Wednesday, July 30, 2008

7/30/08-Pam had a great day. After a good night's sleep, she went to work treating patients for a good portion of the day and found time to take Dave to and from an eye appointment.
When Pam returned home at about 3:30, she promptly napped until it was time to go to the Wednesday supper at church. The evening was spent at handbell and choir practice and a choir party.

Pam said she is a solicitor of prayers as she faces these treatments. We can feel the power of your prayers each day.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

This is a chronology of the events leading up to the current diagnosis of Pam's condition.

6/10/08-Ultrasound to check tender area above her stomach. An 8 cm. mass was located in the upper left area of the liver. Further testing to be scheduled.

6/13/08-CAT scan of the abdomen and pelvic areas. The mass appeared to be isolated in the liver area.

6/30/08-Biopsy of the liver.

7/8/08 - The mass was determined to be malignant. It was classified as an adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that originated in another location. Another CAT Scan was scheduled.

7/11/08- A second CAT scan of the abdomen, chest and pelvis was completed. A PET scan was scheduled.

7/14/08- PET scan completed.

7/18/08- Diagnosis was cancer of the left ovary with traces in the abdomen and lymph nodes. The treatment plan called for six chemotherapy treatments three weeks apart. The treatments would shrink the cancer cells and further evaluation would determine the next step. The doctors were all concerned with quality of life and were optimistic for a successful treatment.

7/21/08- Pam had a workup in preparation for insertion of a chemotherapy infusion port.

7/22/08- Pam had an EKG and blood tests in preparing for the surgery for the port.

7/23/08-Infusion port was inserted.

7/25/08-Pam's first chemotherapy treatment completed. She had no ill effects and felt fairly well after the 3-4 hours of treatment. Our son, David, came in from Orlando to check on Pam and get first hand reports of Pam's condition.

7/27/08-The lower abdominal pain and nausea developed and kept Pam at home and resting for the day. Two daughters and two grandsons cleaned floors, patios, dishes, and laundry to help out Pam. This assistance was spontaneous on the part of the boys and they were eager and effective.

7/29/08-Pam felt much better and treated several patients. She is determined to be upbeat during this time.