Thursday, April 30, 2009

4/30/2009 Pam met with her doctor to discuss the CT scan and blood tests. The CA 125 marker came in at 72, a marked decrease from the last test of 238, but we now realize the test is unreliable, especially with respect to Pam's cancer. The scan results show the cancer has spread to tissues around the lungs, abdominal area and bowel. Pam's recent experiences with fluid buildup, constipation, nausea, and lethargy are a direct result of the spread of the cancer, which is still loosely classified as of unknown origin.

Pam has opted for a new chemo treatment plan, called 5FU (fluorouracil) or FolFox. This treatment is supposed to prevent cancer cells from dividing and growing normally which leads to tumor cell death. This therapy has been used to treat patients of many different types of cancer and may be effective here. If the new treatment is effective here, the cancer cells will shrink and the symptoms Pam has experienced will be abated.

The abdominal fluid will be drained on May 1st and the new chemo therapy will begin on Wednesday, May 6th.

Pam is determined to see this this chemo work and check the spread of the cancer. Only a Divine intervention will cure the cancer. The prayers and support of our friends remain a source of optimism and strength for Pam. We love you all.

1 comment:

Marilyn and Bob said...

Pam and Dave, Bob and I continue to pray for you daily. We know that this has been a long, hard fight. We pray for that healing that only God can do. We love you and want to see you back with those children and the choir.

Bob and Marilyn