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.