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!

Hello Bloggers,
Life has been extremely busy and full of living. I have to put up one more wedding picture because it was such a beautiful day in South Lake Tahoe. I just got my CT results from last week back today, and all is well. The report states that there is no evidence of metastatic disease or local recurrence in the abdomen or pelvis, and the lungs and liver are as before with no change and clear, so everything is fine and I'm good for another 3 months!!! I even went back to work full time !!! God has been so good to me. He has been answering so many prayers. Thank you to all who have prayed for me, encouraged me and helped me through this past year. Yes, it's been one year. Tomorrow is my 1 year anniversary of diagnose, and Monday the 27th, is the day when God gave me the peace to handle my path and said He would be there for me and take care of my family and me. That is the day and moment that stands most clearly in my mind. I still feel His presence and His peace. I know I should not worry about tomorrow or all the other CTs that I will have because my life is in His hands. I have learned and gained so much this past year. More blessing than I could count! I also now take one baby aspirin a day which is supposed to help ward off recurrence of colorectal cancer. Plus there are studies that indicate that red meat raises the risk of colorectal cancer. So no more red meat for me, or at least very little. But, I can have margaritas!!! Yesterday, I took Kyle and Brigitte to Chico. It was a sad day saying goodbye to the kids, but fun in meeting Brigittes' roommate and setting up her door room. Kyle was easy to set up since he's been moving in all summer long in his apartment. Brigitte was harder since she was upset when it came time to say goodbye. I am now and empty nester except for Sean who I see once or twice a week. He's still looking for an apartment but it's really expensive and hard to find. I am looking forward to having a quiet and peaceful fall season. It's been way too busy these past few months. Next week I get to meet the doctor who will do my next colonoscopy in September. Yep! It's that time again. Even though I just had a CT, I still have to have the colonscopy every year. If any of you out there are holding off for your test, please make the call and get scoped. It's not that bad, and it is WAY worth it. Remember, colon cancer is 90% preventable. Just get the test, and a sigmoidoscopy doesn't count. You have to have the full scope.
God bless you all and I'll keep you posted as things happen....which seems to happen more often than not!
Psalm 29:4 The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. He sure did bless my family and me with his peace, and he will bless you if you ask.

Hi Bloggers,
I'm finally back from Bonnie's wedding and my father-in-laws funeral. The wedding went really well, and I have to thank my sisters and friends for pitching in to decorate the tables and set the beautiful flowers at the last minute. My sister Lorette and my niece Rachel, did all the flowers as well as the bouquets and table decorations, and they looked amazing. We couldn't get in to decorate the room until one hour before the wedding so it was a scramble. I was with Bonnie getting her ready at my uncles house in the Keys, so I couldn't help out. They did a great job and with the weather so nice it was beautiful! The early evening wedding was on the beach at Zepher Cove so we got to watch the sun set while dining and dancing. Bonnie made a beautiful bride and they both looked so happy. They are currently on their honeymoon in Costa Rica and will return This Saturday. We stayed up in Tahoe until Wednesday with my family then we went home to unpack, and repack for the trip to LA on Thursday morning. Friday was the funeral and Saturday was the internment. It was a warm and loving time and the whole family came together to celebrate Fred's life. Casey and the kids left on Sunday and I stayed with my mother-in-law until Thursday. Please keep her in your prayers because it will take some time for her to adjust to her new life. She was married to Fred for 62 years.
As for me, I'm doing better all the time. I was worried about how I would do at the wedding, but with all the help from everyone, I was fine and danced up a storm! I didn't walk for two weeks and I think that really helped me heal better. I believe I was over doing it with walking because I always felt swollen and had a lot of pressure. But after taking a two week break from walking, the swelling and pressure has gone way down. I'm back to walking again but not everyday. One day on and one day off so far. Monday I have my post op with my surgeon and he will determine if I'm ready for work starting on Tuesday the 14th. On the 16th I have a Ct at UCSF. It's been 3 months already since my last one. Time sure does go by fast. Please keep me in your prayers that all goes well. I know I'm in Gods hands and He is directing my path, and I also know he listens to our prayers. So please pray that I continue to be cancer free and that He gives me the strength and peace to handle what comes my way. My sister sent me this verse and it really helps me to know He watches over me and He loves me as His child.
"The Lord your God is with your, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zep 3:17

HI friends and family,
Just a quick note to let you know that Casey's father went home to the Lord yesterday morning. The service will be next Friday after Bonnie's wedding weekend. Casey spent Monday night with his dad in the hospital until Duffy came in around 5am on Tuesday so Casey could go to his mom's home to sleep. Fred passed peacefully with Kathy and Duffy, (Casey's sister and brother) by his side. It's been a very long and hard past two weeks for the family but they are all doing as well as can be expected. The family has been with Grandma the entire time. The pics are of Fred and Peggy dancing at Duffy's wedding last September and the of Fred with Bonnie and Brigitte playing around. He was a wonderful grandfather and we all loved him very much.
Lorette and I are headed up to Tahoe today to finish last minute plans for the wedding. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers. It seems we are in constant need of prayers lately. As for me, I am doing a little better each day. I think it will be a long process to get my body working up to speed, but I know I'll get there.
John 14:2-4 In my Father's house are many rooms, if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself that where I am there you may be also. So God came and took Fred to his new Heavenly home.

Good evening Bloggers! I have good news and not such good news, not about me. The sad news is Casey's father Fred, is in the hospital fighting pneumonia at age 97. He's been in since last week and is still fighting. Please keep the family in your prayers as it is a very hard thing to watch your father struggle.

The good news is God showed us a true miracle last week. My girlfriend (gf) was diagnosed with lung cancer last June with two metastasis to the bone. She has been fighting it and doing very well after each treatment. Every 6-9 weeks she has a CT scan to watch it. Well, in March she and I went to my church and asked the elders to pray on us as stated in James 5:13. Two days later she had another CT. The doctor said all was fine. Six weeks later another CT and again, the doctor said all is fine. Six more weeks and another Ct but this time my gf asked about the metastasis to the bone. The doctor seemed perplexed and asked what she was talking about. They looked back on the past CT and the metastasis did show on the past 3 CT's; the ones taken after the healing. So the doctor ordered a full bone scan. The results came back that there is no metastasis at all anywhere. What a true miracle He provided, and a blessing for all of us who know the Lord. He does listen to our prayers and He will take care of us in His time and way. We just have to continue to trust Him and keep the faith.

The picture is of my dog park friends. I joined the group 5 years ago with Kiwi. We are saying good bye to a park buddy.

Have a good week and stay happy, healthy and faithful to our Lord.

James 5:13 Is anyone of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is anyone of you sick He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 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 blogger buddies! It has been just over two weeks since I had my "take down" surgery and the port removed, and I think I am doing just fine. The first week after the surgery was pretty rough. I wasn't far from the bathroom, and I needed vicodin to help me along. But the second week was much better. No need for vicodin and things are better each day. By last Monday, I was able to walk 3 miles, and I've been walking almost everyday since. Yesterday I spent the day in the delta at my sisters marina on Ryer Island in Rio vista, called SnugHarbor. We had a nice and quiet day moving furniture and having Kyle and his friend Joe hang pictures in a new home on the island. Kiwi, my yellow lab, loved playing in the water and swimming for sticks. By evening, my body seemed to be working over time so I left knowing I needed to be by my bathroom for the night. I know it will take months for me to be more normal so I just have to be patient. This last year has truly shown me the importance of patience. So now I am done with all my treatment, I just have to be checked every 3 months with a CT scan, and I have my yearly colonoscopy coming up in September. My next Ct will be in August at UCSF but the scope will be in San Ramon. I'm not looking forward to the scope but I better get used to it. I think I have to have one every year for the next 5 years or so. Again, I will need to be patient with each scan and scope and not worry about the results. I know God already knows my path; I just have to continue to follow Him. He has been there every step of the way for me and I have no reason to doubt He will continue to be with me. A cousin sent me this verse and it is so perfect for this time of my life. God bless you all and have a wonderful July. I'll write when I get back from Bonnie's wedding unless there is other news.
Psalms 27:14 Wait on the Lord, Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord.

I'm back! Last Wednesday I went in for the take down of my iliostomy and removal of the port. All went well. The surgery lasted about 2 1/2 hours but I wasn't in a room for another 4 hours because they didn't have a bed for me. They were busy that day. The first day after surgery was fine, but the next day was rough with my body trying to get started again. I came home on Saturday instead of Friday because my doctor was gone and his partner didn't come in to check me out on Friday. That was fine with me because I didn't want to go home after the night I had on Thursday. My sister Nicky took me home Saturday afternoon, because my family was all up in Tahoe for my nephews wedding. Last night we were all back together in the house and that was nice. My body began working, and working, and working again, and again and again.... so I was up all night. Today I took some pain meds and that helped considerably. I was told it will take a few months for my body to really be back to some what normal. I hope sooner because I have to be in shape for Bonnie's wedding in 5 weeks. I'm back on the BRAT diet (banana, rice, apple sauce and toast) and a few other foods. I have to have a low residue diet just like I did when I was in radiation. Then as I heal, I can add more foods a little at a time. In August I will go in for my quarterly CT at UCSF. I will let you all know when I go in and the results.
Thank you to everyone who has kept me in their prayers. I know the Lord heard because the surgery was a success and I am on the road to a full recovery and on the last leg of this journey. This past year has been such a growth and informative time for me. I continue to be amazed and blessed by so many loving, warm and generous people who reach out to me. I hope that I will be able to reciprocate back to all of you when and if you ever need a friend.
Psalms 40:11 Thou O Lord, wilt not withhold Thy compassion from me; Thy loving kindness and Thy truth will continually preserver me.
God bless you all and have a happy and safe July 4th.

Hi to all my wonderful friends and family. These past few weeks have been great with no chemo, or doctor appointments. I just had fun with Bonnie's bridal shower two weeks ago, and getting ready for Brigitte's graduation. The picture is of Brigitte and Alyssia, her girl friend, whom I gave a diploma to. The tradition at our school is that a staff member can give a diploma if asked. It is really an honor and one I very much hold dear to my heart. She graduated on Friday the 17th and Sunday (Father's Day) we had a big party to celebrate her graduation and my soon to be "empty nest"! I'm looking forward to having my house stay clean when I get back from work, no shoes left by the front door for me to trip on, the sink will stay empty of dishes, and milk should last longer that a few hours. However, I will miss the commotion and chatter that is always abound when they are near. Brigitte will be attending Chico for teaching. Kyle will be there for Construction management and Bonnie and Ricky will be there in January for Construction Management as well. Who knows if Sean will soon follow. He's used to having them around to hang out with.
Tomorrow is the last surgery for me as far as I'm concerned! I will have the take down (remove the ilistomy) and have the port removed. The surgery will be at John Muir Concord campus starting at about 7:30 am and should take about 2 hours. I will have the morphine drip instead of the epideral block that I had last time for pain. I'd rather have the block because you don't get woozy or crazy from it like you do with morphine but it's not up to me. The plus side is it makes you sleep a lot! I should be out of the hospital on Friday if my body behaves and remembers how to work. I am not worried about it too much because I know God is looking after me and he hears all the prayers. Thank you to everyone for your prayers and support. The last nine months have been an interesting and growing time for me and my family. God has continued to bless us in so many ways, and I have felt so lucky to be blessed by all you bloggers buddies. My words can not express my deep gratitude and appreciation to each and everyone of you. I will try to have my sister update while I am in the hospital. God bless you all and please keep me and my family in your prayers tomorrow.
Psalm 9: 1-2 I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Thy wonders, I will be glad and exult in Thee; I will sing praise to Thy name, O Most High.

Happy Memorial Weekend! All is good in the Brierley household. My CT scan came out fine. I did have a small area where the colon inverted, but so small the UCSF doctor wasn't concerned. He also mentioned a very small (size of a dot from a pen) in my lung but said it could be anything. Most radiologist wouldn't even see it but UCSF goes through it with a fine tooth comb. He said it's very unlikely anything would grow while I was in treatment so not to worry. They'll just keep an eye on me. Ct every 3 months with more meds since I broke out again from the contrast. Also, I have the barium pelvic Xray and all is clear and no leakage or blockage. So I'm good to go for surgery to remove my bag and my port! June 20th 7:30am is the magic time!! Yes, I'm looking forward to it, however, after the barium Xray, I decided that having a bag wasn't so bad after all! My bone density test came out fine. I have nice strong bones so far. I will eat my calcium. Also, my Oncologist at UCSF said that there have been studies that suggest taking a baby aspirin (50 and older) not only helps with blood, but it helps to ward off breast and colon cancer. So I will be taking my baby aspirin as soon as I'm done with my surgery and healed. If any of you have friends or family that are going through cancer there is a good blog site http://www.cancercompass.com/ Click on message board to pick the cancer you want to discuss. It's been helpful and interesting to me.
This past week we have had my nephew Ryan and his friend Brian build our new deck so it's been pretty busy and dirty around here. We've had Sean, Kyle and Casey pitch in as well. A real family affair!
I hope everyone has a nice and restful Memorial Weekend and please remember to keep our young men and women who are serving in your prayers. They all need our support and prayers. God bless all of you and thank you so much for the prayers and concern that continue to uplift me and keep me strong. God does listen to prayers. He is there if you ever need Him.
Ephesians 1:18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.

Good morning to all my friends and family,
I am feeling really good these days. It will be three weeks this Thursday since the end of my last chemo treatment. The side effects are slowly going away and I'm looking forward to having a margarita to celebrate! Last week on Tuesday I went in for a CT at UCSF and once again I broke out from the contrast they put in me. I even took prednizone and benidrill to help with the reaction but it didn't help. I don't know what they'll do next. Then Thursday I got a call from UCSF that they saw something of concern. The nurse said it wasn't cancer but if I had any severe abdominal cramps to go to the emergence right away. That's all she said. I asked if someone put a time bomb in my stomach! On Friday, I saw my regular oncologist in Concord and he clarified what they saw. They think my colon may have inverted in itself. That is why it would give so much pain. My oncologist doesn't think that is the case. He thinks it just spasmed while I was having the Ct and it looked strange. I'll know for sure on Wednesday when I have a pelvic barium Xray. Tomorrow I'll have a bone density test for a base line. I hope all goes well. Please pray that it does and all is clear. They also had a few concerns of some spots in the lung, but they think it's non-calcified nodules so they want to watch and see. They don't seem to worried about those, mostly the colon and if it started to invert. They can fix it if it did. I am still scheduled for Surgery June 20th. I'm looking forward to it just so I can get back to my old self again. I am also looking forward to getting my energy back up to par since I have such a busy summer coming up. Tonight is Brigitte's Lacrosse banquet that I am in charge of. Tomorrow is Bonnie's 26th B-day and then June 2nd is Bonnie's bridal shower and Brigitte's Senior Ball. Graduation on the 15th and party on the 17th and finally surgery on the 20th. Through all this God has been so good to me. I was able to walk through all my chemo and I continue to feel better and better. Plus, He has put me in touch with so many wonderful and loving people. I do feel I am blessed in so many ways. Thank you again for your needed prayers and all you encouragement. Your love and encouragement give me strength. Thank you.
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. That you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. I know God has a plan for me and I am not going through all this just for the fun of it. His plan is always perfect even though we many not always understand it. He sees the big picture where we only see here and now. Trusting Gods plan is the best thing I can do for myself.

Good morning! I had my last treatment of chemo last Thursday, yea!!! I am feeling good and am looking forward to having surgery in June. Next week I have my CT and then the following my pelvic x-ray and bone density test. I am really looking forward to getting all my strength, energy and life back this summer. God has been so great and I have had so many blessing through this entire experience. I truly hope and pray that if anyone finds themself in a dire situation, to please call on the Lord. I promise He won't let you down and He will be there every step with you.
The picture attached is of Brigitte and me last night at her last home game of her high school career. And for me it was the last home game with my own child after 13 consecutive years of high school sports. Time sure travels fast!
Isaiah 30:19 He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you.
I like this verse because I know He has heard me many times and He always answers, in His time; I just have to listen. God bless you all and thank you for all your prayers through this journey. You have given me such encouragement, strength, and hope. Thank you