3/28/2009 This week began with an emotional healing service at our church. Pam and I were overwhelmed by the spoken and unspoken prayers, scripture readings and the many laying of hands upon us. It was a most wonderful and lasting experience.

Pam had a chemo treatment which was supposed to be the last one before a two week hiatus, however her doctor suggested she go one more week before a break. The scheduled change would better mesh with the holiday hours at the clinic. Her hemoglobin count was up from last week's report which was close to the threshold for a transfusion. This was certainly encouraging. She has a new medication to counter the early morning nausea which seems to appear for no specific reason.The edema in her feet seems to be easing and her mobility has improved.

Pam's stamina is improving with her appetite. We were out walking a bit today and Pam did very well. She is gathering strength for the Easter season.

We continue to be blessed by the thoughts and support of our friends. God 's mercy is evident.

3/21/2009 Pam continued to suffer abdominal pain and lack of appetite and energy this week. She had chemo on the 19th and learned her CA 125 marker was 205, down from 234 several weeks ago. Every decrease leads us to believe the chemo is being effective in neutralizing the cancer. On the other hand, abdominal fluid was retained and 5.5 liters (approximately 11 pounds) were drained yesterday. (The last drainage occurred on February 6th, when more than 7 liters were removed.) The effect of the drainage on Pam's outlook was immediate-she ate well, remained active all day, and spent a lot of time on the phone.

Pam is fully engaged in the music programs for Easter. She worked with the children's bell choir and the Sanctuary Choir on Wednesday. She gathers all her strength and energies to work with the music ministry, which is her passion.

We continue to be uplifted by the frequent expressions of encouragement and support by our friends for Pam's comfort through this ordeal and hope for continued effective cancer treatments.

Bless you, all!

3/14/2009 After a particularly miserable week of abdominal discomfort, Pam felt much better after chemo and meeting with her doctor yesterday. She gained only two pounds ( a far cry from the 15 pounds of fluid in the past) since her last weigh-in and Dr. Iannotti gave his okay for a two week hiatus from chemotherapy before Easter. Pam's blood work showed no signs of anemia and she was so positive about the report that she enjoyed her first real meal at a restaurant in weeks.

Her schedule calls for chemo on March 20th and 27th, then a break from chemo until April 14th. This will certainly make her more comfortable in working with her choirs during Holy Week and relief from the tedious chemo treatments.

As we prepare for Easter, Pam and I are encouraged and strengthened in spirit from all the thoughts, prayers, and messages from our friends in our church, our community and around the country. God bless you!

3/10/2009 Pam had chemo last Friday (3/6) and everything went well. Her blood count was good and she showed no signs of anemia. The effects of the chemo treatment last about two days before Pam starts to feel good. Despite feeling a lack of energy on Sunday, she directed the sanctuary choir and looked relaxed and radiant. She does need to rest more frequently and is generally tired of the chemo routine. Maybe Pam will be able to take a short break in chemo treatments after completing this round in several weeks.

We thank all our friends for continued support and encouragement.