Colleen’s Story

Site created on January 4, 2019

December 30, 2018, after suffering from headaches all day and being in a confused state early evening, Colleen was taken to the Grafton Aurora ER. A CAT scan showed several lesions on her brain and, with further tests, proved to be cancer. On December 31st, a body scan was done which showed traceable amounts of cancer in her pelvis and vertebra. Her oncologist confirmed that this cancer stemmed from her breast cancer discovered in February 2017. Colleen was immediately placed on steroids to reduce the swelling in her brain, which made a remarkable difference with the confusion and headache. Moving forward, treatment began January 2nd with radiation to reduce the size of the legions. Concurrently, there will be oral medication introduced as chemotherapy will not be effective due to the blood/brain barrier issue. One Step at a Time will be the ongoing focus for Colleen. Although life has definitely zigged without notice, we have faith, with the help of our families and many, many friends, we will make it through this new battle. We will continue to add journal entries to allow viewers to know how she is progressing with treatments.

Newest Update

The Long Goodbye

Journal entry by Colleen Bigonia —

by Tim   For several weeks - four to be exact - we’ve had the chance to say goodbye. But we’ve realized a lifetime of love, laughter, memories, and milestones cannot possibly be wrapped up in that period of time. Yet still, at 4:00am on Friday, July 3rd, Colleen drifted away without an answer as to why she was chosen to carry this particular burden. To be taken from her children far too soon. To leave her husband all too quickly. It was not her choice. That we know for sure. She tried. She fought. She wanted anything but to leave. 

So for now, we try to find a way to say goodbye that is worthy of the life she lead. We’ve discovered, so far, it may take a lifetime to do so. And in that time, we plan to share her story, laugh at our memories of her, and hold each other just a bit closer. Until we have the chance to see her smile again. And to say hello... just one more time. 

Read More of the journal titled "The Long Goodbye"
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