12-8-2008 It was an uncomfortable weekend for Pam. The diuretics had no effect in eliminating the fluid in her abdomen. The pain was intense, at times, and we consulted her doctor on Saturday. We learned that the diuretics take several days to take effect and he suggested she call him if no improvement is noted.

Pam stumbled over a lip in the sidewalk at the church on Sunday night just before the children's Christmas program (which she directed) began. She bent her glasses, skinned her forehead, bruised her right side where the fluid has accumulated, and cracked a toenail. She believes this was the result of a dead foot-numbed by the chemo therapy. Nothing was broken. The children's presentation was a success-with the contributions and assistance of many people.

Pam's doctor saw her on short notice today after a restless night and increased abdominal pain. She will have the fluid in her abdomen drained on Wednesday, December 10th. The drainage will no doubt enable her to eat normal food and not feel constant heartburn or reflux. The cancer has clogged the lymphatic system and prevented normal fluid drainage. The new cancer treatment drug is intended to defeat the cancer cells and restore the system to normal operation. She starts the new treatment on Thursday and we expect to have more information as to the location of the cancer. Any improvements in defeating the cancer with the new drug should be noticeable in 4-8 weeks.

We thank you for all your prayers and support. We are optimistic that effective treatment of the cancer will be coming soon.