10-23-2008 Good news for Pam. The transfusions she had last week left enough hemoglobin in her system to enable her to complete a chemo treatment today. This was the fourth of eight treatments in the current plan. Her doctor will probably order a blood test for cancer markers next week to learn how effective this chemical is in shrinking the tumor. The current plan does not call for any more scans until after the eighth treatment.

Pam still gets tired easily and works part time. Her involvement in the church activities and the support of all our friends and family keep her going. Thank you for your prayers and concerns. We are blessed!

10-20-2008 After receiving the transfusion of two units of blood to counter anemia, Pam enjoyed the weekend with renewed energy. She relaxed on Saturday doing all the little things she likes without feeling weak and prepared for her Sunday activities of leading a Bible study and singing in the choir. It was a good weekend! Pam took it easy today and found time for periods of rest. Tomorrow will be a real test of her stamina when she and her partner travel for several hours on a marketing call to a facility she has not been to. I know she will do well.

Bless everyone for the prayers, cards, and expressions of support.

10-16-2008 Pam was scheduled for her 4th chemo treatment today but it was canceled because her hemoglobin count was very low. She is scheduled for a transfusion tomorrow morning to help counter this anemia. We learned the chemicals used in this chemo plan attack good cells as well as the cancer cells and are the most likely cause of Pam's lack of energy and need for excessive rest.
Pam remains in good spirits and is anticipating a much more comfortable weekend after her blood is stabilized. Thank you for your prayers and expressions of love which keep us going.

10-14-2008 Our internet service has been out of whack for several days so we have not updated this site.

Pam experienced continuous pain and a total lack of energy last Friday after a long day of travel and meetings in Fort Lauderdale. Those symptoms extended through Saturday. Pam recovered a bit on Sunday and led her small discussion group for our current study, directed the hand bell choir and sang with the sanctuary choir in the morning. She rested all afternoon and we were able to coordinate and deliver a meal to one of our group members in the evening.

Pam was able to work at home on Monday and spent part of Tuesday giving several talks at a local center. She will take it easy until her next chemo treatment on Thursday.

We thank you for your prayers and your love. They are working and great source of comfort to us.

10-9-2008 Pam had her third chemo treatment in the current plan of 8 weekly treatments today. She experienced some feelings of weakness and tiredness but did not require any injection of hemoglobin to overcome her anemia. Her doctor will wait until the conclusion of the treatment plan before evaluating the effect of the chemo. A decision will then be made to continue local treatments or be referred to another cancer center for further testing. Her doctor believes the best centers to evaluate her type of cancer are in Boston, New York or Gainsville, Florida. Her doctor remains positive for a successful outcome.

We thank each one of you for your prayers, cards, calls and expressions of faith in this challenge put before us. God bless you!

10-2-2008 Pam has been very tired this week after after celebrating a milestone birthday on Sunday and working with patients and making marketing calls. She has had little energy and stamina at home.

Pam had the second chemo session in the revised treatment plan which calls for topotecan as the principal agent for attacking the cancer.

Pam had learned her hemoglobin was low which may have affected her energy. Part of the chemo treatment involved a shot of Arinesp, which elevates red blood cells and will probably provide more energy. It's hard on her to be a run-down energizer bunny!

A call to M.D. Anderson Hospital from the doctor's office revealed that they would not even set up an appointment until this phase of chemotherapy had been completed and the disease re-staged. That was disappointing but we understand the rationale behind the decision and continue to pray that the new chemo "cocktail" will work.

Your prayers and well-wishes keep us going. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.