11/25/2009 It has been more than a week and a half since Pam's first chemo treatment with Doxil and she has been able to maintain an active schedule. The side effects of the chemical have been somewhat limited to digestive concerns. Pam still has occasional numbness in her feet and hands and abdominal pain but those effects have been with her throughout chemo.

Pam has been very active preparing for the holidays with shopping, baking, singing and leading church activities. We will spend Thanksgiving in Orlando where son David will host nearly all the Florida family and extended family. That count will include 7 grandchildren and 10 adults. Our daughter Beverly is committed to work and will be unable to join the crowd.

We are so thankful that we will be together with family and friends during these stressful times. We are most thankful for your continued prayers and support.

Happy Thanksgiving!

11-16-2009 Pam started treatment with Doxil on Friday and has shown little, if any, adverse reaction. Pam's sister Diane came for the weekend and the two of them maintained a full schedule of holiday shopping for the families, making cookies for a churchwide event, visiting new and long term friends, and working on a multitude of domestic projects. In addition, Pam played the handbells and sang with the choir in church. Diane kept Pam so busy that Pam had no chance to think about chemo.

The current plan calls for chemo treatment every three weeks. There is no need for Pam to carry an auxiliary infusion pump like she did with the previous chemicals. She enjoys the improved mobility and is looking forward to successful treatment and a busy holiday season at church and with the Florida family.

Thank you for your continuing support and prayers.

11/9/2009 Here are two photos of Pam taken during our recent cruise. She remains radiant despite dealing with the cancer.

11-8-2009 Pam is cleared for the new chemo treatment Doxil. Doxil is classified as an antitumor antibiotic and is developed to act during multiple phases of the cell cycle (when the cells are dividing) and is considered cell-cycle specific. Chemotherpy is most effective at killing cells that are rapidly dividing but chemotherapy does not know the difference between the good cells and the cancerous cells. The normal cells will grow back and be healthy, but side effects occur and need to be considered. Doxil can cause numerous side effects and is formulated to treat ovarian cancer, breast cancer and other solid tumors. This information about Doxil was obtained from http://www.chemocare.com, a site presented by Scott Hamilton.
Pam's treatment plan calls for chemo every three weeks, beginning on November 13th.

Aside from the stress of undergoing the muga scan of the heart and waiting for days for the results, Pam found time to sing in two performances of the Treasure Coast Community Singers, one of her favorite groups, in addition to the regular church choir activities. She showed her determination to do what she loves despite the latest report on the cancer. What an inspiration she is!

God bless all of you for your continuous support and prayers.