Hi everyone it surely has been a long time since my last post. It has just been a rather difficult seven months of recovery from my fall, but God is a wonderful God putting the right Dr. and team that have helped me get back to a point of walking and even painting again.
I'm so very grateful because I have been able to get back to painting this week and I have been working on two boxes and a canvas painting that will be donated to a wonderful cause. I have a beautiful freind Olga Rodriguez-Slonski who was diagnosed with Carcinoid Cancer; thankfully it was found and she was treated for it, but it took almost five years for this to be found. Suffering from what seemed to be IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and other aliments this tumor was growing inside her. It was found on her appendix and she was immediately operated on to have it removed and treated. She continues to take care of herself and has to be monitored for any reoccurence but thank God she at this posting is cancer free and I pray she continues that way. She is a strong advocate and participates in the Relay For Life Carcinoid Cancer walk in her area in Kenilworth N.J.
I was more than happy to work on several hand painted pieces that would help raise some much needed funds that will help educate the public about this type of cancer and the much needed funds that are needed to help find a cure. The theme that is used is a Zebra because its not always what it seems. Many who have it can go on the rest of their lives without knowing they have it and sadly many who are treated don't survive. I'm in constant prayer for my friend Olga and all those dealing with this and all kinds of cancer that they will have many more years ahead of them cancer free and that a cure will be found.
I painted two memory boxes with a Zebra theme and I'm currently working on a canvas painting of Water Lilly's for the fundraiser.
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| (Photo Source: Maggie Miller- Maggie Miller Hand Painted) |
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| (Photo Source: Maggie Miller - Maggie Miller Hand Painted) |
Maggie...
ReplyDeleteI want to say how much I love your work. Beautiful.
But I also want to personally thank you for your willingness to give of yourself to raise awareness of this cancer and cause. I, too, am a "zebra."
One year ago (May 15th), when I was diagnosed with stage IV carcinoid cancer, the prognosis that was initially shared with me was "one year." He did not have enough knowledge to understand what the specialists know.
Thank goodness, I didn't listen to him for long, sought out specialists and challenged a very smart man. Because I did, I am ALIVE more than a year later, and I am LIVING my life differently. One year ago, I was at a very different place in my mindset, due in part by how the news was presented.
AWARENESS is key. It means telling the story...for ourselves and for others.
Thank you for speaking up on behalf of Olga and the others of us who are LIVING with Carcinoid Cancer.
Coral Levang
www.corallevang.wordpress.com
Coral thank you for your kind words and sharing your story, it is through this dialogue that we can bring awareness, I pray that the relay will be very successful.
ReplyDeleteMaggie,
ReplyDeleteOlga shared information about you on our Zebra page. I want thank you for your kind heart and actions.
I was diagnosed with Carcinoid Syndrome in December of 2011 after being misdiagnosed for about 8 years. Unluckily for me, I will always have this. I changed my health insurance to PPO in January of this year so I can go to Mayo to have all my doctors under one roof. I also have heart disease and herniated discs in my neck and back. I have 3 to 4 appointments a month. I am very happy with my treatment at Mayo so far, however they are very expensive.
I was saved at 7 years old and have tried to walk in Christ's way ever since. Since this Carcinoid diagnosis my faith has wavered many times because sometimes I feel so alone in this. Proverbs 3 has always been my favorite chapter in the Bible.
I recite or read the first section often when I get down.
My sons, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
Thank you again for your kindness. It renews my hope in people to know you are out there.
In Christ,
Nigel Vaughan-Williams
Nigel thank you so very much for your comments, I truly believe that God has blessed me with talent of creating and I choose to honor God in all things and If I can be of help to my freind Olga and contribute in some small way towards helping out the Zebras through my art than I feel I have honored God in this day. I want to encourage you to hang in there through reading scripture, I stay in the Psalms constantly to help me get through my recovery from a fall down some stairs 7 months ago. I also love Phip 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
ReplyDelete