In May I discovered a lump on a rib and after many tests, Xrays, CT's, oncologist, bone scans, MRI's and biopsies, a diagnosis was found. Large bone tumors on two ribs ( growing toward the inner chest cavity ) which only after months of testing were found to be benign. However, in the process I did discover by surprise that I had stage one breast cancer in the left breast. The two conditions were not connected, thank the Lord! I had to put a lot of time into insurance appeals ( pre-exiting conditions ) as well as have 4 surgeries before the end of 2012. In January I had a case of the flu and during that illness I began having mini strokes and spent a week in the hospital, the next week having my right carotid artery cleared of blockage through surgery. Then in April this year I’ve had the biggest and most difficult surgery to remove the rib tumors along with the removal of four ribs. The two tumors were the size of a baseball and a softball! Six surgeries so far and another mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgeries to be preformed before the year is out. I’m so thankful to be alive! If you are into this sort of thing I began a blog last year at the onset of my journey–A Story of Survival by Marilyn M King–and have continued with updates on my medical and spiritual journey.
As a result of the surgeries and non stop trips to doctor’s and hospital, I could no longer work in our family business of house cleaning. Our finance situation became critical and we moved last November to my folk’s empty home in another city and closed our business. This left both Kenn and me without an income. I tried to paint some but with the tough move and surgeries it was too stressful and at times too painful to accomplish much of anything. I believe that now I have the worst behind me feeling human again, and just beginning to finish setting up my studio. I’m looking forward to a couple of months of painting before my next round of surgeries.
I have a commission ( that is a year over due ) that will start me off and then maybe finish up or enhance some abandoned paintings to get back into the swing of things. It is always hard to have the confidence to pick up a brush after a long time away and a little over a year is an eternity! So I have to put on my "big girl" pants and get to work! I’ve missed you fellow artists and being a part of this fabulous artist network and look forward to being inspired again by your work and friendship.
Sorry these "Buy Now" buttons are not cooperating! And the image layout is also rebelling! I’ve been away tooooo long: ( Please find the buy now button either under the image or on the page as labeled. Or email me at marilynmking@yahoo.com for a computer invoice. Thanks.
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| 5x7 on board cow creamer and camellias $75 sold |
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| 7x8 on cardboard garden reprieve sold |
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| 5x7 on board favorite pie $90 |
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| 5x7 on board cut pear and peach $90 sold |
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| 7x5 on board roses from the heart $75 |
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| 8x6 on board Sue at the corn dog joint $85 sold |
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| 6x9 on stretched canvas veggies $75 |
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| 8x6 on mounted canvas tea cup and pink roses $70 sold |
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| 6x8 on mounted canvas Scooby $50 |
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| 7 3/8x5 3/8 on mounted canvas beach boy sold |
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| 6x9 on stretch canvas three cupcakes $50 sold |
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| 5x7 on stretched canvas apple debut $50 |
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| 5x7 on board two red pears $50 |
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| 5x7 on board wanna dance? $75 |
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| 8x8 on cardboard blue tea pot sold |
8 comments:
wow! please continue to be courageous and strong!
Thank you! I'll need it when I pick up the brushes next week! lol
SO sorry for all you have been through. My goodness, more than any one person should have to face. Will be keeping you in my prayers and hoping things look waaay up for you!
Glad to see you painting again!
Marilyn, just scrolling through google for a painting of a blood orange and found your luminous work. Be bold -- your work shines. I am also a breast cancer survivor, and I send you good wishes that you may find love and help in unexpected places, and may God grant you and your family peace and joy and a speedy recovery.
I have just written a mystery called Blood Oranges -- would you ever consider having one of your paintings on the cover?
Keep working -- I finished Blood Oranges during chemo, and although much of that work had to be rewritten ("slapstick" was the word my editor used), it was easier to rewrite than to start from scratch. I and others will look forward to seeing what happens when you get going again!
Claire
Carol, thanks so much for your prayers and kind words of encouragement! My energy levels change from day to day and when I have plans for the day, I often don't achieve them. But a slow recovery is still evident.
Claire, good to hear from a fellow survivor and another artist type..!Thank you for your words of admiration of my work and if you do need a cover illustration I have 25+ years experience. Just let me know. I'm actually at present commissioned to replicate my blood orange painting again for the second time. I'll be really good at painting that subject! lol
I love mysteries and humor by the way.
Marilyn,
I can't believe how much you've been through. Very tough situations.
I too was diagnosed with Cancer and had to stop painting. So sad. I miss it so much.
Hope we both get this over with and heal up,
Vicki
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