Psalm Eighty Four

"How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty!  My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.  Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young - a place near your altar, LORD Almighty, my king and my God.  Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.  Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.  As they pass through the Valley of (Weeping), they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools of blessing.  They go from strength to strength 'till each appears before God in Zion.  Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.  For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does God withhold from those whose walk is blameless.  LORD Almighty, blessed are those who trust in You."

We have much for which to be THANKFUL!

An attitude of gratitude is one of the best ways to have a happy life!  As this year's federally-recognized national holiday of Thanksgiving comes to a close, please remember that EVERY day is Thanksgiving day!  EVERY day holds something for which to be thankful, especially for we that live in America ("Us that live" or "We that live"?  I'm unsure of the correct grammar in that sentence). 

As you can guess, the life and health of DJ Bigelow, husband of mine for these 17 years, tops my list of things for which I am thankful!  Here is an update:

Psot chemotherapy, the oncologist's office ordered a PET scan for DJ, in order to know if there is cancer detectable anywhere in his body.  Our insurance company denied the claim, asserting that at this point in DJ's health care, a PET scan is not medically necessary but only investigative.  I agree.  After the surgeon removed the cancer from his colon in April, and before he experienced 12 rounds of "mFOLFOX 6" chemotherapy from May to Ocotber, DJ had a "normal" PET scan.  His type of cancer is not known to be particularly aggressive, and there are no known symptoms of cancer anywhere in his corporeal self.  So even though DJ was a tad bit frustrated at first, I am of the opinion that it's all good! 

So we met with the oncologist P.A. last Monday, November 22 (which day also happens to have been the birthday of my own mother dearest, Catherine H.C. McDonald :-); and we asked a lot of questions, mostly having to do with the nature of "What now?". DJ's bloodwork all looked fine and good, the nurse flushed out his port (which will remain implanted in his body for some months more, until the oncologist is as sure as he can be that it is no longer needed), and we went on our merry way!  DJ is scheduled for bloodwork and another meeting with the oncologist in 3 months; and I suspect that shortly thereafter the gasterenterologist will want DJ to come receive a colon scope.  And there you have it!

DJ is happy that he no longer sits every other week for 2-6 hours receiving pre-meds and chemotherapy.  Here is a picture of him and head oncology nurse Susan for a quick port flush on Monday.  He still looks unhappy about the smell of the alcohol used to clean the tubing.  But he is happy, happy to be finished with chemotherapy!  :-)

We have just returned from a lovely Thanksgiving getaway to South Lake Tahoe with friends of ours from Paso Robles.  An abundance of snow made the children happy to be there; and a nice hot fire, a good book, and a steaming cup of hot chocolate soy milk made me happy! :-) DJ was his usual cheery self!  (Oh, now I am laughing out loud at my funny-ness!  If he ever reads all the things I've written about him here on this web log...well...I AM funny, don't you think?!?  :-)

Here is a good way to close this post - selections from Psalm 136:

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.  His love endures forever.  Give thanks to the God of gods, his love endures forever.  Give thanks to the LORD of lords, his love endures forever.  To him who alone does great wonders, his love endures forever.  Who by his understanding made the heavens, his love endures forever, who spread out the earth upon the waters, his love endures forever.  Give thanks to the God of heaven, his love endures forever."

Aaaaaaa-men!  The end, for now, with smiles and gratitude, from HollyB  :-) :-)  :-)  :-)

THE END (more or less)!!!

Hooray!  After 12 rounds of "mFOLFOX 6" chemotherapy treatments from May 17 to October 20, 2010, how happy and glad I am to report that DJ is finished!  El Fin!  Terminando!  The End!  (As far as we know now.)

Next up: PET scans and blood draws and lab work mid-November; meet with oncologist Dr. Spillane at the end of November to review the tests; and what I hope and pray and intend will happen is that there will be no need for additional treatment.  And then, if I understand correctly, various diagnostics will be performed regularly, perhaps 2-3 times annually for the first 2-3 years, 1-2 times annually for the next year or two, or whatever schedule will be according to the oncologist, gasterenterologist, MD, and others that make up DJ's health care professionals team.  I will be sure to "keep you posted" on the outcomes of any and all such diagnostics, here on this handy-dandy web log.

Thank you SSSOOOOOOOOOO much for praying for DJ and for our family, for loving and encouraging and supporting us throught this time of cancer, surgery, and chemotherapy.  You are certainly an integral part of our success story!  We love and appreciate you!  :-)

Less Is More!!

Not only was DJ's recent treatment the second-to-last of the 12-treatment prescription, I am happy to report that Dr. Spillane has eliminated the drug Oxaliplatin from his regimen.  Oxaliplatin is the cause of DJ's neuropathy, and his hands and feet have become increasingly numb throughout treatment.  You may recall that Dr. Spillane reduced the amount of Oxaliplatin administered to DJ at treatment #5; at treatment #10, DJ asked for it to be reduced again because of the possibility of long-term side effects, but Dr. Spillane declined.  Although I am in favor of chemotherapy because of its potential for healing, I am philosophically opposed to it (in that coursing poison through one's body seems immoral to me); so it has brought my heart great joy to know that not only is DJ at the end of the chemotherapy, he also is receiving less of it - and that's more better, as far as I see!  :-)  Not receiving the Oxalitplatin also shortens the amount of time that it takes for DJ's treatment to be administered, and it seems to have lessened his nausea so that he didn't take as much anti-nausea medicine throughout the week following the treatment.  As I have noted in the title of this post, certainly "Less Is More"!

The twelfth and final treatment of DJ's "mFOLFOX 6" chemotherapy is scheduled for tomorrow through Wednesday of this week, October 18-20.  And then - oh happy days!  The End!  Well, I suppose that PET scans and colonoscopies and various scans and/or diagnostics will be a part of DJ's reality for 3-5 years or so, and I will certainly contine to update this blog so that ya'll can be informed.  But I am just happy, happy, happy that 12 treatments of chemotherapy are near The End!  Hooray! 

(Treatment #11, October 4, 2010: DJ feeling sleepy)

DJ's primary side-effect this month is extreme fatigue.  Tim Soucheck, PA-C of Dr. Spillane's practice, predicts that it may take DJ's body 4-6 weeks to recover fully from the effects of the treatment.  Perhaps he will feel completely healthy and strong and groovy and good by December.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, again and some more, for your part in supporting and encouraging and granting God's grace to DJ and to our family through this exciting adventure of cancer, surgery, and chemotherapy.  God's grace is abundant and good; we are blessed beyond measure; you are a part of that.  Aaaaaa-men! 

Psalm One Hundred Sixteen

"I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.

Because he has turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.

The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me;

I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. 

Then I called on the name of the LORD: 'O LORD, save me!'

The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.

The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.

Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.

How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me? 

I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the LORD.

I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people."

(Caedmon and his best buddy Dylan,

and the leaves in our backyard.)

Ten down, two to go

Hello, my dear reader!  I feel loved and encouraged that you take the time to visit this spot and to read my ramblings.  :-)  Thank you!

How happy I am that DJ has completed 10 treatments of chemotherapy out of a 12-treatment prescription!  Just after my most recent post, entitled "Echoes of Heaven", I thought during the week of DJ's treatment that he was certainly NOT experiencing the echoes of heaven; the usual nausea and fatigue and feelings of ill health were upon and within him, making me all the more eager for the time when we will be in the presence of Jesus and every tear will be wiped away!  In the meantime, I've got to listen for those echoes of heaven - and there are many, including the lives of our cute kidlets.  Here are some snapshots:

 Brooke Bigelow is playing AYSO soccer for the second time;
her favorite position is goalie.



 Alexandra Bigelow is very happy to be part of the Flamson Middle School
7th grade volleyball team.

  Caedmon Van Bigelow is doing very well in kindergarten at
Georgia Brown Elementary School;

like his sisters, he is part of the dual-language immersion program,

receiving 90 per cent of his instruction in Spanish. 

Caedmon turned six years of age on September 19, 2010.

DJ's next scheduled treatment is this coming Monday (through Wednesday), October 4-6th.  I am grateful for your continued prayers for him; although I am confident that his body is completely rid of cancer, the chemotherapy is hard on him.  The extreme fatigue is settling in more extremely, his hands feel more weak, and I know that he is sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.  He rarely complains; to me he is the "strong, silent type" as he bears up under the ill affects of chemotherapy.  I know that he is sustained by God's grace, and your love and prayers are a hugely significant part of that.  Many, many thanks I offer to you!  May the LORD bless you indeed! 

The end, for now, and Happy October!  :-)  xoxoxo from HollyB

"Echoes of Heaven"

"Give praise to the LORD, call on God's name; make known among the nations what God has done.  Sing of him, sing his praises; tell of all his wonderful acts.  Glory in God's holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.  Look to the LORD and his strength; seek God's face always."  (Psalm 105:1-4)

One of our favorite things to do this summer has been the "sunset dinner cruise", so named by the lovely Crystal Benyo; she and Joe have been gracious and kind to share the pleasure of a ride on their boat on Lake Nacimiento, often just before sunset.  The kids often will ride the tube as we cruise along in the boat toward a secluded little beach that faces the setting sun; we will have packed a picnic dinner; we will sit on the beach and enjoy the yummy food and the beauty of creation at sunset; and my favorite part is the serenity of the silver lake as we ride back to the boat launch at dusk.  "Echoes of heaven", I know.  Jesus is whispering to me in the beauty of creation, by the love of family and friends, in the gift of life.

(Lake Nacimiento at sunset, Friday, September 17, 2010)

DJ begins cycle #10 of chemotherapy tomorrow, Monday, September 20.  My "stay-at-home" motherly duties, including 3 different school release times for our three precious children, will keep me from attending tomorrow's session with him.  Do you think that he will be lonely without me, or do you think that he will enjoy the "peace and quiet"?  :-)  Ha-ha-ha, I make myself laugh!  :-)  Thank you for your ongoing expressions of love and support for us, and for continuing to uphold our family and DJ in prayer; may he be filled with perseverance and faith and hope and grace and healing, according to God's good will.  And, "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.  Amen."   (xoxoxo from HollyB) 

More of the same, more or less (emphasis on the "more")

Thank you so very much to all of you, the Bigelow fan club, who check this blog and pray for us and think of us and send love and affection our way.  Please pardon the lapse of time it has been since I have posted; "those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer" have given way to the hectic, filled-to-the-brim, busy-busy-busy but very good days of back-to-school.  I am blessed beyond measure to be a part of this family; and since the kidlets began the 2010/2011 school year last Monday, I have fallen exhausted into bed most nights at approximately 9:47 p.m.  :-)  What busy, fun, and groovy times these school days are!  How happy I am to be a "stay-at-home" mom, although I confess that I haven't stayed home for very many hours. Soccer practice and carpool and volunteering in the classrooms and other things keep me on the run!  And it is all lovely.  :-)  Here is a photo of Alexandra on the way to 7th grade, Brooke to 4th grade, and Caedmon ready for the first day of kindergarten.

Regarding DJ's treatment, I will now report:  for the most part, the pattern has held true for the most recent cycles 6, 7, and 8: DJ feels yucky for most of the first week after receiving treatment , and for the most part he feels well enough to return to work the second week of the cycle.  It seems that the negative side affects may be settling into his body a little more deeply each time, so that he feels more yucky and for a longer period each time.  For the last two cycles, treatments #7 and 8, he laid on the couch for 3 or 4 days hardly speaking or moving except to ask for something to eat and make grim faces when I suggested one thing or another.  On the 4th day of the cycles, he spoke!  And I thought, 'Oh, he must be beginning to feel slightly better.'  He tells me that in addition to the extreme fatigue, he is experiencing a weakness settling into his hands (particularly - I'm not sure of other body parts).  I know that we will be happy, happy, happy when treatment number 12 has come and gone and chemotherapy is a thing of the past!  If all goes according to schedule, that should be in late October. 

(Caedmon and DJ on the lake)

In the meantime, he is very excited about professional football and the four (4) fantasy football leagues in which he is participating; and he is at the beginning of the Paso Robles High School volleyball season, coaching the jr. varsity team.  Some have expressed their concern that he is trying to do too much, but my humble opinion and perspective is that doing something that he enjoys may help to pass the time more quickly until he is restored to full health.

Treatment #9 is scheduled for this coming Tuesday, September 7 (through Thursday, September 9; DJ sits for 4-6 hours at the Oncology/Hematology Associates of the Central Coast to receive the first part of the regimen; then goes home connected to a pump, a small device that administers the other part of the "mFOLFOX 6" prescription for the following 46 hours.  He returns to Oncology 2 days later to be disconnected from the pump).  I am ever so grateful for the ongoing encouragement you have given to us in the forms of prayer, well-wishes, prayer, meals, prayer, financial assistance, prayer, love notes, prayer, telephone calls, and prayer.  Thank you for supporting our family through this diagnosis/surgery/chemotherapy experience.  We are blessed beyond measure by your goodness to us!

Summer Vacation and Chemotherapy #7

It was good timing (and coincidental), to have planned a family vacation just after DJ's 6th treatment of chemotherapy which marked the halfway point of his 12-treatment prescription.  We enjoyed a lovely time in Calaveras County, and here at the Highland Lakes in the Stanislaus National Forest (with a shout-out to B. Lux for suggesting and directing us to the spot).  Here are some photos:

There was yet a schlop of snow just above the lake,

which the children had fun slipping on and playing in.

We returned "just in time" for DJ to take round #7 of chemotherapy last Monday, August 9th.  DJ had a hard week - he was especially nauseated and fatigued.  Won't it be lovely when the remaining five sessions are complete; which could be at the end of October if all goes according to plan (and, it would be wise to say, if God wills).  Chemotherapay #8 is scheduled next week for Monday, August 23rd, just one week before the children return to school for 7th grade, 4th grade, and kindergarten. 

In the meantime..."I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make Your faithfulness known through all generations.  Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, LORD.  They rejoice in Your name all day long; they exult in Your righteousness.  For You are their glory and strength..." (Psalm 89, selections.)

The end!

Chemotherapy #6 and Those Lazy Days of Summer (Et Cetera)

I am happy to report that DJ Bigelow is hereby one-half of the way complete with Dr. Spillane's prescription of chemotherapy: six down, six to go; hooray!  I am also happy to report that I am typing to you from our family's summer vacation spot of Angel's Camp in Calaveras County, California.  We are enjoying a lovely time here in the foothills of some particular mountains; yesterday we ventured to 8000 feet altitude into the Stanislaus National Forest and reveled in the beauty of the Highland Lakes.  I am sure that a part of heaven will be hiking with Jesus through the forest beside a mountain lake - creation is beautiful!  Today DJ and his father are enjoying a round of golf, and all we plan to take in a local theatric performance about Huckleberry Finn. How blessed we are by summer vacation fun; life is a gift; God's grace is abundant; aaaa-men!!  (I have no photos to post today, since I lack the capabilites at this public computer to upload.  You'll have to use your imagination. :-)   The End.

Funny Kidlets

Many of our network of friends and family pray for and ask about the kidlets - how are Alex, Brooke, and Caedmon faring through DJ's diagnosis and surgery and chemotherapy.  The answer is that they are doing very well; the love and the laughter, as well as the to-be-expected childishness and sibling disharmony and learning to get along in the family and in life, continue to occur in the Bigelow household.  Tickling and giggling and joking fill our home, for which I am grateful.  DJ is such an amazing father to our children: I would rather have him as their daddy than a million dollars!

Two months ago, I asked Brookie Cookie to pose on the couch in DJ-fashion, since I wanted a picture of the couch upon which DJ spends much of his feeling-ill time, but I knew that he was weary of being photographed.  Brooke spontaneously acted out a little monologue of DJ, which is HILARIOUS, and which I didn't post to the internet for all to see in order that I would not dishonor my husband.  Now I think it is appropriate for you to view it and have a good laugh (and to get a glimpse of how "normal" life in the Bigelow household is) - but please don't think that Brooke's antics reflect DJ's way of being.  This is just for laughs!! 

Oxaliplatin and Chemotherapy #5

I would like to begin this post by giving a friendly shout-out to our friend Matt Magnuson, a groovy dude who lives right in our home town of lovely Paso Robles and who checks this blog regularly.  You may have seen pictures of Matt mowing our front lawn if you happen to have read and looked at posts from April when DJ was newly post-surgery.  Hi, Matt!  We love and appreciate you!  :-) 

Alrightey then, regarding Chemotherapy Round #5: last Monday July 14 when we met with the oncologist prior to  treatment, DJ informed the doctor that he is weary of and particularly concerned about the peripheral neuropathy, the primary side effect of the drug Oxaliplatin.  According to the information we received prior to and during DJ's earlier chemotherapy treatments, the numbing and tingling sensations of the hands and feet were predicted to last for 2-3 days after each treatment, with possible long-term effect.  DJ's experience has been that the neuropathy annoys him for many more days than that, sometimes for most of the cycle (10-or-so days out of the 14).  So he requested that the Oxaliplatin be removed from his regimen.  Tim Soucheck PA (to whom DJ has been assigned until Dr. Spillane has room in his schedule) suggested that first the dosage of Oxaliplatin be reduced by one-half; and then that if the neuropathy still is a plague, another drug be given in its stead.  And so that was what occurred: DJ received half of the dose of Oxaliplatin along with the other drugs that make up "FOLFOX 6".  Today is day #8 of this cycle, and the desired effect seems to have occured: DJ isn't tingling or losing nerve function as much as before (although he still is careful to not eat or drink foods that are of cold temperature; and yesterday during a trip to the lake with friends, he dipped a toe into the water, but reserved his body from the relative coldness of it).

As far as the rest of his symptoms, DJ is faring about the same, I'd say, as he has for the prior 4 treatments.  More or less, he experiences 6-8 days of fatigue and nausea, and then mostly recovers his energy and digestive well-being.  He is scheduled to meet for the first time wtih Dr. Spillane on Thursday (after having been redirected from Dr. Bonis), and then to receive Chemotherapy Round #6 on Monday July 26th.  After that, he will be fifty per cent complete with the 12-rounds prescribed.  Hooray!  We're almost halfway there!

Are you sad that there is not photograph included in this post?  I realize that "A picture's worth a thousand words..."  I will work towards adding one here!  What would you like to see pictorally depicted?  :-)  Perhaps a panda bear?  Or...a sunset?  Please vote.

Until then..."May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all."  Amen and amen!

P.S.  I've decided upon this picture.  :-)  Guess who? 

Join the Club

For a couple years before DJ was diagnosed with cancer on March 8, 2010, I have had attached to the side of my refridgerator a list of people for whom to pray and encourage, cancer patients and their families and loved ones.  Invariably, it seems that every other month or so I either crossed off a name because their body had expired, or I added the name of another friend or acquaintance or family member or family member of a friend who was diagnosed with cancer.  Yikes!  Cancer abounds!  My list has never been empty.  I pray God's grace upon these lives, and upon all that love them.

Within our community here in Paso Robles, there are two people I know and love in particular whose cancer is at stage 4, having metastisized to crucial organs within their bodies.  My heart and my prayers are earnestly toward them.  Please pray for Reese Lewis and family who travel to UCLA, and for Terry Keller and family who travel to Stanford for care. (That's why in a recent post I mentioned that our travel to San Luis Obispo is a cakewalk in comparison to the long distances, and the consequential expenses, that others experience for care of cancer).

On the one hand, now that DJ has had cancer, we are "in the club": we are joined in mutuality with other families who experience all that cancer is.  But another way of seeing the situation is that we (and YOU) are alive, we experience difficult circumstances and trying times and pain and disappointment; and as such, we are all, each and every one, "in the club".  If you are alive, you have joined the club - LIFE!  And thereby we are mutually desperate and in dire need for the grace of God and the love of God and the goodness of God and the kingdom of God to come upon us.  O God, we pray, "May Your kingdom come, may Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."  Aaaaaaaaaaa-men! 

In other news, Caedmon Van Bigelow has enjoyed the high priviledge of not one but TWO visits from the Tooth Fairy this week; one tooth was literally lost - we just don't know when or where it fell out of his mouth. 

And regarding DJ's health and well-being at the tail end of Chemotherapy Round #4, he seems to be following the pattern thus far established: varying experiences of fatigue and nausea the first week-or-so after treatment, and the return of his energy and vitality (more or less) for the second week.  He worked many days this week, looks forward to some relaxation this weekend which may include a "Happy Anniversary" dinner at the local Basque restaurant with his wife and a round of golf with Joe "Papa" Benyo :-), and Chemotherapy Round #5 on Monday, July 12th.

The end, for now!  Thank you for your attention!  May the LORD bless you indeed! 

Chemotherapy #4

I know that many of you look at this blog on a regular, perhaps even frequent, basis, interested in and hoping for news about how DJ is faring.  Please pardon me for taking this long to post.  I am blessed and busy here in the Bigelow household!

So, even though DJ's negative side effects lasted longer and were more difficult on his body for Chemotherapy Round Number Three (June 14 - June 27), he did "recover" and feel mostly well and healthy for the last 5 or 6 days of the cycle.  We enjoyed some lovely time with friends who came for a visit, Betty and Brooke and Bronte and Harmony Shelton; their time with us nicely coincided with DJ's feeling better. 

Alexandra and Harmony at the breakfast table

Betty and Bronte

DJ told me on Monday as he was preparing to receive Chemotherapy Round #4 that the nausea and fatigue left him and that he felt healthy and good at the end of the cycle for just a long enough time that he wasn't dreading this treatment.  I'm glad for that - one of the things I especially pray for DJ is that his heart will be filled with perseverance and hope and endurance as he stares down the coming treatments.

The oncologist nurse administered an additional anti-nausea medication upon learning of how difficult DJ's Round #3 had gone; and after receiving Round #4 on Monday through Wednesday of this week (June 28-30), he initially felt more energetic and less nauseous and ill than other times.  Unfortunately, his energy sagged drastically on Tuesday, at just about the same moment that we were blessed by a brief visit from our fantastic friends Yvonne and Brian Downs.  Brian didn't seem to be at all offended by DJ's desire to drift off to sleep as they watched a World Cup Soccer game. 

DJ and Brian "watching" the game

My life is encriched by my precious friend Yvonne :-)

We did travel back and forth to San Luis Obispo to receive treatment on Monday and then for DJ to be disconnected from the pump on Wednesday.  Yesterday and today he is feeling pretty yucky; no vomitting or extreme diharrhea, but he is visibly ill and feeling more-than-crummy.  He attempted to work today, but came home after only 2 hours for lack of concentration and illness.  Thank you for praying that God's grace will grant faith and hope and perserverance and endurance and health and recovery to DJ's body and heart and mind and soul and spirit.  I know that I say so over and over and over, but it continues to be so again and again and again - I am most grateful and deeply appreciative of your part in God's grace and goodness being granted to our family.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

This is the pathology box of "stuff" that is used to draw blood,

administer medications,

and whatever else the oncology nurse does to DJ. 

I took this picture as DJ was disconnected from the pump.

In family news, the children and I took part last Saturday for a short time in a local "Relay for Life" event, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.  My own crowd of friends and acquaintances whose lives are touched by cancer continues to grow; even before DJ was diagnosed, I felt a desire to reach out in love and support to cancer patients and families. And now the issue is close to home.  We walked laps with many others to show our support.  Caedmon walked 10 laps, the equivalent of 2.5 miles ( he wanted to go 12 "or even 13!" laps, but I cut him off).  Alex and Brooke walked even more. 

Brooke, Caedmon, and friend Angelina

Caedmon on the "Relay for Life" track

Today is day #4 of this 14-day cycle of Chemotherapy Round #4 - 4 down and 8 to go.  I hope that in a couple days, DJ's healthy cells will quickly reproduce and that his sense of health and well-being and energy will return.  I pray that, whatever the circumstances, we will seek Jesus and receive God's love and grow in grace and know God more and more deeply.  Aaaaa-men! 

From Paso Robles to San Luis Obispo

DJ's surgeon Dr. David Bolivar originally referred DJ to Dr. Spillane, an oncologist who practices in San Luis Obispo (approximately 35 miles south of Paso Robles).  Within Dr. Spillane's medical practice has been Dr. Bonis and the Oncology Hematology Associates right here in beautiful downtown Paso Robles, with whom and where DJ has been receiving treatment.  We learned this week that Dr. Bonis is discontinuing his practice for now (something about an extended trip to Europe); and that DJ's care is being transferred to Dr. Spillane's office.  So now we will take the short trip over the Cuesta grade for chemotherapy treatments and oncology consultations; slightly less convenient than here in our very own town, but not a problem.  The drive to San Luis Obispo is a lovely one, and the weather there is generally much more temperate than Paso Robles.  It's all good!  In the meantime, I'll pray that a super-groovy oncologist will be hired to take Dr. Bonis' place.

Today, DJ feels yucky.  He went to work one day this last week, on Friday; and this week upcoming is the "off" week of the 14-day chemotherapy cycle, but he is considering not going to work tomorrow if he feels then as he does now.  Also, Sherman, currently sleeping over at the mechanic's garage, is having some troubles and DJ wants to use his little bit of energy to determine the best course of action.  (For those of you familiar with Sherman, do you notice anything different? :-)

We love and appreciate you!  Thank you for continuing to pray for us, to send us love and affection, to care for us and to support us.  The end, for now, from HollyB  :-)

Chemotherapy #3

DJ at summer volleyball practice for Paso Robles High School

June 15, 2010

Howdy, ya'll!  DJ began his third cycle of chemotherapy last Monday, June 14, 2010.  After consulting with Dr. Bonis at the oncology center and sitting there for his 2 hours of Oxaliplatin plus pre-administration of anti-nausea meds plus a push of 5FU, and after being connected to the pump for the next 46 hours of 5-FU, he took himself straightaway to the gym at Paso Robles High School to contribute to the summer practice of the girls' teams.  The photograph doesn't show the pump attached to his waist in the fanny pack, since he is turned the opposite way; and because he did not want me to take pictures.

This third round has been more uncomfortable for DJ; he has been nauseated more and on Tuesday even vomited some and experienced some other digestive difficulties (do you notice how discreet I am being? :-)  I think that Tuesday was the worst day thus far; he was disconnected from the pump yesterday (Wednesday), and is feeling incrementally improved.  At least, everything is remaining in its proper digestive place, if you know what I mean!  :-)  Just now he has finished eating 2 bowls of cream of wheat and is watching the FIFA World Cup and pre-US Open golf coverage.  He has continued to attend several hours per day of volleyball practice, but hasn't felt quite good enough to go to work; perhaps tomorrow he'll do that. 

The peripheral neuropathy is another side effect that affects him: drinking or eating cold temperatures causes his throat to feel needle-like, so he sticks to room-temperature or warm foods and drinks. 

In other news, the rest of the family have settled into summer vacation schedule: staying up late, sleeping in late, swimming and hanging out with friends, and accomplishing some summer vacation projects - namely, a deep cleaning and organizing and rearranging of bedroom assignments.  Brooke has termed me "Hurricane Holly"; she likes to say, "I'll save you, (particular toy or piece of stuff), from Hurricane Holly!", because she knows that when the children's heads are turned, I'm likely to throw away or give away the STUFF in which we are drowning...I mean, among which we are living.  :-) 

Here are some photos I snapped right-this-very-minute of Brooke and Caedmon playing with trains, and Alexandra finishing organizing her "green, panda" room. 

In the next post I will inform you of some slight changes that will take place in DJ's future chemotherapy treatments.  The end, for now, and happy summer vacation!  And thank you for continuing to pray for DJ's health and well-being - I am so grateful for God's grace given to us abundantly through you!  Muchas gracias!

The second week of the second round

This is the tail-end of the second week of DJ's second round of chemotherapy.  This second round has gone fairly similarly to the first, in that DJ felt fatigued and queasy/nauseous for the first week and his energy and well-being mostly returned this second week.  He didn't work last week while taking and recovering from treatment, but he worked 40+ hours this week.  He has experienced the neuropathy a little more this time (a tingling and/or numbing sensation in his throat and hands and feet that comes about when he comes into contact with cold temperatures), so he avoids cold drinks and cold food at times, and wears gloves in the morning.

We have a weekend upcoming full of plans for graduation parties and get-togethers with friends, a baby shower to attend,  perhaps some yard work, and enjoying the beginning of summer vacation with the kidlets - today was their last day of the 2009-2010 school year.  DJ is scheduled for chemotherapy round #3 on Monday, June 14th. 

In other news, here is an update on the other members of our household:

Mildred Crabtree, a.k.a. Nanny, is pleased as punch since having received a notebook-sized laptop computer from those who love her in Colorado; she spends many hours per day playing Solitaire and Free Cell, as well as cruising the Internet. If you request her Facebook friendship, she just might grant it to you. :-)

Caedmon Van Bigelow completed his third and certainly final year of the Bearkittens pre-school program.  Here he is in full cap-and-gown regalia for the celebration, along with the sisters.

Alexandra Bigelow dressed up nicely for a final band concert last week; here she is with some of her favorite friends who also play in the band.

  

Brooke Bigelow showed off her academic achievements at her school's open house; here she is posed in front of a project board showcasing her report on the fennec fox. 

And here is a photographic image of a gnarly bruise that appeared on my leg according to the following scenario: after having climbed out of bed over the bodies of several children dog-piled there, I missed the floor and bonked against the bed frame.  I have a bruise.

And there you have it - an update on  DJ and the Bigelows.  We are mostly "normal".  :-)  We feel loved and supported and blessed by the love and concern you all give to us.  The grace of God is abundantly administered to us through you.  We send you love and affection from Paso Robles!  :-) Ta-ta-for-now!

Everything

This is my favorite song in the whole world at this time in my life. 

Here is a link to the music,

graphic art provided by someone I don't know but who has shared his talent with the world via YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PHUY-j2bb0&feature=channel

Chemotherapy Round Number Two

DJ does not like to watch the oncologist nurse look for the port and then insert the needle; that is why in this photograph his head is turned away.  After the needle and catheter are inserted, the nurse patches him up in this way, and he remains in this state until 48-or-so hours later when he is disconnected from the pump.  I was happy that DJ allowed me to snap some photos - sometimes he becomes weary of my photographic documentation.  :-)

Here is Nurse Shannon administering the pre-medications; notice that DJ's head is still turned away.  "Why are you watching?" he asks if he catches sight of me intently noticing the goings-on.  (Because I am curious!)

Here is a snapshot of DJ (turning his head toward the nurse and) asking her questions about something.

It's interesting to watch how quickly DJ is affected by the drugs administered to him intravenously; almost immediately upon receiving the Adavan he becomes lethargic and sleepy.  Then he reads, or maybe chit-chats on the phone.  Here is a shout-out to Shannon Bigelow, with whom DJ talked on the phone while he received Oxaliplatin.  :-)

After a consultation with Dr. Bonis, the administration of anti-nausea medicines, 2 hours of Oxaliplatin, and a push of 5-FU, DJ is attached to a pump which gives him the 5-FU for the next 46 hours; then he is released to go home.  Forty-six hours later, he returns to the oncology clinic to become disconnected; he likes that, since the pump is a little annoying to wear around his waist and to sleep with.  This week he has experienced fatigue slightly less, but nausea slightly more.  He still seems to me the way I felt through the first trimesters of all three pregnancies.  He is not suffering horribly, neither is he perfectly healthy and happy.  He is bearing up under the treatment well.  Two down, ten to go!  The next treatment is scheduled for Monday, June 28.  Thank you for praying for us and loving us and giving us affection and concern.  Thank you for praying that the side effects of chemotherapy will be minimal and that the cancer-killing effects will be primary.  :-)  The end, for now.