Update on LEMS Study

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Blogging, Inspirational, Media, Networking, Social Media

Today, I heard from the medical center that will be screening initially for the LEMS Study in Miami. Instead of Columbus, Ohio, I will be going to the Augusta Medical Center in Georgia. It is a lot closer and saves on traveling time. I will be able to drive it instead of taking air flights. I registered in their system this morning. The program director said she would call me within the next few weeks to schedule an appointment. From protocol, I will be screened first, then come back to medical center to be placed on the drug. I remain on the drug for a full month and then head to Miami for the study. It takes between 5 and 12 days, so I assume up to two weeks.

This is a good indication that I am approved already for the study. I will learn more as I continue through the screening process. I give God all the praise; He is so good. Thanks for all the prayers, encouragement, support and well-wishes going up in His name. Now, to have my health totally restored and my mobility much improved. Do you believe in miracles? I certainly do.

Life Has Its Ups and Downs

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Blogging, Inspirational, Reflection

Over the past few months, I have missed blogging. I’m trying to write weekly now, if not daily. I must admit I’ve been in a fog for over a week and an emotional roller-coaster. Truth is, I had a (pretty) bad medical report last week; one I wish I hadn’t heard. The doctor was sincere I feel. I asked him not to sugar-coat anything. Another specialist at Emory and another opinion. I get sick of opinions, but this one I have to agree with. The doctor feels my disease is worsening and is progressive. Any attempts at surgery wouldn’t work due to nature of the disease. I’m basically stuck, where I am, in a dilemma of medical science and seeking a medical cure or a reversal of this debilitating disease.

Problem is, there is none known in the medical field. I’m anticipating a contact for the LEMS study soon, but have yet to hear back from the program director. As a doctor told me once a few years ago, consider yourself disabled the rest of your life. I consider myself fortunate not to be bed-ridden or getting infusions weekly, although I get them monthly. It is a little discouraging at best, yet I’ve tried to stay positive. I sound like a broken record right now, but I am gradually losing hope for the future. It is a terrible place to be in. While I don’t want pity or sympathy, I do need an outlet; otherwise, I would sit in self-pity.

Writing has become an outlet, one I can self-medicate myself. It is a type of self-therapy. One of the primary reasons I first started writing four years ago, as well as closure to personal issues in my life. It was a channel to search for answers. It keeps my mind off my health problems and my chronic pain. Believe me, I would rather be enjoying a day at the mountains nearby or the park. I love natural scenery and places. The sun is out today and lovely, bright and sunny. One of the few days we have had this week without an overcast and dark clouds.

I am blessed to have family close by, one I can seek comfort in. They have been supportive all these years. My family keeps me going and yet, I seek another source. I feel it is all in God’s hands. Only He can open those doors, health-wise and through my books. I believe He wants a stronger relationship with me. That has been one of the purposes of my illness(es).

While I do not want sadness, I do want compassion and understanding. These are challenging times. I have never felt so much stress as now. At times, I want to ask, “Where are you God?” I do feel His presence and feel His strength. I have no other choice, but to rely on Him, and yet one day I feel He will heal me completely and I will be whole again.

In closure, have a wonderful Memorial weekend and holiday. Share time with your family and friends. Enjoy the fellowship and praise God for another day. Reflect on the good things in life: happiness, love and laughter. None of us know the time we have left on this earth.

Update On Study

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Blogging, Inspirational, Reflection

It has been a week since I first learned of the clinical study in LEMS disease. I am waiting and hoping to hear something soon. Although I don’t like the wait, this is teaching me to be more patient with myself and others. Patience is not actually my virtue. From what I understand by talking to the program director, I will be placed on amifampridine phosphate (Firdapse) before entering the study. There is more information that explains LEMS and the drug administration at https://globalgenes.org/raredaily/introducing-the-first-4-lems-study/

This gal learned something (not so new) today. Let’s just say it taught me a good life lesson. I’ve learned not to sign anything – contract and all – unless you read the dotted line (between the lines). Something I thought I was too smart to avoid, but it taught me not to assume anything beforehand.

Nonetheless, I am still looking for a marketer again to market my books online. There are many scams out there and “get-rich quick” schemes. Authors are scammed, not to say I was scammed. But I rely on my intuition to determine if I’m making the right decision. I’ve learned over the years to trust that “gut” feeling. I am getting tired of promises made and no results (or increase in book sales).

I’ve had several publishers call me in the last few months, each one with wonderful things to say. But that is just it, they are just statements to get one’s money. All I want to say is Authors Beware – research the publisher beforehand and look at what other authors have to say about the company or organization. Positive feedback is important.

There are good publishing and marketing companies. It takes time to find them, but there are reputable ones. Do your homework beforehand. Ask around – networking with friends and word of mouth is the best way. My uncle and friend recommended a publisher they had worked with in the past.

Other than that, I will shut up for now. I hope everyone has a good and blessed weekend. I will keep you updated on study. Hopefully, I will be a candidate for the LEMS study very soon. I’ve seen few studies on LEMS and the research shows less than 2% of the population are diagnosed. There could be more of those not diagnosed or not documented cases.

A Good Day

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Inspirational, Networking, Reflection

As promised, I am trying to blog weekly, if not daily. I’ve missed blogging so much. It not only gives me a social outlet, it helps to connect to others around the world. Although my philosophy may not be the same as others, I do express my own opinions and thoughts as I see them. Remember, these are just my opinions and not reflective of others’ or bias in anyway.

My mother is getting stronger everyday. A week home from the hospital, she is now up and around again. A different story than last month, as I saw her weakening and barely able to walk across the floor. The realization that I almost lost my mother is a sad one. Nevertheless, the three trips to the hospital since early February seem to have diminished. Let’s hope they stay that way.

I feel accomplished and I may say honking my own horn, proud to have created another book. This is my eighth book within four years. I couldn’t have done it though without the help of others. My publishers have been wonderful. They are a bit on the expensive side, but when you get a publisher that works, stick with them.

It is a beautiful and sunny day and the weekend brings in the beauty and warmth of springtime. The robins are scrambling on the ground and young birds chirping in their nest. The trees are about to bear fruit as blossoms are starting to appear. The bulbs are in the ground, ready to be replanted. A sign that wintertime is over this season.

I will leave you with this thought. When circumstances get a bit overwhelming in life, just remember that “This too shall pass.” Sometimes life brings us challenges suddenly without warning, but we have to get off the ground and start over again. This was a hard lesson I had to learn these past few months. You will be the wiser and the stronger person for it.

Mom is Home Now

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Blogging, Connecting, Inspirational, Media, Networking, Reflection, Social Media

Yes, I’m happy to report that my mother came home from the hospital this afternoon. She seems to be doing okay, but very sore from surgery. I think she is feeling a little better. She doesn’t look as weak as when she went into the hospital last week. She is taking new medications and seems a little bit stronger than before.

Thank you guys for all your prayers, well-wishes, encouragement and support. They mean a lot and much appreciated. It is good to be blogging again and connected to others. Stay well and have a great weekend everyone. Please continue to pray that my mother’s blood clot will soon dissolve in her right atrium.

A Roller Coaster Ride

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Blogging, Inspirational, Networking, Reflection, Social Media

It has been an ‘up and down’ roller coaster ride today. My mother went into surgery just after noontime. She had a mild heart ablation with a new pacemaker implanted. That was decided on Tuesday due to her advanced age and weakened heart. She came out of surgery around 2:00 p.m. and has been in recovery this afternoon. Last word I heard is that she is in a regular room now, but still in pain from her surgery.

Thank you for your continuous prayers and well-wishes. Please keep the prayers coming. God is good and will see my mother through this. Now the healing process starts.

Working on Next Book

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Blogging, Books, Creativity, Fiction, Inspirational, Novels, Writing

Pyramid with Sphinx, Egypt

I’m presently working on my sixth book and third novel. If you like the bizarre, the exotic and adventure, this is the book for you. It is filled with suspense with a time-element that illuminates past history as well as the present. This book takes you to Cairo, where a series of life-changing events take place in the main character’s life. Faced with circumstances in early childhood, she becomes aware of her destiny in a true to life chain of events. Shattered Dreams gives that effect of shattered dreams over a period of time. Look for it this spring.

 

Anne R. Murray’s New Book Released

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Blogging, Books, Inspirational, Novels, Reading, Social Media, Spiritual

Novel reveals profound life message as it explores ‘Wounded Heart in Flight’

A poignantly woven tale that delves into the paradoxical notion of letting go (forgiveness) in order to gain (freedom)

MARIETTA, Ga. (PRWEB)January 06, 2016

From the artistic treasury of the same author who brought to literature unforgettable titles as “The Jagged Edge,” “As the Sweet Honey Runs” and “As The Scarlet Tanager Sings” comes yet another work of timeless brilliance. “Wounded Heart in Flight” is Anne R. Murray‘s newly-released novel that goes in-depth into what forgiveness can do to a deluded heart.

A story of suspense, romance and tragedy unfolds within “Wounded Heart in Flight” (published by AuthorHouse). Following the tale of protagonist Julia Hawkins, it depicts a young woman’s plight into a life of misfortune and woeful circumstances. The narrative reveals Julia’s innermost fears, her unceasing battle with depression and her relentless sojourn towards healing. The setting takes place in a Midwestern town of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, outside the Ozark Mountains in modern times where Julia retraces her Cherokee roots to find truths central to her relationships – with others and with herself.

A poignantly woven tale that delves into the paradoxical notion of letting go (forgiveness) in order to gain (freedom), “Wounded Heart in Flight” offers a profound exemplification of a life well-examined; another testament to Murray’s remarkable wit and literary flair in painting the truth with words.

An excerpt from a featured poem in the book entitled “My Universe:”
Your loyalty is endless,
Your dedication is flawless,
Your enduring love is genuine,
And your sweetness is relentless.
In complete adoration,
I would give my life for you,
For you are my universe.

“Wounded Heart in Flight”
By Anne R. Murray
Hardcover | 6x9in | 210 pages | ISBN 9781504956680
Softcover | 6x9in | 210 pages | ISBN 9781504956697
E-Book | 210 pages | ISBN 9781504956673
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author
Anne R. Murray is a native of Marietta, just northwest of Atlanta. The third of four daughters, her family had traditional Christian values and beliefs. A retired schoolteacher, Murray enjoys writing, researching and motivating others. She also enjoys being with family and friends. Murray obtained her doctorate in education while teaching high school students full-time. Her primary goal is to inspire others.

AuthorHouse, an Author Solutions, Inc. self-publishing imprint, is a leading provider of book publishing, marketing, and bookselling services for authors around the globe and offers the industry’s only suite of Hollywood book-to-film services. Committed to providing the highest level of customer service, AuthorHouse assigns each author personal publishing and marketing consultants who provide guidance throughout the process. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, AuthorHouse celebrated 15 years of service to authors in Sept. 2011.For more information or to publish a book visit authorhouse.com or call 1-888-519-5121. For the latest, follow @authorhouse on Twitter.

God Bless America!

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Blogging, Inspirational, Social Media

I hear all the time what’s wrong with America but it’s time to stand up and say “I’m proud to be an American.” Let’s remember all the veterans that served and died for our country on Memorial Day. If you agree, please like. You can like on my facebook at https://www.facebook.com/writerannermurray too. Have a great weekend everyone!

A Mother’s Love

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Blogging, Connecting, Creativity, Inspirational, Poems, Poetry, Writing

Forgive me for not posting this yesterday. I was having technical trouble with my monitor. Here’s to all the mothers in the world. I entitled it, “A Mother’s Love.”

To my mother,

The most beautiful woman,

In the world,

You gave me life,

And nurtured me at birth,

Through the growing years,

And for that,

I am eternally grateful.