Two out of Three Oncologists Agree

Good morning!  Happy Monday to you, my sweet and kind and loving fans :-)

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you."

Thank you for your love and affection, your kindness and generosity, your interest and care for DJ and for our family.  We are blessed beyond measure by all that you give us and do for us.  I am humbly grateful.  God's grace is administered to us through you.  Thank you!!

DJ and I returned to Paso Robles and to our home ten days ago after having evaluated for 4 days with the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Chicago, and it feels like we "hit the ground running".  Our lives are not dull, that is for sure.  DJ has returned to "light duty" work at the police department, the kids are fully engaged in school and their individual extra-curriculars, I love my work at Paso Robles High School and managing our household.  Amidst the busyness of my daily routine, I was especially happy to have some extra time to spend with my sister and my niece until they returned to Washington.  I was also happy to return to our kids.  They are unique and special!  :-)

HollyB, Haven Rae, and LaRae McD

Alexandra and cousin Haven

Caedmon and cousin Haven

Brookelow and cousin Haven

(You may be able to tell by the photos that Haven Rae is a hit in our household!)

Go, Seahawks! 

Recap:  A scan on August 28 revealed 4 little lumpy bumps on DJ's left (and only) lung, a tumor near to his esophagus, and what appears to be a metastatic mass in the area of DJ's 7th or 8th rib.  Dr. Ko, the GI oncologist at the UCSF, told us then that he does not think DJ should repeat standard colorectal chemotherapy cocktails - since none of the ones DJ has taken in the past 4 years have been effective at removing cancer forever from DJ's body.  A scan on October 15 indicated that none of these tumors have grown - which is very good news!  But Dr. Neelam, the oncologist at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Chicago, suggested that chemotherapy perhaps could work at chasing the cancer away from DJ - since it has been a length of time (2 years) since it has been administered to DJ.  The CTCA offers for DJ to be treated there, if he chooses, but he is not particularly inclined to travel that far once every three weeks for an indefinite amount of time.  He and I discussed the possibility of him traveling for treatment to the CTCA outpatient clinic in Renton, Washington, very near to where my sister LaRae and her husband Scott Thomas Wittstock live: the travel time would be less, he would be easily accommodated, and he would have someone to talk Seahawks and football with for hours upon end.  But if DJ takes chemotherapy, there is a good chance that he will feel yucky, and traveling would be unpleasant.  These are the thoughts that we tossed around and have considered. 

Last Wednesday we checked in with our local oncologist Dr. Spillane.  We communicated to him what Dr. Neelam the CTCA, Chicago, oncologist had suggested to us (namely: a change-up in chemotherapy cocktail).  Dr. Spillane told us that he doesn't think DJ should take chemotherapy standard to colorectal cancer, since none of the ones DJ has taken in the past 4 years have been effective at removing cancer from DJ's body.  Dr. Spillane believes that we need to seek something on the cutting-edge of cancer research and possibilities, something like a clinical trial.  He also told us about a new drug (named Tai Ho) specific to metastatic colorectal cancer that is just at the tail-end of clinical trials, and that it will probably be approved by the FDA and marketed in the next 6-9 months.  For now, Dr. Spillane recommended us to Dr. Lee Rosen at the UCLA and to clinical trials there.

So - 2 out of 3 oncologists have recommended that DJ not repeat chemotherapies, but that he consider clinical trials.  (DJ is not interested in the "guinea pig" nature of Phase One clinical trials, but he is open to considering Phase Two or Phase Three trials.)

So - I have made some telephone calls to Dr. Rosen at the UCLA, as well as to the National Institute of Health in Maryland, and I am awaiting contact from their research nurses in pursuit of clinical trials that DJ may be a candidate for.

So - we will continue to live one day at a time and to enjoy one moment at a time, and to worship the LORD.  And our moments are full and rich!  DJ's volleyball team has 3 games remaining of league play, Brooke Bigelow's volleyball team has 4 games remaining of her season, and because of the generous and kind donations of many, many, many persons as instigated by the Paso Robles Police Department, DJ and Alexandra are scheduled to fly away to New York City for some Broadway shows and other adventures November 5-10.  And my mother's birthday is November 22.  And I am very thankful for God's love and grace and power and goodness.

My friend Ellalina Emrich-Keller took note of the fact that DJ changed his diet in early September, just after receiving news of the August 28 scan; and that his tumors have not grown since that time.  Hmmmmm....I concur.  I believe that it's highly likely that the foods DJ is eating are not feeding his cancer - or that the foods he is avoiding are not present to feed the cancer.  Just remember that CANdy and CANcer sound alike!  I am happy that DJ has completely eliminated added sugar from his diet.

What do you think about that?

Today's Jesus Calling is, of course, perfect for this time of waiting and decision-making:  "As you become increasingly aware of My Presence, you find it easier to discern the way you should go.  This is one of the practical benefits of living close to Me.  Instead of wondering about what is on the road ahead or worrying about what you should do if...or when..., you can concentrate on staying in communication with Me.  When you actually arrive at the choice-point, I will show you which direction to go. I, the Creator of the universe, am the most creative Being imaginable.  I will not leave you circling in deeply rutted paths.  Instead, I will lead you along fresh trails of adventure, revealing to you things you did not know.  Stay in communication with Me.  Follow My guiding Presence."

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you" (Psalm 32:8).

Aaaaaa-men!  As always, thank you for loving us!  xoxoxo from HollyB

Holly's heart, and Cancer Camp Days Three and Four

(Please pardon me for not keeping up with posting here.  Keeping appointments and the overall schedule became very busy, and I ran into a little bit of technical difficulty with the internet.  There was no emergency or crisis, just lots of other things to take up my time and attention.  I did begin this morning composing - actually, yesterday morning now that the midnight hour has passed - as you will notice by my greeting…)

Good morning, my precious friends and family!  I feel so overwhelmingly blessed by your love and kindness and generosity and expressions of kindness, by your support and assistance and graciousness.  We are undeserving of what you offer to us; which reminds me once again of the gift of grace - getting what we don't deserve.  How grateful and happy I am to be the recipient of grace - of God's grace given to us in the Person of Jesus Christ, and grace given to us in YOU!  Thank you, thank you, thank you for loving and gracing us!

This morning's selection of Jesus Calling led me to read the opening chapters of Second Corinthians, and I am struck by Paul's words to the church of Corinth.  Our Bigelow family's specific circumstances are not the exact same as what he and they were experiencing, but the response of my heart is reflected in Paul's words:

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God" (Second Corinthians 1:3-4).  Such beautiful words!  Suffering is never wasted!  God has eternal and good purposes for everything we experience!  And it's not just about us; it's about God's grace being multiplied and given to others.

Paul continues, "…but this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.  On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.  Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many" (Second Corinthians 1:10-11).  

Oh, these words ring so true in my heart!  How did Paul know what I would think and feel in 2014?  :-)   My hope is most sure and best founded in the LORD, not in circumstances.  Yes, we pray that God will change the circumstances and heal DJ's body of cancer and allow DJ to live a long life on the earth according to God's will; but if our hope is placed in that circumstance alone, we are missing the greater joy and the deeper peace and the un-shaking nature of God's character.  My hope must be in the Lord!  My hope will be most fully rewarded when it is anchored in the Unfailing Love of God, in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the constant presence of the Holy Spirit who will never leave me or forsake me.  And when my hope is in God, then I can pray boldly and confidently, with great assurance of God's unfailing love and God's great and gracious purposes; even as I bow my heart to God's greatness and majesty and worthiness to be worshiped and adored.  And hope will not disappoint me, because I am sure that DJ and I will spend all of eternity in the presence of God's unfailing love and amazing grace!  Wow!! 

(And did you catch the end of that verse - that you are helping us by your prayers!  Gracious favor is being granted to us in answer to the prayers of many - thank you so very much for your prayers!)

Alrightey then, now that I have gotten that off my chest ;-) - how about a report from Wednesday's and Thursday's Cancer Camp Days Three and Four?

DJ underwent a CT scan first thing Wednesday morning; we ate breakfast in the dining room of the CTCA; and we attended a group New Patient Orientation in which a Nice Lady explained the culture and the purpose and the extra amenities (of which there are many) of the Cancer Treatment Centers of America.  She emphasized again the "Mother Standard" of care, a phrase which the CTCA has even trademarked - that each and every patient and caregiver would be treated as one would treat their own mother, father, sister, brother, cousin, aunt, uncle, loved one.  This next part made me laugh, since I've been referring to our experience here as "Cancer Camp" - the Nice Lady told us, "Think of this as summer camp; we want you to have lots of fun experiences in addition to your treatment."  Ha!  I told you that it's Cancer Camp!  :-)  So a brochure listing the extracurricular activities was given to us, i.e.,trips to the mall or to the pumpkin patch, et cetera.  The patient and caregiver are treated like royalty at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America!


Next on the schedule: an appointment with the Mind/Body therapist.  The CTCA is very concerned to treat the whole person, not just the cancer; so they offer counseling services to the patient, to the patient's caregiver and even to the families back home.  They also offer massage therapy, reiki treatments, and guided/breathing mediation exercises - in order that a person's holistic needs can be met. This place is one-stop shopping!

DJ and I took our own little short field trip to Wisconsin, a mere 7 miles from the town of Zion in which the CTCA "Magic Kingdom" is.  We drove north on the 94, crossed the state line, turned the car around near to the Jelly Belly Factory, and returned to Illinois.  Now DJ can add Wisconsin to the list of states he has visited (although, does it really count if his foot never touched Wisconsin soil?).

In the early afternoon, DJ and I met again with the intake oncologist, who had received the report of the CT scan.  According to the report, not much has changed in DJ's body since the August 28 PET.  There are 4, very small nodules (measuring approximately 3mm - 5mm each) in DJ's left lung; there is still a lumpy bump in his mediastinum (the middle of his chest), near to his esophagus; and there is a mass in the region of his 7th and 8th ribs (in the same place or very near to the place that the tumor grew so quickly in the late spring and early summer, and where he DJ had surgery to remove that rapidly-growing tumor along with 2 ribs on July 18, 2014).  The oncologist was hopeful; he interpreted the scan as being good news, since the tumors hadn't grown or multiplied.  I interpret this as answers to your prayers!  Thank you for praying!

Our next meeting was with a genetic consultant to discuss gene mutations and other scientific, brainiac things; and then we hit the road just at rush-hour to meet up with some friends near to Chicago who we spent time with back in the youth ministry, Porterville time of our lives (approximately 18 years ago).  Here's a shout-out to Margie and Dave Davis and children for taking us to dinner in the village of Glen Ellyn!  

It was late by the time we returned to our hotel accommodations, which is why I did not post Cancer Camp Day Three on day number three.  

DJ and I were scheduled for appointments all the way through Friday morning, but we want to go home and be with our children and re-engage in our "normal" lives.  So we packed up our suitcases Thursday morning, ate lunch at "The Magic Kingdom", and talked with the CTCA travel agent about the possibility of an evening flight out of Chicago back home to California.  

Then we met with another oncologist Dr. Neelam (I'm not sure what to call her, but she is a different person than the intake oncologist).  Dr. Neelam had conferred with a thoracic surgeon, who did not want to perform surgery on DJ; and Dr. Neelam is the one who gave DJ treatment recommendation and options - the crux of the matter, to me.  She is of the opinion that even though DJ has taken chemotherapy treatments (standard to colon cancer) in the past, and even though they have seemed to be unsuccessful at keeping cancer from returning to DJ's body, enough time has gone by since DJ took chemotherapy that perhaps now his cancer will be responsive to drugs.  She and DJ discussed the various cocktails of chemotherapy and targeted drug options, and she made her recommendation to DJ.  They also discussed the possibility of DJ pursuing a clinical trial elsewhere (the CTCA doesn't offer clinical trials at this time), and of the place that DJ could take treatment if that is what he chooses.  The nutritionist met with us again briefly, as did the naturopathic doctor, to discuss how DJ can best be supported by dietary choices and naturopathic supplementation if he chooses the recommended chemotherapy.  And and all three of these practitioners plus the nurse posed with me for a photo - hooray!  :-)  

And then we decided that we were done at Cancer Camp, and we were fortunate enough to be booked on a flight out of Chicago in the evening.  And now we have returned to San Jose, California, and it is WAAAAY past my bedtime, and tomorrow (well, today, after I go to sleep and then wake back up) we will drive home to Paso Robles, and I need to go to sleep!  With these closing words:

"Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (Second Corinthians 4:16-18)."

Gooooooood night! 

Cancer Camp, Day Two - and a field trip

Hello, You!  Thank you for loving us, and for visiting us here!

Today's schedule at Cancer Camp was fairly brief.  We met first thing this morning at the CTCCA "Magic Kingdom" with a nutritionist, with a naturopathic doctor, with a chaplain, and with our Nurse Navigator.  We also enjoyed our breakfast privileges in the cafeteria.  Here is what I dined upon:

Mmmmm!  Delicious and nutritious - oatmeal with pecans and dried fruit and almond milk, berries and pineapple.

Some of the dietary advice within our culture is conflicting re: anti-cancer foods, so I was happy for a 30-minute appointment with a nutritionist associated with oncology.  She recommended what I believe to be true: a plant-based diet with adequate protein; very limited in processed, refined foods and added sugars; high in fruits and vegetables and whole grains - this is what will help a person to be sustained and healthy.  May I suggest that you eat a lot of fruits and veggies now - please don't wait until disease sets in.  "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!"  And move your body frequently and regularly, and take deep breaths, and manage stress wisely, and drink lots of pure water.  

Our time with the naturopathic doctor was a "meet and greet" type of a visit.  It was informative and interesting, as well.  We are scheduled to meet again with both these practitioners on Thursday after the oncologist prescribes a treatment plan to DJ.

Where do you want to go in the Midwest Regional Center hospital?
I want to go to floor 5 - Massage Therapy! 

Our appointment with the hospital chaplain was also interesting.  The Cancer Centers of America attempt to treat the holistic person, not just a person's cancer; and so a person's spirituality is addressed and given opportunity for expression, as well as their physical, medical, mental/emotional, and other needs.  The chaplain told us about the prayer team that meets daily to pray for the patients, and about the interfaith chapel opportunities that exist throughout the week.  He explained to us how the CTCA came to be - the founder's mother was diagnosed with cancer, did not receive great treatment, and passed away; and he had a vision of a place in which each cancer patient and their loved ones could be treated the way that he wished his mother had been.  So the staff is trained to give the "Mother Standard" to everyone.  He asked us if we have any particular religious persuasion, and I told him that I love Jesus and want to follow Him and give God's love to others.  The chaplain told me that he could see the light in me; and I asked the chaplain if he could see it in me better than in DJ. :-)  He told me that he could see it in DJ differently than in me.  Ha-ha-ha, this makes me laugh!  If Alex were here, I would have her take a picture of me laughing again!  (You know that I am poking fun and making jokes and enjoying the moments of life with smiles and laughter, yes?  Do you feel offended by my antics?  I hope not!)

After our meeting with the chaplain, we checked in briefly with our Nurse Navigator Nicole.  She informed us that our insurance has authorized a CT scan for DJ and that it is scheduled for early tomorrow morning.  Then we will also take part in a group New Patient Orientation, and meet with a Mind/Body consultant, check in again with our herself the Nurse Navigator, undergo another assessment with the oncologist nurse, consult with the oncologist and receive results of the CT scan (what I am especially eager for), and meet with a genetic consult.  Tomorrow will be a full day of Cancer Camp!

But today's Cancer Camp agenda was complete by 10:30 am, so we decided to go have some fun.  We went to the movies, and we shopped briefly for some articles of clothing for myself, and we did what DJ loves to do - we wandered around a mall.  If you know me, you know that the mall is not my favorite place to be - but DJ was savvy: he said, "You've wanted to go for a walk - you can walk around the mall with me."  Well, he's actually correct: I do want to walk every day, for exercise and well-being.  So wandering around the mall at a good pace made us both happy.  (The weather in this part of Illinois has been mostly rainy and dark - not an ideal walking climate.)

DJ in the mall.

I made some new friends in the mall.

By dinner time, DJ was ready for some more Chicago-style food.  What do you guess?  

Not exactly anti-cancer food; but moderation is the key.  

DJ studies the menu at "Big Norm's Hot Dogs".

Back at the ranch, our children are being cared for marvelously by my sister and our friends.  Somehow, Alex, Brooke and Caed wrangled a trip to SLO Donut Company out of Auntie LaRae!  

Alexandra, Caedmon, Brooke holding baby cousin Haven Rae

The end, for now.  

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet will My Unfailing Love not be shaken, nor My covenant of peace be removed, says the LORD, who has compassion on you" (Isaiah 54:10).

Cancer Camp, Day One

Howdy Doody, Friends and Family!

Well.  This has been an interesting experience thus far.  DJ and I drove yesterday (Sunday, October 12 - the birthday of James Julian Rios) from Paso Robles to the airport in San Jose, California.  The Cancer Treatment Centers of America paid our airplane fare from the Golden State to the Windy City; our plane was slightly delayed, but the trip was uneventful and we arrived safely to Chicago by 10:00 pm local time.  A limo driver from the CTCA transported us, along with two other patients, from the airport to our various accommodations.  It was interesting to listen to the stories of these ladies who have been being treated for several years by the CTCA.  Everybody's got a story.

It is a two-hour time difference from the West Coast to Illinois, and I awoke as early as I do in California, feeling refreshed and ready for the day.  DJ's body needs a little more sleep than mine does these days.  I was happy for some leisurely and quiet morning time with Jesus.  Jesus Calling was perfect today (as it always is): "Take time to be still in My Presence.  Breathe slowly and deeply.  Relax in My holy Presence while My Face shines upon you.  This is how you receive My Peace, which I always proffer you.  My Peace is an inner treasure, growing within you as you trust in Me.  Therefore, circumstances cannot touch it. Be still, enjoying Peace in My Presence."  Aaaaaaa-men!  I love the peace that passes understanding - it's better than a million bucks!  :-)

The hotel at which we are accommodated is contracted with by the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, and they offer an hourly shuttle to the hospital - except that our limo driver last night as well as the shuttle driver today referred to it as "The Magic Kingdom".  I think that each and every employee of the CTCA are specifically trained to be compassionate and gentle and kind and loving.  Our shuttle driver Robert was also a jokester.  As DJ and I and two other pairs of patients rode the shuttle from our hotel to "The Magic Kingdom", Robert the driver asked us each to tell something about ourselves (DJ's favorite thing to do ;-) - just kidding!).  I feel so accustomed to our cancer journey, and I feel so deeply loved by God and certain of the LORD's Unfailing Love and hopeful for our eternal life with Jesus forever in our new bodies when life on this earth ends, that sometimes I "forget" how others with cancer are afraid, saddened, suffering.  One couple that shared the vehicle with us have just received a diagnosis within the last month, and I could see that they are still reeling and trying to figure it all out.  Everybody's got a story.  I am reminded to spend time praying for God's grace to redeem people's stories.

When we arrived at "The Magic Kingdom", we were greeted warmly by the transportation coordinator and by the welcome person, who led us 10 steps into the building to the concierge, who led us to the atrium where we waited a few minutes until the concierge could lead us to the intake person.  We were each given a badge which indicates the Patient (DJ) and the Caregiver (Yours Truly).  While we waited, we were offered coffee, fruit-infused water, muffins, and fruit.  I partook of the fruit-infused water.  DJ watched the puffer fish in the large fish tank.  I said to DJ, "I feel like we're at Cancer Camp."  DJ replied, "It's like Cancer Disneyland."  

DJ acquiesces for a photograph.

The fish tank and atrium-waiting area.

We spent a short time with the financial intake man, who gave us paperwork to sign and a complimentary briefcase stocked with paper, pens, information about the CTCA, and other goodies.  Then the concierge took us up to the fourth floor of "The Magic Kingdom", where we waited for our Nurse Navigator to check in with us and lead us to the next station.  Nurse Nicole chatted with us briefly, giving us an indication of what the rest of the day would hold.  She asked, "Do you have any questions?".  DJ replied, "I have an important question: What's the name of the restaurant where you order at the counter and you can get a combo?  And where's the best place nearby for pizza?"  A few other CTCA employees passed by us, and they stopped to discuss Chicago-style food and restaurants.  Yes, this is why we came to the MidWest - for the food.  :-)

DJ studies the menu of a local pizzeria while we wait for the nurse.

"My favorite is Giordano's."
"Portilo's is where to find the combo".

DJ discussing pizza and combos with the nurses.

Our special badges give us a the privilege of eating complimentary meals - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - in the CTCA cafeteria.  I told you - it's like Cancer Camp!  :-)  So we dined on the lower level of "The Magic Kingdom", then returned to the fourth floor for evaluation with the oncologist nurse and with the oncologist. DJ also donated some vials of blood for current lab work, and had an EKG performed.  The oncologist Dr. Shah had already reviewed DJ's medical history, and he remarked on how healthy DJ is (except for cancer).  He suggested that perhaps chemotherapy may be a viable option, and we were told that the thoracic surgeon recommends chemo rather than surgery (if I remember that part correctly; it's a little fuzzy in my brain just now, but I think that by the end of the week, DJ will be given a potential treatment plan.) 

The oncologist has ordered a CT scan, which I am very happy for - it's been almost 6 weeks since the August 28 scan, and I am very curious to know what has transpired since then.  I suppose that the results of the CT will especially inform the treatment plan.  I believe that scan will occur tomorrow, as long as our insurance grants authorization.

A look of love - DJ is so appreciative of my journalistic efforts!  :-)

The scheduling coordinator gave us a copy of our schedule for the rest of the week, and off we went - back to the lobby to wait for the shuttle and to return to our hotel.  More stories with people on the shuttle as we rode to our accommodations.  Everybody's got a story.

After a short rest at the hotel, we took a taxi into the local town of Gurnee (we are not staying in Chicago proper - actually, we are far enough north that we are closer to Wisconsin than to downtown Chicago) - where we dined at Giordanos', on the signature stuffed pizza pie, the spinach version.  This made us very happy.

Umm…I think we should have ordered the small, rather than the medium.

DJ broke his gluten-free, drastically-reduced-wheat diet to enjoy a piece of Chicago-style stuffed pizza pie.

Now we are watching Monday night football, with a full schedule of events from Tuesday (tomorrow) through Friday - although we want to come home by Thursday because we love the PRHS Lady Bearcat volleyball team, and we don't want miss their game against SLO.  

Tomorrow's schedule includes appointments with a naturopathic doctor, a nutritionist, a chaplain, and a check-in with our Nurse Navigator; as well as a CT scan, most likely.  Wednesday's agenda includes a New Guest Orientation, a consultation with a Mind/Body person, another visit with the oncology nurse and the oncologist, as well as a consultation with a geneticist.  

Whew!  I love and appreciate you all!  Happy Monday!

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

Moving Right Along

Dear Persons Whom I Love and Appreciate,

There is much activity happening with the Bigelows.  Here's an update:

DJ has taken one administration of high-dose Vitamin C therapy administered intravenously, last Wednesday at our local Salus Integrative Medical Clinic, and he is scheduled for another dose tomorrow.  Vitamin C is great at flushing disease out of the body and boosting immunity!  I recommend it highly!

DJ returned to work this past Monday in a modified-duty position, thanks to the City of Paso Robles and the Paso Robles Police Department and their gracious accommodations.  Except that they didn't want him to bring his goatee, so DJ removed that beautiful gray hair from his chin.  

(Much of the time, he is resistant to my photographic attempts, so I am always happy when DJ acquiesces to be the subject.)

I followed DJ to the bathroom to snap some photos of the shaving adventure

Bye-bye, Grey Goatee.  Come visit me again - I love gray hair!  :-)

My brother Drew McDonald and his loving wife Lisa are visiting this week on their way to a friend's wedding in Ventura, California.  

And DJ and I are scheduled to fly away to Chicago this coming Sunday to be received by the Cancer Treatment Centers of America first thing Monday morning for 3-5 days of evaluations and a potential treatment plan.

We interrupt this program for a commercial break: DJ Bigelow just passed through the room in which I am writing to you, saw what I am doing, and muttered at me as he walked away, "You can quit typing, Holl, people don't care."  He is such a BRAT!  With a capital B and that rhymes with T and that stands for...Bigelow!  (That one is for you, Marcy Goodnow and the Paso High Theater Co.!)

(And for clarification: DJ didn't mean that "People don't care" because he feels passed over and unloved; he meant that he thinks I over communicate - or, at least, he likes to tease me about it."

In any case, my sister LaRae is scheduled to come to Paso Robles along with her little baby Haven Rae Wittstock to manage the household while we are away. Which means that I get to hold and kiss my niece!  Hooray!

The evaluation at the CTCA is estimated 3-5 days, so I do not know when we shall return.  Which brings to mind the Serenity Prayer: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference; LIVING ONE DAY AT A TIME, enjoying one moment at a time, accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will, so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and extremely happy with You forever in the next.  Amen."  Living one day at a time - that is the best way to live!  And trusting in God's care and grace and holiness and power and love and presence - that's a good and happy way to live, also!

I hope to take photos and post daily while DJ and I attend the CTCA evaluations; so you can check back often (Joycey Johnson), and I hope be keep you current up to the day!  Because I know that you have nothing else to do but sit and wait for me to post.  :-)  Just kidding!  Thank you for loving us!
 
Hmmm...que mas?  I think this is all for now.  I love you all!  

xoxoxo from HollyB 

PS - Please pray for my friends Anacleto Rapping and his wife Terrie - that the treatments Anacleto is taking will be successful at removing cancer from his body forever.  And please pray for our friends Mickey Cook and his wife Cheryl - that cancer will go away and leave Mickey alone.  LORD, please touch our bodies with grace and mercy and healing and health, according to Your will.  God, please fill our hearts with faith!!  Dear Jesus, please draw us nearer and nearer to Yourself, in whatever ways and by whatever means You will.  Aaaaaaa-men!!

 

I would like to give a HUGE, GI-NORMOUS, very large shout-out of thanks to the City of Paso Robles, the Paso Robles Police Department, and to our community-at-large, for all of your love and support for DJ and to the Bigelows.  I am overwhelmed at how you are blessing us; and I pray that we will be a blessing to others, also.

 

I am so grateful that the City of Paso Robles and the Paso Robles Police Department have continued to employ and to insure and to accommodate DJ for these years of his medical history.  I am so grateful that DJ was able to return to work today in a modified-duty status, and that he is so very loved by his co-workers and supervisors.  I am so very grateful for how his friends are organizing community support for him and for us - it is overwhelming and undeserved and yet another indication of God's grace.  I am so grateful for every single person who prays, who gives, who picks up groceries at Costco, who carpools my children, who thinks happy thoughts and sends us positive energy, who sends us handwritten notes, who sends us anonymous cash contributions, who expresses love and kindness to us in any and every way.  Oh.  My.  Goodness.  Gracious.

Thank you for loving us!  "May the LORD reward your work, and your wages be full from the LORD,the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge" (Ruth 2:12 - said Boaz to Ruth, considering how she loved and served her mother-in-law - and I say it to you!).

xoxoxo from HollyB

Happy October!

Hello, Dear Friends and Family!

Thank you for loving us!  Thank you for waiting patiently for me to return to this site to post an update.  I am blessed with the proper care and feeding and management of our household, and there is hardly a dull moment around this joint!  I am enjoying the moments incredibly!  But I have very few leisurely moments to blog away.

On Wednesday, September 24 (the birthday of Sara Siegan Cogswell :-), DJ and I drove the lovely stretch of the 101 to Santa Barbara, California, approximately 2 hours south of Paso Robles.  The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and it was a beautiful day!  We visited briefly with Dr. Issels and took a quick tour at Issels Integrative Oncology Clinic on State Street in Santa Barbara.  Then we dined at the Natural Cafe a few blocks away.  Delicious and nutritious!  

The protocol offered at Issels Integrative Oncology is as follows: one week of administration of vaccines at their inpatient hospital in Mexico, followed by three weeks of various immuno-therapy treatments at their outpatient clinic in Santa Barbara.  All this for only $45,000 out-of-pocket!  :-)  (This makes me laugh; I am chuckling out loud to myself right this minute.  I even asked Alex to take a photo of me laughing as I type.)

Now, $45,000 is nothing to the LORD; it's like, less than 45 cents, change in His pocket - so the price tag doesn't scare me away.  If God has it for us to seek treatment at Issels, then the funds will made available, of that I am sure.  Regarding the therapies and treatments and protocol in attempt to rid DJ's body of cancer, he and I talked about the possibilities that Issels Integrative Oncology has to offer, and then we waited for some days and prayed that God will grant us clarity for the next steps.  DJ doesn't have a desire at this time to pursue that avenue, and I receive that as clarity!  :-)

In the meantime, the Cancer Treatment Centers of America have come highly recommended to us by several persons.  On Monday of this last week, when yet another person suggested that I look into CTCA, I gave them a phone call and spent 50 minutes listening to and asking questions of a nice man, who explained patiently and thoroughly to me what there is to know about that organization and what they have to offer.  I am very excited!  I am excited because the Cancer Treatment Centers of America have hospitals in Chicago and in Atlanta, as well as an outpatient clinic in Renton, Washington (the very same city in which my sister and her family reside) which contract with our insurance :-).  And I am excited because the CTCA have what seems to be a truly integrative and hopeful approach to caring for the cancer patient.  

I think we should attend the outpatient clinic of the Cancer Treatment Centers of America located in Renton, Washington - so that we could visit with this little darlin' - my niece, Haven Rae Wittstock!  :-)

At this point, we have a tentative plan to fly to Chicago in 9 days time to spend 3-5 days meeting with the Cancer Treatment Centers of America's medical team of: a surgeon, an oncologist, a radiation oncologist, a naturopathic doctor, and a pain management specialist.  If we decide to submit DJ to their treatment plan, his team will also include a nutritionist, a massage therapist, an acupuncturist and a counselor.  Wowsers!  It sounds like a spa!  :-)  All this for only our normal out-of-pocket medical expenses according to our insurance plan.  As I understand it, their travel agent will contact us early next week to confirm the details, and I continue to pray that God will grant clarity and direction to us.  I believe that He is doing that. 

Also in the works is another potential treatment: a super groovy friend of ours Brian Lewis has done lots of research in attempt to find a later-phase clinical trial for which DJ may be a candidate; and DJ has filled out and submitted an application/medical history paperwork to the National Institute of Health for their clinical trials program.  I continue to pray that the LORD will shut the doors through which we should not travel and make straight before us the way He has for us.  It's kind of like a treasure hunt!  :-)

I am also happy to report that in the past week, DJ's pain has subsided somewhat.  Perhaps the LORD will give us all a surprise and just take those tumors away without the aid of the Cancer Treatment Centers of America or the National Institute of Health!  :-)  Perhaps the fact that DJ has drastically altered his diet the past month has caused the tumors to starve off and die away.  I am happy and grateful and hopeful and peaceful.  

Holly Bigelow, loving wife, is hard at work preparing home made mineral broths, quinoa salads, and as much anti-cancer food as possible!

Lots of deep green veggie juices for DJ!

This morning I read some words that made me think of YOU, dear Reader, and your prayers for our family.  I am sure that not one utterance from your heart to God's ear has been unheard or un-responded to.  I am sure that God's grace is being administered to our family through your prayers, and I am so very grateful!  Thank you, thank you, thank you, a thousand times thank you!

"Prayer is acknowledging and experiencing the presence of God and inviting God's presence into our lives and circumstances.  It's seeking the presence of God and releasing the power of God which gives us the means to overcome any problem.  God knows our thoughts and our needs, but He responds to our prayers" (from The Power of a Praying Parent, by Stormie O'Martian).

Thank you for releasing God's power and for inviting God's presence into our lives!  I am so very grateful!  

Life in our home continues as normal; there is no state of crisis or gloom-and-doom atmosphere.  I am sure that that is a part of God's grace given to us: we are happily living one day at a time!

HollyB, DJ and Caedmon on Caedmon's 10th birthday (September 19, 2014)

Brooke Bigelow is focused on playing volleyball for Flamson Middle School

The end, for now, and I will attempt to update more often!  xoxoxo from HollyB