My story

I have received quite a few requests from my new friends and acquaintances to share my story. I am trying to figure out how to summarize a couple of years of doctors, long hospital stays, many "death sentences", strokes, adventures, blood clots, experimental treatments, seizures, and miracles into a  readers digest version instead of a full length novel. Here goes my best attempt. 

Two years ago I went in for a pretty routine robotic surgery to correct some hysterectomy complications. I spent my overnight observation without too many problems. On the way home, all of a sudden I felt a pain in my abdomen that hurled me into a ball accompanied by a intense headache which caused a audible gasp and scream. Something was terribly wrong. My husband took me to the nearest ER where the trauma team began treating me. Imaging tests showed massive internal bleeding. 

The details get crazy from there but it was later determined that I suffered a massive stroke and had lost over half the blood in my body due to my vasovagal nerve being cut during surgery. My body rejected the blood leaving doctors to believe the wrong blood type was administered. 

Shortly thereafter instead of healing from the surgery repair, I actually became sicker. I started passing out, completely losing consciousness and was having seizures. I spent so much time in the hospital with the doctors trying to understand what happened and what was going on with my body. Stroke rehab helped my be able to walk again and gain added strength in my arm and hand. 

A year went by with me growing sicker, the seizures becoming more intense and the passing out became a daily occurrence. I saw more doctors than I can remember and spent a lot of my time in testing and in hospital stays. My heart was not beating correctly and would drop into the teens and lower if I laid flat. My blood pressure and heart rate was so faint it was barely keeping me alive. The cardiac electrophysiologist determined my heart was okay but my brain was not telling my heart to beat and he sent me to am autonomic neurologist. 

By the time I saw this doctor I was so incredibly sick. I spent weeks in the hospital enduring tests and being poked by thousands of needles. With my heart rate and blood pressure so low, no anesthesia could be given. It was determined that I had a rare disease that the doctors knew about but there was no cure and it was still in experimental stage with not much information known on the illness. I was diagnosed with autonomic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, dysautanomia, vasovagal syncope and an autoimmune disorder. 

The doctor called Thomas and I in to discuss options. The doctors informed us that no one had lived longer than four months with the disease and I was already at a year. The odds of surviving were almost zero. The doctors would basically treat symptoms and make me comfortable. We begged for options and agreed to try anything experimental. There was one option given that only gave me a 10% chance of surviving but was told it may help. What other choice did I have? Die or try. We were told the odds were so slim. I would have no immune system so if I developed the flu, pneumonia or illness, I could not survive it. The chances of developing meningitis were over 50% and again, if acquired, death would be imminent. 

A week later, I started a six phased experimental immune system transplant type treatment. Massive amounts of IVIG were given to try and kill the fighter cells that were attacking my body. Day one, emergency medications were used when they thought my body was starting to slip into meningitis but I came out ok. Day two, the symptoms began again and this time I was not as fortunate. I developed meningitis. Day three of treatments were cancelled. By Friday, my husband called the doctor and he was told that with the meningitis, it was over. I was too sick to survive the hospital with all the germs and illnesses. My immune system had been wiped out. He needed to say goodbye and bring me to the hospital. 

Instead, hands were laid on my head and a priesthood blessing was administered. I became very ill but my husband kept me at home. I was not responding, couldn't eat or drink and lay still, coma-like, for two days. On Sunday, my church family prayed and fasted for me. That night, although so incredibly sick, I was able to respond. The doctors were shocked that I survived. A month later I went in for round three. Round four brought pneumonia which again, no antibiotics could be given and my body had no immune system to fight any disease. Another month and thru the miracles of our Savior, I was again able to fight my way back to be healthy enough to go in for my fifth treatment. Again, pneumonia and pleurisy developed and I grew gravely ill. All future treatments were cancelled and I was told there was nothing left to do but treat symptoms and try to make me comfortable. 

I continued to get sicker and sicker. I didn't know where to turn. Help was no where to be found. On top of this, January rolled around and with incredible medical bills, no doctors would treat unless we could come up with cash. The entire situation seemed hopeless. 

Without me saying anything, my sister knew that on top of all our medical bills, my $5000 deductible would have to be met again. She started "Cupcakes for a Cure" and sold cupcakes to raise money for me to see a new doctor. The generosity and love poured in. With cash from the cupcake sells in hand, I was able to schedule a couple of appointments. These new doctors tried figuring out if they could keep my heart from shutting down while others tried figuring out the neurological aspect of the disease. By this time, the autoimmune disease was killing me and organ at a time. Blood clots were rampant within my body and it was determined that I had taken many hits causing strokes and aneurysms. 

I could barely walk, and only with help. I sat on the couch almost paralyzed. The seizures were daily. The passing out occurred every couple of hours. I was struggling to catch a breath. Swallowing was so difficult. My body was so weak. I texted more than talked because of the extreme effort that it took to catch my breath and form words. 

The cardiac electrophysiologist called on a Friday in March and told me to get all my affairs in order. The testing that was required had such a high expectation of a blood clot letting loose that they would have three surgeons and a team of doctors ready to do surgery, in case a blood clot broke free. I was told the odds of me surviving the tests were minimal. However, there were no other options. Give up or try to see if these tests would reveal any answers. 

On Sunday, with my ward family, friends, my loved ones and many many acquaintances praying and fasting for me, I received a miracle. 

Another priesthood blessing was offered. In it, I was promised that I would find healing. I was promised that the Savior would intervene and breathing would become easier. I was promised people would be brought into my life that would hold the healing that I had been searching for. I was promised life. 

When hands were taken off my head, I took in a huge breath. Breathing hadn't come so easily in over a year. Immediately my heart felt like it was beating in a steady rhythm. I was over joyed and the tears fell freely down my cheeks. I immediately stood and had anticipated my legs working as well as my breathing. I stumbled and my husband caught me. I laughed. I didn't care if I ever walked again. I could breathe. 

Within days I received a call and was told that frankincense essential oils had amazing healing properties and I should take a couple of drops under my tongue twice a day. Within two weeks, I started feeling better. 

I started searching for doTERRA and healing. I knew a couple of people that used doTERRA but I wasn't sure what I should take. I searched the Internet and found Natalie Rigby's blog. I contacted her. Natalie said she would be in Arizona the next week and would love to come to my house and teach me about these essential oils. I was thrilled. 

As Natalie spoke, I knew this was the person that would be brought into my life to help me find healing.  

Natalie brought DDR Prime with her. Armed with Frankincense and DDR Prime, I began to heal my body. 

Slowly but surely my health is returning. 

I am in awe with each new day and the steps towards healing that it brings. I am faithful at using these life saving doTERRA essential oils. I take DDR Prime morning and night. I take frankincense under my tongue at least four times a day. I use balance several times a day. I use deep blue rub for the pain. I use the peppermint bead lets for the nausea. I have replaced my estrogen supplement with the women's health regimen. 

I have a long walk back. The testing is still occurring. The doctors are still trying to find answers. Yet I know I hold life saving essential oils in my hands and the healing will come through doTERRA. 

My Savior gave me the healing to take the first couple of steps down the right road. Since then, he has led me to those that can help me. These amazing people that were talked about in my priesthood blessing are Natalie Rigby, Emily Wright and Dr. Hill. Through them, their extensive knowledge of these essential oils and their willingness to help me, I know healing will come. 

I am so excited for the future. I think back often to that day in March when hands were laid upon my head and a blessing of healing was pronounced. My loving Savior could have easily brought 100% healing that day. But if he did, I would have never discovered the life saving healing of doTERRA essential oils. Now, as I find healing, I will be able to teach other about how they can heal their bodies with essential oils, as well. 

I am so excited for the future. Doterra has provided me with so much hope. The end of my story is still unfolding. I learn more each day. It is a journey but one I am so thankful to be on. 

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me directly at jntmurphy@hotmail.com or feel free to follow my adventures at Murphy-madhouse.blogspot.com. 

doTERRA - Emily Wright

The doTERRA Western Conference was amazing. I learned so much. I loved meeting with Dr. Hill and his encouragement that he gave for me to stick with the essential oils and that they would help to heal me. Standing next to him and feeling his love and true concern was inspiring. Here is this brilliant man, a natural healer and he kept telling me what a great job I was doing and to keep up the good fight.

I loved all that I learned. I loved it all.

Most of all, I loved getting to eat lunch with Emily Wright, one of the founders of doTERRA. She sat with me as I told me story and she suggested oils and a protocol for me to follow to help acquire my health back. She had a spirit about her that was amazing. As we spoke, I knew that this was the door opened by my Father in Heaven to help heal my body.

Emily is definitely one of the kindest people that I know. She was sincere and comforting. She assured me that with these oils, medical prognosis and the downward spiral of health that I have been on, would change. She made me feel like I was the one helping her, strengthening her testimony, when she was such an angel sent down to me.

With speaking of Emily, I cannot neglect to mention Natalie Rigby. There are a lot of doTERRA consultants. My Father in Heaven knew I needed help. When I typed in doterra and frankincense and healing to the google search bar, Natalie's website came up. I actually contacted her regarding some info on her blog.

When Natalie responded and began to help me, I knew that this was where I needed to be. My Savior could have used anyone to help me, but he knew that Natalie would go the extra mile. He knew that she would help get me in touch with Dr. Hill and Emily Wright and would help me to find the help that I was so desperately searching for. I am so thankful for Natalie. She has been the answer to so many prayers. I am so thankful for her sensitivity to the spirit and listening and following its promptings. She is definitely someone I will always regard as my angel on earth. The Lord had a plan for me and he utilized sweet Natalie to help bring to pass his miracles.

My gratitude and excitement and hope is just flowing over. I love the results that I am having from these oils. With the oils actually healing my body instead of merely treating symptoms, I know the road ahead may be a little longer. But, I am so excited for this journey. Excited to document this and learn and grow with all the added knowledge I am being blessed with. One of the greatest benefits is some of the incredible people and friends that I am getting to know while on this new journey.

Thank you Natalie and Emily! I am so excited for the future. I am excited for the healing that is beginning to take place. I am loving working with those around me and helping them to understand these precious essential oils.

After a very long journey of getting sicker and sicker, it is so wonderful to feel like I am walking out of the spiral, one step at a time, one day at a time. But, I will get there. No matter how many stairs lay ahead, I know that I am in the right place. Who would have known that the answers I sought after would be contained in tiny little vials filled with life sustaining essential oils. My Savior did. Looking back, I see the progression. I see how he has led me and my path. What a journey! I am excited to write the rest of my story.

South Korea Project

Hayden's 5th grade had to pick a country and do a huge end of the year project. Because I went to South Korea, Seoul West Mission, Hayden chose to do his report on South Korea.

First up was we had to make a country out of salt dough. It had to be three dimensional and contain every mountain, mountain range, lakes, streams, islands and topography of the country. I honestly do not think that Hayden could have picked a harder country for this assignment. South Korea has over 300 islands and in a very short distance goes from sea level to one of the highest points in all of Asia.

Of course, Hayden, being artistic and a perfectionist, wants to do over the moon projects. There is no second class assignments when big projects are involved. Knowing my stamina and Hayden's perfection, we decided to start right away on this massive assignment. We spent Friday night gathering supplies and designing and planning the projects out. No kidding, we spent ALL day Saturday working on his map. We rolled out the dough and began creating mountain ranges, elevations, islands and the lakes. Of course, Hayden had the fantastic idea that all of the words and key be written in English and Korean. There was no convincing him otherwise. He decided that was what he wanted and he was going to go for it.

Sunday before church, we continued to work on his project. More because we were having fun than a requirement to get it done. I had him start weeks in advance. We talked of missions, the people, my experiences and funny stories of how I messed up the culture. We did have fun creating this masterpiece.

Thomas explaining to Hayden how to achieve his desired outcome.

Love how much Bubba loves his dad.

I loved that Hayden did keep thanking us for being involved and helping him.

He was in heaven as the project started coming together. With each new element added, his face lit up as his vision began to come to life.

Along with having a massive detailed map of their country, they were also to create a travel brochure highlighting all the great adventures in their country. The grade was going to be based on how many people in the class would choose to visit your country after reading your brochure. With Hayden's artisitc and writing abilities, he picked some pretty catching word phrases that made the travel brochure pop. He used beauty, culture, ziplining adventures, shopping excursions and exotic food to convince people that choosing South Korea to visit would be a great idea. He did a great job.

Once the map and travel brochure were created, he then had to write a report on all the things he learned about South Korea. He had detailed out paragraphs on their economy, natural resources, people, cultures, history and overall fun facts. He drew the reader in and kept it educational and exciting at the same time. I was amazed by his writing capabilties and the way he held the reader's attention. He was supposed to have a two page report, but he could not narrow down the facts he wanted to include and turned in a four page report.

He was so proud of the finished product. I think he received the reaction he wanted when he turned in the map and travel brochure. The teacher and students were amazed at Hayden's level of detail and some of the elements that he included.

His idea was to create each main city with flags giving their English names on one side and their city names written in Korean on the other side.

Hayden amazed me on this project. With his IEP, he was able to do a modified assignment, with only a one page report, was told the travel brochure was optional and that he was just to do his best on his map. Hayden didn't chose to take the easy way out. By the time I started counting the hours Hayden worked on the project researching, talking about his ideas and actually sitting down and working on his masterpiece, I was in awe at the extensive hours that he put in.

He, or should I say, we, spent two complete Saturdays working on this project. Each day after school for two weeks we would look up facts and learn info on South Korea. He easily spent over forty five hours, outside of school working on this project.

Way to go, Bubba! I am so proud of you for having a vision and knowing that if you put hard work, lots of time and your best effort into this assignment that you could do whatever anyone else could. Not only did you do it, Bubba! You can do anything you set your mind to. This project is proof that hard work and dedication defintely pay off.

Ariyona and Faith

Ariyona and Faith came to visit us while they were in town this past week. Faith has really gotten a lot bigger since they moved to North Dakota. She is a cute baby and is really smiley. It was fun to hold her and play with her for a little while.

Hayden has really missed the girls since they moved out. He loved seeing Ariyona and talking with her. I think it was a little weird for him that she has a baby. He is not sure what to think since she is doing the mom thing instead of just playing video games with him. He does like Faith, especially when she is smiling and reaching for him.

Ariyona is really trying to be a great mom to Faith. She is learning that it takes a lot to raise a little human but she is really putting Faith's needs above her own and learning a lot.

I wish they lived back in Arizona so we could get more time with sweet little baby Faith. But, we do love that she comes to visit us whenever they are in town. I love Ariyona and only want the best for her. She was born to be a mom and sure loves her precious baby girl.

Snakes

Snakes are something that I can NOT stand.

Princess and Spanky spent an entire day barking and barking. I was so incredibly frustrated. I couldn't sleep. I couldn't do anything with the loud barking in the background. I seriously was ready to go crazy with their shenanigans.

Thomas came home and went to yell at them to quit barking and low and behold, they were barking at this snake in our backyard. Since Thomas loves snakes, there was no way he was going to kill it.

Hayden and I were in the office working on homework. Thomas comes walking down the hall, snake in hand, to show Hayden. I screamed. What was he thinking bringing a snake in my house? Thomas was cracking up laughing that I was yelling and freaking out.

Hayden went with his dad outside to try and release it way up the wash, far from our house. I told Thomas that thing better not find its way back home. He assured me that he removed it far from our house.

Two days later, the dogs again were barking. I looked this time to see if I could figure out what they were barking at, but could not see anything. Thomas came home and went exploring and found that this slithery creature had again come "home".

I told him too bad. He was killing that slimy thing. Against his desires, to make me happy, he killed the snake.

There are definitely down sides to living in the desert and backing the natural wash. It is beautiful and provides a lot of privacy but creatures like snakes, wild rabbits, scorpions, lizards and all types of creepy crawlies also enjoy our yard.

Now, every time I hear the dogs bark, I will not let the kiddos outside. I am so scared that their continual barking means they have located more creepy crawlies trying to make our home, their home.

Lessons with Grandma

Sweet Grandma Joyce has started teaching Hayden to cook.

Since everyone has a different day picking Hayden up from school, the routines have started to become fun. On Mondays, Grandma Joyce picks Hayden up from school and they come home and start dinner. At 4:15, she runs Hayden to art lessons and picks him up at 5:30. When he gets home, they finish making dinner. We eat as Thomas walks in. While I help Hayden quickly with homework, Thomas and Joyce usually clean up. We try to go as fast as we can, even completing the science homework and vocabulary over the weekend to make for a light homework night.

The best part of the night is when we settle in on the couch and start family home evening. I think the Grandma loves the weekly tradition of being in our home for FHE. We talk and have a lesson and with Grandma cooking, there is usually a yummy FHE treat. We always include some little video clip from Mormon Messages before scriptures and prayer.

It has been one of my favorite new traditions with Joyce. She has been so great to us. The relationship that she has with Hayden is priceless. He is lucky to have such a fun tradition with her each and every week.

With school coming to a close, Hayden and Grandma have started planning out their summer. Both of them want to keep up the weekly tradition of Grandma time. As we sat and planned some activities, I think he will have a lot of fun with her. The are going to go to the geneaology center and learn how to do indexing. They are going to continue cooking lessons. They are also going to make some crafts together. I am so thankful for Joyce and her desire to make great memories with Hayden. He sure loves and adores her. She is one great grandma!

And the miracles continue...

I had a unique opportunity to attend the doTERRA West Coast Convention this past weekend. All of the doctors, inventors, heads of the company, and big wigs of doTERRA were going to be present at this conference. More than that, if I could get there, Dr. Hill, the head doctor/inventor agreed to see me. I was also told that Emily Wright-VP and co-founder of doTERRA, would eat lunch with me and help to advise me of what to take and how to take these essential oils to help heal my body. 

I had been give an opportunity of a lifetime. These head founders and inventors of doTERRA had agreed to take on my case and help to heal my body. I was over the moon excited and grateful for this opportunity. After the initial shock and joy wore off, the harsh reality of my situation set in. I was being handed healing and a pathway for a new life presented to me on a silver platter but in order to partake of these incredible gifts and blessings, I had to overcome the impossible and muster the strength and health to get to the conference on the west side of Phoenix. 

I called Thomas and told him of the opportunity. He assured me that with The Lord opening this opportunity, he would give me the strength to attend. With faith, Jodi and I bought tickets and reserved a hotel room at the conference so I could rest when needed. As the conference came near, my faith had to be mustered. In spite of the seizures starting back up, I knew this conference held answers to my health. 

Thursday morning, before heading out to the conference, my sweet husband and I knelt in prayer. We pleaded for the strength, stamina, health and endurance to be able to embrace the opportunities placed in my path. While in prayer, Thomas felt inspired to give me a priesthood blessing. As he laid his  hands on my head, a beautiful blessing was uttered, promising me that I would have the strength, energy, stamina and endurance to attend this conference and meet with these doctors and knowledgable leaders. I was further blessed with a special promise. I wouldbe granted a temporary healing. I was promised that during this conference that I would have all the energy, strength and healing needed to benefit from this opportunity. I cannot express the peace and power of those precious blessings from my Father in Heaven. How kind is he? How loving of a father? The peace and love I experienced is beyond words. 

As Thomas finished the blessing I KNEW that I could do this. I knew the strength would come. That I would be given the health I needed to partake of these incredible gifts that had opened up to me. (Thank you, Natalie Rigby for opening these doors for me.)  I felt confident and "healthy" for the first time in years. Jodi picked me up and we headed it on this priceless adventure. 

I was amazed at how great I felt. My body felt rejuvenated and alive. Oh how I miss having a healthy body that can do what I want and have the strength to do what is needed. I knew it was temporary but the way I felt, felt like a possibility for me again.  That not too far off in the future, that I would again experience control and health over my body. I relished in the joy that a semi-healthy body brings. 

I will write more about the conference and the amazing people I met. I will share what I learned in greater detail and share the amazing experiences I had. I could not start without giving credit where credit is due. Without the divine intervention in my time of need, these amazing experiences and opportunities would have passed me by. 

Because of the goodness and grace of my Father in Heaven, I was able to have the strength I needed to attend the conference. I felt so great, I thought, wow, maybe we could go shopping or somewhere. That was not the plan. When the first day was over, once that last speaker finished, my strength depleted. After a quick bite to eat, I fell asleep and crashed all night. I was even blessed with the ability to sleep sound. I was given the strength required to gain the knowledge I needed. Not an ounce more. 

I woke up in pain and struggling to walk and was first extremely concerned about my ability to meet with these amazing doctors and essential oil leaders. With faith, I stood, got dressed and was determined to do all I could to qualify for the blessings I was given. As the conference was ready to begin, a miraculous gift occurred. I was again buoyed up and strengthened by my Savior. 

I was able to walk into the conference and meet with these incredible and knowledgable people so they could help my body heal. I was given strength until the last speaker that I needed to hear, spoke. And I was able to meet with everyone I needed to. 

As Dr. Hill sat down, I could physically feel the aches, pains, exhaustion, physical weakness of my body, return. Jodi looked at me and we knew it was time to go.  She went to get the car while I struggled to make my way out. I was physically drained. I climbed in the car and when we pulled in the driveway, I was acutely aware that I was given a temporary gift of healing. Fortified with knowledge, my body returned to its current state of health and my illness was heaped back upon my shoulders. I felt each step as I collapsed in the couch. My body had given its all in fulfilling the blessing given to it. 

I didn't move again until I retired to bed. Thomas lovingly coated me with essential oils and massaged my aching feet. I awoke during the night screaming and in tears from pain and agony that again embraced my body. Even with my body reacting to the physical demands placed upon it over the course of the prior day and a half, I was overcome with the miracle that had just occurred in my life. 

My heart and soul was reassured that the strength I was given was truly a gift from my Savior. I was blessed to have the energy I needed to learn how to heal my body and enjoy the amazing opportunities that had been presented to me. I indeed experienced another kind and tender mercy from my Savior. 

The blessing was amazing. My Father in Heaven reassured me that he could heal my body completely and instantaneously. However, that was not his plan. If I learn how to heal my body, I will be provided the opportunity to help others do the same. My Father in Heaven and my sweet Savior would teach me and I would then be able to go help others. I am humbled and grateful for this opportunity. I am so excited to help others. 

I know that I experienced another miracle this weekend. I know my Father in Heaven is in charge. This is his will, his timing, his eternal plan and his divine knowledge that this experience will bring great changes in my life and hopefully in the lives of those around me. I am so grateful for these experiences and opportunities. I am again in awe at the love and tenderness that my Father in Heaven and my Savior offer me. I am truly blessed.