Hi Blogger Buddies, This picture is of Kyle playing rugby during an alumni game in Chico. It was in the local school paper from Chico. When he's not studying he's playing. You have to be young and maybe a little crazy to play this game! It's a rough sport but he loves it. I just got back from the Oncologist at UCSF. All is good! The tumors are still shrinking, about 15% or so, and that is good. The next step is to determine if I can have the surgery to remove them. He said now is the time to make the decision since I'm in good shape and have handled the chemo well. I will have a PET scan next Monday and if there are no surprises then I'll probably opt for the surgery. There are risks involved but the alternative is to stay on chemo for the rest of my life. The chemo will shrink the tumors only so far but they won't disappear. After the tumors no longer respond to the chemo I'm currently on, then I'd have to go to experimental drugs. There was the possibility of using Erbitux as another chemo but I had the K-ras mutation test done on my original tumor and it showed I was resistant to Erbitux. That means I have the mutation and so the tumor will not respond to that drug. If I have the surgery then it would hopefully give me more time than what I'd expect on chemo. Maybe even a lot more time. Some of the risks are that I have to be off the Avastin and chemo for 6-8 weeks before surgery. It could grow then. Also, it has happened that when you have surgery to remove a tumor, for some reason the body responds by producing lots of cancer right away. And finally there is risk in having surgery, like staff infection and complications. I will need two surgeries. The gut area is more crucial so that's the one he wants to do first. If all goes well then 6 weeks later he'll do the surgery for the lungs. The surgeries would take place at UCSF. So there is lots to think about and lots to be thankful for. I have been praying for the option of surgery. I have trust in my doctors and I have full trust in God and His word. Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. God has a plan for me and I will continue to trust in Him. I know that there is power in prayer so THANK YOU for all your love, support and prayers. God bless you all and have a very happy and Thankful Thanksgiving. I know I will!!!

Hi all my blogger buddies, How's this for a fun party! My kids gave Casey and I a 70's style 30 year anniversary party this past weekend. As you can see, we had quite a few people. I wanted to invite so many more but our house and back yard prohibited it. We had a great time and lots of laughs with all the 70's costumes. Our theme was peach color because I had Casey dress in a peach colored tux for our wedding. We had beautiful flowers, lava lamps, disco ball, and even a hookah with peach flavored tobacco. Looking at the pics makes me realize I have had a wonderful full life with many, many blessings. As for my health, I have been doing really well lately. Very few issues which is a surprise after 11 treatments. When I went in for my blood work and to have treatment back on Oct 8th, my counts were all up. I was at 2.9 for my white count and 1.7 for the GRA which is the baby whites. They look at that more than the total white count because they want to make sure my body is still producing. I was down and not feeling good for 4 days and then on Sunday I felt like a new person. I had so much energy I started my Christmas shopping! I have had very few issues this treatment and the only reason I can figure out is; prayers, the new Acai pills my friend MaryJo gave me, and I continue to walk most days. I have my next treatment on the 31st and then a CT scan is scheduled for the 13th on November and the results are on the 17th when I have the follow up appointment at UCSF. I don't know at this point if I'll continue on the same treatment, take a break and just stay on Avastin, or (with Gods blessing) have surgery. No one knows but God what the next step will be. I'm just glad I'm feeling good and able to withstand the treatment. I'm taking one day at a time and enjoying it. With Thanksgiving and then Christmas just around the corner, I have to stay strong and full of energy so I'll keep doing what I'm doing and not worry about what the next step is. I'm in Gods hands and I know it. He will direct my path and He says it clearly in this verse.
Psalms 32:8 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you."
Thank you for your continued prayers. As I said, that is why I'm doing so well. I hope you all have a happy and safe Halloween and don't eat too much candy!!!

Hello Blogger Buddies,

Well, I finished my 10th treatment last Friday. It was not too easy because the chemo is building up. I was feeling pretty sick until Sunday. Monday I took it easy and today I'm doing better. I'll continue to improve until the next treatment scheduled for October 10th. My white blood counts are getting lower each time, to about 1.5 the day of treatment. I've had it as low as 1.2 on treatment day, but they really don't like to do that. Way too much risk for infection. Stanford requires it to be at 1.5, where normal is 4-11. So the dr said I will be needing a chemo holiday soon. That means I will get a break for one cycle but stay on Avastin. I do plan on taking a break in March when Casey and I go to Hawaii, if all goes well. I also had my visit with Dr Venook at UCSF to go over the last CT. As it turns out, the small tumor in the gut that I thought was gone had moved to a new location, just below the right side of my liver. I didn't know the small intestines could move so much! Anyway, it's there but stable. The one in the lung is shrinking so he said he would re-evaluate in about 6 months to determine if I could go in for surgery. That would be such a blessing!!! Surgery is so much easier than chemo and it's gone after they take it out! I don't worry about it though because I know I'm in the Lords hands. If it's His will then it'll happen, I will just have to be patient and trust Him each and every day. It's an interesting journey He has me on, that's for sure. This journey continues to bring blessings each day such as, I will have tomorrow to enjoy! Plus I still walk most days, work full time and I have so many wonderful loving family and friends that continue to pray for me. How blessed is that!! The picture is from two weeks ago when my friend Linda and her bike team did a 150 mile ride to support MS and my friend MaryJo who has been battling this awful disease for over 10 years. I was part of the team because I got to drive MaryJo and her Mom to the event! It was such an inspiring day seeing so many people riding for a cause. Very much like relay for life. It makes you humble when you realize there are so many wonderful, loving people who really care out in our communities. Thank you and God bless each and every one of you for all your love, support and prayers you have given to me and my family as we travel this journey each day.

Psalm 116:1-2 I love the Lord for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me I will call on him as long as I live.

God gives his abundant peace to those who seek him. I hope that in times of trials you ask for His peace and love that he gives to freely.

Hi everyone,

This is just a quick note to let you know of the results from my CT scan last week. The scan only showed one tumor in the lung and it's shrinking! There was no mention of the tumor in the other lung or in the mesentery area of the body cavity. So God has been having a hand on me and I'm doing really well. I will get the final results when I go to see Dr Venook at UCSF Sept 10th. But I have seen the CT results, my onc in Dublin saw them and so did my brother-in-law Tom. And it all good news! Praise God. Your prayers are working...I never doubted they would. I had treatment this past Wednesday and am now looking forward to having two good weeks at work. It's not too much fun being at work when I'm in treatment, but I get through it. Anyway, thank you so much to everyone for their prayers. They continue to lift me up. Ok, so I just opened up a book to look for a special verse to share with you all and this is the first verse that I read. It just jumped out at me! Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father; "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you" 2 Kings 20:5

God is amazing!!!!

Ps, the pic is of some of the cousins celebrating a wedding engagement that happened while we were in San Diego. Rachel ( my niece and daughter of Lorette and Fritz) and Johan are engaged and getting married June 5th in Santa Barbara! I love weddings!!

Happy Anniversary to me!! It's been two years since my diagnose. It's a happy anniversary because I'm here to celebrate it! Plus, there have been many blessing that have come from my dx. I've gotten so much closer to God, my family and my friends. I have learned to appreciate every moment and I try not to sweat the small stuff. I've met some very nice people and reconnected with my old friends. Plus I know that there are people that have gotten their colonoscopy after my dx and now they won't have to deal with having colon cancer in their life time. So you can see there are many blessing that come along with my anniversary. The pics are of our last trip to Lake Almanor in early August. We had a great time with the Allens and Pinelli's playing on the beach, boating, walking, biking, golfing etc.. all the fun things to do when on vacation. Casey is cooking and Kyle is doing what he likes best!

I had my CT scan this last Thursday and if the report is done by tomorrow I'll try and have it faxed to my doctor in Dublin so I can get the results. If it's not done then I'll have to wait till my next doctor appt at UCSF in the middle of September. I have my next treatment on Wednesday afternoon so I have my routine blood work tomorrow with a doctor appt. They always check to make sure I'm at least 1.3 or above with my white count. (Average white count is 4-11.) Anyway, I'm feeling fine except for putting in lots of extra hours at work trying to get ready for the students. So I've been more tired at night and I only can walk 3.5 miles instead of longer. School starts for Brigitte, Kyle and Ricky on Monday at Chico and Sean starts in late September at Cal State East Bay. We now get to pay for 3 tuitions! Please keep my in your prayers this next week that the scan comes out clear and the next treatment goes easy. I know that God listens to all prayers, and He answers them in His time. He's been with me every step. I hope you all know that He is there for you too. James 5:16 Pray for one another,that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Hi Blogger Buddies,
After my last blog and my family vacation in San Diego, I had one of my busiest weeks ever! As soon as I got home I had my 7th treatment, then helped a little with the Allen wedding plans during the week. Then the Relay for Life was on the 29th of July and that night was the wedding, then back to the relay on the 30th for the closing. My kids took the middle of the night shift and Casey and I had the morning shift. It was an incredible experience and I want to thank everyone who sponsored me or my team, who prayed for me, and those who came out to walk with me and take the great pictures! Your love and support keeps me going. It was a very special time and so encouraging. I met so many wonderful loving courageous survivors and people who just want to help out against the fight for cancer. Another blessing that having cancer brings! I wouldn't have met these wonderful people if it hadn't been for my cancer. I plan on doing it again next year and every year after as long as God gives me the strength. The week after the relay Casey, Brigitte, Kyle and I went to Lake Almanor with the Allens to rest after the big wedding and enjoy friendships, exercise, boating and just hanging out. We stayed for 5 great days! We came home on Monday and Wednesday I had my 8th treatment. Unfortunately on Thursday I came down with a bad cold! I haven't had a cold since my first treatment back in Jan of 07. I was pretty much in bed for two days but today I'm doing a little better. Since my white count is low, it may take longer than normal to get over it, but I hope not. Other than the cold, this treatment was better than the last...I thank God for that. I still have my CT scheduled for the 21st of August, but the doctor is out of town so I don't have a follow up appointment until the middle of September. I am still praying for NED. (No evidence of disease). Please keep me in your prayers for NED. My strength was really good these past few months but with school starting for me this week, and me fighting a cold, it'll be harder to build my strength, but I will. Since the treatment was spread out to every three weeks, my body seems to adjust a little better. It's easy to get discouraged when you don't feel well, but I learned this week that it's only another life lesson that will pass. It can make you stronger and help you appreciate the days when you do feel well. I pray that each of us stop to thank God for our day and our health, no matter the circumstance. It could always be worse! 1Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus Psalm 7:7 I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High

Hello Blogger family,

All is well with our family. I am currently finishing my chemo treatment. This is my 7th treatment and after my 8th I'll have another scan to see if it's continuing to shrink the tumors. If it's Gods will they will be gone! That is my prayer. My son Kyle came to visit me while I was having the drip but I was way too out of it. It really hit me hard this time. He's home this week to do some work around the house now that he is done with physics summer school. We'll keep him busy with painting, repair our front deck, hang curtains etc...It's so nice to have him around. He's so handy. This past month has flown by. I did really good after my 6th treatment and was able to join my friend Linda at her club to do a spin cycle. I also went on a hike one day and have since started running again. I even ran 3 miles before I came in for my treatment this week. My blood counts were all up and looking good. I guess the extra week between treatment helped a lot. My next treatment will be in 2.5 weeks because I wanted it moved up so I wouldn't start treatment the first week back at school. Yes, I'm going back on the 12th. Time flies by during the summer. The pictures are of our family reunion vacation in Mission Beach San Diego. There were from 17 to 21 people every night at the houses. We had a duplex on the bay side very close to the amusement part. We also had a hotel for over flow. My dad had lots of cousins, his brother and friends visit. Some nights we had 35 people for dinner! During the day we went paddle boarding, surfing, sailing, biking and walking. Lots of outside activities for sure. Last Wednesday I took a train up to Tustin from Mission Bay where I had the privilege of telling "my story" for a golf tournament fund raiser put on by the company Casey works for. They raised over $68,000 for the ACS. I was very glad to do it and Casey said it turned out well. Saturday we left for Torrance where we spent the night with my mother-in-law Peggy. Then first thing in the morning we headed back to Pleaseanton. I had to get home to rest! This week will be very busy because of the relay for life coming up and for a big wedding hosted by one of my best friends. Then on Sunday we're having Belgium friends over for lunch with lots of family to join. The pics are the fun we had at the family reunion and of my dad trying a new sport. Not bad for an 88 year old guy. You're never too old to learn new tricks! GO DAD!!!
I continue to have lots of faith knowing Iam not walking this path alone. God always shows He is with me in so many different ways. 1Thessalonians 5:16 Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. I am grateful for each and every day God gives to me. Kyle gave me a poem that I'd like to share with you. Yesterday was history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift. That's why it's called the present. So enjoy your present from God each and every day. God bless you all and thank you for all your continual love and support as I travel this journey through life.

Hi Blogger,

It's been a few weeks since my last blog. This was taken during one of my recent treatments. I am doing well because I have been blessed by so many loving friends and family who come and hang out with me during the stay. I'm also doing well because today is my first day of summer vacation from school! YEA! I was busy today doing house work, going for my weekly blood draw and having lunch with my girl friend. I haven't gotten my blood work back yet but I'm sure it's fine. It was good last week so it'll be good this week So I will have treatment on Monday and give back the pump on Wednesday. It will be interesting to see how well I do when I can rest and not have to get up early every day and go to work. This past treatment I was able to work through the bad times. It was the week before finals and I had too much going on at work to take off. This next treatment, number 6, will have to last for 4 weeks. I have to postpone my treatment in July for my family reunion. Hopefully it'll be OK. I have been feeling good and I still have some hair! God knew ahead that I'd need lots of hair so even though my hair has thinned out, no one would notice. He thinks of everything!!! I still take lots of vitamins and drink the blueberry monster drink from Odwalla that is full of B vitamins. I believe it is helping to keep my counts up and give me energy. After the 8Th treatment I will have another scan to see if the treatment is working. I am in a good place mentally because I know that God is in charge of my life. I don't worry about tomorrow because I am here enjoying today. I try to stay focused on His path and keep going forward. I still walk 3-4 miles a day and will increase the mileage now that I have more time. Thank you to all that have contributed to Relay for Life. I am truly blessed by so many loving and generous people in my life. I pray God continues to bless each and every one of you and that you see the blessing that He brings to you each day. As it says in James 4:8 "Come near to God and He will come near to you". If you look for Him, He will show you the way, the truth and the light.

There is exciting new research on the horizon for colon cancer patients. It's called personalized treatment. Treatment is tailored to an individual based on their genetic makeup. We have a gene called K-ras which is a regualtor of cell growth. If that gene has a mutated form, then it pretty much assures the patient won't respond to Erbitux. (Erbitux is a newer drug that has some not such nice side effects but is good for some patients with colon cancer. My Dr said I may have to go on it in the future.) Basicly a patient won't have to endure a drug that won't work for them. This in very important because no one wants to go on a chemo regimin only to find out it's not working a few months later. This is why research is so important. And why I am doing the relay. Everying penny donated is one step closer to finding a cure.

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeCaliforniaDivision?px=6076777&pg=personal&fr_id=9814

Hi Bloggers, The picture is of me and my very close friends having a nice lunch together. Diane, the beautiful lady on the right, is a 17 year survivor of lymphoma and a wonderful inspiration. Her faith carried her through. She was visiting from Minnesota so it was a real treat to be with her. I had my 4th treatment almost 2 weeks ago. Then on Tuesday I had a CT scan at UCSF and met with the Doctor on Wednesday. I was very lucky to get in so quickly. The results confirmed that there is a small tumor in the gut area. So surgery is out for me. Meaning that even if they removed the two tumors in the lungs it's still in my system. So chemo is the only way at this time. I will also have my treatment moved to every three weeks instead of the two because my blood counts aren't going back up soon enough. The doctor said having it every three weeks will help with that. Plus I'll have two good weeks instead of one. I'm staying on the Folfri plus Avastin for the time being. He said some people can stay on it for a year or two. Every 4th cycle, or every three months, I'll have another scan to see if the tumors continue to shrink. So far two have shrunk and one grew. The doctor said that was not normal and probably a misreading. Anyway, I feel fine this week and I'm not worried about my future. God is with me and I know He will help me through all the ups and downs in this fight. He is bigger than any cancer! I continue to walk at least 3 miles most days and still have energy for work, family and friends. I am very blessed indeed! This next week Brigitte comes home for the summer so life will get even more busy. Kyle will stay in Chico because he is doing summer school. I plan on making some trips up this summer to visit Kyle, Bonnie and Ricky. I am getting excited about the Relay for Life. There are now over 30 teams and it is such an inspiration to see so many people trying to raise money for ACS. Way too many people have been affected by cancer whether through family or friend. The more research there is the better chance of survival and better living while fighting the disease. Please visit my website if you would like to learn more. http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeCaliforniaDivision?px=6076777&pg=personal&fr_id=9814

Thank you to all who have contribute. Every penny helps in the fight against cancer. God bless you all and thank you for your continued prayers. I know God hears them because I feel them.

Isaiah 40:31 "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

I will keep my hope in the Lord because I know that earthly life is temporary but Heavenly life is eternal.

Hello Bloggers, and happy Cinco do Mayo! Notice the purple toilet?? It's from the Hikers for Hope" relay team I'm on. It's our fundraiser. We put it on your front lawn and we ask for a donation to have it removed to where ever you want in Pleasanton. It's really cute! Even the our local paper agrees. You can click this link to read about it. http://www.pleasantonweekly.com/news/show_story.php?id=608

Well, I did have the third treatment and it was like a party! I had visitors the entire time! It sure helped to pass the 4 hour drip. Then I managed to only be sick one day last week instead of the two that I have been. So maybe my body is adjusting or I'm working the drugs better. The new anti nausea med called Amend really helped. I will have one more treatment next Monday and then I'll go in to UCSF for a CT scan to see if the chemo is working. With Gods blessings and all the prayers that I have been getting, it should be working really well. Today I had CBC (complete blood count) and I guess it wasn't as bad as last time because I didn't get a call from my nurse to be extra careful at work, and to wash my hands all the time. I keep taking lots of vitamins and it seems to be working because I haven't gotten a cold or illness since Jan of 07. There is a controversy about taking vitamins during treatment. If vitamins help to strengthen your body and cells, then it could also help to strengthen the cancer cells as well. I feel that keeping my body as strong as possible will help fight the cancers, so I continue to take the vitamins and try to stay as healthy as possible. I still walk at least 3 miles a day after work and a little more on the weekends. The walking will help me when I do the relay for life in July. Please visit my team page at ://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeCaliforniaDivision?px=6076777&pg=personal&fr_id=9814 Did you know that at this point 66% of all cancer patients survive? With continued support and research that number will one day be 100%. Please help in the effort to flush away cancer.

Emotionally I am doing fine! I know that God is walking this path with me and He has continued to give me, and my family, His peace and love through this journey. He even sits with me during Chemo drip!

Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

God bless you all and thank you again for all your love and support to our family.

Hi Blogger buddies, All is well on the Brierley front. The picture is of Brigitte at her Davis VS Chico game two weeks ago. My sister Nicky took this great picture of Brigitte's goal. Can you see the ball?? This past weekend we were able to spend the weekend watching her play 3 games during champinships and celebrating Kyle's 21st birthday in Chico. I can't believe Kyle is 21! Yikes!! Anyway we had a very good weekend and God blessed me with my health. This last treatment put me in bed for 2 days, but it was Thursday and Friday so that's why I was good to go by Saturday. It seems to be a pattern that I get sick for two days sometime during the week after treatment. I'm still trying different drugs to try and help with the neasea and bowel problem associated with the chemo. Plus this last treatment dropped my overall white counts down to 2.2 (4-11 is normal) and the Neutrophils or baby whites are down to .8 (1.8-7.8 is normal) so unless my counts go back up by Monday my treatment will be posponed for a week. I will know more tomorrow when I see the doctor. I feel fine right now so it's hard to imagin I won't have treatment. This treatment has been much harder on my system than the past treatments of last year. The good news is I haven't noticed any side effects of the Avastin so far and that is good. So please pray that my counts go up and I go into remission for ever! I know that all is possible with God. I am on His path and I feel at peace knowing that He is with me every step. I have been keeping my focus on Him and His promise and that makes me feel so at peace with everything. His love and presence gives me the strength to fight this battle. So in keeping with this battle, I have join a Relay for Life team called "Hikers for Hope". The relay is July 26th 2008 in Pleasanton. Our team is focusing on colon cancer. Please visit my team page at http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeCaliforniaDivision?px=6076777&pg=personal&fr_id=9814 Any support will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you to everyone for love and support for me and my family. This verse is how I have been feeling about Jesus's promise. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be toubled, neither let it be afraid" John 14:27

Hi Bloggers, the pic is of Linda and me kayaking in Moro Bay over Easter break. My sister Lorette and husband Fritz, mother-in-law Peggy, and girl friend Linda had a great time in Cayucos. Most of us were there for a week of sunshine, relaxing, sitting on the beach and enjoying the beautiful view of the ocean every day. God blessed us with beautiful warm weather and clear blue Sky's each day. For those who know beach weather, you know that is unusual. I really needed the r&r to get ready for my first treatment that took place last Monday. The drip went well, until Tuesday when I experience lots of nausea. It lasted through the week. I also had bad bowel problems that put me in the bathroom all night last night. Today I am doing much better. Next treatment I will be better prepared for what is ahead. I have more anti nausea drugs and other drugs to combat the constipation/diarrhea caused by the chemo drugs. This is definitely not like last time in terms of how my body is handling it. One treatment down and 11 more to go. I know I'll get the hang of it and my body will settle down and get into a routine...I hope. After 4 treatments I will have a PET/CT to determine if it's working. This past treatment was called Folfiri. Next week they will add avastin (http://www.gene.com/gene/products/information/oncology/avastin/) to the mix so I'll be in the chair for about 6 hours instead of the 4.5 last week. There has been great strides in this treatment so please pray that it works for me. As for the emotional side, it's been really hard these past few weeks getting prepared for battle once again. It wasn't what I had expected, but God knew and has been there for me through my ups and downs. I know He is in control of my life and I will continue to trust Him and know He will take care of all aspects of it. In a book "Finding the Light in Cancer's Shadow", the author writes that when your back is to the sun you see your shadow and cancer's shadow. But when you turn and face the sun you don't see your shadow. So I am keeping my focus on the "Son" and not on my shadow. Keeping God in front of me helps me to follow His path. He will direct my steps. Jeremiah 29:11 says,

"For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope." My hope is in the Lord and I will pray that you all find hope in the Lord as well. As I go through these treatments please keep me in your prayers that the side effects get better and that the treatments put me in NED (no evidence of disease). God bless you all and thank you for your continued support of love prayers and cards that lift my spirit.

HI everyone, This picture is of our Easter Sunday gathering at my home. We had a great time and lots of food friends and family. Kiwi, my lab, had to stick her face right in the pic just as we had it timed to take the pic. I guess she wanted to be in the picture as well! I am currently enjoying the view of the ocean down in Cayucos CA. It's a small beach town located 6 miles north of Moro Beach right along the coast. I can see the waves and a few surfers out in the water and the sun is shining! I will be going out for a walk on the beach in a few hours. We are so blessed to be able to visit here for the entire week. It's my favorite place on earth and I will enjoy every minute here. This is my week to regroup and get ready for my next round in fighting this cancer. I had the port put back in my chest last Wednesday and on Monday I will start my treatment. I will have a drip for for about 6 hours to include Avastin, camptosar, leucovorin and 5-FU and then leave with the pump full of 5-FU. Wednesday I return to give back the pump. This regimen is called Folfire. I am scheduled to have this for 6 months. After two months I will have a CT to make sure it's working...prayers needed! I feel good and strong and I hope to continue to do my spin class during the week... With Gods blessing all will go well and I will get into remission. I can take everyting under the sun but I know my life is in Gods hands. He will guide my path as it says in Proberbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. I am not traveling this road alone and I thank God hourly for His continual presence in my life. God bless you all and thank you so much for your continual support, love and prayers. They mean so much to me. Thank you.

Good Morning, and Happy St Patty's Day tomorrow! Sorry it's been so long since I have blogged about the Pet scan. I'll get to that in a moment; but first I want to explain the picture. Casey and I had the opportunity to visit Cal Poly San Luis Obispo last weekend, company event. The picture is at the school with the flower in full bloom showing it's spring time! It is such a beautiful location. We stayed a the Cliffs Hotel in Shell beach where "Pinos of the World" wine tasting event was held. Over 100 wineries were there for us to taste. There was of food wine and sunshine and it was truly a day to remember....yes we will remember because with that much wine, it was wise to taste and spit. After the event we were whisked off in a stretch limo to Cayucos for a beautiful dinner. Best of all was the people that we got to spend the weekend with. Very nice, loving and gracious people that I hope to see again soon.
OK, as for my Pet scan, the new isn't so good. As suspected, the spot in the lung came out positive. Plus there was a second one in the left lung that lit up as did an area in the gut or intestine area. They are not 100% certain that the one in the gut area is really anything, and that is my prayer. They can cut out the spots in the lungs but not in the gut. If it proves to be in the gut, then it means that it's in my system and will continue to "pop up" else where. Then I will be on/off chemo always and they will treat it as a chronic disease. If it's in just the lungs I could still be cured by removal and chemo. But as I have learned, God has His plans for me and He already knows my path. I have to continue to trust Him and do all I can to help the doctors fight this disease. I also know that prayers are very important so I'm asking for lots of prayers that it's not in the gut and surgery can be done. So, the first step in treating me is to put back the port in my chest. That is scheduled for Wednesday March 19th. Then March 31st I start my chemo regimen for 2 months. After that I will have a Pet/Ct to determine if the drugs are helping or not. I will be on Avastin (That's the drug I initially was looking into going on and was told by UCSF not to take), 5-FU, so I'll have the pump attached to me for 3 days at a time every other week, and CPT-11. Where do they come up with these names?? I have my chemo teach class on Monday, just after Easter, where they will tell me what to expect and all the side effects that may or may not occur. I will continue to work and work out as much as I can. I really like the spin/cycle class I have joined as the pilates classes as well. I feel great and have lots of energy. Physically I know I have lots of strength to handle what they give me. I was a basket case, as my family and a few close friends know, the first few days I got the news, but then once again, God came and gave me His peace. I was vacuuming and crying when all of a sudden I felt this huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I have felt so much better and have shed very few tears since. I know that there are no guarantees in life and we just have to love each day we are given. Weather my time is going to be shorter than I had imagined or not, and only God knows that answer, I will praise God for each day I have and continue loving life. If you get a chance to visit the site called "THe Last Lecture" spoken by Randy Pousch, I highly recommend it. He is an amazingly brave person facing his cancer struggle. My very special friend who is also fighting her cancer sent me a beautiful card with a very special verse I want to share.
Isiah 41:13 For I, the Lord your God, hold your right had; it is I who say to you, Fear not, I will help you". I will continue to trust God in all ways, and I hope that if any one of you ever face hard ships, to turn to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we can imagine.

Hi Bloggers, The picture is of Brigitte(#11) playing her favorite sport, Lacrosse. We were in Santa Barbara for the weekend to watch her play. We had a great time and the weather was wonderful. Perfect for those Lacrosse players. Next weekend we head up to Davis and Sacrament to watch Kyle play rugby and Brig play lacrosse. Casey and I thought we were done with sports when Brigitte graduated from high school. Boy were we wrong! It's fun though so we don't mind. Today I had my appointment in San Francisco to review my last scan. The small spot they saw in the liver has not changed and neither has the spot they saw in one lung. Praise the Lord!!! They did however see another spot of concern in the lower right lung so the doctor wants me to have a PET scan to see if the spot has any activity. If it comes out positive then he will cut it out and I'll go back on chemo. If negitive then I just continue with quartly CT scans. I will have the PET scan next wednesday but I won't have results for a week or two after. The doctor is really booked up. I am not worried though because I know that God is going to take care of me. He has not let me down yet and I know He won't. His peace and love through all this has been amazing! I am so blessed. I do pray that when and if any of you find yourself needing peace and hope that you will turn to God. He is there waiting for you with open arms.

John 14:1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God trust also in me." Jesus tells us to trust Him and so I do. I will trust Him forever.

Happy 2008 Blogger Buddies! It's been over a month since I have blogged and since I have had any medical test done. WOW!!! It's been a wonderful break for sure. Christmas was fun and very hectic as usual. Bonnie and Ricky moved in for 1 week during the Christmas break. With Brigitte and Kyle staying here, Sean popping in most days, the newlyweds and their animals, it was a busy and crowded place, but filled with laughter, love and entertainment. What a blessing to have such a wonderful group of young adults around. Casey and I enjoyed it very much. Just after Christmas, Bonnie and Ricky moved to Chico where Ricky will finish his degree in Construction Management along side Kyle. Bonnie, with her new degree in hand, is out looking for the right job to support the new household. Brigitte stayed here until last Saturday and Kyle stayed only one week during the break, and one week in Tahoe to enjoy the huge storm. Both have commitments back in Chico now for Lacrosse and Rugby even though school doesn't start until the 28th. Last Saturday Casey and I got to watch our first Rugby game. It's a very rough game and I have no idea why anyone would want to play it let alone like it!!! They just slam on each other trying to get a fat looking football across a goal. I just hope Kyle's knee holds up.

As for me, I'm feeling fine. I have joined the local health club and am doing Pilate's. It is great for my back and my stiffness that seems to be ever present. The first week in Feb I go in for my next CT scan and then I'll get the results on the 20th. With Gods continued blessing, I will be fine. I have been taking 1000IU of vitamin D, cod liver oil, baby aspirin, multi vitamin, and a combo of A, C and E as well. There has been many studies to show the benefits of A, C and E to help ward off reoccurrence. I feel great and have yet to get a cold or flu even though my white count is still in the 2 range; 4-11 is average.

I hope and pray everyone had a happy Christmas and fun fulled new year. God bless you all in 2008. May He keep you healthy, happy and close to Him.

Numbers 6:24 The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."

Merry Christmas Blogger Buddies!!! The last few weeks have been busy as usual. Last weekend we had the great pleasure of watching Bonnie graduate from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo! Yea! One down three to go!! She is now up in Chico searching for an apartment and a job. She and her new husband Ricky, plan to move there in January. Ricky will be attending Chico for Construction Management, the same as Kyle. They'll be taking classes together. Life sure does have strange twists. Last week I had my 3 month Ct scan and this week I had an appointment with the Doctor at UCSF because he wanted to check me and let me know that there are some findings or concerns from the CT. They have noted some "spots" in the lung and liver. Too small to know what they are but are still concerned. It may be nothing or it may be the cancer coming back. So he recommends I have a follow up CT scan in 8 weeks to see if there is more growth. I feel fine, my nodes are clear, not swollen, I'm not sick or tired and my CEA levels are normal. So I keep praying that it's just the nature of CT scans. There are quiet a few mis-diagnoses with CT scans, and that's why they don't recommend routine scans for just anyone. I think part of a cancer battle is the ups and downs that go with it. I'll probably have many more scares in my future but as long as I have God and my faith I know I can handle it. At this point, I feel I have the advantage of being able to appreciate each day in ways others don't, because I know my life is in a precarious situation. My plan at this point is to enjoy the Christmas, the kids, and all the activities during this season. As it says in Luke 12:22-23 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear; Life is more than food and the body more than cloths. Luke 12:25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Luke12:33 But seek his kingdom and all things will be given to you as well." So I will not worry about something I can not change, but I will pray instead because He does listen to all our prayers. Have a wonderful Christmas and may you all feel His love, peace and presence in your life. God bless you and have a happy and HEALTHY New Year!

Good morning bloggers,
How was every ones Thanksgiving? Our family traveled to La Quinta for the annual Brierley and family Thanksgiving gathering and golf tournament. Since Kyle and Brigitte had the entire week off, we started the break by going to visit Casey's mom in Torrance. then on Wednesday, we headed to La Quinta where we met up with Bonnie and Ricky until Saturday. Sean missed the family dinner because he went to Georgia for a week visiting. We had a great time seeing the extended families and doing lots of eating!! Today I go in for my 3 month CT scan at UCSF. I'm awake very early this morning because I have to take prednisone which is a steroid, the night before the test due to my allergy, and steroids tend to keep you awake. I will have the result next week, and with Gods grace I plan on it all being clear. Please put me in your prayer that all goes well. I'll let you all know the results of the CT scan when I get them. This past month I had my colonoscopy and everything came out clear. No more polyps. Praise the Lord! Then two weeks ago, the surgeon did another scope in his office to see the scar tissue and he said all looked good. I really do feel fine I know I am very blessed to be doing so well. I keep walking in the evenings, but I haven't gotten back to walking in the morning; Too cold at 6am! I had my CEA tumor marker blood test done and all is in the normal range. It never went out of the normal range (0-3) even when I had the tumor before any treatment, but they still want to check it every 6 months or so. My white cell count is still as low as it was when I was in treatment. It hasn't risen yet,...I'm at 2.2 where 4-10 is normal. They are watching that closer now. Hopefully it will start to rise soon. When your white count is down, you are way more susceptible to infections and getting sick so I went and got my flu shot and am trying to be more careful. So far so good. Next week Bonnie graduates from Cal Poly! What blessing!!! This month will be crazy at the Brierley house! Bonnie and Ricky will probably be moving up to Pleasanton for a few weeks until they find lodging in Chico. They have to find it in January because Chico State starts for Ricky the 28th of January. Bonnie is trying to find employment in the Chico area, so please keep these guys in your prayers so that they find living arrangements and she finds a job. God bless you all and stay happy, healthy and appreciative of all you have!
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
I do have my faith that God is with me and helping me through my "life experience". I pray you come to know and have the same faith so when you have "life experiences" you too will have the same peace Knowing that God is with you.

Happy Halloween everyone!!!! Did we all get enough candy?? I know I did... All is very well with me these days. I am working full time and doing fine except for the fact that I have so much less time to play! It's amazing how the body can heal from so much trama. I really feel my energy is pretty good, almost up to normal and that is great. Next week I start my round of doctor appts again. I have an appt with my surgeon, oncologist, dentist, dermatologist and my next CT scan. Might as well get it all done with in a month and then be free to enjoy Christmas. This picture is of Casey on our hike through the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon. We took a trip to Utah last weekend for our 29th Anniversary. We had a nice quick 3 day weekend to celebrate. We visited Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park. If you ever get a chance to visit, do it. The geology is amazing and the colors are incredible.
OK, if your getting close to having your colon checked, here is a quick explanation of treatments:
Digital rectal exam. This exam is quick, little prep if any but can only find tumors within reach. Fecal occult blood test. This is just as it says, a blood test to detect blood in the stools. Flexible sigmoidoscopy examines the lower half of the colon with a flexible lighted tube. It's accurate for the first half of the colon and if anything is found then you would need a full scope and the prep is the same as for a full scope. X-ray with barium enema. This one requires fasting and purging and it's most unpleasant in my opinion. X-rays are taken while barium is injected into your colon, while you are wide awake. And the colonoscopy which is considered the gold star of test for colon cancer and polyps. Finally the virtual colonoscopy. The colon is visualized by a CT after the colon is inflated with air. No sedation needed and it's less invasive. You still
have to clean out and if anything is found, then you will need a colonoscopy. Now, go get your test!!!! I am officially empty nest now. Sean moved out two weeks ago so now I have empty rooms. If anyone is coming up this way, I have room! Please keep me in your prayers as I go for my Ct this month (Nov 29th). I am cancer free and I pray that I stay that way forever! Thank you again for all the love, support and encouragement and especially prayers.
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Hello to Bloggerland,
These past few weeks have flown by. I am working full time at Foothill, and yes, I have my old job back, and I love it. I sure did miss everyone at school. Brigitte is starting to adjust to dorm life. She called ever night for the first few weeks in tears! She didn't want to be there and she was terribly homesick. But now, she is doing better since fall ball for Lacrosse has started, and she has met some new people. She also went to Campus Crusades and seems to like that as well. As for the door food, she is learning what to stay away from. Kyle is doing fine socially and is working hard with his classes. He is really staying focused on school. What a change!!! Yea! This past weekend I was in Tahoe for my cousin Laurie's wedding. It was held at the same place as Bonnie's 7 weeks ago. We had a wonderful time and it is always nice to visit with family. The pic is of my 87 year old father and my two sisters. I have a brother but the pic I took with all of us didn't turn out.
This Wednesday I will have my colonoscopy at John Muir. I have to take the 30 pills on Tuesday evening to clean out, Oh Joy!! I'm not looking forward to the prep because my intestines are so sensitive to what I eat, but I'm not worried about the results. There may find some more p0lyps but I'm sure they wont' find anything else. The CT's have all been clear, praise the LORD! I get to have an anesthesiologists to put me out completely and that I'm very grateful for. I expect to be back to work on Thursday. I don't have my next CT until November, the week after Thanksgiving. I have been feeling good, a little neuropathy in the feet lingers but I think it will go away at some point. I still walk my 3 miles most days, and I even walked one morning before and after work, but I was wiped out by evening. So I'll stick to once a day until all my energy returns. It's been great being back in my old life, but I do miss parts of the life I was in last year. There were so many good things that came out of my cancer that I find myself reflecting back on so many special moments. I don't miss the chemo treatments, radiation or surgeries, but I do miss the staff at the doctors and all the wonderful people that I was in contact with. I also miss the times I had walking and sharing with my close friends. I especially miss the time I spent walking and singing my praise songs and praying to God. He was and is with me on this journey every step of the way. I know I can walk, share and sing praise songs, but I just don't have as much time to do it now that I am working again. I will have to learn to prioritize!
Thank you blogger buddies for joining me on this journey; for all the encouragement, love, gifts and prayers you have poured out on me. I have been so blessed by each and everyone of you.
Psalms 13:5-6 But I have trusted in Thy lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.
He truly has been wonderful to me!