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

Post #11

Dearest Friends,
God is a god of miracles. He loves each one of us with a love so perfect and sublime that it is beyond our comprehension. Every single day is a miracle for which we should give our grateful praise.

Living each day as if it were one of our last brings great spiritual blessings - blessings of emotional and spiritual healing, blessings of sweetened relationships, blessings of tender hearts and open, humble spirits, blessing of the Spirit.
I have seen great miracles happen in Mark's life and in my own soul. I will be forever grateful for this time in our lives. It could have become a time of fear and bitterness; but because of the goodness of the Lord, it has been a time when the blessings of the Atonement of the Son of God are manifest on our lives. Yes, we are seeing signs of physical healing taking place, but the spiritual blessings are so sweet that the physical pales in comparison. We are so grateful to our Heavenly Father and His Son - and to each of you for your faith and prayers. Laurel

Post #10

Mark has decided that the projected results are not favorable enough to undergo chemotherapy.   Quality of life is important - especially if you want to use your time with family and finishing up important projects.   Chemo which is hoped to increase your life by 3-6 months, but which will make you exhausted and nauseated, does not promote the quality of life Mark desires.

That does not mean that Mark has given up - quite the contrary!    We are doing everything we can to boost his immune system, and his body seems to be responding.     He has also received several Priesthood blessings and many, many of you are keeping him in your prayers.   We are encouraged and hopeful and grateful.

We have enjoyed immensely the visits from all of Mark's eleven children who are spread far and wide across this continent.   How fortunate and blessed we are!

We so appreciate your continued prayers on our behalf.    Please keep up the good work - we believe it is working!

Love, Laurel