5/28/2009

Our visit to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa went very smoothly, except for the results. Although the cancer has been alternately described as ovarian or cancer of unknown origin, we learned there is a diagnosis of "cancer of unknown origin." Traces of cancer are in one ovary, in a mass on the liver and in sites around the abdominal area. There is no one area that is ripe for treatment by surgery or radiation. Surgery would not help longevity.

The bottom line is that the chemo treatments Pam has undergone were selected on the probability of success based on the various test results. There is no "right" one. Pam is using 5FU or FolFox and one or two others may be used later on. The chemo will not cure but we hope will control the spread of the cancer. Whether of not the cancer is ovarian, all the chemo treatments are systemic and "overlap" and attack different kinds of cancers. It is not worth finding the origin of Pam's cancer and find out she has already been treated for it.

Pam was encouraged by a reduction in the CA 125 cancer marker over the past few months, but the CT scans showed some spread of the cancer. The doctors tend to rely on the radiology reports over the blood tests for evaluating her condition. The Moffitt doctors' evaluation of Pam's cancer is consistent with that of Dr. Iannotti in Stuart and the doctors at Sloan Kettering.

Pam is registered now with Moffitt for Phase 1 experimental clinical trials. Maybe one will be established for which she qualifies.

There is no medical or chemo restriction on Pam's activities. We need to help maintain her quality of life. We stopped at the Bok Tower and Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida, where Pam showed great endurance and did plenty of walking.
She is still fighting the remnants of her congestion, which contributes to her discomfort. She is determined to remain optimistic for controlling the cancer.

We treasure your prayers and support. Dr. Iannotti and Dr. Apte (Moffitt) agree that prayer works.

5/20/2009 Pam has pretty well recovered from her cold and chest congestion. She had chemo today and is scheduled for blood transfusions on Friday, after she is disconnected from her portable infusion pump. Pam's hemoglobin was down a bit and her blood pressure was up. We would like to see a balance and some consistency in these vital signs.

We have an appointment at the Moffitt Cancer Center on Tuesday afternoon. Pam has been busy arranging the transfer of biopsy and scan results so the records will be available to Moffitt in time for the appointment. We are seeking another opinion on the most effective treatment for Pam, whether it be surgery or chemotherapy or some other protocol.

Your prayers and support continue to be sources of comfort and optimism to us in dealing with this cancer.

5/15/2009 It has been an uncomfortable week for Pam. She has been suffering from nasal and chest congestion which has really affected her appetite and sleep. We hope that the current treatment of antibiotic will take effect quickly.

The encouraging news this week came from Pam's dermatologist who removed the cysts from her scalp last week. Biopsy test results from all three of the cysts came back benign.

We seeking a referral to the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa to have an evaluation by specialists in ovarian cancer. This should be finalized in the next week.

We continue to be thankful for all your prayers and support during this time of various chemo protocols and testing to determine an effective cancer treatment. Pam remains optimistic that he will feel better.

5/10/2009 Pam adapted well to the portable pump that was attached until May 8th. The pump and case were no larger than a waist pack and did not interfered with sleeping or normal activities. The chemo has begun to manifest some of the negative side effects, such as abdominal cramps, swollen feet and lack of energy. Pam has not had any ill effects from cold temperatures and has enjoyed her sherbet and ice cream . Her next treatment is scheduled for May 20th.

Today is Mother's Day and all the local children and grandchildren gathered at the house. They brought all the fixings for submarine sandwiches which appealed to all of us.

Pam had several non-malignant sebaceous cysts removed from her head yesterday. The cysts have caused some minor discomfort for a while so she chose to have them removed. Daughter Diane plans to cut Pam's hair tomorrow. This will be the first hair treatment since Pam started chemo last year.

Thank you for your prayers and continued support. We remain optimistic we will see improvement in Pam's condition in the future.

5/7/2009 Pam had her first treatment with the 5FU Folfox treatment yesterday. The procedure took about 3 hours and Pam came home with a battery powered pump to infuse additional chemicals for two days. One of the reported after effects of this treatment is a sensitivity to cold air or even food which can cause pain. Fortunately, Pam did not require any special adjustment of the temperature at home or need to bundle up to keep warm.

Pam has been quite active since yesterday and she has not had any special naps. We had dinner last night and breakfast today with a couple whom we knew in New Orleans eons ago and were visiting their children in north Florida. Pam then went shopping this afternoon for some clothes that fit her. The shopping was an enjoyable experience because Pam was catered to and not rushed.

The pump will be disconnected tomorrow, the 8th. The next treatment will be around May 20th.

If Pam continues to feel energetic and active throughout this treatment, we will see God's work in progress. We feel the love and support of our friends who continue to pray for healing and relief from this disease. Thank you, Lord.

5/5/2009 Pam had 11 pounds of abdominal fluid drained on Friday, May 1st. She felt much better and and a bit more energetic. Pam's sister and our son visited and we had many searching questions about the nature of Pam's cancer,, especially the meaning of lower CA 125 scores and the apparent spread of the cancer to the mesentery, the connective tissue joining the intestine to the peritoneum, as reflected on the CT scan. We prepared a list of questions and "what if's" for Pam's doctor to help us decide our next steps.

We looked into the possibility of clinical trials which focus on cancer of undetermined origin, alternative chemo treatments and possible referral to another cancer center for another opinion. After consultation with her doctor, Pam has opted to begin the new chem treatment classified as 5FU tomorrow. The plan calls for 4 to 6 treatments two weeks apart. Each treatment will take two days to complete-day one for actual infusion of the chemo and 2 days of residual infusion of other chemicals through a pump the size of a cell phone. This treatment will target the abdominal area,

For the next two months or so, Pam will stick to this treatment plan. At the completion of the plan, she may opt for a referral or other consultation, but we remain optimistic some evidence of controlling the cancer will be realized.

We thank you for your continuous prayers, love and support during the past year of cancer treatments. May God bless you, all!