Hello Everyone!
First of all I'd like to thank all of you who came out to participate in the benefit for dad. He danced his socks off and had a wonderful time.
As far as his progress goes, last Wednesday he had a very large cyst attached to his right kidney aspirated and a tube inserted for drainage with a bag attached to his leg to catch the drainage. This is temporary. Yesterday and tomorrow he is scheduled for procedures to sclerosis the cyst tissue now to hopefully prevent it filling up again. They drained 2 liters of fluid during the aspiration. Pretty big cyst. Once he recovers from these procedures for the cyst we will begin chemo/radiation, currently, tentatively set for 3/10. He continues to lose weight - another 10 lbs in the past couple of weeks. This is par for the course. Also a caution when greeting him, for his kidney drainage tubing and bag on his right side and also he has a port inserted on his right lateral chest region. Pressure to either of these areas will cause additional discomfort.
Dad is now living with me and my family. You are very welcome to come visit him. I just ask that you call me first to make arrangements. Most every day we have visits with his providers and if we are home, like today he is resting. I also ask that if you want to call him to please call our home phone - 509-443-8388 - so not to disturb him if he is resting. Also, if you have any questions, please feel free to call me.
Thank you all for your prayers and support.
God Bless,
Vonnie Haney
PS~We're planning Dad's 75th Birthday Party for next month! Stay tuned.
JLV
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Cancer Benefit Concert a Success!
The outpouring of friendship, donations, time, talent, and love for Carlos' benefit concert was overwhelming! How can we begin to thank those who showed their support of our dad in his time of need? The result was greater than we could have asked or imagined. The highlight of the evening was seeing dad dancing out on the floor with a great big squinty smile on his face! If we could press the 'pause' button, and take that moment in time...I would not trade it for anything.
We'd like to show our gratitude to the business owners, musicians, friends, family, and complete strangers who made this event a success. Your kindness is appreciated more than you may ever know.
:) Jenn
We'd like to show our gratitude to the business owners, musicians, friends, family, and complete strangers who made this event a success. Your kindness is appreciated more than you may ever know.
:) Jenn
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Today's Procedure
Hi Everybody! Just wanted to let you know that Dad was feeling pretty good after his procedure today. Fluid was drained from the cyst on his kidney, a procedure that did not require him to be totally out (anesthetized). He is looking forward to the benefit on Sunday & hopes to dance a bit too! Thank you for your prayers....keep em coming!
Jenn
Jenn
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Congas 4 Cancer benefit - UPDATE!!!
UPDATE - We've bumped up the time of the event so everyone can get home at a decent hour on a Sunday night. Son Dulce starts at 4:30pm, followed by a brief raffle & sponsor recognition, then Milonga
starts their set around 6:30pm to close out the night.
We're asking a $20 donation as admission, however, we'll gladly accept whatever you're willing to contribute. Admission automatically enters you in the raffle for a One-Year membership from Global Fitness, as well as some sportswear donated by EWU. Spread the word!!!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Thanks Global Fitness!!
Global Fitness has donated a One-Year membership to the Congas 4 Cancer benefit
to be raffled off at the event!!!
to be raffled off at the event!!!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Support the Carlos Vigil Cancer Benefit
February 21st @ Players & Spectators. Two of Spokane's Hottest Bands join forces to fight cancer. Join Milonga & Son Dulce and help support the Carlos Vigil Cancer Fund. All Ages Welcome, 21+ in designated areas. Full menu, full bar, casino, bowling, pool tables, arcade. Only at Players & Spectators. Spread the Word!!!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Update following PET scan
Many thanks to everyone for the continued love & support of our dad, Carlos Vigil!
We received word that the recent PET scan revealed cancer in the areas of his pancreas, duodenum, and kidney. It has not spread to any of his other organs, nor is it in his bones. This is good news in itself, but also means that he can avoid another, high risk procedure to confirm the diagnosis. With this information, his oncologist will customize a program for his radiation and chemotherapy treatments to start as soon as possible. We also found out that he has a confirmed dairy intolerance, which he suspected after feeling much better once he cut out dairy several months ago. With cancer, he will benefit from a diet high in alkaline content. (The rest of us would benefit from this as well!) We have mobilized to ensure that he receives several small meals each day containing the maximum amount of nutrients possible. We will also make use of a juicer to help deliver these nutrients to his body in a manner that is easy to digest.
Dad's goal is to continue his activities of moderate weight lifting, as well as his beloved salsa dancing because he is feeling quite well. He reports no pain, other than a dull stomach ache at times. He also intends to continue his participation in his bible studies and service to his church. This afternoon, he saw his granddaughter, Gabbi, receive another award for making the Honor Roll.
Please mark your calendars for Sunday, February 21, 2010. We are in the process of putting together a benefit concert for Carlos. Players & Spectators in the Spokane Valley has generously donated their space to our cause and we will have performances by Milonga, Son Dulce, and other bands (to be announced). We've already had a tremendous response at the mention of this event, so we are looking forward to seeing everybody there!
Again, thank you for your prayers! Keep 'em coming!
~Jennifer Vigil
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Carlos Vigil - If you didn't already know
Here's a brief rundown on my dad. He recently received news from his doctors that he might possibly have cancer. While we're all hoping for the best and preparing for the worst, the family is truly grateful for the overwhelming support for Carlos throughout our community. So many of us know him in different ways, I thought I'd share some of what I know about Carlos Vigil, my dad.
The Vigil name is one of the oldest surnames in the western hemisphere, originally arriving from Spain and eventually settling in what is now the southwest United States. An ancestor, Don Francisco Vigil inherited a Spanish land grant, as trust, in 1710 and later moved north from Mexico City to Santa Fe, acting as a steward and Captain to the Governor of the Kingdom of New Spain at that time.
Carlos Rubel Vigil - Born March 21st, 1935 - Capulin, CO. He is the 4th of 10 children from parents Joe & Celia Vigil. His siblings include his sister Lily (deceased), brother Alfonso (deceased), brother Jose Demetrio II, sister Elvia Gallegos, brother Luis, brother Gabe, sister Carmen, brother Ricardo, and sister Sylvia Gomez (deceased). After serving his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, he married Carol Ann Smith in Utah (1957) and eventually moved to Montana, finally settling in Spokane (1971). Carlos and Carol Ann are the parents of 11 children; Jeff Vigil, Greg Vigil, Becky Jones, Cynthia Hodge, Yvonne Haney, John Vigil, Phillip Vigil, Joanna Vigil, Joe Vigil, Jennifer Vigil, and myself, Nicolas Vigil. Carlos also has 17 grand children growing strong today.
He is a talented fine artist and taught Commercial Art for the Spokane Area Vocational Skills Center for 16 years, retiring in 1998. Many of his students have gone on to become successful local business owners and artists themselves. Carlos' influence as an art teacher and mentor has been a positive force in the lives of countless youths. He also owns & operates his Art Studio, producing signs, fine art, illustration, fine art commissions and design. He started his own shop in 1976 after working several years as design artist for Epcon Signs and Baldwin Signs. His name as an artist is locally and regionally respected, as well as garnering some recognition from the American Watercolor Society. Among my fondest childhood memories are the Western Art Shows we used to go to where my dad would display his work. A winner of the quick draw contest with his fabulous watercolor paintings, he earned praise on the national and regional level at shows featuring Western Artists like Charles M. Russel and Louis L'Amour. I remember some of my dad's esteemed colleagues, artists JD Mackin and Rick Urdahl and the parties they used to throw during these art shows. It was always a good time. Carlos also studied fine arts at SFCC and also received some mentoring in watercolor painting from respected friend & artist Stan Miller, whom I later took painting lessons from. Carlos' watercolor painting style is unique in the sense that he can do so much with so little. His oil and acrylic paintings are also stunning, with a diverse repertoire of subject matter. He is also a very proficient sculptor and metalurgy artist. All in all, he's arguably one of the best all-around artists in the NW.
Carlos also enjoys dancing, as many of you well know. At shows with my band (Milonga) and shows with my sister Jenn's band (Son Dulce), Carlos can be seen lighting up the dance floor with his winning smile and energetic feet. Few can keep up with him, especially at 74 years old. I can honestly say that my dad's responsible for alot of what I do in Milonga. His influence has been a positive driving force to my band mates and I.
His many achievements as a professional, seem small when considering him personally. As a father, as a brother, as a friend and fellow man, I have met few people with even half as much depth of character and strength of faith. My dad is truly an inspiration. There's so much more to write about him so please feel free to add anything. I've only scratched the surface.
-Nicolas Vigil
The Vigil name is one of the oldest surnames in the western hemisphere, originally arriving from Spain and eventually settling in what is now the southwest United States. An ancestor, Don Francisco Vigil inherited a Spanish land grant, as trust, in 1710 and later moved north from Mexico City to Santa Fe, acting as a steward and Captain to the Governor of the Kingdom of New Spain at that time.
Carlos Rubel Vigil - Born March 21st, 1935 - Capulin, CO. He is the 4th of 10 children from parents Joe & Celia Vigil. His siblings include his sister Lily (deceased), brother Alfonso (deceased), brother Jose Demetrio II, sister Elvia Gallegos, brother Luis, brother Gabe, sister Carmen, brother Ricardo, and sister Sylvia Gomez (deceased). After serving his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, he married Carol Ann Smith in Utah (1957) and eventually moved to Montana, finally settling in Spokane (1971). Carlos and Carol Ann are the parents of 11 children; Jeff Vigil, Greg Vigil, Becky Jones, Cynthia Hodge, Yvonne Haney, John Vigil, Phillip Vigil, Joanna Vigil, Joe Vigil, Jennifer Vigil, and myself, Nicolas Vigil. Carlos also has 17 grand children growing strong today.
He is a talented fine artist and taught Commercial Art for the Spokane Area Vocational Skills Center for 16 years, retiring in 1998. Many of his students have gone on to become successful local business owners and artists themselves. Carlos' influence as an art teacher and mentor has been a positive force in the lives of countless youths. He also owns & operates his Art Studio, producing signs, fine art, illustration, fine art commissions and design. He started his own shop in 1976 after working several years as design artist for Epcon Signs and Baldwin Signs. His name as an artist is locally and regionally respected, as well as garnering some recognition from the American Watercolor Society. Among my fondest childhood memories are the Western Art Shows we used to go to where my dad would display his work. A winner of the quick draw contest with his fabulous watercolor paintings, he earned praise on the national and regional level at shows featuring Western Artists like Charles M. Russel and Louis L'Amour. I remember some of my dad's esteemed colleagues, artists JD Mackin and Rick Urdahl and the parties they used to throw during these art shows. It was always a good time. Carlos also studied fine arts at SFCC and also received some mentoring in watercolor painting from respected friend & artist Stan Miller, whom I later took painting lessons from. Carlos' watercolor painting style is unique in the sense that he can do so much with so little. His oil and acrylic paintings are also stunning, with a diverse repertoire of subject matter. He is also a very proficient sculptor and metalurgy artist. All in all, he's arguably one of the best all-around artists in the NW.
Carlos also enjoys dancing, as many of you well know. At shows with my band (Milonga) and shows with my sister Jenn's band (Son Dulce), Carlos can be seen lighting up the dance floor with his winning smile and energetic feet. Few can keep up with him, especially at 74 years old. I can honestly say that my dad's responsible for alot of what I do in Milonga. His influence has been a positive driving force to my band mates and I.
His many achievements as a professional, seem small when considering him personally. As a father, as a brother, as a friend and fellow man, I have met few people with even half as much depth of character and strength of faith. My dad is truly an inspiration. There's so much more to write about him so please feel free to add anything. I've only scratched the surface.
-Nicolas Vigil
Fighting Pancreatic Cancer
Hola Familia!
This blog site is to help you keep updated on the status of Carlos Vigil's fight against pancreatic cancer. I will post new content as it is available and occasionally, Carlos will post blogs whenever possible. We appreciate your prayer and support throughout this trying and emotional time.
As of today, we are currently awaiting results from a PET scan taken 2/2/10 to determine the severity of the illness. Doctors recently found tumors on Carlos' pancreas and right kidney and several tests are being conducted to determinte whether or not these are immediately life threatening. The good news is that Carlos is in good physical shape, good spirits and optimistic about his condition. A recent victory is that his latest PET scan was in fact, able to be covered by his health insurance, due to new insurance regulations from Jan. 1, 2010. This came as a big relief to the family, as we were intitally told that insurance wouldn't cover this procedure. Add that to the list of blessings.
Even though pancreatic cancer claims the majority of its victims, I'm hearing more and more accounts of people who've survived it and that gives me hope that my Dad can pull through this. Currently, there is no difinitive answer on whether or not this is in fact pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis, or whether or not the tumors are benign or malignant but we will continue to pray for Carlos, regardless.
We are also at work organizing a charity event to benefit the Carlos Vigil Trust Fund. Donations will also be accepted online and at the event so please check this blog regularly for updates. Again, we thank you for your support and prayers.
Sincerely,
-Nicolas Vigil
This blog site is to help you keep updated on the status of Carlos Vigil's fight against pancreatic cancer. I will post new content as it is available and occasionally, Carlos will post blogs whenever possible. We appreciate your prayer and support throughout this trying and emotional time.
As of today, we are currently awaiting results from a PET scan taken 2/2/10 to determine the severity of the illness. Doctors recently found tumors on Carlos' pancreas and right kidney and several tests are being conducted to determinte whether or not these are immediately life threatening. The good news is that Carlos is in good physical shape, good spirits and optimistic about his condition. A recent victory is that his latest PET scan was in fact, able to be covered by his health insurance, due to new insurance regulations from Jan. 1, 2010. This came as a big relief to the family, as we were intitally told that insurance wouldn't cover this procedure. Add that to the list of blessings.
Even though pancreatic cancer claims the majority of its victims, I'm hearing more and more accounts of people who've survived it and that gives me hope that my Dad can pull through this. Currently, there is no difinitive answer on whether or not this is in fact pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis, or whether or not the tumors are benign or malignant but we will continue to pray for Carlos, regardless.
We are also at work organizing a charity event to benefit the Carlos Vigil Trust Fund. Donations will also be accepted online and at the event so please check this blog regularly for updates. Again, we thank you for your support and prayers.
Sincerely,
-Nicolas Vigil
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