Tour de California

Eric, Kristi & Carson went up to Solvang to see Lance Armstrong and other pro cyclists in the Tour de California. Here's a glimpse of what it'd have been like if you were there. Keep in mind that Lance is cruising up a steep hill.

Home Decor

Check out the window treatments that Tarja made for me. Now you know why I surround myself with talented friends!

Here is a glimpse of our home torn apart,

and after new flooring was installed. Yippeee.

A Day at the Dentist

Kaden's Baptism -- You're All Invited!

Round 7 Underway -- not so fun

This trash can represents my experience yesterday at the oncologist office.
During chemo, I just couldn't stop vomiting. The nausea was so bad for some reason. I ended up puking four different times: twice in the nurses' station trash cans, once all down my shirt (luckily my nurse had just brought in an extra scrubs top I got to borrow), and once in the toilet. They ended up giving me two iv drips to prevent dehydration and 3 anti-nausea injections. No fun at all, especially because the severe nausea lasted all day. I'm hoping for a better day today. Thanks to all of my wonderful friends and neighbors who have offered to help out. With Eric gone this week, it'd be tough to get by without you!!!

Love ya,
Bri

Valentine's Dinner

Yep...dinner was shared with the kids at a super fancy restaurant called El Torito. :) haha

Serena's Engaged....Finally!

It's been 6 years in coming, but Serena & Kevin are finally engaged as of today!! We're happy that you're happy in love. Check out the gorgeous ring! Good job, Kevin!!!

Valentine's Day at the Dentist

PET scan results

I had my PET scan on Monday. Tuesday afternoon, my oncologist called to review some of the results with me before leaving town. Bad news is that there is still cancer in the liver, so chemo continues. Good news is that they didn't detect any other lesions of cancer anywhere else. It's shrinking -- the treatment and prayers are working. Keep it up, Team! :)

Love you,
Bri

Surprise Visitors

We were glad when Cory called the other night and told us her best friend (and bishop) was in town. Bishop Nielsen and his daughter, Jamie, stopped in this morning for a great visit. It was nice to see someone face-to-face who knew so much about Hector.

Dancing Buddies

When I came downstairs one morning before school, I found Kade & Kami dancing together. It was so cute I had to run and get the camera. If they could marry each other, I'm positive they would. I love how much they adore one another.

Kambria's "Salute to America" program

It was too difficult to get footage of Kami's school program, so I had her sing for me one of the songs she performed yesterday.

CEA Results!!!

I went in to get disconnected from my chemo medicine bag this morning and found out that the CEA results came back from the blood they drew on Monday. Remember that they wanted to see it under 2? Well....it's at 1.9!!!! And that was before doing this 6th round of chemo. I'm so excited for the PET scan on Monday so I can hear them say that they don't see any cancer. I'm sure it'll be another good day! Still not out of the woods, but all of our prayers are being answered and I know we're experiencing a miracle!

Love you all!!!!

Updates on Hector & Me

Started round 6 today and so far so good. Just the typical side effects: neuropathy in hands and feet, can't handle cold food or drinks, super dry nose that bleeds once in a while, watery eyes, and a little nausea. They almost turned me away today because my white blood cell count was pretty low. I was relieved to finally get the go-ahead from my oncologist.

Next Monday we do a PET scan to see what they can see. They also drew blood for another CEA count, so I'm eager to get those results in a few days, as well. I'll keep you posted!

Also, Hector Grillone (our brother-in-law) is dealing with melanoma cancer. He had been suffering from severe back pain, went in for a PT scan and found cancer all over his body -- gallbladder, kidneys & liver I think. After undergoing a painful spinal tap, they discovered blood clots in his spleen & heart. Blood thinners finally gave him the relief he needed. Apparently, he experienced what only 2% of the cancer population has dealt with when an internal tumor let loose, causing an explosion and leaving tumor matter all over his organs -- thus the reason for the PET scan looking like cancer formed all over. Doctors were able to vacuum out most of the explosive sediments and even took blood clot samples for research. The blood clots caused a mini-heart attack and stroke, so he is in the cardiac unit of the hospital until his heart stabilizes and he gains enough strength for a liver-blasting chemo treatment.

Please add Hector to all your prayers and fasts! Sure wish we were nearby to offer your support and help in other ways, Hector!!! We love you.