and other natural therapies.    I keep threatening to write up what we are doing in case anyone is interested for themselves.  

 

We love all of you.   I believe the most important thing we are doing is praying and exercising faith.   We surely appreciate all of your prayers on our behalf.  It's not over yet.

 

Love,  Laurel    

Post #16

Oops!  I just read my last few blog posts and realized that I hadn't yet reported the results of Mark's last doctor's visit.    You may recall that he had the primary tumor removed some time ago.   There was no attempt to "get it all" as it was considered hopeless - the cancer had already spread.   The removal was "palliative," in other words, to make Mark more comfortable.    He finally went in for a post-op follow up.   The doctor was very surprised - surprised that the cancer had not progressed (or gotten worse) or regrown.    I wasn't surprised in the least, other than that the doctor was so willing to express surprise at how well our patient is doing!

 

Post #15

Well, we are proof that "no news is good news."    Mark continues to feel well.   He walks a couple of miles on most days.  His cancer symptoms are virtually gone.    We haven't had any medical tests to confirm that the cancer is gone, as it cost thousands to just to get to a diagnosis - with no treatment.    But feeling well and having no symptoms - that's saying something!    Thank you so much for your continued faith and prayers!   If any of you would like more details about Mark's diet and supplements, you can email me:  laurelbackman@comcast.net   

 

Mark's struggle now is with Parkinson's disease.   It may seem strange, but if you google melanoma and Parkinson's, you will find that there is a significant correlation - almost two times the average occurance of one if you have the other.    You can guess where I am headed again - back into the medical research.

Did any of you know that I wanted to be a doctor when I was growing up?    I actually considered going to the Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine a few years ago, but decided that launching a new career was impractical.

 

We love and appreciate all of our wonderful friends.   Without you, our journey would not have been so successful.    Hugs for all of you.

 

Laurel

 

Post # 14

I thought all of you would enjoy reading Mark's essay which was recently published in the Deseret News.  Click on the following link to find it:

http://archive.deseretnews.com/article/700066106/Another-lesson-from-Founding-Fathers.html

 

Laurel

Post #13

Wow!   I came home last night and Mark said to me, "You know what I feel like?  ...... cancer?  What cancer?"    He really is feeling and acting like he is well and healthy.    Thank you, Heavenly Father! 

Post #12

Dearest Friends,

 

I haven't posted for a while because there is not much news to report.   Mark continues to get stronger and healthier!   Miracles and blessings - we are so grateful for each one, large and small - and so much more aware of the tender mercies of the Lord in our lives.   We are finding that completely trusting the Lord and surrendering our will to His, along with keeping grateful hearts, makes all the difference.   We are certainly grateful for each of you and your faithful prayers in our behalf.

 

We are also so thankful for all of the yummy and nutritious produce donated by many of our friends.   It is exactly the kind of nutrition Mark needs.   Thank you!   Thank you!

 

We have gotten the nutrition, supplementation, exercise and deep breathing down to a routine.   Mark is feeling well enough to be back at his writing and I am able to work effectively again.   Double yay!   Of course, we are not back to normal health-wise or other-wise, but we are getting there.   Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

 

Love and hugs,  Laurel