Happy Anniversary to me!!! It's been 3 years (August 24th) since my diagnose!!! Time sure does fly when you're having fun!! I have been doing good these past 8 months on the maintenance regimen of Avastin and Xeloda. In fact I was even able to do a little traveling. Casey and I along with my sister, her son and friend went to Costa Rica in July for a week. What a great time! We stayed one night in Heredia which is just outside of San Jose, the capital. My nephew did a Spanish Immersion program there for 4 weeks, so we got to visit him for a day. They off to Arenal the volcano area where we walked through the jungle/rain forest and almost stepped on a snake. Then two nights in the rainforest's of Monteverde (The video is of Casey doing zip lining across the rain forest canopy), and three nights in Montezuma where we hiked up to a beautiful waterfall, watched the Howler monkeys (they woke us up each morning), swam in the beaches and even rode ATV's through the jungle. We ended our trip in Manuel Antonio which is a reserve for the multiple of animals and wildlife. I even video taped a sloth! We had a great trip and I was so blessed to not get sick or have any other problems. We came home the same day Kyle and Sean did from their 6 week trip to Europe. They traveled to 11 different countries and had a great experience. We've enjoyed seeing the pictures of their adventures and swapping stories. The next weekend was the Relay for Life. Thank you so much to everyone that contributed. Our team raised almost $6,000. The last weekend of July we had two more weddings. I can definitely say I have been living life to the fullest with Gods blessings! I have my next CT lined up for October. My life is lived in three month increments and that is fine with me. It really makes me appreciate each day, and hold on to the hope and peace that God gives me. I continue to feel His presence in my everyday life. As for my dad; he made it to both weddings as he had prayed for. It surprised all of us including the doctors at how well he did for both weddings. I think he's the cat with more than 9 lives! Thank you for all your continued prayers, love and support. I have been truly blessed through this journey. This disease gives me the ability to enjoy life through a magnifying glass. I hope that all you bloggers learn to enjoy your life in the same way. Don't wait until "tomorrow" but live today and each day that you are blessed with. Psalm 143:Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; let the good spirit lead me. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8. Yes, it is true that adversity can bring you strength and courage but only God can give you the peace that comes just by asking. He is there for you if you ask Him to be.

Hi blogger buddies, I hope everyone is staying cool through this heat spell. Casey and I were able to get away from the hear for a night in Tiberon on Sunday. It's a great deal right now. $109+tax for the Lodge at Tiberon plus on Sunday it's happy hour all day long so we had a beer, appetizer, dinner and dessert for less than $30. Great deal! Then on Monday morning we walked across the Golden Gate Bridge. One of the "must do's" on my list. It's 1.7 miles each way. Great walk but it's windy!!! The other pic is of my father at my nieces wedding. Yes, he made it to the wedding and he's still doing really well. I know he'll make it to the next nieces' wedding July 31st. The docs thought he was a goner but they don't know my dad! He's the cat with more than 9 lives. On Monday afternoon I went for the result of the CT I had last week. The results say ill-defined right subdiaphragmatic nodule is unchanged from prior ct. Which means the tumor they saw on the Ct last month is the same and actually decreased from a scan a year ago. They did say that an area in the mesenteric soft tissue appears more conspicuous. That means to wait and see because it could be just positioning of the body. The lung area shows a very slight increase (.2ml) so the dr said it could be just the cut of the slide. It's way too small to confirm any real growth. The results also say that there are some groundglass nodule that are more conspicuous (the tech likes that word!) that on prior Ct. Overall the my onc says to wait and see. Nothing jumped out at him as to change what I'm doing. So in 3 more months I'll have another Ct and we'll go from there. These test can sure make a person feel insecure, frightened or lose hope, but I feel optimistic and hopeful instead. First, I know God is watching me and taking care of me so no need to worry. Plus it makes me enjoy each day, appreciate each moment and not worry about the small stuff. Not only that, it's really easy now to ask for stuff from Casey, such as I want to redo my house, no problem! If I want to go on a trip, no problem, want new cloths, fine, etc... Cancer does have it's benefits! So, in July Casey and I are headed to Costa Rica for a week with my sister to visit her son who is doing a Spanish Immersion program in Heredia. As soon as I get back, the next weekend is the Relay for life. I will be very busy with my team. It's a great cause because one of the many things they do is fund research. There is a new drug that just came up in trials and I may be using it one day. So thank you everyone who has donated to helping find a cure. It is so important that we find a cure asap for everyone because unfortunately, many of your bloggers will be in my shoes one day. If you would like to donate, my Relay site is click here. Together we CAN make a difference.

I know that I am on a path and God is leading the way. I continue to trust Him and know that in every way He will take care of my family and me. Ephesians 3:16-19 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strenghten you with power through his Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. This is what continues to give me hope. Knowing that God loves me so deeply, as he loves us all and that He dwells in our hearts through our faith.

Have a great summer and if there is more news I'll let you know! Thank you for all your love and support. Stay safe and wear sunscreen!

Hi Everyone, I hope all the mothers out there had a wonderful day yesterday. I was in LA area for a wedding over the weekend so I spent the time with Casey's family. This was the first Mother's Day that I didn't see any of my own kids. So I got to see my nephews instead and that was good. One pic is what my kids gave to me yesterday. The numbers correspond with when they came into the family. The other pics are when I took Brigitte to Disneyland for her birthday in April with Bonnie and Ricky. I was very surprised to learn that over 600 people a day go to Disneyland for free on their B-day. It makes you realize you aren't as special as you thought knowing how many people share your day! I am doing really good these days. I have had two drips and two rounds of the Xeloda pills in the last month and no blisters so far! My feet have healed and they are very soft now with no callouses. They are also tender but I'm sure they will toughen up as time goes by. I've been having lots stiffness and pain in my shoulders though. I thought I was getting a tumor in my bones or soft tissue but the dr told me that this type of cancer doesn't travel there and it's arthritis that is causing the pain. I have since read up that many people do develop arthritis and joint issues after the treatment. I hope it goes away in time but who knows? Some days it's ok and other nights it keeps me awake. The dr gave me muscle relaxation drugs but that didn't help it much. I know there are other drugs out there that work better so I'll try those. Honestly though, I can't complain. Life has been good. Since I no longer work, my counts have been in the normal range. It's amazing to me that even though I loved my job, it was hard on my body. The extra rest I get now really helps. My next scan is June 22nd with lots of blood test. So please keep me in your prayers for a clear test. It'll be three years this August from when I was first diagnosed. There have been many ups and downs along the way, mostly ups thank God. However, there are times when I do feel sad, down or just discouraged, especially when I've had a bad day with joint, bowel or feet issues. Then almost immediately God brings someone into my life to show me how much worse it is for others and I realize how lucky I am. About the same time I'm feeling low, someone sends me a card or gift out of the blue, and once again I feel so blessed. I'm blessed just to be able to write in this blog! I don't know how people know just when I need encouraging words, creams for my feet or love for my soul, but they do. It's very obvious to me that God does his work through people many times even if they don't know it. It's reassuring to me knowing that I'm never alone in this battle. As for my father and his health issues. He is definitely not doing dialysis. He says when his time comes then that is fine. He has a peace about living and about dying. He loves living and is very aware of everything around him but he is also at peace with his decision about no dialysis. So at this point the drs try to monitor his kidneys with meds as best they can. We know that his time is limited, but then we all have a limited time here on earth. That is why God says to be ready at all times because you never know when Christ will come again to take us home.

Matthew 24:42 and 44 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. This not only tells us to be ready for Him, but to also live life to the fullest each and every day because each day we have is a true blessing. Enjoy this month and all the weddings, graduations, births, celebrations or just life. God bless you all and thank you for your love.

Hi blogger Buddies,
All is well in the Brierley camp today. Casey and I just got back from a 10 day trip to Hawaii. We had 6 wonderful days on the north shore at Turtle Bay. (Pic of Casey and I on the rocks) I think it was the first time I went on a vacation with Casey where we relaxed! We spent time on the beaches, read books, walked a lot, and just hung out. It was amazing. Casey's idea of a vacation is to get up early and hit the road until night. So this was a big change for him and it was great! After 6 days we went to Waikiki beach where we watched the surfers and I hiked up Diamond Head while Casey was in meetings. Yes, part of the trip was work related for Casey. The right pic is from the top of Diamond Head and the video below is from the hotel balcony.
My feet are still a little sensitive but that's because they completely peeled, and are continuing to peel as I write. At least I don't have any blisters now. I just started taking the Xeloda chemo pills again on Monday so I'll have to wait and see if I get the blisters again. The plan is to take 6 pills a day for one week and then have two weeks off. Hopefully this will cut down on the side effects I'm still on the Avastin drip, through the port, every three weeks. All this is to hopefully keep me in NED as long as possible. They do blood test every time I have treatment and this time my white count was in the normal range. I haven't had a normal reading since I had radiation back in 2006. This was truly a surprise and a blessing. My guess is it's due to the rest I got on vacation and because God is watching out for me. (As I'm typing my cat Simon is snoring away!) Anyway, I'll have another CT in about 3 months and will continue on this regime until??? Please keep the prayers coming because I know they are being answered. Also, please add my dad to your prayers. His health is declining as are his kidneys. He is at the point that he must start dialysis asap, or let mother nature takes it's course. It's a hard decision and one that many of us will one day have to face. I just pray that God gives him the peace and wisdom to do what is best for him. God bless you all and I hope you have a very Happy Easter knowing and accepting what Jesus did for us on that very special day so many years ago. 1 John 4:9-10 This is how God showed his love among us; He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love; not that we loved God, but that he love us and sent his son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Hi Blogger Buddies and happy day today! I am doing well. I was in the city on Monday for a CT and then spent the remainder of the day sight seeing with Brigitte. The pic is of Brig on the trolley car that we took to Fisherman's wharf. We shopped at Union square, ate lunch and rode the trolley. We had a great day. Then today I went back for the results and all is good. No change, no growth, all is stable. I'm going to cut down on my chemo pills to one week on the pills and two weeks off. This is because the pills caused me to have so many blisters and burned feet that I was having a hard time walking at all. My hands were burned as well and now they are peeling. I'll stay on the Avastin every three weeks as planned. I continue to go to the gym and I have even been able to start walking my dog again since being off the chemo. I'll start back on the pills again in April and hopefully the lesser dose will be easier on my feet and hands. Last month I purchased a juicer. I actually don't' mind drinking carrot juice now and I'm having fun experimenting with different flavors. Juicing is good for me because I get the vitamins without the fiber. Plus I continue to take about 11 vitamins to keep me strong. So life is good and I Praise God for each day I have! After my dr apt today Casey, Brigitte and I went to see the play "Wicked". Casey read in the paper that you can purchase tickets for $25 if you show up 2.5 hours before the performance. You put your name in a raffle and if they call your name you can buy the tickets. It was amazing! Another wonderful day in the city. I left feeling very blessed to have such good news and the opportunity to see a wonderful play. Another Cancer blessing is that it has taught me never to take a single day for granted and I don't. On another note, these past few weeks have been rough because Cindy, a very close friend of mine, was called home to Heaven. She had been dx two months before me so we supported each other through many rounds of chemo, scans and emotions. She was in my bible study and was one of my sisters in Christ. She will be very missed but I know that she is very happy and free of cancer now. Our relay team this year is in memory of Cindy and for those I know personally that are in the battle right now. If you feel like coming out to walk during the relay, or would like to join the team, I would love to have you. And above all, donations are always welcome. The money that is being raised now may one day save your own life. The ACS supports research and that is how we will one day win the fight against cancer for all. Below is my link for relay. Thank you so much for all your love, prayers and encouragement throughout my journey. Studies have shown that people that have a strong support network, a strong faith and people who pray for them do live longer and better. So thank you for helping me to live strong! I will end here with the last verse I read to Cindy the week before she passed. John 14:1-4 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am . You know the way to the place where I am going." Cindy and I had talked about Heaven and what it will be like. We both had a sense of peace knowing that there is more than just this life here. She will continue to live in my memory until we meet again in our new home with Christ.
Relay for Life:
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY09CA?px=9374997&pg=personal&fr_id=13833

Hi blogger buddies,
It seems a long time since I last posted. First pic is of my sister and me on the pier in Santa Barbara last weekend. Brigitte had a turnament so I went to watch. Then the next is of Brigitte making a shot. Notice the ball just leaving her stick and heading into the net? The last pic is of Brigitte and one of her teammates Megan at a recent lacrosse tournament at Berkeley. Aren't they cute! Casey and I thought we were done with all the sports games after Brigitte graduated from high school, but it continues on and on ..... We love it still! I finally got the results of my colonoscopy and all was clear. A biopsy had been taken because the dr had seen some irritation at the site of the incision but all was clear and no polyps. YEA! I am now on a maintenance regimen of Xeloda and Avastin. It's been going well except for the blisters on my feet. The first few weeks had me limping and not able to walk with my dog Kiwi. Thank God for my wonderful neighbors who continually take Kiwi for walks when I can't. Anyway, I have now joined a gym so I can try to swim and do stretch classes. The chemo caused my joints to become very stiff and sore. I've been taking Yin Yoga and it really helps. My body seems to have adjusted somewhat to the new chemo because I can take a walk once in awhile with my dog as long as I don't push it. My hands are also effected but no blisters so far and that I'm am grateful for. I have my next CT in March so please keep those prayers coming that all is clear and the chemo is working. The next big event in my life has been me going out on disability (private insurance) from work. I have noticed over the last few months that my energy isn't quite up to where it had been, plus the problems I continue to have with the blisters has caused me to re-evaluate my situation. I had been encouraged by my drs to consider it. I know I can take better care of myself and keep up my strength when not working so once again I am not working at school, but working on my health. I can't be of any help to anyone if I can't take care of myself. Plus the possibility of me getting sick was pretty high considering I was at a school working on lots of computers. It was a very hard decision to make but I know it was the right one. In a way I have felt like I was stepping into the abiss with my life and direction. But I also know that God is helping along this new path and new focus. So part of my new focus (aside from my health) is the Relay for Life once again. This time as a team captain. The team is called Hope West Coast. If you are in the Pleasanton area and would like to join, I would consider it a privlidge to walk with you. Here is the info and web site http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=13833
I will keep you all updated on my next Ct scan March 18th and also on my relay team. God bless you all and thank you for your continued prayers. I feel them and I know that God is watching over me daily. Isaiah 12:2 "Behold, God is my salvation , I will trust and not be afraid; For the Lord God is my strenght and song. And He has become my salvation." God is my salvaton and my hope for tomorrow and He will be yours too if you let Him.

Hello Blogger Buddies, and happy 2009! Christmas went by very fast, as expected, and all the kids and animals have gone back to school. Life is somewhat back to normal. This weekend Casey and I were able to take some time to visit some good friends up by Bodega Bay. They have a nice trailer for mini vacations so we joined them for one night. The weather was amazing for January and it was a lot of fun visiting with them. We are blessed to have such great friends. On our way back down the coast we visited the Marin Headlands. I am doing really well these days. I switched to a new regimen for treatment. It consists of a 30 minute drip of Avastin every three weeks along with Xeloda. Xeloda is 5-FU (which I was getting in a pump through IV) in a pill form. I take 6 Xeloda pills a day for two weeks straight and then one week off. This is a maintenance regimen the dr wants me on, but I don't know for how long. I suspect about a year but no one said that. So far I haven't notice any real side effects and I am very grateful for that. I hope it continues this way. I have another colonoscopy on the 28th of January for a routine scope, so please pray that all is well. I am continuing to take lots of vitamins and I have been starting up at the gym again. I feel so blessed to be able to enjoy each day when so many can not. My blood levels are all doing well and even going up which is truly a blessing. I had to have some extra blood work done because the Dr thought I might be getting low level hepatitis from all the drugs. Well that test came out clear, YEA! My liver is holding up. Your prayers, love and encouragement are what keeps me going. Thank you and God bless you all in 2009. Remember that even though there are a lot of negative things happening in 2009 with our economy, remember that God is always there and He will help you through what ever happens. He is my rock and can be yours as well. Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer, my God is my rock in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Merry Christmas blogger buddies!

This pic is from last week when I got be a sub at my friend Robins' bunko Christmas party. I've been subbing at her party for many years and have enjoyed these wonderful women since all our kids were in elementry school together.

Yesterday I went to UCSF to see my Oncologist. My doctor said that since everything they had been looking at, in both the stomach area and lung, was too small to do anything about, I should just go on modified treatment. He even went so far as to say that they couldn't say for sure what it was any more. I told him I wanted to go into NED (no evidence of disease) and I'd do what I needed to get there. He said I was just about there and that he questions if there truly is a complete NED anyway...The modified chemo includes a drug called Xeloda. It's the pill form of 5-FU. 5-FU was the chemo that I carried in a pump for three days at a time. Now I'll be taking the pills for two weeks on and one week off with Avastin once every three weeks. I have to watch closely for side effects on the Xeloda because it can be more toxic on some people. The reason it can be more toxic is because when you take a pill it has to go through your stomach, intestines and liver before it really gets into the blood stream. By this time it's hard to monitor just how much is getting into your system and how much was broken down. Women, for some unknown reason, metabolize it a little different and can have more severe side effects than men. I just have to watch and wait. I'll do this for three months and then do another check. Before I begin the regimen, I have to get my teeth cleaned since I couldn't while I was on the Avastin. Then I also have to have another colonoscopy..routine. I'm supposed to have one every year but since I was in treatment I couldn't have one. But I can now..YEA!! Anyway, I do have a lot be be grateful for. I feel so blessed to be able to enjoy my Christmas so much, while I'm feeling really good. After our appointment with the doctor, Casey, Brigitte and I went to China Town and found the Fortune Cookie factory...yes, we purchased a few bags. Then Casey was on a mission to find a recommend bakery that makes egg custards. They were hot out of the oven and very tasty. Next we met up with Ricky, my son -in-law, and went to the Oriental Pearl restaurant for dinner. It was mentioned by Rachel Ray for great dim sun food. It was very good, but the dim sun is only served at lunch so we missed that, but the peking duck was amazing! We finished the night off with going to the oldest bakery in San Francisco and purchasing a Chinese donut...not so good to me but I did bring home a few BBQ pork buns. They are great! All in all we had a wonderful day/evening in the city. Merry Christmas to all of you and I pray that all you wonderful people make every day count. Appreciate every moment and take from it everything that you possibly can, for you can not repeat it and tomorrow is not promised, only eternity is promised to those who believe in our Lord and savior. I have posted this verse before and it's worth repeting and memorizing as it is considered the heart of the bible. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

Good morning and happy Christmas season! Last Tuesday I had my dr apt in San Francisco so Casey and I decided to spend the entire day there. We went to the new Natural History Museum and it was great! The pic is of Casey on the "green roof". It was a very interesting and fun day. The second pic is of Kyle. He fell asleep at the dinner table one night during the Thanksgiving break, so Sean covered him with flour. Lesson not to fall asleep with an older brother near by! The dr apt in the city was with the thoracic surgeon. He pretty much said the same thing as the liver/gut surgeon. There was really not much to look at. Way too small to get anything and the uptake from the PET was so low it didn't indicate much activity. So no surgery for now. I feel so blessed to have such good readings from the PET, to have great doctors to take care of me and to have all the love and support keeping me up. As I have said before, there are some blessings with cancer. I have a follow up in a few weeks with my dr at UCSF to discuss what to do next...maybe go on a chemo break and just take Avastin?? I am looking forward to a great Christmas and a very happy and healthy new 2009! God bless each and every one of you and thank you so much for all the prayers. They truly help me. As stated in Matthew 21:22 All things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive. Merry Christmas and please have a happy, healthy and safe 2009! This is my prayer for all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.

Happy season everyone! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and remembered to say "thanks"! I had a wonderful time with my kids and so many family and friends. I did lots of cooking and hanging with the kids. I even played football at our annual game. It was a blast and no one got hurt! Some of the "old"guys (and not so old guys) had to take Advil for a few days after! They take the game very seriously and play way too hard! But we all had a great time and had plenty of food to eat after. On Sunday, all the kids had gone back to school and Casey and I got the house back. It's always nice to have them around, but also nice when they leave and I can get the house back in shape. We do miss them though. Monday I was able to get the results of the last PET scan. I was told that there were no surprises and they would refer me to a liver/gut surgeon. On Tuesday I got a call from UCSF and they scheduled me to see Dr Warren on Wednesday at 9am. So Casey and I drove to SF this morning in very thick fog. It took almost 2 hours. This doctor told us that he wouldn't recommend any surgery on the liver or gut area at this time because the spots that are there are way too small to find. He had spent 45 minutes on the phone with the radiologist asking exactly what is showing. He said the radiologist was going to go over it again and circle the area. There was little uptake of the glucose dye so that indicates the tumors are not strong and active. When a tumor is strong and active it glows on the PET, and this didn't happen. Then he suggested I talk to the lung specialist because he wasn't at all sure what he was looking at in the lung. He suggested it looked more the shape of a lung cancer but said that would be very rare to get that disease while I'm fighting another disease. He thought maybe a biopsy since even that tiny spot (which is see able and reachable) had little uptake as well. So next Tuesday I have another apt in the city with the Thoracic surgeon. Then once that is done, all three doctors will review my file and determine the next step. He said it looks like I am responding very well to the treatment I'm and to stay with that for now. So today I had #13 chemo treatment of Folfiri without the Avastin. They don't want the Avastin in my system if I do go in for any surgery. I'm doing ok with this treatment. I managed to walk my 3.5 miles when I got home from treatment, but now I'm pretty tired. I continue to know and trust God in everything. I'm trying to follow His path no matter where it takes me and to keep trusting in Him. The doctors may be confused and not sure what they are seeing, but I know God is not confused and knows exactly the next step ahead. Thank you for all your continued prayers. I am so blessed by all of your blogger buddies. This verse struck me because you don't always see a clear path but He is always leading if you let him. Psalm77:19 "Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty water, though your footprints were not seen" . That is faith, to follow without seeing the footprints. God bless you all as you prepare for this holiday season.

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.