About David
@www.checkondavid.com

The fish will take you to our continuation of the LOG and Memorial pictures
-- The last entries about David's fight are below --

In lieu of flowers, please send your gift to Health First Foundation 3462 N. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32935. Please specify that the gift is to benefit the Holmes Regional Medical Center C.A.P. (Cancer Assistance Program) in memory of David Bibey.

November 29, 2005

Sorry for the long delay between updates....here is a breakdown. David had treatment on the 18th, another paracentesis on the 21st. On the 22nd he had his port put in and had another round of chemo. No problems. On the 23rd, late in the afternoon, he had another paracentesis so that he would be comfortable to eat a good dinner on Thanksgiving, which he did. We had a very nice day and Mariya was able to come over from Orlando which made it even better. Friday David wasn't feeling real good and by Saturday afternoon, Nov. 26th, he was back in the hospital with an ammonia level of 384. Before taking him to his room, they did another paracentesis and drained 2400ml. Sunday his ammonia level was down to 126 but the on call oncologist wanted to keep David over night. Monday his ammonia levels were 250+. Dr. Badolato decided that it would be a good idea to have a Plurex catheter placed in David's abdomin - This would be left in place until David stops producing so much fluid. We are not certain as to why but it seems each time the we get the fluid drained, David's ammonia levels drop. So now he will be able to do this at home. As always there is a problem. It wasn't until after the procedure that we found out that Medicaid will not pay for the supplies we needed so we'll be working on trying to figure something out there. In the mean time the hospital gave us enough supplies for 3 times. Anyway, they did the procedure late Monday and only drained a little over 1 liter of fluid, so in the past week, we have already seen the fluid production going down. If the catheter turns out to of limited use, that will be fine with me. David's did very well, although he felt a little nausea after dinner, so he was given some Adavan and slept through the night. This morning his ammonia level was down to 112 and he was released. He then went and had chemo again. We finally got a copy of his CT-Report and the report says that the images are distorted due to the ascites (fluid). The bottom line was that they did not see any definite changes, which of coarse is good and bad. A significant reduction would be such a blessed relief. But...God continues to bless us richly with time. It has been a long tiring month. Please continue to keep David in your prayers. Heidi

November 17, 2005

David saw Dr. Oline (surgeon) today to schedule having a port put in. He will be having it put in next Tuesday. The Dr. assures us it is a low risk, routine procedure. David also had 5.3 liters drained from his abdomen today with another paracentesis. He has chemo again tomorrow, and so far he has kept everything down that he has eaten since last Saturday. This is a good thing. He had his first CT-Scan since Aug. today. Please keep him in your prayers for a good report. We probably will not know the results until Tuesday, which is his next doctor's appointment. Heidi

November 15, 2005

David saw Dr. B today and also had another dose of Trisenox. He is scheduled for a CT-Scan on Thursday and he also has a surgical consult to have a main line port put in. His hands and arms are in pretty bad shape. They are all bruised from all the blood being drawn this past week. They also had a hard time finding good veins for the IVs. After 2 years of chemo, his veins have hardened and it makes it very difficult on the the IV team, the lab workers and most of all on David. I wish we had gone ahead and had them put one in 2 years ago. Please keep David in your prayers. God Bless you all, Heidi

November 14, 2005

We took David to the hospital at 0430 in the morning on Monday, November 8th after seeing him start to slip into non-responsive behavior - His ammonia levels started to go up and his confusion level started to increase - When we arrived at the hospital his ammonia levels had risen to 189 (Normal is 11 to 35) - With his levels that high he becomes combative if you want him to do something that he does not want to do - This reaction happened 2 weeks after his Trisenox chemo treatments had begun - With all of the fluid draining and the physical illness from the chemo (vomiting and diarrhea) David dehydrated and start having problems with his kidney's - On day 2, Tuesday, they started David on TPN (all the goodies a body needs) via a mid line they placed in his arm - The mid line is a temporary IV that can be left in place for up to 48 weeks - David's ammonia level went to the high 300's on Wednesday, then fell a 100 points on Thursday, and another 100 points on Friday to 186 - On Saturday it was not checked and David was scheduled for a paracentesis - They took 7.8 liters of fluid from his abdomen and he felt 100% better (that's approximately 17lbs) - All of the fluids that he was given had to go somewhere and did kick-start his kidneys - On Sunday his ammonia level was sitting at 168 and David was lucid, visiting with everyone that came to visit, and waiting for FSU football to start (we thought the game started at 7:30pm but came on at noon and we missed it) - Monday morning Dr. Badalato came to check on him and set David's release for 3:00pm this afternoon - His blood was checked for ammonia at 1:00pm today and the level was still at 166 - It is amazing that he can function with it 6 times higher than normal - We brought him home today and will see his Dr. again tomorrow to discuss continuing chemo -

Nov. 5, 2005

David had his 4th infusion of Trisenox yesterday. He also had another paracentesis. It had only been 4 days since the last one, but this time they only drained off a little over 3 liters! Praise God! I am accepting that change as a good thing! We'll keep you posted. Keep up those prayers! Heidi

Oct. 31, 2005

David had a Dr. appointment today. Dr. Badolato said not to get to excited about the fluid build up in David's abdomen. He has only had 2 infusions of Trisenox, and we need to be patient. He has another infusion tomorrow and again on Friday. In the mean time, he send David to the hospital for another paracentesis. It is hard not to get "excited" when they drain another 6 liters of fluid off of his abdomen. Since 10/14/05 they have drained 17 liters of fluid off of his abdomen. This time was the most and it has only been 4 days. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. Heidi

Oct. 27, 2005

Today David had another paracentesis. This time they drained off 4 liters. I really thought that it would be more, and we're not sure they got it all, but David feels better as usual. He has chemo again tomorrow and we are just praying that it will help him to start processing all of this fluid on his own. I'll post another update soon. Heidi

Oct 24, 2005

We woke up this morning to hurricane Wilma much stronger than anyone expected. David had an appointment at Dr. Badolato's office this morning to get his first round of chemo. He was suppose to be there at 9:00 but we could not reach anyone in the office until 9:00. That is when they normally open. They said to come on in, so while Don and David got dressed, I waded across our street to where David had parked his truck. We felt that the truck had a better chance of making it that either Don's or my car. The water was only about 6" deep. We drove down to Dr. Badolato's office and saw him. Then he told us David would have to come back tomorrow for chemo because neither of his chemo nursed had made it in. He wanted us to take David down the hall to the OMNI lab and have an EKG but when we got there, the only person there was the phlebotomist and she didn't know how to do one. We will go back tomorrow. We drove home and had to wind our way through a bunch of back streets to get to our house because the streets were blocked off because of the flooding. When we got home the water was about 2' deep. It has gone down but is still about 1' deep as I write this at 9:25PM. As for damage, we had a lot more rain and wind after we got home than before we left. The power flicked off and on a couple of times and we have some branches down. Also the elm tree in front of the house that was partially uprooted last year was pulled up in the other direction this year. Don still doesn't want to cut it down....we'll see. David was suppose to go to Moffitt for a CT-Scan that had been scheduled way back in Aug., but he talked to Dr. Garrett on Friday and they agreed that right now it is more important that David start treatment. We'll go for one in Nov. or Dec. Also, David is already filling up with fluid. He told Dr. Badolato today that he would rather start treatment and see if that helps. He doesn't want to get another paracentesis if he doesn't have to. We'll see how he is doing by the end of the week. Please continue to remember him in your prayers. Heidi

Oct. 21, 2005

Once again, God has proven Himself faithful! Yesterday Dr. Badolato and his staff worked together with the Orlando Medicaid office and a wonderful pharmacy up in Suntree(Just north of Melbourne, FL)and we took possession of one month's worth of Trisenox. David starts treatment here in Melbourne on Monday. He will be receiving 2 treatments a week and it is being paid for by Medicaid! Praise God! I took David to the hospital today for another paracentesis. This time they drained 4.5 liters out of David's abdomen. As before, he feels much better and I immediately took him to get something to eat and this time he kept it down! I thank you all once again, for your diligent and fervent prayers. I ask that you please continue to pray for David's healing. God Bless! Heidi

Oct. 17, 2005

Well, we really made no progress towards getting David started on some sort of treatment. Keep praying. He is already beginning to put on fluid...to the point that he is uncomfortable and his stomach is somewhat distended and hard. He is going to call Dr. Badolato tomorrow and see if he will schedule another paracentesis. On a more pleasant subject, including cash donations, we raised $373.55 for deLIVER A CURE! Thank you all for your support and patience with all my emails. We will be doing it again next year so keep that in mind when it's time to start buying Christmas gifts again! I'll update the site again tomorrow. In His grace. Heidi

Oct. 14,2005

We took David to see Dr. Badolato today and he was very concerned by David's appearance. When he saw David on Oct. 4th, he weighed 187. Today, 10 days later he weighed 182. He sent David for a paracentesis at the hospital where they drained 2.5 liters of fluid off his abdomen. 2.5 liters weighs about 5LBS so that means he has lost approximately 10LBS in 10 days. Dr. Badolato also prescribed the Trisenox again and sent Don off to the pharmacy to try and have it filled. The pharmacy said it was not Medicaid approved. But as a result of an inquiry Don had made this morning, we had an email from Medicaid when we got home saying it was approved. There was also a phone number for Dr. Badolato to call to try and straighten it all out. In the mean time David is feeling much better now that the pressure has been relieved. Don got him something to eat on their way home which David wasn't able to keep down. I think it was just to soon after the procedure, because he has had a little since then and kept it down. I have also contacted Dr. Garrett at Moffitt to see about taking David back over there sooner than we had planned, for another CT-Scan and to get him started back on the Trisenox over there, while Don and Dr. Badolato try to straighten things out with Medicaid. Please keep David in your prayers that God will heal him and that all of this will work out okay. I know that it will (Romans 8:28) but I also know that without all your prayers and a gracious, loving God, David would not be here today. Heidi

Oct. 13,2005

Just want to ask everyone to keep David in your prayers. He has not been feeling real well. He is going to see Dr. Badolato tomorrow. Not sure what is going on, but he is not keeping much down and he looks like he is loosing weight. I'll update the log again tomorrow. Heidi

Sept 18, 2005

Hello everyone, David here, just wanted to update everyone on my progress. Well I went for one treatment of the Trisenox here in Melbourne and that was it. I went for my second treatment and was told that I needed to talk to my doctor before anything else happened. My doctor told me that the drug wasn't covered by Medicaid so unless I paid for it myself there was no way that I could receive the drug in Melbourne. I contacted my doctor in Tampa and he said that Medicaid would cover the drug in Tampa, so since I have a doctors appointment on Oct 25th I would take a break from treatment till then. I will get a CT scan on the 25th to see if there is any change in the tumor then we will decide on continuing with the treatment. Till then thank you for your prayers.

Sept 10, 2005

David heard back from Dr. Garrett and even though we still are not 100% sure that Medicaid is going to pay for the Trisenox he started treatment on Thursday, here in Melbourne, at Holmes Regional. We will certainly post anything new. As always, please remember David in your prayers.

Aug. 31, 2005

We're home from Tampa where David completed the tests required in the Trisenox study. We saw Dr. Garrett and got the results of David's CT-Scan. There are no changes and thank the Lord that there is no growth. Our hearts desire is for the cancer to be gone and I trust the Lord that we can call things that are not as though they were and therefore I continue to thank God for David's cancer free body! Dr. Garrett is having the case worker check with Medicaid to see if they will pay for Trisenox. If they will, then David would be removed from the study and would receive the drug here in Melbourne. If they will not, then he will stay in the clinical study and go through another 8 week course over at Moffitt. If we do that, we will be looking into renting an efficiency apartment. In light of the catastrophe of Hurricane Katrina, we feel that the cost of an apartment would be less expensive than having David drive back and forth twice a week. Anyway, regardless of which way we go, David is scheduled for more tests, including another CT-Scan on Oct. 25th. By that time Moffitt should have the protocol in place for a new clinical study which we would then have to see if David is a candidate to participate. In light of the disaster of Katrina, I feel so blessed and I thank God that David continues to hold his own and we have a home and water and all the other necessary for life. God bless each of you! Heidi

Aug. 28, 2005

Well, this is the last week of David's first cycle in the Trisenox study. Last Monday he rode his motorcycle to Tampa for another series of tests at Moffitt. On his way home the same day, a wasp of some sort blew into his jacket and down his sleeve. It had stung him twice before he got his jacket off. Praise God he is not allergic and he made it home safe. Tuesday the 30th we will be going over for the balance of his tests, including a CT-Scan. He also has a doctor's appointment that afternoon. Please keep him in your prayers that we will have good news! I will update this site as soon as we know his results. Heidi

August 18, 2005

David's last infusion of Trisenox for Phase 1 was today - So far he has weathered the drug with no problems or side effects - David wants to try finding an apartment during Phase 2 (his second go around at a stronger dose of the same drug) so he can stay out past the 9:00pm curfew that the Hope Lodge has - He is worried about getting locked out because he can't make it back on time and having to sleep in his truck - He will come home for the weekend, tomorrow (Friday) and return to Tampa Monday for more blood tests - Heidi and I will join David for his final Phase 1 appointment on August 30th -

August 14, 2005

Tomorrow is David's last week of his first course of the Trisenox study at Moffitt. He has an infusion tomorrow and another on Thursday. Then next week he has tests on Monday and then again on the 29th he has tests and a CT-Scan. Dr. Garrett has already asked David if he would be willing to go through another course at a higher dosage. David said he would but it will depend on his test results. We are praying that the course he has already gone through will have destroyed the cancer and he will not need any further treatments at all. Saturday is David's 25th birthday. Praise the Lord! God is so good. Remember to give thanks in all things as it says in the Bible. There is nothing that we can not face WITH God! God Bless you all! Heidi

July 27, 2005

This is week three of the Trisenox study David is participating in at the Moffitt Cancer Research Center in Tampa, Florida and he seems to be doing well (no side effects to report) - He still gets a slight headache on Monday and Thursday when he receives the drug - He also sounds and says he is a little tried the day after - But all in all he is doing fine - He says he will stay over for two weeks this time (this week and the next) - Heidi and I miss having him here especially since our daughter moved to Orlando a week ago - Kind a quiet around here -

July 15, 2005

Heidi here. I wanted to let everyone know that David had his first 2 infusions of Trisenox on Monday and then again on Thursday. He had mild headaches each of those 2 days. Today he is very tired and lethargic. I have not seen him like this since late last year when he was still having his original treatment. It could be a combination of the strange beds and our busy week as well. We'll see how he does next week and going forward. We have been so blessed! As Don said, David was accepted to stay at the Hope Lodge. It is a wonderful place! He has a living room with TV and VCR. A bedroom with 2 twin beds and of coarse a bathroom. Each floor has a community laundry. They supply laundry soap and cleaning supplies and toilet paper. They also supply coffee, coffee fixings and dish soap in the 4 community kitchens. The kitchens are very well supplied with just about anything you would need to prepare any meal or dessert. Each suite in the Lodge has an assigned section of a refrigerator, freezer and cabinet in the kitchen area. Nothing but water allowed in the suites. There is a library with lots of books and magazines. A pool room that also has 2 card tables and shelf after shelf of board games and puzzles. There is a TV room that is very nice with several recliners, easy chairs, sofa, VCR, DVD player and a huge TV. Because David is doing so well, he will not be required to have a care giver with him. He will be going over and staying at least 3 days a week...possibly more. It is so expensive for him to drive his truck over, and the less he has to do that, the better for him on his fixed income. There are always activities going on at the Lodge and we already met several people. They all said they would watch out for David. They all seem to become a family and eat together, spend time together and take care of each other. Please give God thanks for this wonderful blessing and ask that he continue to care for my son. Also, pray that he would give me peace as I give over David to him more now than I have since this all started almost 2 years ago. It will not be easy to say goodbye to him Monday morning. God Bless all of you, Heidi

July 12, 2005

I talk with Heidi yesterday in Tampa and everything is going well with David - Arrangements were made for David to stay at the Hope Lodge through the term of his treatment - About 6 weeks - He has already met some of the other long term residents that are staying there and are having cancer treatment of some kind next door at Moffitt - David and Heidi should be back on Thursday, and David will return to Tampa Sunday night after we bowl - Our team is in first, it's the last night of the league, and David does not want to miss it -

July 6, 2005

David and I drove to Tampa today to complete the remainder of the tests David needed and to sign the consent forms - This is for the Trisenox study David will participate in at Moffitt Cancer Research Center - We got the EKG he required, blood work (a lot), chest xray, and 6 weeks worth of schedule - Day one of the trial is Monday, July 11, and Heidi and David will go back to Tampa Sunday night and return Thursday - I will updated the log as I receive reports from Heidi and David - All indications are that this trial has had very little side effects to date - If all goes well David will drive back and forth on Mondays and Thursdays until the trial is complete -

June 30, 2005

We finally heard from Dr. Garrett today. David is scheduled to go to Moffitt on July 6th to sign the consent forms and have all the remaining preliminary tests. Then he will begin the Trisenox study on July 11th. Once we have more details I'll post the information that I have. Please keep David in your prayers that this new drug will kill the tumors and that David will suffer no sever side effects. I want all of you to know that as you pray for David, I pray for you as well. Peggy-please call me. Mary-please keep us posted on how your girls are doing. Mary Ann-tell us your friend's name so we can pray for him by name. Holly-Let us know when the baby is born and what you have, as well as your CT results. Melissa-Let us know how Rachel is doing. Sandy-I am still praying for you and Jennifer. Please send us an update. Thanks as always for your prayers. God Bless all of you. Heidi

June 28, 2005

David and Mariya came home on Sunday. They had a wonderful time in Tennessee. We went back to Moffitt yesterday and David had a full torso CT-Scan. Dr. Garrett showed us the images and pointed out that some of the areas of the primary tumor that have "darkened" have increased in size. This is a good thing as that indicates dead tissue. It is not as extensive as we had hoped but is more than last time. As for the Trisenox Study that they would like David to participate in, he said that there is one participant that may need to be taken out of the study due to his health and that he would like for David to take his place. He had an appointment to see this patient today and was to let us know. We did not hear from him so I will ask David to call tomorrow to check the status. We don't want to procrastinate because Dr. Garrett wants David to start treatment on Tuesday if the space is available, but he must go back for a M.U.G.A. scan prior starting the study. We will keep you posted. I want to thank all of you for the new messages on the guestbook. We all enjoy them. It also looks as though the link to the "deLIVER a Cure" site has had amazing success. The discussion threads have been wonderful to read. It helps so much to be able to relate to other families that are going through the same thing. You are all in my prayers and I hope that we, through God's grace will come up with a successful treatment for this disease. God bless all of you! Heidi

June 18, 2005

David left for Tennessee today to visit family and ride in the Honda Hoot - Mariya decided to accompany him - They will return next Sunday

June 12, 2005

I hope everyone likes the "face lift" to the web site - Kind of nice what a few tools will do - I will try to update the guest book GIF with some text so there is no confusion about what it is - David will be heading to Tennessee next Saturday - I am going to push him to get a bio written for the www.deliveracure.org web site - Please visit them and and show your support - I know Ben and his family are going the extra mile in the right direction to find a cure and get as much information out about Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma -

May 24, 2005

Here is the latest. We went back to Moffitt today and David had an abdominal CT-Scan. Dr. Garrett showed us the images and pointed out areas of the primary tumor that have "darkened". He said that although it doesn't appear to be very dramatic, for being so soon after the Chemoembolization it is promising and indicates dead tissue. He also pointed out "white" spots in some of the abdominal tumors and explained that this is calcification. Also a very good sign! As for the Clinical Study that they would like David to participate in, it looks like it will be the end of June or July before David starts. Because it is a Phase 1 study, they only take a few patients (3) at a time. Run the 8 week study and if all goes well, they run another 8 week study with 3 more patients at a stronger dose and so on and so on until they have compiled enough data to tell them the optimal response with the least amount of side effects. They are on their 3rd group right now. Dr. Garrett said that so far their have been no side effects. This works out well for David's plans. Up until now, it looked as though he might not go to the "Honda Hoot" in Knoxville, but because of the timing, he'll be able to go with his friend Luke after all. He is looking forward to seeing his brother (our oldest son), Donald, who lives in Knoxville, as well as my sister and her family. Please keep him in your prayers, that the Lord would continue to heal him and that the cancer would continue to die. Pray that he has a safe and memorable vacation. I will probably not update this site again until we have gone back to Moffitt on June 27th. Until then, thank you for your prayers and support. Keep posting messages, they are so encouraging. God Bless! Heidi

May 18, 2005

Just a brief update. Although David has felt especially tired the last couple of days and he ran a low grade fever yesterday, he is feeling pretty good. Moffitt called today and David has follow up blood work and another CT-Scan scheduled for Tuesday the 24th of May. Please pray that he will have a good report. On another subject, through this web site, several people have contacted us who have Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma or have a friend or family member that has this terrible disease. One of those people that has been in contact with us is Sue Zurick who's son Ben has been struck with this same disease. The Zurick family has been instrumental in the development, organization and licensing of a new research foundation that is dedicated to (but not limited to) research to fine a cure for Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Their web site is www.deliveracure.org. Please visit their site and if you feel lead to, support them any way that you can. If I don't update before then, I will update this site after David's appointment next week.

May 10, 2005

Well, David had the Chemoembolization last Thursday, at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, and we came home Sunday. The doctor that performed the procedure was Dr. Choi. We found out later, (it is posted by the main elevators), that he is Moffitt's "Doctor of the Year". That made us feel very good. The procedure went very well. David was able to watch on a monitor. He said it was interesting although he could not really tell what anything was. He did say that he was super relaxed while it was being done. Briefly, what chemoembolization consists of. They run a catheter up the Femural artery at the top of the leg into the Hepatic arteries feeding the liver. Chemo drugs are injected, (we know they used at least Cisplatin, not sure about any others). Along with the chemo drugs an embolizing agent (PVA) is added. PVA (Poly Vinyl Alcohol) are little bits of plastic and they seal the chemo drug in and also cuts off the blood supply feeding the tumor. It is possible that it will effect both tumors in the liver but we won't know how well the whole procedure worked until we go back to Moffitt in about 3 weeks for another CT Scan. We were really surprised at how much pain David was in, but when you consider that it is sort of like putting a big rubber band tightly around the damaged part of his liver, it begins to make since. During the visit in 3 weeks we will also start the paperwork etc. for the study David will participate in. Today David is still on Morphine for his pain, although he is already cutting back. Please continue to keep him in your prayers that this will accomplish what it is suppose to and it won't cause him any negative side effects. We appreciate all of your prayers, love and support. Heidi

May 3, 2005

Dr. Garrett and Dr. Kelly presented David's case to the Moffitt Cancer Center's Tumor Review Board on April 21st. What was proposed was that they perform a Chemoembolization , then 4 weeks after that they want David to start on the Trisenox study that I told you about in the April 17th entry. So, David is scheduled to be admitted to Moffitt on Thursday May 5th. They told us that he most likely will be in the hospital for 4-5 days. Please keep him and the doctors in your prayers. That David will come through this procedure with minimal side effects and that they will be able to send him home earlier than they thought. Also, that the treatment will do what it is suppose to do without harming David in any way. Please also pray that the Doctors will be well prepared and will not have any problems with the procedure.

April 17, 2005

We returned from Moffitt Cancer Center, in Tampa Friday evening after David's tests and additional Dr.s consults - On Thursday David received a CT scan of his chest to confirm that his lungs where free of cancer and they were - He received an MRI/MRA with contrast for Dr. Garrett and Dr. Kelly, so the surgical path could be evaluated and then he received a Full Bone Scan - The bone scan was to make sure no cancer was found there as well - On Friday he received a PET Scan and he had appointments with both Dr's - After reviewing the test results Dr. Kelly feels that the risk to David is far to high to remove the tumor on his liver - The Inferior Vena Cava, which is the main blood return vein for the lower half of the body, has been encapsulated by the tumor where it attaches to and where it passes the liver - Removing the tumor from around it would be very dangerous - Because of this news we were all very disappointed - The next course of action will be to pursue a treatment that will shrink the liver tumor enough to make surgery a safer option - David has already received the most aggressive treatment currently in use for Liver cancer. So, the option that we will most likely be pursuing is a clinical trial (Research Study IRB Study #102160 MCC#13717). This study is for the drug Trisenox (Arsenic Trioxide). One cycle of the study is 8 wks long. 6 weeks of injections on days 1 and 4 of each week, along with lots of tests to see how the body is handling the treatment. The last 2 weeks of the cycle is no injections. Then test to see how the cancer has responded. At that point the participant has the option of continuing with additional cycles. Also, Drs. Kelly and Garrett are going to present David's case to the tumor review board at Moffitt next Thursday. We are hoping that by involving as many doctors as possible, they may come up with some additional options. In the mean time we will get the wheels in motion for the study and I will be pursuing alternate treatments on my own. Please continue to keep David in your prayers as that has been a great comfort to us and I know that God has His hand on David and He has a purpose for him.

March 21, 2005

Hello everyone, We went to Moffitt on Friday. Dr. Garrett told us that David has already received the most aggressive drugs on the market for the cancer that he has. Any other approved drugs would be less effective. He then told us that David could participate in a clinical trial for the drug Trisenox. This drug is currently only approved for the treatment of Leukemia. This trial would entail a 8 week course with David receiving the drug 2 days a week. The other option that he offered is surgery. Well...knock me over with a feather! We did not expect that because all along they have said that David is not a candidate. On April 14 and 15 we will be back over to Moffitt for Bone Scan, chest CT-Scan, MRI and Pet-Scan. We also have appointments with Dr. Garrett and Dr. Kelly (the surgeon) on the 15th. If there is no indication of a spread to the lungs or bones then they will be willing to do surgery. This is what David is leaning towards. I am currently composing a list of questions to ask both doctors. If you can think of any, please post them and I'll add them to the list if I haven't already. Please continue to keep David in your prayers. I am believing God that he has a plan for David and that He will not abandon the works of His hands. Also, that He would give us wisdom in making this decision. The reason that I say it will be a decision is because I believe that there is no spread to the lungs or bone and I ask that you thank God for that as well. Probably will not update the site until for after we get the results of all of his test. Not sure when that will be. Just keep checking. Heidi

March 15, 2005

Hello everyone, I have been in contact with Dr. Garrett at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa FL. David has an appointment with him this coming Friday the 18th. Please pray for Dr. Garrett to have wisdom and that whatever he suggests as options for David would be in accordance with God's plan and that we will have the peace, wisdom and guidance to trust in God with whatever decision that David makes. Please, please continue to pray for David. God has blessed us so much, and I know that He has a plan for David and He isn't finished with that plan. Thank you all so much for your continued prayers, support, and love. It means so much to all of us. Please keep in touch and God Bless you all.

February 21, 2005

Heidi here. We received David's latest CT-Scan report today. I will type the whole thing below. That way if any of you want to look things up on the internet, you'll have everything I have. "Scanning through the abdomen and pelvis reveals multiple abdominal mesenteric masses. In addition, there is extensive nodularity involving what I believe is the omentum compatible with omental caking. There is a large mass in the left lobe of the liver measuring 10.4x7.8cm. Please note that this was reported to measure 8x12cm on December 29, 2003, and therefore is not thought to be significantly changed. By visual inspection, it does not appear to be changed as compared to November 11,2004. In the mid left abdomen anteriorly, there is a mass measuring 5.8x3.6cm. This does not appear to be significantly changed as compared to November 11, 2004. As one extends lower into the pelvis, there is a mass in the superior location anteriorly to the bladder. This measures 8.9x4.4cm. This, I think, has shown some enlargement. It appears to extend lower into the pelvis than on the previous examination. Also, there is a mass in the lower pelvis, just above the prostate, measuring 6.6x6.3cm. This I believe has shown enlargement as well. There is now a peirectal mass on the left measuring 3cm, and I think this is a new finding. Again it must be stressed that there are multiple other smaller mesenteric and omental nodules with small masses to numerous to mention individually. i would feel these findings are progressive as well. CONCLUSION: As stated above, this patient has a large mass in the left lobe of the liver, probably unchanged since December 29, 2003 and by visual inspection of November 11, 2004. However, I feel that there is progressive disease in the mesentery and omentum. Some of the masses described above, I think, have increased in size as detailed. There appear to be more masses and nodules. In summary, I think the disease process is progressive." Heidi here again. Having typed all of that I will tell you that we are continuing the current treatment through 2 more courses. (Once a week for 3 weeks, then 1 week off) Then we will do another CT-Scan. At that point we will decide it we need to change course. Please, please continue to pray for David. God has blessed us so much, and I know that He has a plan for David and He isn't finished with that plan. Thank you all so much for your continued prayers, support, and love. It means so much to all of us. Please keep in touch and God Bless you all.

February 13, 2005

Hello everyone! It has been a while since I have made an entry. Tomorrow David will be having his first CT-Scan since he has started this new regime. I have scheduled the day off. It has been months since I have spent the day with him, and am looking forward to our time together. Please continue to keep him in your prayers and believe with us that this CT-Scan is going to show the greatest improvement thus far. God is so good! Put your trust in him, ask Jesus to be your Saviour and everything will be all right. Remember Romans 8:28. "God causes all things to work together for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." He will bring you His peace that passes all understanding...in all situations. God Bless all of you and we'll put a new entry as soon as we have the results.

January 18, 2005

Greetings everyone I hope the new year finds everyone in good spirits and health. My new chemo is going good so far. I receive it every monday and it doesn't leave me sick for a week and a half like the other chemo did. I would like to express how sorry I am to hear about my friend April's mother passing away from lung cancer. I am sure anyone that reads the guest book heard the terrible news and it really makes me sad to hear about another good person falling victim to this murderous disease. April, you and your family will be in my prayers and if you need anything please let me know and I will do what I can to help. As for me I will be continuing my treatments and am scheduled for more CT scans in February. I feel good but am bored, I did some volunteer work at my old job and will be volunteering on wednesdays in their new country store, so I am looking forward to that but would like to do something with people my own age. Well we will be sure to update the website with my CT results. Untill next time I thank everyone for keeping me in their prayers.

December 24, 2004

I have added the new link Heidi mentioned on the newest treatment that David is receiving - The drug is Topotecan/Hycamtim ( Check Out The New Drug) and he is doing very well with it - Has not been sick since starting on it, which is best thing of all - The worst thing this drug does is cause a low white blood cell count making him more susceptible to infection, so we are always watching - David feels so good at this point in time that he has been talking about going back to work - We will be checking with Medicare and Medicaid to see how this will effect his current status for medical coverage - This new treatment cost about $18,500.00 per month and would not be happening without Medicaid authorization or the CAP programs at Holmes Regional - Again "Thank You" one and all for thinking of us, and the Bibey Family wishes all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy (prosperous) New Year -

December 15, 2004

Hello everyone! David has had three treatments of the new regime and so far the only side effect that has been noted is that this past Monday when he went in, his platelet count was a little low. Not so low that they did not administer the treatment, but low enough that if next week was not his week without treatment, then they would have postponed. So, anyway his next treatment is the Monday after Christmas. We are just thanking God that he will continue to accept this treatment so well and that at the same time it is causing huge improvements. Good Bless you all and Merry Christmas! Heidi

December 1, 2004

Yeah! Hurricane season is over! We all breathe a sigh of relief. Now, onto news about David. He had his doctor's appointment on Monday. Here is the CT Scan results. I have added the comments in parenthesis. "Comparison was made with a previous study on July 12, 2004. There has been no appreciable interval change in the size of the extensive mass involving most of the left lobe of the liver. There is also a stable mass(no change)involving the anterior segment of the dome of the right lobe of the liver. The spleen is mildly enlarged. There has been a significant decrease in the size of the mass affecting the left side of the greater omentum (a fold of peritoneum supporting the internal organs). There has been a decrease in the size of the mesenteric mass extending from the lower abdomen into the pelvis. On the previous study, it measured 10 x 6 cm. On today's examination, it measures 7 x 5 cm. There has been a decrease also in the size of the small mass present slightly to the right of the midline adjacent to the anterior abdominal wall at the level of L5. There has been also a significant decrease in the size of the mass noted anterior to the rectum. No bone destructive lesions were evident. There is no ascites.(fluid build up) CONCLUSION: 1. Since the previous study on July 12, 2004, there are stable masses present in the liver. 2. All of the abdominal and pelvic masses have decreased their size since the previous study. 3. There is a stable hyperplasia of the right adrenal gland." Is that awesome or what! God is so good! Thank you for your prayers. Please continue to remember David in your prayers and just continue to thank God for his new liver and cancer free body! He had his first dose of the Topotecan (Hycamtin®) Monday about 3:00PM and so far so good. No problems at all. I just believe that this drug is going to produce even better and faster results that the last regimen. If I don't update this site again before Christmas, God Bless and Merry Christmas! May God richly bless each of you in the coming New Year! Heidi

November 10, 2004

Hello to everyone! Can you believe it is almost Thanksgiving! God is so gracious and so good! David is still with us and he is feeling pretty good. He has put on some weight and he is getting out quite a bit more. David had a good time in Tennessee. He got home on Sunday with a sore throat and fever. Monday was his doctors appointment. The Dr. had ordered another M.U.G.A. scan but after seeing David, he cancelled it. He said that he doesn't think David needs it and his heart sounds great. He scheduled David for a CT scan this Thursday, so please be praying for a good report. He also put David on antibiotics and he is feeling much better. Since David has received the life time limit of Adriamycin, Dr. Badolato is changing David's treatment. After Thanksgiving David will start receiving a 30 minute drip of Topotecan (Hycamtin®) one day a week, every week for an undetermined length of time. So, although David is holding his own, please continue your prayers. We are still believing for healing and are expecting a good report from this next CT scan. We love you all! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I will update the website again after we receive the test results. God Bless!

October 27, 2004

Greetings to all, I hope that this message finds you all in good spirits and good health. As for me I feel great and am excited because I am taking another trip to Tennessee next week. I will be spending the week with my brother, aunt, uncle, and cousin. I am taking my motorcycle again and hope that it isn't to cold to ride. I am sure many of you already know that I wrecked my motorcycle a couple of weeks ago, but don't worry I am fine. I was going to meet a group of riders at the church that me and my mother attend and I went around a corner and wasn't paying attention. When I looked ahead of me I was heading through "sugar" sand, which is just loose sand on the road, and the motorcycle slid right out from under me. Luckily I jumped off and rolled in the grass and wasn't injured until I was trying to pick the bike up off the ground, I lost my balance while supporting the weight of the motorcycle and it fell right on top of me. It pinned my ankle between the curb and the bike but since I was sitting on the ground I had no leverage and couldn't lift the bike back off of me. Thank god a man was driving by and I flagged him down and he helped me lift it. I thought my ankle was broken but I went to the ER and got some x-rays and had no breaks. I do have some bruises and a scrap on my ankle but other that all the damage was done to the motorcycle. The bike actually isn't that bad because it landed on a curb and slid down the curb and not the road so most of the damage was on the right side fairing, no broken glass or mirror. I was supposed to leave sunday for Tennessee but have a new fairing on order and it won't be hear until tuesday so I will leave tuesday night or wednesday morning. I had a doctors appointment today that went well. No new news on my cancer but I will tell you this, I really fell good, the only time I don't fell good is after chemo, other then that I don't feel any different than I did before. Well I have some doctors appointments after my trip so look for some updates soon and keep those messages coming. Till next time god bless.

October 2, 2004

One week ago tonight hurricane Jeanne hit Florida. We lost power early Sunday morning and just got it back again yesterday evening. Praise God we didn't have to go as long without it this time. Don did a great job putting a breaker into the breaker box for the generator. With the generator plugged into the breaker box we could run the air conditioning, hot water heater, lights, etc. Not all at once, but we could keep the air on and switch back and forth to the other electrical items that we wanted to use. Over all we were better off than a lot of people and once again God blessed and protected us and our property. We only had additional tree/shrub damage. No damage to the house or vehicles. David was suppose to start chemo last Monday but put it off a day so that he could help with the clean up of debris. He went in on Tuesday and was not able to have his treatment because his potassium levels were elevated and his blood work had dehydration indicators. He went Thursday for a repeat of the blood work and everything is back to normal, so he'll start chemo on Monday. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. We have been blessed beyond measure by all of you. We'll update again soon. Hopefully we won't have any more hurricanes.-

September 8, 2004

David finished chemo on Friday September 3rd, and hurricane Francis provided feeder bands of rain with high wind starting that evening - Saturday was windy and rainy and pretty scary with the windows all boarded up (not being able to see plays it's own tricks) - David felt a little sick during all this (from chemo with a little anxiety mixed in (he wasn't alone)) - We lost power at 2:40am Sunday, it's now 10:00pm on Wednesday and still no power - Our generator is providing some essential power for refrigerators, freezers, the coveted coffee pot and light when the sun goes down for us and 2 of our neighbors - Fans are a must (today the heat index was 103 degrees) it was just nasty out and there is not enough generator power for Air Conditioning - We have no idea when Florida Power and Light is going to fix it - The house came through with flying colors but we did lose a Rosewood tree next to the driveway - I will provide before and after pictures as soon as life gets back to normal - Heidi went in to work today and I will return tomorrow - At least the air is on at work -

August 31, 2004

Hello everyone, time for an update. I had a doctors appointment on Friday, everything went as it normally does. Dr. Badolato informed me that my next session at the end of September will be the last time I will receive the drug Andriamycin because any one person should not receive more that a certain amount of this drug in a life time because it it damaging to the heart. We also decided that I may take a break from chemo just for a little while then experiment by slowly taking away drugs to see if their is a change. Please everyone keep up on those prayers because this could have a positive or a negative effect on me. Since I have been on all four drugs the whole time the doctor isn't sure what drugs, or combination of drugs, are doing what. This is the only way to find out, I am very positive about this because why have four poisons in my body when I may only need one. I know that this is in Gods hands and he will guide me through this storm that I am facing. Well today's session went well, no problems and now I am faced the the usual side effects, headache and slight fever. Once again thank you everyone for remembering me and praying for me. By the way, Mema I read the yellow book, and April the NMD wanted me to eat legumes and nuts for the protein, you have to remember I lost almost 90 lbs and everyone wanted me to eat as much as I could to gain back some weight. Well till next time remember to go with God.

August 15, 2004

I added some pictures from David's trip to Tennessee and from earlier this summer - At the bottom of the list on the picture page -

August 8, 2004

Just want to let everyone know that David has had another round of chemo. Monday through Thursday last week. With the exception of having to have his I.V. replaced on Thursday, everything went the same as usual. Please keep him in your prayers and just know that as far as this web site goes, no news is good news!-

July 31, 2004

Yesterday David received his test results at his doctors appointment. The MUGA indicated that his heart is fine and has not been affected by the chemo. Praise God! The results of his CT-Scan were as follows: 1. Multiple tumors of the liver, which are slightly smaller than seen on the previous study of April 19,2004. No new masses. 2. Resolved ascites. (That means no more fluid in his abdomen!) 3. Multiple masses in both the abdomen and pelvis have slightly decreased in size. No new masses are seen. 4. Stable lymphadenopathy in the upper abdomen. (That is an enlarged lymph gland) So...with this first "visible" improvement, we give God the glory and continue to thank him that David is healed! Thank you all for so faithfully remembering David in your prayers! Monday David starts his 10th round of this chemo and just ask God to continue to protect David from any damaging effects of these drugs and to help him through as he has every session thus far. -

July 22, 2004

The results of the test that David had done at the beginning of July will not be revealed to us until his Dr. appointment on July 30 - We are all pretty anxious to here the results and will post them as soon as they are available - David is doing well, in good spirits - We are still waiting to here on Medicaid after jumping through the hoops again - The information to date is that David makes to much from his Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to qualify for Medicaid - This is the check that Social Security pays him at the beginning of every month - He will instead be considered "MEDICALLY NEEDY" in the eyes of the state (which just means no insurance) - What it all boils down to is that if David has total medical bills for "THE MONTH" that exceed $633.00 (His SSDI check minus $200.00) Medicaid turns back on and pays the medical expenses that occurred until the end of the month - It then turns off again (at the end of month) and the cycle starts all over again - Right now we do not see this as a problem because all of the service people associated with the Doctors office and the Hospital are aware of "How this System Works" and are keeping an eye out for us - They will also get the bills sent to Medicaid ASAP, which needs to be done to get Medicaid turned back on - As far as David meeting the $633.00 in medical expenses, well that's the cost one of his 4 days of chemo or 2 Dr's appointment, half of a CAT Scan - I don't think that will be a problem -

July 5, 6, and 7, 2004

David started session 9 on Monday and we have had an uneventful 3 days - He was tired today and spent the better part of the day sleeping after we got home - The check on his red blood cell count (via CBC) on Monday, showed it at 35 (40 is normal) so the Procrit injections stop for now - We will insist that this be watched as chemo commences (it really seems to help him) - David has also been scheduled for a MUGA Scan on Friday because of one of the drugs he is receiving - I have provided a link so you can read about this - We were also informed yesterday that David's MEDICAID benefits expired at the end of June so were scrambling around to get them re-applied for - We found out that MEDICAID (State run) goes away when Social Security (Federal) takes over, because MEDICARE is suppose take over - Well MEDICARE does take over but not for 2 years ???? - Sounds to me like somebody had a good idea that got out hand - Mean while David has no insurance as of July 1 (again) and we are jumping back through the hoops to get him covered - David is also scheduled for a CT scan on Monday, July 12, and I will let you know the results of both tests as soon as we have them -

June 30, 2004

Greetings everyone, it's me David signing on to give everyone a much needed update. So far I am still doing fine, I feel good and am happy. As far as the cancer There still doesn't seem to be any change but I have faith that that will change very soon. I have a doctor's appointment on Friday and chemo next week. Friday Dr. Badolato will set up another CT scan for me to check on everything, so everybody HAVE FAITH AND KEEP UP THOSE PRAYERS! Myself or one of my parents will be sure to update with the results as soon as possible. As for me I am fine. I just got home monday from a trip to Tennessee with my mom and sister. We visited my aunt and uncle, cousins, and my grand parents. The main reason I went was a motorcycle event called The Honda Hoot. It is like bike week. I had a great time with my family and with my motorcycle. My uncle and me put over 700 miles on our motorcycles in only 5 or so days, it was awesome. If anyone that reads this rides a motorcycle and has never done it in the mountains I highly recommend it. I have never seen so many curves, Florida is a very flat and straight place. Speaking of curves we rode on the world famous Deal's Gap, otherwise known as The Dragon's Tail. This is a stretch of road 11 miles long with 318 curves, ridiculous! Keep an eye on the pictures section there will be some new ones soon. Anyway I had a great vacation and can't wait till next year to do it again. Well thank you everyone for your prayers and entries in the guest book, we will be sure to update soon, goodbye and God bless.

June 4, 2004

David finished round eight yesterday and he is feeling better. The pain he was having last week seems to be gone. He has had no vomiting so far, this time but doesn't finish anything he tries to eat. He says everything tastes funny. I know that is a side effect of the chemo and am surprised it is just now giving him problems. When I hear about all of the problems that other people have with their treatments, I thank God that David is going through this without extreme problems. God has blessed us so much! 1. Although we thought it was terrible when we found out that he had been dropped from our insurance, it was like Jonah being swallowed by the fish. If Jonah hadn't been, he would have drown in the raging sea. Likewise, I think that if we were having to pay the co-pays and all the deductibles and things that the insurance wouldn't cover, we would be broke. God blessed us so much when Social Security and Medicare came through....Medicare pays for EVERYTHING. 2. David's doctors told us he would not come home from his first treatment in November. They were wrong. 3. At diagnosis, this type cancer has a long range life expectancy of 4.5 months. David was diagnosed the end of October 2003. I thank God and give him the glory everyday that David is alive with us. And I thank God and ask his blessing on each of you. -

June 2, 2004

Day 3 and David had another CBC today to check his red blood cell levels - They were a little lower than on Monday and he is close to requiring a transfusion - Until I was able to investigate it a little deeper, this information was not put out on the web site on Monday - The results of David's CBC (blood test) on Monday showed a much lower than normal red blood cell count - This is common for long term Chemotherapy recipients - After 8 treatments David has developed anemia and has started treatment for it with the drug Procrit - Procrit is also known as EPOETIN and you can read about it at this link ( Check Out Procrit )- This is given via an injection on a weekly basis and causes all the right things the body needs to produce red blood cells at a normal rate - This process has slowed down in David's case and he is extremely tired because of this deficiency - According to the medical professionals this will help him a lot in the next 2 or 3 weeks - The Dr. that verified the CBC results has placed an order for David to have the Procrit injection again on Thursday but the nurse told us not until next Monday - I will be verifying this with his normal Dr. today -

June 1, 2004

Day 2 and all is well - He is very tired

May 31, 2004

Day one of session 8 is over and David is doing fine - His headache seems to be almost migraine like and bothers him more than anything else - We hope everyone had an enjoyable Memorial Day (it was nice having the extra time off) -

May 30, 2004

Tomorrow, David will start session 8 if his blood is OK - He started experiencing pain across his abdomen on Wednesday - He saw the Dr. on Friday and that was inconclusive - The pain could stem from tumor growth, tumor shrinkage, a strain from to much activity, or any of a number of things like that - We (and the Dr.) just don't know - To date I would say David is maintaining an even keel, not getting any better, but not getting any worse either and staying positive about this - He is looking forward to going to Tennessee on the 18th of June - I will keep the site updated with any thing new that occurs -

May 6, 2004

Today David completed his 7th round of chemo! Praise the Lord! If you had asked me at Thanksgiving if David would still be with us for Mother's Day, I would have been lying if I had said yes. I thank the Lord for every new day that he is with us and I am still thanking Him and believing His word for David's healing. Thank you all for your constant support, messages and prayers! Please don't stop!

April 26, 2004

Well today was the big day. We were suppose to go to the doctor today and hear the great news that my tumors were all shrinking and that I was on the quick road to recovery. Well I did go to the doctor and he said the same thing he did last time I had CT scans, that the tumors haven't shrunk but they haven't grown either. I guess this is good news but it isn't the news that I wanted to hear. I am tired of this, someone my age shouldn't have to deal with something like this. No, I take that back, no one should have to deal with cancer. Well anyway I am staying positive, and praying to God everyday to get me through this storm. I will start my 7th session of chemotherapy on monday, so please remember me in your prayers.

April 19, 2004

Hello everyone. Well it is time to update everyone again. I fell good and everyone tells me I look better everyday. I had to get up early today and drink that "yummy" barium drink. After that it was off to the imaging center for my third set of CT scans. I will find out next Monday if there is any change in the tumors, so please keep me in your prayers. Thank you all for the support, it means a lot. Well God bless you all , till next time go with God.

April 11, 2004

Happy Easter everyone! Just a quick entry to let all of you know I am still doing fine. West Palm was fun, it was nice to get away for a few days. Well till next time God bless.

April 1, 2004

Session 6 is now finished and David is doing well - Still tired and fighting a headache - He has had a touch of an upset stomach (after eating today), but nothing serious - This session has gone very well in everyone's opinion and David plans to go to West Palm with Zac Friday evening - I expect that he will come home on Sunday and pretty much sleep (a lot) and eat for the rest of the week and not much else - This has been normal for the last 3 or 4 sessions (re-gathering strength) -

March 31, 2004

Day 3 and David is going better than we have ever seen him do - He still gets tired quickly but this is nothing new - David is scheduled for CT scans on the 19th of April and then a follow up with Dr. Badalato to discuss the results a week later - This should let us know just how well David's cancer is reacting (or not reacting) to the current chemo drugs he is receiving - David will then need to make a decision on weather to continue current therapy, pursue different chemo drugs or start looking at alternatives -

March 30, 2004

Day 2 of session 6 is at an end and David's headache still persists - He seems to be staying strong this go around (which is good) - Staying positive and maintaining a good attitude is very important to his recovery - We will see how he looks on Wednesday and Thursday and about 5 days after session 6 finishes before deciding just how far his slump went and see if he start gaining strength back - I hope he feels good enough to make the trip to West Palm with Zac, he is looking forward to going and it makes use feel better seeing him doing what he wants to (it seems very normal) which both Heidi and I need - David did ware down this evening and fell asleep on the couch at about 9:00pm - Sorry if this sounds like a repeat of session 5 but I truly hope they stay uneventful -

March 29, 2004

Greetings once again everyone, today started session 6. I once again have a headache and a fever, but that is nothing new, it is something that I expect. I have learned to deal with the discomfort since there is nothing I can do but wait for it to go away. Once again I would like to repeat myself and thank everyone for keeping me in your prayers and for constantly checking up on me with your guest book entries. I pray that this session goes smooth and that I feel good by Friday. A very good friend of mine, Zac, is coming from Tallahassee to pick me up and take me to West Palm Beach to visit my best friend and former college roommate, Jon. I am looking forward to the weekend and am sure everything will work out so that I can go and enjoy myself. Well look for more updates this week, God bless you all.

March 22, 2004

Today was the day that David should have started session six, but that isn't going to happen this week. He'll go Friday for blood work and if it's good, he'll do chemo next week. He has been scheduled for his next CT-Scan, but that isn't until 4-19-04. In the mean time, he feels good and I thank the Lord for him. That is all for now. Will let you know how it goes on Friday. Please keep David in your prayers. I just want to thank everyone for keeping up with the guest book entries. I know that there hasn't been an entry from our side in a while, just remember that no news is good news. Thank you for keeping me in your prayers.

March 7, 2004

I guess we are a little behind on updating the web site this time. David finish his 5th cycle of chemo on Thursday March 4th. He is tired as usual, but he seems to have faired better this time, than last time. He has not had any nausea or vomiting and he even went for a walk with me yesterday. Today we went to see The Passion of The Christ. I would like to urge all of you to see this film. That is all for now. Please keep David in your prayers.

March 3, 2004

Day 3 is complete and David is still tired and running a fever - Sleeping most of the time - His appetite seems to still be good (even with some nausea) and the diarrhea that started today - Hopefully David will start his turn around tomorrow like we have seen in passed sessions -

March 2, 2004

Today David slept during his treatment this morning and then again when we returned home - David, Heidi and I went to dinner tonight (for Heidi's birthday) and David has done fine in the early evening - He is currently running a fever and his headache is back - I hope tomorrow is a better (it is normally the worst day of the cycle/session) -

March 1, 2004

Session 5 started today and David has slept most of the evening - He has been running a slight temperature (nothing new) and had a enough nausea to not feel like eating dinner tonight - I feel he is more tired than he has been and believe this will stay the same, for longer periods, as sessions progress - The nurse reported that his blood tests look fine except for his protein level's (which were low) - Looks like more is needed in his diet -

February 23, 2004

Just like last time, David's blood counts are to low to start chemo today. It has been delayed until next Monday. Another thing that I am not happy about is that David's doctor wants to wait until after his sixth chemo session to do his next CT Scan. I guess we will just have to trust God and wait until April to see how the chemo is working. David is perfectly happy not to have to drink that nasty stuff. So...we wait. Please continue to keep David in your prayers. I thank God for everyday that he is with us. I also thank him and ask him to bless you all. You have been a great comfort and support through this ordeal.

February 17, 2004

I am sorry that I haven't updated this in a while. David has his next doctor's appointment next Monday. Hopefully, he'll be able to go forward with his chemo on that day. This last couple of weeks have been different. He has had a bit of pain and nausea off and on. (We're just believing that it is the tumors dying.) Something else that's different this time, is that his stomach doesn't look like it is getting any bigger either. In fact, it looks flatter today than it did a week ago. Please keep him in your prayers. He wants to go to Tennessee in June and he needs to be stronger than he is in order to go. I probably won't be updating the site until next week, but keep those guest entries coming!

February 5, 2004

Well day 4 is coming to an end and David has done better today than he has all week - I think it has a lot to do with the fact that another session is done that gets him up - We really (and David really), doesn't know what the next 3 or so days will bring - Our experience says a lot a rest and recuperation, in preparation for session 5, is on the horizon - I will keep him up and moving tomorrow, which seems to help - Maybe we will go to the gun range which both of us like to do - I hope everyone is staying up with the whole web site - I add pictures when they become available and other things, so check the buttons off to the left on occasion, you never know what interesting tidbit you may find -

February 4, 2004

David seems to be more on the tried side after day 3 of session 4 - His stomach has been more upset than usual and he was having a hard time keeping food down this morning - Heidi went to work but returned to take David to his chemo session for the day at about 10:30 - He has been running a fever (as usual) through day 1 and 2 and a slightly raised temperature this morning (99.5) which we watch - After waiting all day for a Paracentesis, David opted not to have one because the Ultrasound, (prior to), showed less than a liter of fluid (which is good) -

February 2, 2004

Today was day one of David's 4th chemo session. His blood counts were good so we were able to go forward. His first IV was no good so they had to have another one put in before they could start his meds. Although David feels as though he has started to retain fluid, he doesn't want to have another Paracentesis until he is to uncomfortable to stand it and Dr. Badolato is okay with that. He said "You just say the word and I'll order one for you." We also went to see Dr. Rank M.D. to see if there are other natural things we should be doing to help David. She suggested a few additional supplements that he is not already taking, stressed exercise, limited sunshine, and diet high in protein (mostly from nuts, eggs, and legumes) but low in sugar and processed grains. I will do my best to see that he follows her advise as much as possible, but it will be more difficult since I will be returning to work tomorrow after a 10 week family leave. Although it will be nice to see everyone and to have other things to think about, I am not looking forward to leaving David. I will miss being with him, but I think it will force him to get back into his own activities as much as he is able. That's it for today. I'll let everyone know how day 2 of chemo and day 1 of work goes tomorrow.

January 31, 2004

Well, family has continued on vacation over to Orlando and our Friday dinner at Cara Mia, in Cocoa, with The Brevard Area Diners was fun - A great big "Thanks For The Invite" to everyone in BAD. - David had a good time and we know everyone enjoyed seeing him - We are talking about another Paracentesis before session 4 because David feels like he is filling up with fluid again - Not as bad, or as fast as before, but still retaining fluid, which makes him feel uncomfortable - Monday we hope to start session 4 but will not know until David's blood work comes back - He was only 101 points low when they checked last Monday and the new number should help us figure out how fast David recovers -

- Just A Note -

January 27, 2004

Hello once again everybody. Well session four isn't going so well, actually it isn't going at all. I went to the hospital yesterday for day one. The nurse started my IV and drew some blood for my lab work. So I sat and waited for the results of my labs, I waited for an hour and a half. Finally my nurse returned only to tell me that my white blood cell count was to low. This means that I have to wait until next Monday to start my chemo. I will only be able to start if my blood count is up. I was a little upset at first but then realized that my aunt, uncle, and cousin will be here tomorrow night. Since I didn't have chemo this week I think that my visit with them will be much better. Well until next time, bye.

January 22, 2004

January 15, 2004

The new domain is finally working correctly and the pictures section should be viewable by all - David and Heidi returned safely from Tallahassee Tuesday afternoon and David is now completely move back home to Melbourne (all of his stuff is in storage) - He is doing good, still a little tired, but recovering more of his strength everyday - His appetite is a still little suppressed, but we expect that to change as well - David's Grandma will be coming to visit next week and Aunt, Uncle, and Cousin the week after that, so he will have plenty of company in January - His next chemo session should start on or about the 26th of this month, if his blood count will allow for it -

January 10, 2004

Session 3 is finally completed and David has weathered it with flying colors - Only spending 3 to 4 hours in the hospital a day seems to agree with him - His magnesium levels are down and he is feeling a little tired and run down today, but will improve over the next week - This seems to be the scenario he has followed after session 1 and 2, and we are not expecting this time to be any different - David and Heidi are planning their trip to Tallahassee on Monday and will be back Tuesday afternoon - This session was pretty transparent to me (with work and all), until I took David for his last treatment on Friday - No time at the hospital for David, Heidi, and myself was a good thing - I am in the process of bring up the new web site so the pictures can be viewed - I am still waiting for the domain name registration to complete - When that happens you will find these pages at www.checkondavid.com - The old web site will direct everyone there when the new one comes on-line - Thank you all for your patients with this - I will make sure David gets on and provides input and updates to the web site - We had real good feedback on his previous entries, so stay tuned -

January 7, 2004

Day 2 is complete and David is doing really well - He has a headache from the Intron-A (the Inter-feron based chemo drug he gets) - He was running a slight temperature, which the drug causes as well - Other than that he is feeling fine - His appetite has been good also - I brought him and his mother lunch today at the Hospital and we had a good visit while we ate - If everything continues as scheduled, David will finish session 3 on Friday - If David is feeling up to it, he and Heidi will drive up to Tallahassee on Monday to retrieve the rest of his stuff -

January 6, 2004

January 5, 2004

David's doctor visit went well today - Some good news and bad news - First the bad, there has been no noticeable reduction in the size of the tumor on David's liver - Now for the good news, there has been no change in the tumors size at all, meaning it has not gotten any bigger (growth is at a stand still) - Dr. Badolato says it may be to early to see a reduction, at this time, so the chemo process will be repeated and new CT Scans done after session 4 (before session 5) i.e. 2 sessions of chemo them pictures - On a good note the CT Scan cannot tell the difference between live tumor material and dead tumor material in the body - Reduction is noted with CT pictures when the body starts to rid itself of the dead tumor material (which it does automatically) and this may not have started yet - This is very much a time will tell scenario - David will go back into the hospital tomorrow morning at 0800 - He will have a Paracentesis done in the morning and start chemo (session 3) in the afternoon -

Hello everybody, David here. I just wanted everyone to know how thankful I am for all the support. I want everyone to know that I am feeling better everyday and I am keeping a positive attitude through all of this. Please keep up the prayers and those guestbook entries because I love hearing from everyone. God bless you all and I love everyone very much.

January 3, 2004

The Orange Bowl was a great time had by all - Sorry we didn't manage the sign, it would have have made the day perfect to be able to wave to everyone - It was kind of sad that FSU gave up after the half (I guess someone had to lose) - I will post pictures as soon as Bellsouth lifts the bandwidth restriction they have on the picture page - They are currently denying access to pictures because of the method they are being displayed with - I have tried all week to get someone there to resolve it, but have had no reply - If this continues I will move the website again, so stay tuned - David has his next Doctors appointment on the 5th - We will review the results of his CT Scan and Radiologist report at that time - We are optimistic about the results - David is feeling great and doing well - He helped with yard work yesterday which was a great sense of accomplishment for him - He thinks he may have started retaining fluid in his abdomen area again so we will have Dr. Badalato check that on Monday as well - I will post the results of our visit Monday evening - David should start session 3 on Monday as well, but that will be up to the Dr.

December 29, 2003

Today David had new CT scans done - The Radiologist will measure current tumor sizes and provide his report to Dr. Badalato - David's third session will be on January 5 and we will discuss the results at that time - We hope all of you have a Happy New Year - Look for us in the crowd at the Orange Bowl - If we can manage it, we will have a sign that say's "CANCER SUCKS" (anything to get on TV :)

December 27, 2003

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! We had one here! Having David doing so well and being with friends and family has made this the most blessed Christmas we have had in quite some time. As you know, David will be having his first CT Scan since October, on Monday, and we are excited and are believing that what it will show is a miraculous improvement over the originals! I would like to ask each of you to continue praying for David and thanking Jesus that "By the stripes of Jesus, David was healed". We serve a mighty God and I know that David is healed and that God is using this whole situation for a greater purpose that we may never know. David will be going in for his third treatment on Jan. 5th and I would like to ask each of you to please make sure he is added back to the prayer chains at all of your churches. We have all really been touched by the wonderful messages that have been left and we all enjoy reading them. God Bless all of you and I pray that you have a healthy and prosperous New Year!

December 22, 2003

I know everyone is anxious for updates on David, I just wish there was more to tell - He is doing fine, getting ready for Christmas, eating a lot, getting stronger for session 3 on January 5 - He will have blood work done tomorrow to check on magnesium levels, white count, and so forth - He is doing very good health wise, but has a little bit of a runny nose - Don't know if he is trying to catch a cold, or has one - His mother is a little concerned, David isn't - We received the package on stem cell replacement from the National Institute of Health, but have not had a chance to read it yet - I am going to get David more involved in maintaining this web site to give him something to do - He gets a little board being home all the time - We will add some pictures and other things we find, like links and such - We will also relay some of our experiences since this started - We hope that it may help other going through this -

December 17, 2003

David had his Doctors appointment yesterday and Dr. Badalato says he looks real good - The doctor can't believe he still has his hair - Hair loss being one of the side effects - He will have another series of CT Scans on the 29th and we will discuss the results on the 5th of January - The 5th being day 1 of session 3 - Another common side effect of the chemo is arterial bruising/hardening, which David has on his left arm from 2 sessions - The chemicals break down the arteries during the infusion process, they get hard, some clotting occurs - This will repair itself over time, with hot compresses 2 or 3 times a day, along with a single aspirin everyday - He did have a spot of pneumonia on his left lung, so he stays on the antibiotics - I think this is helping to keep other nasties away from him as well - He is in very good spirits but still a little tired - Also at the Doctors, David decided to go with a hospital stay for session 3 - If that goes as well as session 2, then we will pursue out patient treatment for sessions 4, 5, and 6 - Last but not least, Heidi starting looking into a stem cell replacement therapy going on at NHI (National Institute of Health) in Bethesda, Maryland - I will post details on the protocol when we have more information -

December 14, 2003

We brought David home this morning and started getting everything back to normal - He is scheduled for a Dr.'s appointment on Tuesday - He is still a little tired and was given antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory for a touch of pneumonia the Dr. thinks he has developed - We will get that checked out further on Tuesday as well - David is doing really well tonight, and we expect that to keep getting better everyday - Thanks again to all for seeing us through this session -

December 13, 2003

David has finished day 4 of session 2 with flying colors - His white cell count is down some, but there was no fever today - He has been replenishing his magnesium and sodium levels for the last 2 days, because they has fallen off as well - They will check his blood again tomorrow morning to see if anything else has declined - If not, and with any luck, we will bring him home in the morning (afternoon) - All of the items mentioned are par for the chemo treatment he is receiving - All in all this has been a good session and David would like to try session 3, out patient style - This will be the Dr.'s call - If he thinks David (and Heidi and I) can handle it, then we may try it - As the chemo treatments progress, David will get weaker and more susceptible to everything contagious, so it will be all about keeping his strength up with good diet and exercise -

December 12, 2003

Day 3 and all is well with David - I asked the nurse to request an ammonia test last night and she told me the results when I arrived at the hospital tonight - His ammonia level was 54 this morning - High but not debilitating, much better than 342 - Montezuma is finally visiting David, but that was expected - He has not experienced any nausea and is eating really well - His fever comes and goes but is under control most of the time, again not unexpected - Tomorrow is day 4 of session 2 and I feel David is going to be as strong then, as he was today - I hope this is a good sign on future bouts with these nasty chemicals - David has been very positive about this session and is doing everything needed to stay healthy and recover quickly -

December 11, 2003

This has truly been a great day - David is doing very well compared to session 1 and we are thankful - He did have a 102.7 degree temperature for awhile this afternoon, so they are looking for the cause via blood cultures, urine, and a chest xray - This is being caused by an unknown infection and he is already being treated with antibiotics - Day 2 is complete and he is in great spirits, has not been sick to his stomach or had any diarrhea yet - He has been drinking and eating with no problems all day and walking (a lot) as well - During session 1 he was very sick on day 2 and keep nothing down - He will have blood work done in the morning but is not scheduled for an ammonia test at this time - I found out today that Dr. Badalato (David's Oncologist) left on a family emergency and will not be back until Tuesday - Please keep him and his family in your prayers, along with David - (Dr. B's father suffered a stroke last night in Philadelphia) - His partner will be looking in on David while he is gone - Tomorrow is the big day and we should know how David will fair by lunch time - If his ammonia levels do go high, we expect it to have happened by then, as it did in session 1 -

December 10, 2003

David went into the hospital at 11:00 am this morning and had another 4 liters drained from his abdomen - Chemo started at 5:00 this evening (Day 1 of Session 2) - We ate dinner and David looks and feels great - The doctor elected not to put the drain into his abdomen - He feels that this will be self correcting and David really did not want it - On a good note, the doctor said that the mass (tumor) on David's liver is noticeably smaller than it was before session 1 - We really won't know until the CAT Scan, prior to session 3 - The new pictures will be compared to the baseline scans from Tallahassee and checked for size differences - All in all, day one of session 2, has been a good day - I would like to thank everyone for your words of encouragement, on this web site - This has helped to keep everyone in this family more positive about the course we are on - Please keep David in your prayers as we continue his treatment -

December 8, 2003

Tomorrow is the big day and David is a little worried, as we are for him - I think he is more worried about the port implant going into his abdomen than the chemo, hopes he will be able to lay on the side that it is installed on - I think it will just be one of those things you get use to over time - If David's white cell count is in the acceptable range he will go into the hospital Wednesday morning for the implant and the chemo session, (NUMBER 2), will start that afternoon - Our hope is that this will happen as planned - If the same thing happens, that happened in session one, (a longer than normal recover time), he should still be home before Christmas - We will also discuss with the Dr. about being a lot more proactive than in session one - Things like not waiting for 8 days before nutrition are giving via I.V. to David and keeping his electrolights balanced while his ammonia is high -

December 6, 2003

David had his Dr.'s appointment on Thursday and will continue chemo as soon as his white blood cell count comes up - We discussed the radioactive sphere treatment and his Dr. does not want to pursue this treatment at this time - Maybe down the road after a determination is made as to how well the chemo is working for him on the tumors outside the liver - David is still doing well as his health returns little by little - He went to a Christmas party Friday night, at his old work place, with a friend who came down from Tallahassee - He has also done a little Christmas shopping as well - His next blood work is scheduled for Tuesday and will determine weather he goes into the hospital that afternoon - He will also be scheduled for a port implant, which will allow him to drain fluid from his abdomen himself - This will help keep him comfortable down the road and stay in place until it is no longer needed -

December 3, 2003

David had a good day today - Eating, and walking - Just general recovery and strength building - David has a Dr.'s appointment tomorrow and we will discuss a couple of alternative treatments - Radioactive Spheres are currently being used in China, Australia, and New Zealand as a primary liver cancer therapy with good success - This will only treat the tumors he has on his liver and not the others which will still have to be treated with chemotherapy - Heidi has contacted a Dr. in Tampa that is experimenting with the Radioactive Spheres in the U.S. and he said he would be happy to talk to David's Dr. here in Melbourne about the treatment protocol - David's next round of chemo is suppose to start on December 9, if he is strong enough to proceed -

December 1, 2003

David has come home (finally) - Today he was very much like his old self - He had his Paracentesis at 1:30 today, removing another 4 liters of fluid from his abdomen and the Dr. left it up to us as to weather we could handle having him home - I don't think there was any question on what the outcome of our decision would be - Now we have to keep an eye out for infection - His white count is down from the chemo and he is very susceptible to everything - If he does get a fever, he will have to go back into the hospital to be treated - We agreed today to continue chemo treatments even though his ammonia levels go through the roof - We all agree that this is symptomatic to the cure - The cancer fighting back before it dies - We want to thank all of you for your support and most of all for your prayers - As you read this please take the time to pray again - not only for his miracle today but that God will protect him and heal him as we go forward - Again, thanks and God Bless

November 30, 2003

David is doing really good this evening - He started taking in solid food a little today and we expect that to get better with time - He is scheduled for a Paracentesis in the morning, the fluid has started to build in his abdomen again and needs to be removed - The Dr. told us that if David continues his progress he will be able to come home in a day or two, which is good news for all - This will be the last email for updates - I will be placing progress reports on the Web site starting tomorrow - Please note this URL, it is different from the original web site location - Please pass this along to everyone you have been updating

- David's New Home page -

Thank you all for the prayers and encouraging words - This has meant a lot to Heidi and I

November 30, 2003

Thanksgiving Day

November 26, 2003

November 25, 2003

November 24, 2003

November 23, 2003

November 20, 2003