It must have seemed like forever since I dropped out of sight and stopped posting on my blog. Well, it’s not your imagination; it has felt like forever – for me too.
Many of you know (and for those who don’t), I spent the last 66 days tethered to an IV pole and a hospital bed with some “House”- like (remember the TV show?) ailment that eluded doctors and rendered me helpless.
It started with 103-degree spiking fevers and chills once or twice a day. The fevers were often high enough to cause my eyes not to track and mild hallucinations – I could see the room, and people but nothing made sense. I was out of it. (But I really wish I could remember some of those Age of Aquarius visions and feelings … for my art, of course).
Finally, after bone marrow biopsies (looking for cancer), kidney biopsies (looking for my kidney transplant rejection), a Bronchoscopy, multiple MRIs, x-rays, CAT scans (good news, I don’t have to turn on a light when I get up at night for the bathroom – I glow), talk of removing my spleen, and finally a major surgical jaunt into my lungs (yup, there were clouds forming – but not until 2-weeks after I was hospitalized!), an answer was found.
I spent a great deal of the time in isolation. My white blood cells fell dangerously low making me even more susceptible to anything and everything flying by. Then, not to be outdone, my red blood cells took a nosedive, which meant several platelet and blood transfusions.
Over two months alone in a room, with the exception of Mr. Electric who tried to balance a fulltime job, a household and a very sick husband. I was losing it.
I was finally diagnosed with something called histoplasmosis and is also known as Ohio Valley Disease. Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by a fungus. Symptoms of this infection vary greatly, but the disease affects primarily the lungs] and it can be fatal if left untreated. Here’s the rub: There are areas of the country where certain fungi live comfortably. There is a fungus in the Arizona area. Another in the San Diego area. Another type in the Minnesota area. And another in the Ohio Valley where I grew up (Pittsburgh). These fungi are endemic to the specific areas and many, many people carry the fungus in their bodies their whole lives.
I haven’t lived in Pittsburgh since September 1975, but guess what settled in my lungs? It wasn’t until I became immune suppressed due to the kidney transplant anti-rejection drugs that this fungus among us reared it’s ugly, and rare, head. Lucky me.
While the cure is almost worse than the disease (the side effects of the IV drip were nothing less than horrifying and torturous), I will be being treated for this using massive (and also somewhat rare) antibiotics for at least a year.
Two days ago I was sent home.
After months in a bed, I have to tell you I’m as weak as a kitten and can barely walk or get up or down stairs (it’s going to take fortitude), I’m extremely emotional (crying 24/7 and I don’t know why), I am having a hard time walking, and also have a slight tremor in my hands, which I hope is temporary.
And just like Jesus (sorry) I have a hole in my left side with stitches from where the lung tubes and cameras and tools were forced into my chest (and it still hurts like a moth …. never mind).
I want to thank everyone for their prayers, and messages, and cards (which were all hung on my wall and amazed everyone who walked into the room), flowers, quilts, cupcakes, and gifts.
When the going gets rough I go inward (you might find this hard to believe but I’m an introvert at heart). I didn’t post much, but your thinking of me meant the world to me and kept me going when I didn’t want to – or when I never thought I’d leave that hospital without a hearse (yes, it got that bad).
The Future
The medical team demands that slow down and take it easy for the next several months so I will be forced to cancel several gigs (and I’ll get by on my looks, I guess).
The experience, while frightening and grueling, was also so illuminating and such an opportunity for spiritual growth, that I am reminded once again – no matter how bad it gets, there is ALWAYS something to learn, an opportunity for growth, and a silver lining.
Most importantly, the greatest lesson I learned through one particularly high fever and I was sure I was closing my eyes for the very last time …. There is nothing to fear in this world, and nothing can stop your dreams if you just go for broke. When our end does come, nothing matters or makes a difference except how much you have loved, how much you have given of yourself to others. The rest is all illusion. The rest is just bullshit.
I am so glad you are home and hope your road to recovery continues with no further problems. You obviously didn’t lose your wit and send of humor as your post was full of that. Please know prayers will continue for you from many people.
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Welcome home! The spirit of Christmas is alive and well. Bless you.
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I have been patiently waiting for this moment. SO GLAD YOU ARE BACK!! Take it slow….just like your stitiching. Amen!
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So glad to hear that you are back on with your mojo. Hope you get well quickly and have the best Merry Christmas ever ! Miss you
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So glad to hear you are out of the hospital and home for Christmas. I hope you make a full recovery and are back to your old crazy self ASAP! I’ve missed reading your posts!!
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Good to see you back Mr L. Take it easy & get well.
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I am so sorry to hear you have been so gravely ill. It sounds terrifying. So very pleased the doctors were able to track down the cause and, more importantly, are able to treat it. Rest up and I hope you have a blessed Christmas with loved ones.
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This makes my day…and my entire holiday season. So happy you’re home. Keep taking care of yourself. Give it time.
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Your trial brings tears to my eyes. I’m so happy you are finally on the mend!!!
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Get well! Glad to see you and know you’re okay. I missed you! Sending prayers your way for a speedy recovery.
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I know this must be the billionth time someone has said, “So glad you are HOME and on the mend!” Remember, SLOW and STEADY wins the race. Take it easy. Smell the roses and hug Mr. Electric and E.
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Get better!! Your baby dumpling needs you!! I knew I should have gotten to Bever Dam when you were there!! Maybe next time. Take it sllllooowww and easy getting well. No set backs!!
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I’m so glad you are home. You will get your strength back little by little. I’m so glad all our prayers seem to have helped. I hope you have a Merry Christmas!🎄🎉
Sherry Starr
Sent from my iPad
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SOOOOOO good to hear from you again!!!!!!!! i’ve been checking often for more posts on facebook. building up that stamina again takes FOR EVER!!! just do what you can and rest then do it again. it will get better slowly….. week by week.
keep us posted.
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Amen, and amen again. God bless you, Mark.
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OH Mark, I’m so sorry about all the torture you’ve been through. I’m sending prayers for a quick recovery and I just want to add that your “lesson learned” was inspirational for me, it made me stop to think…so true…it’s only how much you’ve loved…Thanks.
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The best Christmas present ever! Welcome home ❤
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So happy to hear from you again, I missed you, so sorry for your illness and grateful for your treatment. Hugs and well wishes.
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Best News this Christmas Week for you! Home is where you can finish the Healing. Thanks for sharing the good news!!!
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Welcome Home! whatever your symptoms are now…your home and your healing will be much more comfortable in your own bed, with Mr.E right there, your son, and your four legged furbabies within arms reach!..Very happy to hear you’re home!! take it easy, healthy healing.
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So glad you are back. There is nothing like home, your own bed and someone to love you to make you feel renewed. Best of luck and hope you I’ll be posting your great ideas soon.
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Very happy to hear you are on the road to recovery! It’s great to hear you are back home again! Will continue to send healing thoughts to you!
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So glad to hear you are mending. My father, back in the 1980s, was eventually diagnosed with “Valley Fever” in Arizona. Same type of thing and it took forever for the diagnosis while he was sick, sick, sick. I’m so happy for you now. BTW, my dad is now 84 years old. Hang in there and do only as you feel like doing. Because you can.
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i have missed you, mark! i didn’t know why you were not sending your blogs. i am not a quilter, so didn’t hear anything that way. i so enjoy reading your blogs – every joke, recipe, (have made a lot of them!), quilt, shoe, drink, etc. i will pray that you continue to improve and get as well as can be. thank you for all the joyful reading! and……..Merry Christmas and Peace and Joy in the New Year! judi
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Welcome Home Mark So glad you made it,Happy Holidays take it slow
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Your last paragraph says it all! Now get yourself back to health. And big thanks to the medical team for being there for you. Thanks also, Mr. Electric!
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Thank you so much for sharing all this with us. I missed your posts. So many times we get this message when it’s too late, but thanks to you I will be letting go of all the bullshit! Rock on, cupcake!
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Thank you for sharing. I needed to hear your message of life and no matter what keep moving forward and breath. I hope you regain your strength soon. Happy Holidays
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Rest up slowly so you can get your creativity back…no doubt it’s blooming somewhere. Glad you are home!
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So glad to hear you are on the road to recovery. It may be a long one, but a recovery none the less.Keep your spirits up. Your sense of humor will help you through.
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Be sure to take your probiotics or eat yogurt while you’re on those strong antibiotics! We love you (and Mr. Electric, too)!
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So thankful to hear you are on the road to recovery! Wonderful to hear you are back home! I will continue to pray for a speedy full recovery!
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I can feel the smile on your dear face and the warmth in your heart. What a blessed Christmas gift for you and for yours, home again.
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WOW!!!!!! Glad to hear you’re turning this awful thing around and it’s headed in the right direction. Take care and remember that we love you.
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Didn’t know of your ailments bit missed your witty blog.
Prayers for healing and a speedy return to happiness.
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Sorry things have been so rough, but glad that they have determined the cause and treatment! I was thinking about you yesterday and wondered where things stood. I have been sidelined for several months with thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine treatment, and now hip replacement!! Some days are hard, and I can really relate to the crying jags. Hang in there, my friend, and we will hope for a better 2016!!
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And we’ll have a better 2016, Janice…. is there a choice? LOL xoxom
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My God, it’s great to hear from you again!!! Take special care and we will continue to keep you in our prayers.
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Al and I were thrilled to get the email of your blog. We have kept you in our thoughts and our hearts throughout your stay in the hospital. We are so thankful that we got to meet you in person and spend time at your house a few years ago. You truly are a bright spot in our lives. Be well.
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No words but Thank You for the post and the reminder. Welcome Home. 🙂
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I understand the tears. Sometimes we don’t understand the weight of what we’ve been carrying, until we can set it down. I’m so glad you are on the mend!
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I think you’re right. xoxom
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My sweet mama used her last words to say essentially the same thing to me & my sister (she didn’t cuss, though 😉 Glad you’re still with us to share the truth. faith.
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Really? It was the oddest feeling. No fear, no apprehension, just awareness. One of the most important lessons of my life. BTW if I didn’t cuss, God might not know who I am and pass me over! 😉
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From: Mark Lipinski’s Blog To: schreurs_ss@yahoo.com Sent: Monday, December 21, 2015 2:05 PM Subject: [New post] Home Sweet Home Mark, so good to hear from you. After such a serious illness, it is not unusual to suffer what is called “emotional lability”. Another word for being a mess for a while. It will get better. I think it is a lot like grief. Take your time, get stronger, all will be well. Susan, aka “Our Lady of Intermittancy”. #yiv5818476744 a:hover {color:red;}#yiv5818476744 a {text-decoration:none;color:#0088cc;}#yiv5818476744 a.yiv5818476744primaryactionlink:link, #yiv5818476744 a.yiv5818476744primaryactionlink:visited {background-color:#2585B2;color:#fff;}#yiv5818476744 a.yiv5818476744primaryactionlink:hover, #yiv5818476744 a.yiv5818476744primaryactionlink:active {background-color:#11729E;color:#fff;}#yiv5818476744 WordPress.com | marklipinski posted: “It must have seemed like forever since I dropped out of sight and stopped posting on my blog. Well, it’s not your imagination; it has felt like forever – for me too.Many of you know (and for those who don’t), I spent the last 66 days tethered to an IV” | |
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Slow stitching, slow breathing, slow down. Thank you for your insight and reminding us what is important. Take bloody good care of yourself!
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Ah Mark, so glad to hear they have found what was wrong, and hopefully you are on the mend. Missed your blogs. You’ve given so much to the quilting community, wish there was a way to give back. Sending hugs, love and prayer your way, buddy.
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Really cool, Mark… awesome blog… Happy holidays to you and yours. Kathleen
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Oh happy day! So glad the treatment although awful has pulled you back from the days of Aquarius. At the risk of sounding so repetitious taking it slow and steDy, things will come back. And Merry Christmas to you and all your loved ones, what a gift to have you home.
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You are such a great person to us we worry about our friends the quilters we love and just folks like us in general. Be well, feel better and Quilt on. Much love, hugs, and prayers.
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Hooray that you’re home for Christmas!! Enjoy the holidays and rest!
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Awesome news…xoxoxo
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Welcome back! Take care and your attitude is wonderful. Have a Happy New Year and for many of us 2016 is the year of great healing and fantastic changes
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Mark,
So excited you are back home. You are strong and will get through. What an inspiration you are to others. You will still be in my thoughts and will continue to send healing, positive thoughts your way!
GO MARK!!!
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So glad to hear you are finally home. Now I know this will be hard for you but-FOLLOW DOCTOR’S ORDERS.
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SOOOOO HARD! ugh. LOL xoxom
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Mark, I couldn’t be happier to read this good news….and my nursely curiosity is calmed and informed with your detail of the, um, experience. So happy you are home. I thought, often, about sending a card, but i didn’t have an address. I know you know I had you and Mr Electric (and your medical team) in my heart and prayers.
Nyla
Sent from my iPad
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We will live to eat at “our place” once again! xoxom
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So glad you are home!! Please take the doc’s advice – rest and take it slow! 💜💜💜
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This post shows you have not lost your creativity. You have been missed on the web. Please take it slow. Drugs can have strange side affects – as you said BREATHE! Merry Christmas!
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OH Mark!!!!!!!I was so worried about you…….and so glad we finally heard from you. Sorry to hear of this terrible fungus….thanks I still live in Pittsburgh LOL, that knocked you down, SO FREAKING happy you are on the mend. Please take it slow and keep us posted on your recovery. Prayers, (((HUGS))) and pierogis from Pittsburgh LMBO
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So glad you are home, especially for Christmas. Take care of yourself first. Prayers that your recovery will continue.
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Mark so happy to hear you are on the mend. It was a tough Fall. Cape May County is sending you warm wishes. We are ready to weave with you…….
Clare
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Mark, I live in that dreaded Ohio valley that you spoke of, close to Dayton, Ohio. My husband has histoplasmosis in his eyes. In his right eye, he has lost his central vision. In the left eye, it’s too far out to bother him – yet! A word of caution, if you ever see a blind spot in your eye, get to a retina specialist immediately. When he first got this back in 1989, they used laser to stop the bleeding, which left blind spots everywhere the laser touched. Now they use a shot called avastin, which stops the bleed and eventually clears up the new blind spot. Nothing they can do for the ones done with laser. Good luck in your healing process.
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so nice to hear this relatively good news from you. hope you have good holidays
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Dear Mark, My Christmas has another miracle for which to be thankful. I have been praying every day for your return to good health. My daughter is Susan Osborne and since I am not on Facebook, she told me when you were hospitalized. I’ll continue my prayers for your strength to return and that you experience full recovery. God Bless, Irene Lastra
Sent from my iPad
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So Happy that you are making a recovery! I have always enjoyed your outlook on life and your infectious smile. Good luck and healthy vibes!
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When I found out you were ill I prayed ever night for you. I am so happy that you are on your way to better health. Wishing you the best.
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Thank you for the update and sharing the cause. Hopefully others will now be able to have a quicker diagnosis. Merry Christmas!
Sent Willie Wanka like via my iPad.
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Thanks for the reminder, Mark. I wish you hasn’t had to go theory so much., but bless you for sharing.
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Praying for your continued road to recovery. Keep climbing that hill.
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Thrilled to know that you are home again and in time for Christmas. You and Mr. Electric will be joyous about that, I’m sure, as will everyone who knows and loves you. Continuing prayers for a constant and speedier-than-expected, complete recovery! Bless you!
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Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful news! carolyn kerr
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So happy to hear you are on the mend. You should recover faster now that you are home. Keep up the good fight. We miaa you
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I am so thankful for your recovery . Take it easy . Somehow it will work out
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I told you that you can’t cancel Christmas – wonderful news, indeed, Mark! The lessons we learn from facing our own mortality are nothing short of life-changing, and if we let them, will leave us better people once we’re through the storm. Merry, merry Christmas!
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Dear Mark,
So relieved to hear you’re out of the hospital and finally able to look forward. What an upsetting trial you’re been through. How lucky we’re having medical experts to solve a true House mystery. But I also see it as a Christmas miracle that you got to feel so good to be home for Christmas with your loved ones. Give love and receive love. That’s all that matters. Warm Christmas Greetings from Denmark
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I just saw you on Quilting Arts and then to hear you are home healing is fantastic! I enjoyed you at our guild (Moonlight Quilters of Sonoma County) this past year. Enjoy being home for the holidays and take all the time you need to get completely better!
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It is such good news that you have finally made it Home! A Merry Christmas indeed. 🙂 remember that ** Slow Stitching** movement you started??? It is now time to apply that concept to all the areas of your life. Slow down, take care of yourself and enjoy each moment. There is a great deal of time ahead of you to savor every day.
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So true. xoxom
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You have been on my prayer list!!! Will continue to pray for you. Happy New Year and have a Blessed Christmas
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So glad to hear you are finally on the up swing of this set back. Take care of you for awhile, your fans can wait. Thanks for sharing your journey. May you and yours have a very blessed Christmas.
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So happy to hear from you! So sorry for all the crappy days you’ve had. I hope and pray you are on the mend. Take care of your self and just think of all the quilts you can design in that brilliant quilty brain of yours! Hope we hear from you again soon.
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Good Grief! What an ordeal you have gone through! So glad the “House” team figured it out finally. You will continue to be in my prayers. ((((hugs))))
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Amen.
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Thank heaven you are home again. A huge step forward. And the prayers will continue for you and your latest journey.
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I am so happy you are home. Now tAke it easy and rest so you can fully recover.
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I love your words, Mark. You have lifted my spirits. Glad you’re feeling better and here’s a toast to a wonderful 2016.
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you must be one strong cookie to go thru what you have! But it looks like there is a light at the end of your tunnel and with hopes and prayers, you will be your fun self as soon as possible…. You are such an inspiration…..
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So glad you are home. You are right – nothing else matters! My prayers are for you to feel at least a bit better and stronger every single day. Thank you for the reminder of what matters in life.
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You are a prime example, Mark, of the fact that miracles do occur….especially around Christmas. So glad you are home and posting again….Bless you.
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So glad to see you are home. You will improve even faster at home with your husband and comforting surroundings. Keep on keeping on. Sandy
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Nice to hear that you are home. Hope that you have a blessed Christmas and New year!
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Hallelujah! You’re diagnosed, finally, and home! It’s even harder, mentally and physically, when the cause is unknown. I’m so glad you now know the cause and have a treatment plan. Personally, I’m also glad that blue area on the map stops short of the Philly area! I’ve prayed to hear your news. Thank you for taking the time to let us know. Be well!
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Missed you while you were away. Prayers for you swift recovery.
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Such an amazing journey. My husband actually knew someone who contracted this horrific disease. Thank goodness the “Houses team figured it out! Many, many continued prayers and blessings for you and for all who loved and went through this with you.
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Mark so very glad to hear that diagnosis and treatment came in time. You could obviously make lemonade out of crank case oil. That’s why we all love you. Take it slow and heal nicely. Many blessings!
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Mark I’m so glad that they figured out what was wrong with you even though it was an ordeal. Please take it easy so you can continue to be on the mend. Even though I missed your humor and your unique quilting perspective you getting better and staying better is the most important thing. Merry Christmas to you and your family and a truly Happy New Year.
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Thank you for the update. I have been checking Facebook and your blog periodically hoping to see something from you feeling a bit like a lurker… but wanted to know you were doing OK. Glad you have answers and sending good thoughts for a complete recovery!!!
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I’m so glad you are home, that a diagnosis and treatment were discovered finally. What an ordeal, and now there’s recovery. Prayers and all good thoughts for you and Jeff as the days unfold. Thank you for sharing your insights and encouragements. Heal well, celebrate joyously and may the new year be healthy once again.
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So glad you are out of the hospital and back home. It does sound like a “House” episode. Bless your heart for all you have had to endure. Prayers for you and Mr. Electric. He probably needs some much needed rest, too. Take your time, take it easy and take care, my friend.
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Pickle Rd never felt so good, right? So, so glad you are home….remember to give yourself a break…crying is good…you lived to tell about it….mother of mercy help and save us….I am so happy for you Mark..thanks for sharing xoE
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So glad you are home! We’ve been worried about you and missing your posts. It’s funny, but two days ago I had this big awareness of you….. must have heard you and Mr Electric celebrating your home coming over here in Central PA. (And I am really hoping, having lived for my first 20 years in NW PA, that this is the first and last time I hear of this valley fever)
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HI Mark,
I am happy to read you are on the mend…You are so right all that matters is how much you have loved people and the world around you…xxooAnna
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I’m glad you’re home and on the mend. Now to listen to the doctors and get your strength back. Still praying for your full recovery. Joyce in Dover, DE
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YES! Prayed for your return home for Christmas!!! So incredibly glad you’re home, although still on the road to recovery – the end is in sight!
Again, if there’s anything you need done – ie samples, etc – please know that I am ready, willing & able to assist! Have the MOST Merriest of Christmases!!! xoxoxox
Thanks,
Ellie
Quilter’s Nook Studio 305 se 30th Terrace Cape Coral, FL 33904
239-673-3432
http://www.quiltersnook.net
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Thank you. I will so take you up on that in a few months. xooxm
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So happy you are out of the hospital and home again. As much as I like people cooking and waiting on me, there is no place like home…..Dorothy said it best!!! Thankful that they found what was causing the problems and treatment is working! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I’m happy to see you are feeling better and your sense of humor is still intact!!! Follow Dr’s orders and don’t overdo it. I’m waiting patiently until I can quilt again after my shoulder surgery….worth the wait. Wishing you continued healing!
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So glad you are back. was worrying about what might have happened to you. Especially after seeing the comment on the Quilt show site.
Steroids cause the emotional up and down you describe. And they can last for weeks after you stop them. Sometimes hard to deal with. Will continue to think of you and keep you in our prayers. soo glad you are home.
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mark, so glade you home and feel better, I told you that the butterfly’s would watch over you. Now just rest and take care. Merry Christmas and A happy new year, it will be a good one
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Love you, Mark. So glad you are hedung into recovery.
Linda (who heard you speak at Road to California anf been a fan since)
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Merry Christmas to you and yours, Mark. Have a wonderful 2016. Glad you are feeling a bit better.
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Soooo glad you’re healing. Rest well and get strong. We missed you!
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So glad you are on the mend. Missed your regular doses of hilarity! I too once had somewhat difficult illness to diagnose, nothing like yours and not such a prolonged hospital stay, but yes, was knocked on my butt for awhile. Took over 6 months,maybe more, but that was in 1992. Had a 2 year old at the time. I can remember Making walking around the block a goal. I finally built up the strength to get up, get dressed, and get out of the front door. But it took months. I learned to listen to my body, make time for my family, and me, too. Please do the same. Take it easy, let your loved ones take care of you for awhile. Rest and know your fans have been here and are praying for continued healing. Peace and love.
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Thank you for sharing that. I think I should be 100% well and am somewhat resentful that I’m not! LOL Patience is not one of my virtues. LOL
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Mark. Your post made me cry. You’ve come through a gauntlet. What a horrible ordeal. I’ve never stopped hoping that your body would repair to health. I’ve tried not to pester but have been silently supportive and am so glad you’re home. Rest. The world awaits you, buddy. {{{{{hugs}}}}} ~Sue
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And I owe you a call! I used the Hello Kitty Pillow Cases since the day they came in the mail. What a sweet and thoughtful thing to do. I absolutely love them. Thank you! xoxom
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You will, once again, dance like no one is watching. You are so strong…and wise. BTW, House plays a mean piano, sings and dances, too! Love ya, cupcake…
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Mark, I thought about you last night and prayed for you. I am so glad you are home. Take care.
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I want to add my “amen” to the joyous chorus of praise that you’re home! It’s a hard thing to open up about one’s medical ailments and it took courage. I wouldn’t have been so forthcoming, but I appreciate knowing what happened–NOT that you had to go through it. It seems so long ago since your last post! I hope that you’re “on the road to recovery” (as my husband would say) and we’ll hear more from you soon while you take it easy. Please give Mr.Electric my thanks for taking care of you, too! I know that’s a hard job 😉
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love you
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So incredibly glad to read. Love and hugs for your continued healing.
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Dear Mark, I am soooooo very happy to hear that you are finally home. That in itself should make you feel better. I told you Christmas wasn’t cancelled ❤️👍. Love Liz
Sent from my iPad
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What an incredible Christmas gift. Don’t get this English teacher started on Christmas miracle stories! So many people were so worried about you and I’m sure there prayer hum in heaven was deafening. Please do TRY to listen to your doctors and give poor Mr. Electric a break. Take the time to heal…remember SLOW HEALING. We’ll all be here rooting for you and awaiting your return to the show. Love and prayers.
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Glad to hear you made it home. Prayers for continued healing Mark, and if you need to vent go ahead, after all what are friends for?
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Dear Mark, – so glad you are on the mend……. I’ll never forget the laughter when you spoke at our guild here in Newmarket Ontario Canada. Please, please follow your doctor’s orders and take it easy – see a physio for gentle exercises to help you regain your strength – eat well – enjoy all the hugs that are sent to you.
with love and prayers
Roberta
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Very glad you are okay! I’ve missed your posts and your creativity. Merry Christmas!
Liz Kamke in Buffalo, NY
Sent from my iPhone
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I have had you in my prayers so reading this post was all emotions, heartbreak, worry, and happy – you are home- yippee! As a quilter I followed you for years, learned from you too. I hope you can heal fully. I too have hand tremors from an illness.. I hope yours disappear. One day at a time and when in doubt look up! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
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Have really missed your blog. So glad you are back. Take care of yourself.
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Such good news that you are recovering and at home! You gave such a fun program at No VA’s QU a few years ago.
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Such a wonderful coming Christmas present for you, Mark. Get to being your funny, wisecracking self soon once you’ve convalesced and “healed” the rest of the way at home in your comfort zone. Wait, who am I kidding, you’ll always be a nut that we love. Cheers, Richard
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I guess you can’t edit. I meant coming home Christmas present. It’s so nice I unliked my own post.
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Wishing you continued success with your recovery, still praying for you. Hope you get to enjoy Christmas!
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It’s good to hear you’re finally home, and after weeks of examinations they finally found something. Take care, I hope you feel better soon!
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OK, now I am in tears after reading this. Medical miracle are you. Take it easy and heal. Sending virtual hugs.
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Mark, virtual hugs to you too. My kids called me the bionic Mommy after my transplant so we will call you the Bionic Man since you have had a transplant too ( a different body part but it’s all the same fight to get well again) Please get well real soon so we can enjoy your humor at a class in the future.
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This is such good news. Thank you for letting us know how you are doing. You have so many people who care about you.
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Mark, I’m so sorry to hear what happened to you. I wondered why you hadn’t posted anything in a while. Please take care of yourself, and rest. Your health is so important.
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Mark… so good to hear that you are on the mend & back home. Will be keeping you & yours in my prayers. Take each day in a Slow Stitching way… enjoy all that matters most ❤
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Mark, I’m so so happy you are home with Jeff.I will pray for your fast recovery. In my beliefs God let things happen in our life to test our faith ,and to slow us down, to take some time,to reconsider what’s truly important. Sometimes this stop or test it’s very hard. But your last words means that you did your homework. This passing year was very hard to my whole family. My mom had 3 surgeries, I had 2 plus other dreading treatments, and just last week my mom husband died. But because of my disease and uncertainty of future, I see how lucky I’am to have THIS beautiful people i call family , in my life. Before i take them for granted, since my diagnosis, that changed. Our inside,our time together,caring.. it’s most important gift to others,not material things.
Wishing you and your family beautiful Christmas, full of peace and joy.
Love Ewa Piekunko
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I love you and loved talking with you yesterday. WE WILL BEAT THIS JUNK TOGETHER!!! Call anytime! xooxm
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It makes glad that you are home for Christmas. Enjoy your family and Mr Electric with you new wisdom.
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Like the rest of the quilting world, I am happy that you are back and thankful that you are on the mend… maybe not feeling the best yet… but your blog is filled with the hope that you hold.
I thank you too, for the following is very inspiring and something that I hope I can hold in my heart
. “When our end does come, nothing matters or makes a difference except how much you have loved, how much you have given of yourself to others. The rest is all illusion. The rest is just bullshit.” Thank you, Mark.
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Amen!
Sent from my iPhone
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So glad to hear that you are home at last. Continue to rest and recuperate – slow but sure will win this race. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Hugs!
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Praise the Lord you are on the mend! Follow your doctors advise and you be back in the swing of things in no time! What a wonderful Christmas gift for you and your family!
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So Glad you are home. We did indeed miss you on here and FB. Hope the follow-up goes well. Merry Christmas to you and Mr. Electric/
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Thank God they found the problem. This world would be all the poorer with you gone. The tremors are from you being so weak I am sure. Take care of yourself, your family needs you. And do do we
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Missed your postings but am so glad you are back with us! Like someone said you’ve hear of the slow stitching movement (hehehe) but have you heard of the slow your arse down movement?
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So happy to have you back and know that you are home where you belong. Thank you so much for your honesty and for letting us know that you are OK. Heal slowly but heal well… take your time, take it easy. So glad you are back!!! (((HUGS)))
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so so glad you are on the mend. Sounds very scary, and I’m glad you got through it. And your lessons are priceless. Thank you for being a teacher even when you feel like heck!
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Dear Mark,
I am a quilter in Minnesota who follows your blog and articles. I have been so concerned because I realized you were really ill.
I am so happy that you are out and on the mend. You have been in my thoughts and “prayers”. JoAnne
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Thank goodness you’re home and and that your sense of humor is intact. Just do what the doctors tell you and you’ll be 100%!
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So glad to read your blog and Judy’s comment above says just what I wanted to say. And thank you Mark for sharing.
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Sorry you have had to endure all this
Psi and suffering but I am glad you are on your way to a full recovery.
You bring so much sunshine to everyone
You are sure tone healed I no time.
Merry Christmas!
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Best blog ever! Funny,sad and lots of life lessons! So glad you are out of that ¥#%~?* period…and that you are able to writw this amazing blg entry with those super funny add ons….Get well!!!!
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OhMark, I am so glad to hear you are home also!
I used the photo of us in Moose Jaw pinned to my hospital room bulletin board, as inspiration when I was feeling down. We WILL meet again!!
Beood & listen to the doctors!!!
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Its a relief to hear that you are home and on the mend, albeit a long mend. Kind of like hand quilting a room size quilt, yes? The quilting world has just sighed a huge one. Welcome back to the land of the living, Mark.
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Blessings from your army of Cupcakes!!
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So glad you are home and getting better. Helen
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Thank heaven you are home and despite still hurting like a mother..nevermind, you are getting the treatment you need and will be fine. Yes, you can get by on your good looks:-). Just try to enjoy the gift of being home and on the mend, and look forward to a healthier 2016. We love you.
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Knowing what to treat is a huge step in your healing. I am so sorry to hear you had this long spell in the hospital. WARM QUILTIE HUGS…please remind upbeat as you can… heard having a positive attitude helps heal 🙂
Smilies
JulieinTN
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I met you for a brief moment at Quilt Market in May and my fingers have been crossed for you since I initially saw the news on facebook. You are a rare energy and spirit and I’m so glad you’re still here and on the road to recovery! Take care of yourself!
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Glad to hear you made it out of the hospital in something besides a gurney! You’re right. Nothing else matters in the end but who you loved and who loved you. Be good to yourself. We want to see you back out there later this Spring. Carla
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So glad to hear you are home and that your body has finally decided to go in the right direction. 👌😘
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Huge love and best wishes from over the pond, I’m so pleased you are hanging on in there the world is a better place for you. Sending positive thoughts and prayers to you both, Pamela x x x
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So glad you are home and it is amazing when you figure out what really matters…I am also an introvert ‘inside’….love you and continue to heal. Merry Christmas
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Don’t worry about crying, just let it go. Once you get stronger and have more to occupy your mind it will fix itself. I’m just so glad you are home.
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glad you are getting better. Just remember one step at a time will take you down the road. Enjoy the process.
Ann
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Prayers have been answered. I thoroughly enjoy your posts and look forward to the day you will be able to return with your own take on so many subjects. Here’s to a healing year
ahead.
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So happy you are home and hopefully on the mend. I’m from Pittsburgh area….north in Bradford. I’ve never heard of this! The important thing is healing! It will take time but you are resilient. We all get those wake up lessons. Sometimes we get smacked hard and we do realize that love is what it’s really about. Love to you!
Carol esch
If I can bring a meal and leave on doorstep I’d be delighted.
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Congratulations. I am glad you are home for the holidays and know that you will have a blessed Christmas with loving family & friends. I wish you strength, health & happiness in the new year.
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So sorry to hear of your dilemma. I had a similar issue, it was discovered that my now X-husband had poisoned me with Arsenic. Now he is my X and I am 1000 % better. One day at a time, ignore the bull@*#t and only go with the good. Quilting is a good focus to have, helped me save my life.
Have a better time and keep on keepin on. We need you around.
Carrie
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Wow! That’s major! Glad YOU”RE still with us! xoxom
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Omg,,baby I’m sooo Happy,,,Woop Woop XXOO
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The Good Lord was not ready for you yet!
Take it slow, let yourself be spoiled, and recover.
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Prayers answered. Thank you, God. And Santa. xo
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Thank the dear Lord, you are back. Missed you so much. Cry if you want to (remember that song – or am I too old for you?) Being well is what’s important. Being here is what’s important. Store up those creative ideas for later. Behave, do what the doctor’s tell you to do. Take good care of yourself. Thank you, Lord, for sparing our friend. So glad you woke up to smell the roses. Love you, Mark Lipinski! Stick around for more……
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Wow! You are inspiring. I’m happy you are improving…look at your gains weekly, it may be slow but hopefully steady.
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I am sorry to say I knew you weren’t posting, but thought perhaps you were deeply involved in a new project. Happy to know that after all you went through, they found out what was causing you to be so violenty ill. Saying prayers that you continue your recovery.
Don’t get frustrated and try to do too much too soon. As for your work: This too shall come to pass, and all good things will eventualy come forth from your brilliant mind. Just give it time. God Bless you. Welcome back . . .
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This is one of your most moving entries. I’m glad they were able to catch this in time. I pray you have no lingering effects once your recuperation is complete. As the mother of a son who is a 7-year “terminal” brain cancer survivor, I know full well how life can turn on a dime. And yes, you do learn to appreciate so much more of the simple joys of life when you feel the end is near. Godspeed, Mark.
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Two days ago I searched my junk mail to see if your posts had somehow wound up there. I was getting concerned because you are such a regular bright spot in my life and you had been missing for so long. You have given much to many, most of whom you have never met. Thank you.
And thank you for your wise words, indeed the rest is bullshit.
Your extended community loves and supports you. Has anyone started a Go-Fund-Me or similar campaign so we can help you over the missing gigs? Getting by on your looks can be a bit, um, irregular, if you have real expenses. Not that you are the very picture of dashing and debonair – real eye candy!
Being from the wilds of Canada my first thought, after gratitude for hearing from you, was for your medical treatment and ongoing care.
Please let your followers know how to contribute.
Heal steadily.
Teri
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Missed you so much, Mark. Speedy recovery.
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So sorry to hear you were so ill – wondered where you had gone to…I missed your blog! Prayers and hugs for a quick recovery!
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Such a story – you are an inspiration – yet again.
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Mark, the world just isn’t ready for your light to dim. Hope it shines even brighter during Christmas and throughout the New Year. Wishing you extra special moments with family and friends during the holidays.
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You are on the mend, such great news ! Yes, love conquers all!
I believe !
I have only met you once and believe you do give all you have to everyone around you. Relax, use this time creatively and get better.
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So happy you are recovering! What an adventure…. 🙂
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I wasn’t aware that you were ill, though I missed your blog posts. I’m very glad to hear that you are on the mend, and hope that you are back to your normal routine soon.
One of the first things on my Christmas to-do list was give blood – and I did it. Chances that you got mine are pretty slim, (location and timing are wrong, but it’s possible – I’m O neg) but somebody’s loved one did. I’d like to think I helped a little….
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Welcome home Mark. So happy they found out what it was and its being taken care of. Now rest and regain your strength. Merry Christmas🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
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i wondered what had happened to you, so glad you are still hanging in. hope your complete recovery is just around the corner. do what the dr. says and try to enjoy the peace and quiet. so glad you are back. sending prayers and hugs to you and mr. electric.
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So very happy you are starting the journey to recovery. We were scared. Prayers will continue for strength, patience and health. The message you left off with was a wonderful Christmas gift. We all will be much better off if we repeat that daily. Take it slow. When you start to feel better, please remember you still have a way to go and don’t push yourself. Being stuck on the couch, or chair or in bed aren’t the worst things we can face. Being stuck in darkness is. So look for light every chance you get. You’ll be amazed where you can find it. Remember you are loved by many, and so are is Mr Electric for taking care of you and everything else. Here’s to a quiet, joyful Christmas and a New Year that brings strength and peace of mind and heart.
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Thank you so much for taking some time and precious energy to let us know all that has been going on with you! You are in my prayers and here’s to a better 2016! Thank you for such an uplifting message and reminder of what is really important! Now go rest! Mr Electric needs you healthy too!
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Mark, I am so glad that you’re back! I was so worried about you; really, take it easy.
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Welcome Home Mark, We have missed you! You just relax and get better and drop us a line once and a while and we will be happy! Just remember a fungus a mung us isn’t good, hehehehe. Stay healthy and just work on getting your strength back. Diane
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Glad you are on the mend. What a journey!
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I’m certain I am just one my many who wish you a speedy and complete recovery.
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So glad to hear you are home and on the mend. Sending good wishes and positive energy your way and to Mr. Electric too. Being the spouse of someone seriously ill is no walk in the park either.
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Wow mark ! I had no idea! I’m so happy you’re on the mend!
Adding you to my prayer list for a full return
To health!
I love your blog!
Please listen to the docs!
But you’re 100% right -nothing matters
Except to love and be loved and help
Others
Love and prayers
Mary in cape may nj
Sent from my iPhone
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Missed you and so happy that they got down to the bottom of this mysterious illness!
Wishing you a healthy and happy new year…Merry Christmas! !
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Wowee! What a long, strange trip it’s been for sure! I’m so very glad that you are home and on your way back. Slow and steady. Merry Christmas to you and your family. 🙂
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Mark(Captain Cupcake), we are sure glad that you are back home…..I worked for almost 38 years in a Microbiology hospital lab, and that is one organism that you dont want to have though it is more common to be found in those who have or do dwell in that region…..You are our fungi(fun guy) and we are to hear that they determined what was going on……Take your meds religiously……
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I’m so grateful that they finally found out was was wrong and that something can be done about it. Take time to heal and enjoy your family. Love them and yourself…the rest will take care of itself. Merry Christmas, Mark!
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God bless you Mark. Glad your home for the holiday. I’ve enjoyed your humor and talent for many years. Be well, hugs.
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This is just the best holiday news! Grab some handwork, a few books you’ve been meaning to read and recharge thos batteries. You’ll be better, I know it! Let those tears wash away the pain and fear you’ve lived with these past few months. XOXO
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That last paragraph has me in tears.
You will ALWAYS be a source of humor and inspiration and love to those that have the good fortune to know you. I’m so happy you’re recovering. Listen to your body and the doctors. This is certainly a very Merry Christmas!!!
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So happy you are on the recovery-side of this hill. Be patient and kind with yourself. Plan for a long recovery. Those anti-fungal meds are a bitch; especially the side-effects with alcohol ! Let us know when you’re off them ( I have a nice home made vintage for you !
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It will be the Sunbreak for us…or somewhere else just as awesome!
Sent from my iPad
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Mark, OMG!! Thank goodness you are back with us. Please know am sending you lots of hugs.
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What a relief that you are HOME and that you have a diagnosis and a treatment plan. I am sorry for all the rotten aspects of this that you endured and that still lie ahead, but, selfishly, I am SO glad that we are not yet deprived of your warm and wonderful sense of humor. May you continue to improve and know that we all will keep on cheering you back to yourself. You really ARE a special cupcake!
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So sorry you had to take this wild and bumpy ride. Wishing you smooth sailing for a very long time.
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Hey Mark, since you have to slow down and take some time for yourself while recovering, you may want to try English Paper Piecing (EPP). I never would have thought I would like it or try it, but had to slow down myself for some knee surgery. I am totally enjoying it.
So glad you are home. Sending more good thoughts your way!
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Thank you for this post, informative and reassuring. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a great 2016!
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Praise God! So glad to hear you are on the mend. Through your forward journey of recovery, I will continue to pray for you. And thank you for your wise message of what’s really important in life. The comment “the rest is just bullshit” is so accurate. Your unfortunate journey has a lesson for us all. So happy for your family that will be joining us all for Christmas.
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I guess that frolicking naked in the moonlight tonight for the winter solstice is probably out of the question but anyway maybe next year you can frolic in the moonlight and celebrate the solstice I’m so glad you’re home I’m so glad you’re getting better what else can I say Merry Christmas. Much love Anita
Sent from my iPhone
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I am so very happy you are home and out of isolation. What an awful time you have had. Take care and eat all those health foods. Merry Christas.
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What a delight and relief to see your name in my inbox. It’s time to apply the slow stitching philosophy to your lifestyle and take the time to heal. The workshops and the blog can wait. We’ll all be here when you’re ready. Be well and celebrate Christmas with your family.
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Yippee!!! Sooooo glad you are better!! 😍 😍
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Mark I’am doing my happy dance in the middle of my living room right now! So glad your home now you can start to get better, we all know the hospital is the worst place for a sick person to get well! I wish you lots of joy and health for the new year.
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I am so happy that you are home and that there is a plan for your full recovery. Take it easy as you are told. Hugs.
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Incase you don’t recognize Hexy Lady, this is Terri Schurter. Hugs Sweetie.
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Such wonderful news. Welcome home.
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So glad you’re home and on the road to recovery!!!
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Mark! Excellent news! We love you! Everything always works out. Still sending positive energy for : ENERGY, HEALING, ATTITUDE(perhaps not necessary in your case) and REST! Rock on, my friend.
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I know that I am one of millions but I am so happy to hear that you are getting better.
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You learned the greatest lesson of all…and I am so glad…..and happy for the reminder…..you worked hard and under extreme conditions for that one….so go forth and enjoy the good and ignore the bullshit…much love.
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I really enjoyed reading your blog today , not that you where and are so ill , but the fact that you are so right in the end it will only matter that we loved and we where loved. I hope you will have a speedy recovery but if it has to be a long one may you always know your are loved ! Ps you have inspired me many times.
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Mark… I am so SO SO very glad that you’re on the mend… the world is a brighter place because you’re in it!!
And… your last word here…. “breathe”…..
I was trying to decide what my word for 2016 would be. Last week I posted that I thought it needed to be “breathe”…. 2015 has been on of those years when I have felt kind of overwhelmed much of the time… my liver – scary…. the Studio – fun (and a lot of work!)…. Rebecca’s cancer and starting chemo – scary…
So… you keep breathing, cupcake…. and I’ll keep breathing….. and I’ll keep you in my healing thoughts.
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So glad you are home with the best lesson learned…thanks for the reminder…now go forth and enjoy the good stuff and leave all the bullshit behind. Much love coming your way.
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So glad you are finally home and before the holiday no less. You are so caring about your “cupcakes” and we returned the love in our prayers and good wishes for a full recovery for you. Sit back and enjoy life for a few months and put your creative genius to work then when you get the dr. green light, hit the ground running.
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Glad to hear youre home and on the mend!
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Mark, God does hear our prayers. So happy to hear you are home. No place like home. It’s a Christmas miracle. Merry Christmas! Many blessings for you in 2016.
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Hopes and prayers for a very fast (and much easier) recovery!
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Mark I have missed you so much! Glad the Doctors continued to look for the problem. I have heard of this fungus, but had no idea how severe an illness it can cause. Take your time to heal properly. Love hearing Mr Electric was there to offer some balance to your life while facing such an unknown future. Remember you are loved by many, many people. Prayers and have a Merry Christmas.
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YEAH! your home! Happy dance for you. Lots of rest and we will all still be be here, Merry Christmas to you and your family!
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I am so happy for the good news that you are home. My focus for prayers now will be for strength and speedy healing. We are in NJ for Christmas and to see our granddaughter, Lily born Dec. 4. You helped me via FB messaging me a couple of years ago find a quilt shop in the Clinton area. Wishing you a Merry Christmas. Know you are loved! XOXOM
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Glad to see you back home! Probably not as glad as you are to be home and in your own bed. Now to build up strength. Don’t overdo it.
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I was sorry to hear about your ordeal and will be praying that your recovery goes well. Best wishes from a fellow quilter.
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So glad you are better, what a battle you have had. Cathy
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Adding my best wishes to the scores of others…..remember, follow the orders, listen to the so-called caring professionals, and don’t forget that your sense of humour is still intact. In the immortal words of Red Green — keep your stick on the ice, we’re all pulling for you. Merry Christmas…2016 is going to be a new adventure.
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Feel better quickly you poor guy!
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What a terrible ordeal you have endured…it is so great to have you back…. Your wit and wisdom have been missed. Take it slow in continuing to recover!
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I am righted to hear you are home and on the mend…..Mr. Electric will be right by your side helping you every step along the way and your fans are all over the world cheering you on….Merry Christmas….you are home and around to talk about it.
Kathy Vanacoro
Carmel NY
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Sounds all very frightening Mark. So happy it has finally been diagnosed and you will be returning to your “normal” self at some point. Even your sad tale makes me smile – everyone missed you!
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So pleased your are home now, really good to have you back – wish you a very happy and healthy 2016. xxx
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Happy news to hear that you are home! I know that you will feel much better in your own bed & surroundings! Wishing you a speedy & full recovery recovery!
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I echo all the above well wishes and miss you’s !! tears are a way of cleansing the soul- you have had some major life altering experiences and a good cry helps t get rid of some of the “emotional fungus” that has been there also…. wish you a slow & steady recovery, your family’s love & support and your own quirky outlook on life will make for an interesting recovery period– we look forward to hearing about your homebound antics!! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year to all
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So very glad you have answers & are home…strength coming…thanks for keeping all of your quilty supporters updated.
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Welcome back
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It is wonderful to hear from you again! What a great Christmas present for you and your family to have you back home. My prayers for you will not stop until you are back to your ole wonderful, funny and loving self. Big hugs from one of your legions of quilty admirers.
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Glad to see you back. I know I wished for “House” a few times in the last five years. Then it got so bad they had to find an answer. It gets frustrating , doesn’t it! You feel your life is slipping away and no one can find an answer. Be good….follow the doctors orders…get your strength back, I know, this is probably one of the hardest parts. We love you…and so does your husband. Thank him and spend some cuddle time.
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Mark….how wonderful to get an update. It is awful you have had to go through this whole ordeal but godsend they finally find out what was wrong. And to finally be able to go home to Mr. Electric and your son for the holidays….heartwarming. May you find great comfort & peace in your healing process for the next year. The world will wait for the creative, hysterical, and remarkably funny Mark Lipinski to re-emerge when he us ready to face the world again. God ?Bless….and don’t let anyone get your tinsel in a tangle.
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Merry Christmas & best wishes for a Happy, Healthy New Year!
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Take your time getting back into your schedule. You must recoup all of your energy & make up for your hospital time! Get adjusted & empower yourself.
You can do it! You yourself, be yourself & love yourself!
Welcome back, but go slow & thank G-d! Life is good!
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what a horrible situation!! glad they found the problem and you are under treatment-however awful! hopefully it will be all on the upswing now—the crying is from the onslaught to your body of illness and treatment-it will pass eventually–best wishes for your continued recovery Mark
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You have been in my thoughts and prayers. I’m glad they found out what was wrong and that you are on the mend. That can not have been anything fun at all. Best wishes for a healthy and happy New Year. Merry Christmas!
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Thank you so much for taking the time to update everyone. Now, take the time to take care of you and make a full recovery. Your words are so true and especially meaningful right now. Take care.
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_____________prayers foor your speedy recoveery____i missed your posts, but didn’t realize you were ill. Get better soon. _______________________
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Good to have you back, your seat at the table was waiting for you. Just like slow stitching feeds the soul, slow healing will be best for your body. Your fans love hearing your wit and humorous slant from Pickle Road but we want you to be good to go. No set backs, time for a bit of smooth sailing. Joy-filled wishes for you and your family. Pat
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Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery!!! Missed you lots!!! Just do what the doctors tel you to and don’t do what they don’t want you to – it will pay off in the end when you rally back.
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Great news! You’ll do great at home surrounded by the people and things you love!
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Bless you.
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Mark, I am so thankful to hear that you have been able to finally come home.So very glad the Doctors were finally figure out what is wrong. I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2016. Take it easy, we will await your return to much better health with smiles and joy!
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This was such good news to read. I was wondering how you were doing since you had begun treatment. Thank you for providing so much information. After my liver/kidney transplant, I was told to think about places when traveling. One was the Southwest United States and I wondered why. Thanks to you, I now know. Please keep up with your funny posts as you can. I so enjoy hearing from you. Take it one day at a time and you will get there. Get stronger and God bless you.
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OMG what an ordeal for both of you. Time for “slow healing”. I am sending huge (((HUGS))). 💖 🎄
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Mark, you are strong and there is a reason G-d allowed you to live, maybe to be an inspiration to all of us. I have been in your shoes several times in my short 60 years with Guillian Barre Syndrome, a paralysis of the internal and external workings of the central nervous system at age 14, a Bone Marrow/stem cell transplant at age 37 for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, and most recently at age 56 for breast cancer. Life has this little way of slowing us down and with my immune system being compromised like yours, I suppose G-d is hollering for us to really slow down NOW.
Glad you are back and hope your strength comes back soon and hold on to your sense of humor. Hopefully you sent that germ back to Pittsburgh!
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We will slow down together! 🙂
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Oh Mark, Thank you for taking the time to share your story. Wow, as you say, “are there words” for what you went through? No there are not. God answered all our prayers. So happy to hear you are at home. Home is the perfect place to heal. Sending you love from Montana. Also still praying and always will. Oxoxoxoxo
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Amen, and amen to your last paragraph. Thank you for sharing your experiences, too!
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My husband just hollered…..Marc’s back….come see his note!!!.The curtain goes up and our star is back!! Enjoy each twinkling light, sound, and smells of home . Your public wants you healthy no rush. Merriest Christmas to you and family.Gretchen
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Bless you Mark! Little by little, step by step. One day you’ll post about having a toast to your complete recovery.
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prayers your way …crying releases endofens . (spelling?)
which will help you heal…Merry Christmas !
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Great- you are out of the hospital- beware- being home is a different kind of frustrating – everything is exhausting. Try walking upstairs on all 4’s – like that little kitty in your post. it’s a slow process. Sending warm vibes.
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i follow your blog and wondered what you had been up too. Wishing for you it had been anything else. Sending you healing wishes. Stay strong and take it slow.
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What they all said! So happy to hear that things have turned a corner. Still thinking of you often and hoping that you have the strength and fortitude to follow orders — Also hope Mr. Electric is taking care of himself!
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OH, Mark, what a terrible ordeal. Thank goodness and God ( if you believe, and I do) you are recovering. Rest and recover as long as you need. Prayers and good wishes for you continue. Your friends will be here waiting for you when you are ready.
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I was thinking about you today and how much I missed your postings. So very glad to hear you are home with your man in a house filled with love. It will definitely help you heal that much faster. Get that rest now.
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Even after all you’ve been through you are still the most entertaining writer around. Thank you. I am so glad you are with us.
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I’ve been checking weekly – someone told me you weren’t feeling well and it didn’t take much to realize it was serious – just didn’t realize how serious. I included you in our prayer list and I’m really happy to hear you are getting better. Just take care of yourself and know that we are all thinking of you and praying for you.
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I’m sorry to hear all about your health trials. That is such a shame. Wishing you well and get well soon, but take your time and breathe as you say and everything will fall into place. Have a Happy Holiday and a much more successful 2016. Karen Stegwell, Phoenix, AZ
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I’ve missed your posts so much! Lots of love and peaceful vibes sent your way.
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There’s no place like home! I’m so happy that you’re recovering—follow Dr. orders and take it easy, Looking forward to your blogs and humor again, when you are ready!
I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a happy and HEALTHY New Year!
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The doctors should have just asked me! (heheh, just kidding) I’ve spent the last 32 years in the midst of that blue area and the first 25 just above it. (And I’ve never heard of it either until I was in mt late 20s) I’ve known many with Histo. The thing is, it affects everyone differently. I’ve had friends in marks situation and a friend who never took a day off work. And many, many friends in between. The fungus acts differently in everyone’s body and everyone’s body reacts differently to the fungus and that’s what makes it so difficult to diagnose. The fungus can have long sleeps as in Mark’s case deciding if and when to rear it’s ugly self. The worst thing is that most people living in the area have NEVER heard of it. It’s not something that comes to a doctor’s mind either, even those living here.
Glad you’re on the mend, welcome back!
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Love you tons Mark! Glad you’re home.
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Wow, my mom developed histoplasmosis back in 1985 from being immunocompromised. I did a lot of research on it back then. Thank God medicines are better 30years later.
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I am really happy they found out what was arong and you’re home again. Albeit not 100% but slowly slowly catchee monkey. In other words take it a dayvat a time and rest and above all donas the doctors have told you because byband large they know what they are talking about.
My Stacy (younger daughter 42) has been in hospital so far since August first for 56 days and now for 32days. Can’t see an end to it. I don’t know if I ever told you but she has had Crohn’s for over 20!years and in August she was diagnosed with something called PVOD. When I was told it was incurable I thought so what my MS is incurable and I manage just fine. What they didn’t tell me was that it is terminal and she probably has around 18 months left or that she is one in ten million people that have it.
I am really glad you’re home. Get better soonest but take it easy. Lots of Love Patti xxx
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Oh, Patti. What a nightmare. On my meditation list. xoxom
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Fuzzball
I have never been so happy, thrilled and excited to read a blog. So happy you are back.
You’re the best.
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Wonderful lesson but rough way of learning. Glad you’re on the mend. One day at a time. It’s all we really have. Hugs.
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So glad you are home. Take care of yourself and follow the Dr’s orders whether you want to or not. You have been missed and I am only one of many that is looking forward to your postings again.
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You continue in our prayers and we encourage you to take care of yourself. We pray that each day is better than the day before. You have so much to offer – now mend, rest, and know you have many in your corner cheering you on!
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Hi Mark Many blessings to you for a speedy and full recovery! So thrilled to see your post and Learn that you are home and finally on the path to recovery! I’m so sorry that you Had to experience all of these awful symptoms and setbacks—-and the frustration of not knowing what your diagnosis was must have been extremely difficult for both you and your family. So happy to see you posting, home, and beginning to get back on track! The slow stitching Movement can teach us many life lessons—one of which apply directly to you —slow down, let the healing take its course!——-and yes most things matter much less then we actually perceive at the time. Wishing you joy, health, and happiness, and a blessed new year! Hugs, Renee Pasquale
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Oh my, I had no idea you were so sick…my daughter suffers from so many auto-immune diseases, and some other really rare, weird conditions, that I can totally get what you’re talking about in your post. Take care of yourself, emotionally as well as physically. Know that we love your wonderful blog and great sense of humor! You apparently haven’t lost your sense of humor through all of this! Hugs and prayers, Linda
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Love you, Mark! We have a similar strange fungus here in Canada too. Thank goodness they discovered you illness. We need our spunky cupcake so rest and get well! Prayers always, Linda Cooks Creek, Manitoba, Canada. XOXO
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So glad you finally got to go home! I was worried about you. Glad the doctors finally figured out the problem and were able to treat it.
Those funguses can be really difficult to diagnose. Unless your doctor is from the area that the fungus comes from, they probably won’t be familiar with it. And it doesn’t help that it causes so many different symptoms depending on which part of the body the fungus got into. I live in AZ where we have Valley Fever. Most people’s immune systems fight it off on their own and they just have what they think is an ordinary cold and get better. Usually when people have complications it gets into their lungs because the fungus is in the dirt and AZ is a dry, dusty place. I got it when I was a kid, but I was lucky enough to get it in my skin where it just caused a non-itchy rash that cleared up without any treatment. I was also lucky to have a doctor in AZ who recognized it.
Hope you’re feeling better soon. Hugs to you and Mr. Electric and have a Merry Christmas (but not too merry, listen to your doctors!) and a Happy New Year.
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That’s it! Valley Fever! I knew someone who had it but I couldn’t remember the name.
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So glad you are home in time for Christmas. Good luck for your journey back to health. You had us all worried.
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Glad you’re home. Pat Abernathy
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Mark I’m so glad you are home for Christmas and know what was causing you to feel so bad. Frustrating to not know, now it can be dealt with properly. Take it easy, rest, follow Dr’s orders! I know that will be a challenge in a few weeks! Thank Mr Electric for being such a good man. He’s a keeper! Get well, be happy!
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Mark, So sad to hear about what you have been enduring. Thank God you’re an ornery cuss, and didn’t let it get you down. Now: Take it easy…. This is a time for binge watching TV shows or movies that you didn’t have time for while you were busy busy busy!! Take care, and we’ll be waiting for updates when you are up to it. God Bless You! Love ya, Baby!!
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Glad your feeling better,take it easy and rest.
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Home Sweet Home! Isn’t it Wonderful! I’m so happy to hear you are home for Christmas! Now, behave yourself! Just enjoy!
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I love good news! Glad you are back home.
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I am so glad that you are home and on the mend. I’ve missed your blog……your humor and creative outlook on life is an inspiration.
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Mark I am so happy you are finally home !! You really were put through hell, but you SURVIVED !! Listen to your doctors and try to behave yourself ! You can reschedule events that have to be cancelled, the most important thing is for you to let yourself recover from this ordeal !!
You are so fortunate to have Mr. Electric’s love & support ! He deserves a really good reward !
Wishing you a speedy recovery ! I’m sending Healing prayers & angels your way !
Keep us posted on how you are doing !
Merry Christmas & A Prosperous & Healthy New Year to you & yours !!! 🙂
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Very happy to hear you are home and in time to be with your family to celebrate Christmas and New Years. Please take each day 1 at a time, as you will have ups and downs, and as time goes by the better days will win out. It may take months, but to get back to your normal, productive funny self, you must allow your body and mind to rest and heal.
I will still keep you in my prayers as well as your family and medical team for as long as it takes!
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Oh YAY for you! And for Mr. E, too! I’m so glad to read this great news!
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I wondered what happened to you. I’m glad you’re feeling better. I think you do a marvelous job with your blog. Blessings.
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MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS! so GLAD THAT YOU ARE HOME AND ON THE GOOD ROAD.
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Mark, I had no idea and was really miffed that you had “pulled out of” the orlando event. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, all the very best sue hope have so missed your jokes etc. Welcome back.
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Yea!!!! Big bear hug with care around the hole in the chest. Hug, hug, hug!!!!
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took a class from you in Santa Rosa this year. So glad you didn’t get that sh…. from our area. I am very withdrawn when sick so I appreciate your situation. I wish you patience, persistence, and peace.( plenty of Ps. I know you need lots of the pees.)
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Mark, I am glad to hear about your progress. I am thrilled you found medical care to figure out the puzzle. You really reached dire straits before that tho. Thank God for the support of staff and friends. Your physical rebuild will take a while it sounds like. Again, a team effort.
Please use your friends, your voice, your spirit to step by step build on a daily basis. We want to hear how you are doing. Let us know how we can bolster your thoughts and mind.
We would love to have you be strong by 2018 and our No. Carolina Symposium. It was a gReat pleasure to share dinner with you in Asheville a while back. Keep in touch.
Julie Simpson, 828-658-8180
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I’m so glad you’re home and on the mend. Take care of yourself!
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Hi Mark, you have had bad go of it I hear.
I took a class from you several years ago at Aardvark and have happily followed you ever since.
Guess what? My husband had a fungus infection, from a bite by a green fly…
He was in rough shape also. Would you believe iodine drops
did the trick or the ‘blastomiocosis’ would have consumed his lungs also. That was in 1964!!!!! He is alive and healthy and 84 yrs old now.
Keep the faith, and a stiff upper lip, and never loose ‘you’….
Judy Spott, Denville NJ
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It probably does sound like BS after hearing it so often, but I really do wish you LOVE and HEALTH. I always miss you when I don’t hear from you – you are such an inspiration for all of us Lipinski fans. Take care. Rest. Love your husband. Don’t worry about work. It’s all about you baby!!
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Can’t even tell you how happy I am for all of you! Are there words? It’s been an awful Monday for me, and reading this got me teary. You have been on my heart and mind – enjoy Christmas with your loved ones!
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My dad had ocular histoplasmosis (lived in St. Louis) and lost his sight. Such a random thing. I’m glad they figured it out for you and wish you a peaceful and restful recovery.
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You have been on my mind this week particularly – it is so good to hear from you and know what has been happening to you these past weeks. I am so sorry for this hard path your life has taken. But isn’t it amazing that doctors can figure out that you have a virus based on where you grew up that has just been living quietly inside you? And thank goodness that they can put the pieces of your puzzle together and help you to get better! As everyone has said: please take it easy! Please SLOW DOWN and take time to mend. Don’t worry about leading us and inspiring us with your wonderful creative postings right now. Maybe when you are ready to send out your wonderfully inspiring email/facebook etc you could research half as much for each posting. Leave out a joke, or the cool shoes, or the inspiration from life design elements, or a recipe. Or just focus on one of those ideas. I do read and enjoy your missives to us; but we need you healthy! And yes, your blog from today even has an amazing message for all of us to learn from. I am going to reread your last paragraphs a few times over because I really want to absorb what you said. I also want to thank you for being a personal inpiration to me. I began quilting when I was a frshman in college back in 1981. I loved it, but 4 homeschooled kids later and I was losing time for any sewing. My kids grew and I thought about getting started again and went to hear you speak to a packed hotel meeting room in Batavia, Illinois about 6 years ago. Hearing you and your passion and humour lit a fire in me and I was off and running again! Thanks to your talk, I became committed with renewed passion and there is no turning back now! I look forward to hearing that you are regaining your strength again! Take care of yourself!
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Little steps, remember one day at a time. Waiting for your return.
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So glad you’re home. I’d do a cartwheel but would probably crash in to a sewing machine or squash a cat. Hugs to you and Mr. Electric
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I am so very happy that things are turning around for you. I have followed your posts on Facebook and kept hoping that the next post would reveal a miracle. So glad that you are now back home with those who love you and care for you. Hoping for all the best for you and yours and that you are soon back doing all the things you love. Rest up and heal quickly! All my best wishes to you!
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You really are an inspiration. I’m pretty sure I would have given up. Glad you didn’t. Along with everyone else, I missed your humor. You still have it, right? Welcome back, Mark.
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So very glad to hear “YOU’RE BACK!” Wow, what an ordeal. I have really missed your blog but take it easy. Give yourself permission to goof around. We were all very worried.
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You last couple statements are so true. Glad you are slowly on the mend. Don’t rush it.
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Our bodies are amazing. Little by little you will improve. Give it your all and some time and you will get better. I did not know but sure did miss you. Take care.
Sheri
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Welcome home! I am so glad that you are on the mend. You were missed! Take care and thanks to Mr. Electric for being such an incredible supportive cheerleader.
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Be well.
Take your time.
And thank you so much for sharing. Your post reminded me to…breathe. I think I forgot that for a little while, but if you can, well, than so can I.
Slowly now…
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“There is nothing to fear in this world, and nothing can stop your dreams if you just go for broke. When our end does come, nothing matters or makes a difference except how much you have loved, how much you have given of yourself to others. The rest is all illusion. The rest is just bullshit.” I pray that you listen to your own wisdom. Breathe. Take the time needed to heal and grow, We love you and know you will be you in all this mess! You have a good, kind caring husband, Love him. Rely on him. Trust him. Heal.
~ Billie Farley
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We learn how fragile our health can get very quickly. Take time to heal. Sorry to hear you had to go through so much, but glad you are on the mend. Merry Christmas and a Happy
NEW Year! 2016 will be so much better.
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Mark, I am so happy to hear you are finally on the road to recovery. Take care of yourself!!!
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So happy to read that you are finally home and beginning to recover. Sending you warm healing thoughts and positive energy as you begin to heal. Warmest regards from a Canadian quilter, Anna
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I am so relieved to hear you are finally back home. You will start feeling better just being in your own place. Will you be taking rehab to regain your strength? My husband was so weak after spending several weeks in the hospital following his brain surgery he couldn’t walk or see. Physical therapy brought his strength back, but the eyes haven’t recovered. We immune suppressed folks have to protect our selves. Waited for you updates and kept you in my prayers.
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Mark, Glad your home and happy that you have a diagnosis. Be well, take each day as it comes slowly so that we can enjoy you and your antics.
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So glad you eventually got a diagnosis and treatment. Take care, take things slowly and get well now. I’ve heard of these kind of fungal infections before but had no idea there were so many regional variations in the USA. People need to be more aware of them to help quicker diagnoses to be made. I don’t think they exist in the UK – different climate & flora. This is great news for all your friends worldwide and a great Christmas ‘present’ – in a weird kind of way! XX
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Oh Mark, I am so thrilled to hear you are home, this news is the BEST Holiday gift one could ask for!!! I am so so sorry for these last 2 months of your life but you are so right, there are always lessons to be learned from life’s most worst experiences, I know!!!! I am thankful for you and your family that you are home and I know you will recover in a more comfortable peaceful environment of your home!!! You are respected and loved by so many and I know I speak for us all when I say how thankful I am to hear from you!!
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Welcome back, you were sorely missed. You are still in my prayers as recovery can still be a bumpy path you have to follow but a path in the right direction. So very happy you are on the mend.
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Mark, I am so glad your home! Oh how I have missed your humor and blog posts. You are one of a very few that I follow and am so glad you are on the mend! Take it easy and ease your way back into work… It can wait! We all love you and look forward to your come back! It will be victorious!!
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So very glad to know that you are home! You had a whole lot of people worried about you! Take as long as you need to regain your strength and stamina….we’ll be here supporting and cheering you on!
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It is wonderful to hear you are out of the hospital and recovering at home, I have heard of histoplasmosis as my mom was diagnosed with it back in the 60s (and, yes, we lived in northwest Ohio!). So, be sure to take good care of yourself and get fully recovered!
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Glad you are on the mend! Your blog is the bright spot in my day whenever it arrives.
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Mark,Oh MY! My older sister, younger brother & I all had histoplasmosis when we were little, we were hospitalized in Kansas. Cathy had it the worst. Rhodney & I had a mild case. Latter Cathy had a relapse in Germany when she was in her early twenties, she mad a miscarry at the time. She looked like she had been in a concentration camp when she got out of the hospital. But thank God she hasn’t been sick with this for 39 years now. Our hearts and prayers go out to you for a complete and speedy remission! Pat
WordPress.com | marklipinski posted: “It must have seemed like forever since I dropped out of sight and stopped posting on my blog. Well, it’s not your imagination; it has felt like forever – for me too.Many of you know (and for those who don’t), I spent the last 66 days tethered to an IV” | | Respond to this post by replying above this line |
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Come back to us soon Mark! But first priority is your health always. We’re here if you need anything!
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Thank you so very much for sharing this difficult journey with us. Exhausted as you must be, your zesty self shines through your words. I appreciate the information about the fungus/lungs – sadly one never knows when it will be the tidbit of information one of us needs. Your ending message is eloquent and touching. It’s a reminder that needs to be spoken from time to time. Rest, smile and recover.
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The Best Is Yet To Come…..so Rest, Get Well…. and Get Ready….
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Sooooo glad you are home for Christmas!!! Take it easy and let yourself heal. Slow Stitching all the way!
Merry Christmas!
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Mark, thank God for saving you and thank YOU for your faith, fortitude and sense of humour. May what you have gone through be in the past forever! Take the time you need, there are a lot of us who love and pray for you and your wonderful partner. God bless!!
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So glad for the good news! I, too, “go inward” so your strength and fortitude are not lost on me. God speed, behave, do what the doctors tell you, no matter how much you want to push your recovery.
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So very sorry to read about this, but doubly happy that you are home and on the mend! Throughout it all, thank goodness you’ve kept your incredible sense of humor! God bless and I hope that 2016 will be a great year for you and your family!
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Wow, Mark, you’ve really been through it. I was keeping up with things on Facebook and praying for you–did you feel it? lol. So glad you’re home–a Christmas miracle. I pray you’ll get stronger every day and be back to your old self soon.
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Oh Mark, I’m so glad our prayers were answered and you did not leave us here to muddle through on our own. Take all the time you need to get better and we”ll be here waiting to hear and see you again. Prayers still coming your way. Merry Christmas!
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Dear Mark: So very, very happy for you that you are home! Keep up your funny, entertaining and loving ways. They make us smile and will help you heal. 🙂 Here’s a BIG hug for you. Andy
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OMG you are much to nice a person to have all these problems. I’m sending healing thoughts and vibes. Sweet, dear Mark, wish we could do more for you.
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So glad that you are home. Sending lots of positive thoughts and healing your way and have been since Houston quilt festival when I heard the terrible news. Get well Mark. Those you love and that love you, miss you terribly!
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Be well and feel those feels. Crying for no reason doesn’t happen. There’s a reason we just aren’t always aware of what they are. Glad you still have a life to lead and that wellness finds you swiftly!
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God Bless and care for you!
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Aside from the physical trauma, there’s the emotional toll you’ve been under. Rest, recoup and LISTEN to your doctors. There is no timeframe you have to meet for your recovery. (I had acute sepsis this year and nearly checked out, too.) Take all the time you need to regain your strength and your drive. It will come. Blessings and prayers….. Margie in VA
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I missed you! I am so sorry you had to go through all that and I am so happy that you are on the mend. Get well my friend…Stay well.
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Mark, I am new to your life on line, but when you posted the diagrams for the lung procedures, my first thought was that stupid bird fungus people can get. Of course, I had no idea how you would have been exposed or anything, but even living in a house that has pigeons on the roof can do it.. Then finding out you were a transplant patient, it really gave me a chill (I am a pharmacist so have had to learn about those meds). I am so glad you were able to get a diagnosis and on the right meds. Hey, it could have been worse, it could have been TB which has even nastier drugs for a year and is making a comeback in the immunocompromised population. Take care of yourself and one day at a time, strength will start to build. Be patient with yourself and heal gently. Give yourself a couple of years and you will look back on this as if it was a horrible dream. God bless and Keep you in the palm of His hand!
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Rest. Sleep. Relax. Repeat.
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From a very bad, scary place to very good place indeed. Funny how there’s always a spiritual experience in things like this. Yours sounds deeply profound; thanks for sharing it.
So grateful you are home for Christmas! So grateful you are HOME! I loved seeing that on my newsfeed! You are an awesome person, Mark.
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Like everyone else, I’m glad you’re on the mend. Through it all, you learned an important life lesson and we’re lucky you are thoughtful enough to pass on to the rest of us. Get well, love and allow yourself to be loved. We’ll be here waiting when you’re back!
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Thank God. It has taken like forever. You are officially on the mend. Yea Mark!
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Thanks so much for letting us know. You have been in daily prayers. So very glad you are feeling better, those anti-microbials can be wicked, so take care of your self! Merry Merry Christmas.
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Absolutely well spoken and the conclusion is right on target – thank you for sharing such private information. You are loved!
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So glad you are finally on the mend. If you can survive hospital food for 66 days, you can take your meds for one year. Don’t overdo it, you don’t need to decorate to celebrate Christmas. Just give extra big hugs to your loved ones. Welcome home and Merry Christmas, Mark!
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So glad that you are home and at lest knowing what you are fighting.Merry Christmas to you and your family.
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Mark — You may have been out of circulation but never far from our hearts. Recupe, recover, and rebuild your strength.
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Welcome home! So glad you’re back!! Cheers!!!
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So happy to hear that you DON’T have all those other things! And a wonderful Christmas present for you & all your fans who love you, THAT YOU ARE NOW BACK HOME! We will all continue to remember you & pray that every single minute of each & every day finds you just a bit stronger! You go, Mark! And Happy New Year 2016!! So glad to know you’ll be celebrating AT HOME!
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Glad they finally figured it out. Arizona has Valley Fever fungus. I have known a few people that have had problems with that.
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Thank you for the life lesson. Take it easy and enjoy every minute of your life that you thankfully got back!
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Dear Mark, so glad they found your problem and you are now on the mend. It is strange how the little things in life are what matters the most and how it sometimes takes a “little” thing and it’s consequences to bring us to that realization. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season.
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Mark, I am also a survivor of Histoplasmosis. It took about six months to be fairly functional and I have been on itroconazole for about three years now.The amphotericin was not fun and I spent 6 weeks in a stepdown unit–went home because I could not face argueing with insurance co. Husband was a godsend–don’t know how he did it–I had to have help using the bathroom–up and down. slow progress—but it is progress. I was immunosuppressed from rheumatoid arthritis meds—and a very fortunate survivor. There aren’t many of us. Bob Dylan had histo also–but not a severe case as he was out of the hospital in about two or three days
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Wow, thank you for sharing this with me. It is going to take a long time to get back to normal, but I’m just doing what I can do. At least I can drive and, with a cane, I feel comfortable walking around (until I get shaky). xoxom
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It took several years–it was 2012 –a very long time. But it can be done.
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Mark, checking up on you to see how you are doing. It is a very slow road to recovery–I am still limited in some things—but fortunate to be alive. I’ve been working on a few things in my sewing room–NOT a studio–that sounds far too serious. I do realistic type portraits and also have been workng in abstract forms as well.
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So glad you posted an update on yourself. You will be missed at the Camarillo Quilters’ Association. A lot of us were looking forward to hearing you speak. Continue on your road to recovery and put your health first.
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Wow, I am glad you made it out alive 😉 My father spent a month at UCLA Medical Center back in the early 80’s, he began having high night time fevers, and was loosing weight like crazy, his doctor finally put him in, and the month of testing for everything began. A month later after ruling out cancers etc., they determined he had Valley Fever, and the healing began. They (the doctors) said that it was a fungus that gets airborne (you will see a lot of break outs after an earthquake) and it effects not only people but animals too. They believed to have laid dormant in his system for many years. Here in California people that live in the Bakersfield area (where the air pollution is very bad), and there is a lot of agriculture (stirring up the soil), and the oil companies doing there thing, when some one goes to the doctor with certain symptoms that “Valley Fever” is one of the first things they are checked for. You really went through quite a bit, (there is a reason it is referred to as “medical practice”. Yikes! Take care, take it easy, and be positive about your recovery, our minds and bodies can really do some cool things. And, eat healthy! toodles, paula
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I hadn’t heard the news (thanks for posting) but did miss your news and figured you might be sick. I visited your website several times but no news there. I assumed it was kidney-related–which it was sort of related to. So glad you are doing better and good luck with the year ahead.
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Mark, so glad you are home. You have inspired me, and made me laugh. Your message was wonderful. Going through a tough time at work and now I know what really counts. Thank you. anita
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Miss you! I hope you have a good Christmas and are feeling a little better every day. Love you!
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It is good to hear your doctors and care givers have found the problem and can help you get better. Stay positive, do what your doctors tell you, fight this thing and get better. Love to you.
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Thank you for your beautiful message even though it has come at such cost to your own health. Hugs and prayers are heading your way now and in the new year for your continued recovery.
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I do miss your blogs. But more importantly do keep your positive drive and awesome spirit.
I am holding positive vibes for speedy healings.
Take care.
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I’ve never met you (except on paper and Facebook) but of course I love you. You brightened up the quilting world with your magazine and brought constant laughter and hope to my life. You deserve the BEST and it breaks my heart that you are suffering but your light shines through and I know you will persevere and you will prevail. You are one of the bravest people I know. Thank you for keeping your fans informed.
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So glad you’re getting through this mess, Mark. Keep your chin up! Once things smooth out and you get your strength back, you will feel like your old self in no time. My husband went through a double transplant twelve years ago, and after what seemed like an eternity of adjustments and tweaking of meds and multiple tube inserts and removals, he finally got well enough to come home and get on with his life. Things got pretty messy and hopeless at times, but he always pulled through! Now he lives a full and normal life. As I’m sure you’re aware, he will have to take the anti-rejection drugs forever, but that’s a small price to pay for what he has gained. You’re comments about love are right on. Love is the answer and end-all to everything! I realized that, way back in the 70’s when I was on a quest searching for the “meaning of life”. Have a good life, Mark and don’t let this crap get you down. Know that there are always people out here cheering for you and sending positive vibes your way! (now I sound like an old hippie chick, ha, ha!)
Sue (from the Pgh. area)
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Wow! just WOW! I have no other words. My thoughts and prayers are with you. You are first… the rest can just wait.
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We’ve had a rough patch of our own, and so I just now heard about your struggles. Being a Westerner, I’m familiar with Valley Fever. I’m so glad you were treated by someone who eventually put the puzzle pieces together–it can be tenacious. Well, it takes a lot of energy to heal, so everyone will understand when you direct yours to getting well and spending time with your family. We’ll be here when you’re feeling better.
Happy 2016. Let’s hope for a year in which all surprises are welcome ones.
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“Well, as I love and breathe!!!”…. an old expression comes to mind.
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I with you a speedy recovery. What a journey you have been on for this last long while. Life is such a mystery. And so are fungi it seems! Take good care, and know that you are loved by many.
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Just catching up on past emails & found you…I’m ever so sorry to hear about your horrific health issues. Take things slow & easy – good advice for quilting or health! Look forward to keeping in touch via your outstanding blog!
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