The Whole Family

The Sloan, McCrea, and Theule families wish all of you a blessed New Year and thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your support, love and continued prayers for Valerie.

Happy New Year!

I just wanted to say Happy New Year to you all! I guess you could say the last few months of 2005 have been the hardest 3 months of my entire life. I thought just being a Mom to three boys was hard. I never thought that on top of that would be added a very rare cancer that is inoperable (at this point). I am however doing pretty well under the circumstances. I am on my knees everyday asking God for grace, hope faith and peace to get through every day. I have been feeling good also. There is one area that causes me some pain but other than that I have been weathering the storm well. Next week on Tuesday I get my PET/CT scan that determines how the Chemo is working and then I get Chemo on Wends. A few prayer requests for next week are.
1. The scan shows shrinkage in the tumors.
2. Chemo goes well and I am able to keep the Chemo down.
3. My pain level after Chemo is tolerable or non-existant.
4. The Avastin drug will be covered through my insurance or I can be added to a trial that is open right now.
5. My kids are all sick right now. Baby and Gavin have colds, Ryan has posion oak. Pray I do not get sick and my gets get better quick.
I am looking forward to 2006 and moving closer towards a full recovery. I know it is a long road to get there but I am convinced I will. Of cource it will ALL BE TO GOD"S GLORY!!!!!!! I tell him that every day.
God Bless,
Valerie

The Twelve Days of Christmas

On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave to me...1 loving supportive husband.
On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me... 2 driven parents.
On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to me... 3 beautiful boys.
On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me ...4 rounds of Chemo.
On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me... 5 trips to L.A.
On the 6th day of Christmas my true love gave to me... 6 anti nausea drugs.
On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me... 7 days of meals
On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me... flax, soy and blueberries.
On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me... 9 MRI/CAT Scans
On the 10th day of Chritmas my true love gave to me ... 10 kids under 13.
On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me... 11 people sleepin' over.
On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...12 xoxo sent from the McCreas.

We are blessed to have our whole family in town for Christmas. Jeff and Jan from Alabama with 4 kids, Chad and Julie from San Fran with 3 kids and my brother Paul from Temecula and my parents. We are hanging around playing games and going to the beach today.

Thank you for all your prayers. I know Jesus is listening to the prayers of all the saints. My PET/CT Scan is Jan 3rd. This will let us know how the Chemo is working.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God Bless,
Val

The Near Horizon

Highlights of our trip to Cedars last Tuesday:

The meeting with our Doctors went well. We did'nt overwhelm them but delivered a clear message that we expect them to lead us into a chemotherapy regimen that doesn't have much history. Char made a comment that seemed to go mostly unnoticed, she turned to the three doctors and said, "someday when you're old and grey, you will tell your grandchildren about this amazing patient named Valerie McCrea who beat the odds of an orphan cancer called cholangiocarcinoma". "Dear Lord, we are praying that is true. "We were informed that Val could not receive the scheduled infusion of Avastin unless we paid cash in advance. A large sum was paid and Val received her 1st infusion of Avastin along with her present regimen of Gemzar and Oxaliplatin. She struggled with nausea during the infusion and has had pain but, we are thankful for the pain patch that lasts three days. It has helped. January 3rd looms large on the horizon. Val has a PET/CT scan scheduled that will assess the efficacy of 8 weeks of chemotherapy. But do not let this truth escape you dear ones, this test will also bear witness to God's mighty power to heal and answer the prayer of all of our hearts. As we begin 2006, many legitimate medical voices speak to us and say, "follow this course of treatment, no follow another, or another". What are we to do? The answer is easy and it is hard. God will give direction through the results of the Pet/Ct. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."
Dear Saints of God Most High, To all of our friends and family who stand with Val:

Thank You Lord
for Your Sovereign control over our circumstances
for Your holy character in spite of our sinfulness
for Your commitment to us even when we wander astray
for Your Word that gives us direction
for Your love that holds us close
for Your gentle compassion in our sorrows
for Your consistent faithfulness through our highs and lows
for Your understanding when we are confused
for Your Spirit that enlightens our eyes
for Your Grace that removes our guilt

for Your son the Lord Jesus who came to earth in the form of a baby to pay the penalty of our sins.

Merry Christmas to All

Richard and Nancy Sloan

The trip to Cedars

Char and Michael picked up Val and Chris at 11:45 this morning for the flight to Santa Monica. They are staying at the L'Ermitage in Beverly Hills tonight. Nancy and Richard are leaving tomorrow at 5 am. We will all hook up at the Cedars Cancer Center tomorrow morning at 8 am to meet with Dr. Drazin, Dr. Klein, and Dr. Nissen.
After the meeting, Val will have her 4th chemo infusion. Avastin is being added this time. two weeks from tomorrow, Val will be scanned to assess the effect of Chemo after 8 weeks of treatment. Please ask Our God to come along side of us. Here are some specific prayer requests:
1. Pray that God will touch Valerie's body and heal her cancer. I know He will but I wish His timetable matched mine.
2. Pray for safety in travel by land and by air.
3. Pray that all (3) doctors show up for our meeting.
4. Pray for wisdom and discernment for each of us so we do not overwhelm the doctors.
5. Pray that the doctors are willing to go into the unknown with us and see beyond the statistics of cholangiocarcinoma. Pray that they will see themselves as leaders in this journey.
6. Pray that Val's insurance carrier, United Healthcare, covers the Avastin.
7. Pray for wisdom as we suggest the addition of Tarceva.
8. Pray that Val's bloodwork is a go for Chemo and that she will weather the effects of these strong drugs.
The 3rd verse of the hymn "God of the Ages" is a good description of the God we serve.

God of tomorrow, strong Overcomer,
Princes of darkness own Your command.
What then can harm us? We are Your people,
Now and forever kept by Your hand.

Godspeed Dear One,

Dad

Big Plans

There are big plans on the horizon for next Tuesday. This will be a key day for Valerie as the most vital people will all come together on her behalf. Monday Aunt Charlene and her husband Michael will be meeting Chris and Val at Carlsbad Airport where they will fly to Santa Monica. Tuesday morning Richard and Nancy will drive to Los Angeles to meet up with Char, Michael, Chris, and Val.

At 8:00 am a very important meeting will take place at Cedar-Sinai Hospital. All three of Valerie's doctors (Dr. Drazin, Dr. Nissan, and Dr. Klein) have agreed to all meet together with Valerie, Chris, Char, Michael, Richard, and Nancy for one hour. This will be a crucial discussion to make a clear plan for Val's 2006 treatments. There is a specific goal to be reached: Valerie's chemotherapy treatment will shrink her tumors to the point of making surgery possible (resection or transplant) and on to remission and even a cure. Tough goal we know, but we have confidence in these world-class doctors and even more we have hope in our All Mighty God Most High who has His very hand on Valerie.

Tuesday is also the first chemotherapy treatment for Val that will include Avastin along with Gemzar and Oxiplatin. We are eager to add this powerful drug to Val's regimen as there have been positive results of its impact on cholangiocarcinoma. The downside is that there is no clear answer yet if insurance will cover this drug. It is very expensive outside of insurance so this is an urgent prayer request this week. Other requests for prayer include:

- Val's blood test Tuesday morning will be positive and not jeopardize her treatment that day

- Val weathers the chemo well

- She will tolerate appropriate anti-nausea and pain medicines

- Two weeks from Tuesday Val will get another CT scan to determine the effectiveness of her treatment. SHRINK!

Thank you for your continued prayer for my sister Valerie

Avastin

Val's Oncologist, Dr. Drazin, has prescribed Avastin, a monoclonal antibody to be added to Val's 4th infusion scheduled for 12/20. It is very expensive and we are concerned that Val's insurance carrier, United Healthcare will not cover it. Please pray that Our God will influence the decision makers at United today. Time is critical. We need an approval today!

Val's Dad

A World of Thanks & Chemo update

I’m just so amazed at the support and love that has been delivered to Val and my family. This has been the most difficult 6 weeks of our lives period! I remember talking with Val only 9 weeks ago and her saying “It feels like my Liver is swollen”. Val has done many tests and procedures since 10-21-05. There has been so much support given to us it’s truly unbelievable.

Char, you are just awesome. Val gave you the title of “CEO” early in the process and it’s so fitting. You helped us accomplish so much in so little time. You have truly been the CEO for the only company that really matters, Family. You are truly a blessing from above. Your tenacity, perseverance, and ability to get the task completed are incredible. To be where we are today is a testament to your drive and huge heart. Half the battle early on was the bureaucracy of the system and managing thru it and I could not have done it with out you. Even after you have been back home in Colorado you are working very hard to make sure we are 101% sure we have the best of everything. THANKS.

Richard and Nancy, thanks to all your support in every area. Helping with the Kids in a moments notice is such a huge weight that has been lifted. This is no easy task with three boys and at one point being in LA 5 of 7 nights. Not that I did not expect this you have always been there for us period. To the Best Father and Mother-in law one could ask for. THANKS

Julie, thanks for updating this site and all the help you have provided on the two trips down from San Francisco over the last 6 weeks. You have done so much while being so far away. Val has a truly awesome sister. THANKS

Paul, thanks for coming over in the evening and helping with the boys. You are a familiar face that can always have them smiling instantly. THANKS

Amy Nelson, thanks for coordinating all the dinners for the last six weeks. You have no idea how much of a relief it is to know that we have dinner covered. THANKS

To all the Valley Christian School Moms who have gave so much in so little time. Val has only been friends with all of you for 4 months or less yet you have helped so much. The lord has blessed all of you and we are so thankful that we decided to put Ryan in this school. THANKS

To having the best Neighbor’s any one could ask for. What ever is needed its taken care of period. Thanks Dan for watching Ryan tonight tell we got home…. THANKS

CHEMO Update

Val received her 3rd round of Chemo today at Cedars. It was not has long as normal. Out at 5am and back at 6:30 tonight. I also received some good research info on Cholangiocarcinoma from a guy who lives in Michigan. We talked with him for 30 minutes this morning in the car on the drive up to LA about his wife. She has the same thing as Val. He has been compiling data for 9 months and seems to be a good resource. Val had a little set back during the infusion, she had some nausea mid way thru. They stopped the infusion for a short period and then she was fine. She has had some tonight as well.

Here are the prayer Request:

1) Pray that Val’s nausea is controlled by the medication she is taking.
2) Pray that her fatigued will not be severe.
3) Pray that she can get rest and the Chemo is working like little “Pac Man” on her tumors.

Thanks again for everyone’s prayers and support.

-Chris

Blessed Be Your Name

We sang this song in church this past Sunday. It is a fitting reminder and prayer for each of us. We gave thanks to our God and Father Almighty who continues to sustain Val and her family.


Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman
---------------------------------

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name


Posted by the Theule Family

The Book of Life

On January 11th, 2005, I was sitting in a meeting when my cell phone rang. I immediately recognized the little voice of my grandson, Ryan McCrea. "Grandpa," he said, "I just asked Jesus to come into my heart." Suddenly the meeting room and it's participants grew strangely dim as I got up and left to spend the next 15 minutes on the phone with Ryan. Later, I went to my office and wrote his name on a piece of driftwood Nancy and I found on Whiffen Spit in Sook, Vancouver Island, B.C.
But more important than my inscription on the driftwood was the entry our Lord made in the Lamb's Book of Life. At that moment, the name of my beloved grandson, Ryan, was entered into the book containing all the names of those who belong to God Most High and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Last night, Val asked Ryan to sing a song he will be singing in a Christmas program this weekend. I sat spellbound as he sang for several minutes from his heart a song of worship and praise to our Lord.

Ryan's grandpa

Freaky Friday

I started my day by reading an e-mail from Char. Attached to it was a note from Mark Clement's sister Marianne. Mark is a Cholangio patient from Utah. He is about the same age as Val.
She mentioned T Gen, a lab in Phoenix that had received tissue from Mark's biopsy. Their mission is to target a therapy specific to Mark's cancer. "Here's a thought," said I, "if they can do it for Mark, they can do it for Val!" In a New York minute I was on the phone with Dr. Trent, the Director of T Gen. After fifteen minutes of polite conversation, my only real question was, "how do we make it happen?"
After a quick e-mail to Dr. Trent with cc's to Val's Docs at Cedars and Dr. Sirica in Virginia (thanks Osil!), I caught Char as she was leaving Denver airport for Scottsdale. I asked her to call Dr. Trent at T Gen when she got to Phoenix.
Being a faithful Blackberry user, Dr. Drazin, Val's Oncologist was back to me in a heartbeat. he is very excited about the idea of T Gen bringing some information that could be helpful in targeting Val's cancer. He indicated that there may still be tissue available from Val's last biopsy on 11/17.
Later in the day, Char connected with Dr. Trent to make the tissue transfer happen. Turn around time is two weeks.
Also, Dr. Drazin has an 8 am conference call tomorrow with Dr. Sirica from the University of Virginia. He is possibly the most knowledgable Cholangio Doc in the country. Char will be in this telecon too.
Late Friday afternoon, Hal Barron, the Chief Medical Officer for my company, Genetech, called. Our company manufactures Avastin, the monoclonal antibody that Dr.Drazin is planning to add to Val's 4th infusion scheduled for 12/20. He indicated the the use of Avastin is "exploding" in the U.S.! He referred me to Dr. Moss, Genentech's Oncologist. His opinion on the specifics of Val's treatment plan may be important.
Here are some prayer requests to add to you Holiday schedule:
1. Pray for Chris and his healing from back surgery as he starts physical therapy. Pray for wisdom as he balances work, kids, Val's treatment, and recovery for his back.
2. Pray that this teleconference tomorrow happens and that breakthrough information is revealed.
3. Pray that the tissue is transferred to T Gen, that insurance covers the cost, that the information is turned around within two weeks and that they will successfuly target the Cholangio Carcinoma.
4. Pray for Val, Nancy, and the baby as they leave today for a week of R & R on the beach in San Clemente.
5. Pray for Val's blood draw tomorrow, her 3rd Chemo Infusion at Cedars on Tuesday (6 hours for the infusion), and pray that the side effects are not severe.
6. Pray for our meeting with Dr. Drazin on Tuesday (Val, Chris, Richard)
7. Pray that the Gemzar, Oxyplatin, and Avastin therapies will target the cancer and kill it!!
Whew!! What a day!!

Philippians 2:12-13

Philippians 2:12-13
Therefore, my dear friends as you have always obeyed-not only in my presense, but now much more in my absence-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Proverbs 4:20-22

God's word is true! There are so many healing verses in the bible. What an amazing book we have been given to cling to.

Proverbs 4:20-22
My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are LIFE to those who find them, and HEALTH to all their flesh.

Give God's word first place in your heart!!!!

GREAT STRIDES!! McCrea Family Update

In the last several days, we have made 'great strides' in pulling together the best medical 'minds' in the country to consult with us and our doctors on the 'latest and greatest' treatment options for Valerie's cholangiocarcinoma condition. We have communicated with a Doctor at the University of Virginia, who specializes in biological research and treatment options for cholangiocarcinoma, and he is going to consult with our oncologist, Dr. Noam Drazin, early next week. We have spoken with a Doctor at Northwestern University who reviews and monitors Chemotherapy protocols, clinical trials, and expermental therapies throughout the country for gastro-intestinal cancers. He has provided us with referrals to four different 'cutting edge' oncologists in California, one in San Franciso area and three in the LA area. We have obtained approval to begin adding Avastin to Val's chemo regimen sometime in December. Though it is not intended for this type of cancer, it has been utilized successfully in several types of gastro cancers with remarkable results. Richard is now 'pulling strings' at his company to make sure we can obtain a supply of this drug. We have a contact now at MD Anderson, a female doctor who specializes in advanced cholangiocarcinoma. Julie is pursuing information through a friend on a doctor at Stanford who is involved in treatment options for this condition, and they have pioneered techniques using laser treatments to reduce tumors. So MUCH information. We are blessed to be 'recipients' of all of this information, all of this expertise, all of these incredible people who are dedicated to healing!

Val is currently half way through her first round of chemo, and feeling good. She has occasional pain, but is grateful that her body is responding to the chemotherapy well. I am sure that her focus on 'nutritional' therapy is contributing to how she feels. Actually, as I was speaking with her on the phone today, she was using her 'new' Jack Lalanne juicer - carrots, celery, wheatgrass, etc. - she is really getting 'hooked' on this. She does need to remember to put the top on correctly however, I think she 'wallpapered' her kitchen with carrot juice today!

Val has contacted another individual who is also dealing with the same diagnosis; she spoke with his wife last night, offering assistance, support, and a sympathetic ear. In the midst of one of life's worst 'curve balls', there is a tremendous amount of human connection, caring and love that emerges. I communicated with his sister today, and we will share every bit of information that each of us collects.

Bless you all who communicate with Valerie and her family through this website, you can never know the power of your words! We have an incredibly 'formidable' defensive team!

Aunt Charlene

Dirt Tea

I want you all to know, I am drinking a herbal tea from a holistic doctor that tastes like dirt. It is supossed to help with stress, energy and chemo side effects. I also started juicing carrots, celery, wheat grass, and anything else green and full of cancer fighting ingredients. At one point today, I did not have the back of the juicer in right and pulp was flying all over my kitchen. I am trying to make sure there is no stone uncovered for this fight. All my doctors tell me that is a mental game as well. You have to stay possitive. It has ALOT to do with getting better. I am taking one minute, one hour and one day at a time. Spending ALOT of time in prayer. I know God gives me grace, mercy, peace, hope, answered prayer, wisdom, blessings and the ability to laugh everyday. I am very gratful for these things.

I have been feeling good today. THE BATTLE IS ON!

Val