The Budding Blogger

Long ago in a far away land a blogger was born!

She honed her skills on a little brown typewriter and it made her smile. Reporting on all the neighborhood news and gossip, she surely couldn't wait to pass on her stories. Who was the latest kid to start a fight at school? What did they do to him...details, please! Crime reporting begins!

As most of you know if you've read Susan's blog over the last few years, she has consistently reported about the Drew Peterson case through her blog, MurphyMilanoJournal, and on any venue possible. After all is said and done, Peterson was found guilty of murdering his third wife, Kathleen Savio. For Susan it's a bittersweet victory. And as a reminder to everyone, Peterson's fourth wife, Stacy Peterson is still missing. Very close to Susan's heart, and inspiration for her latest work, none of us will give up the effort to find her.

Timing the release of her latest book, Holding My Hand Through Hell, knowing she would be making the rounds in the media, it seemed like a win/win situation, but God had a different plan for her. She had to turn down many wonderful media opportunities and defer to treatment for her cancer. Her energy levels prevented her from giving interviews and commentary throughout the trial.

Although disappointed, her thoughts weren't really on the trial until the day the jury deliberated. She was in the middle of a conversation and prayers with Pastor Neil Schori when he received a text that the jury was ready to read the verdict. Together they heard the guilty verdict both of them had been praying for. Divine intervention in real time! Neil's work with Susan creating the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit has been beautifully thrust into a new light, and with new interest, the work to save victims of abuse continues through Neil, Sandra L. Brown, and everyone involved with Document the Abuse.Com

I know it's been too long between updates, I can tell by the amount of emails and messages we've both been getting.  Again, sorry about that.. it's summertime at the beach and that means you will usually have guests who pop into town and want to share their vacation with you. All of that on top of Susan's schedule and trying to do the best job for my clients leaves little in the way of spare time.

Down to business! Susan is doing well, she's responding to the IPT treatments with Dr. Akoury and will continue for several more weeks.

A couple weeks ago we went to Charleston, SC to meet with a surgeon. They would like to "debulk" the cancer tumors and then continue afterwards with more treatments to get any of the cancer cells that may be left.

As most cancer patients, Susan's weight and energy levels are very low. We're continuing to build her body up, along with her immune system, so that the surgery and subsequent treatments will be successful.

In spite of it all, she still gets around and is doing things for herself as much as possible. She has had a couple procedures which have drained her fluids, but to do it too often can be risky, so she's still swollen. It's frustrating for her to walk around looking pregnant! The fluids tend to move around and if she's on her feet or sitting up for too long, it causes her legs and feet to swell. Keeping her comfortable with feet in the air isn't always easy!

Thank you to everyone who has sent donations to help offset Susan's treatment and medications, as well as those of you who are actively fundraising. Your efforts are very much appreciated and help Susan to continue the treatments which are paid entirely out of pocket. It's recommended that she have two per week, and that sum is adding up and depleting her funds quickly.

Cancer is like an abuser, and as Susan has taught us all over the years, we must stay "10 steps ahead of the abuser" and disarm them from doing their damage. With continued prayers, a wonderful medical team, and consistent donations, Susan is running the good race, staying about 9 1/2 steps ahead!

August 31, 2012 at AwareMed

Delilah