2-26-2010 Pam has not received a report from the biopsy of the tumor on her liver. Tissue specimens will be analyzed by a lab for molecular structure which may lead to another form of treatment.

Meanwhile, Pam will visit Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa next week to promote assignment to a cancer trial which features treatment with avastin. We considered treatment with avastin last year, but opted to continue with chemotherapy. Now that chemo has not been successful we will look at an alternative treatment. Avastin works by blocking blood flow to the cancer cells, but there are potentially dangerous side effects in the intestinal area. It apparently has not been used extensively for cancer of unknown primary.

Pam continues to deal with abdominal pains, and lack of energy and appetite with courage and hope. She did very well on a trip to Orlando for a visit with my brother and his wife. The opportunity to travel for fun really appealed to Pam.

We ask you continue to pray for healing. May God bless you all!

2-16-2010 Pam has been very weak and simply exhausted the past few days. She was extremely upset she was unable to attend church or work with the children at their handbell practice. That is one of her loves in life.

Pam underwent a biopsy of her tumor and xray of her abdominal area today. The biopsy tissue specimens will be sent to a lab for testing to help identify exactly where the cancer started. Although all the available chemo treatments for cancer in the ovaries and GI areas have been tried with little, if any, success, we hope that something may come out of the molecular testing. The xray will let her know if there is any blockage of the digestive system and may help explain why she feels so full without eating much. She is now taking megase to help increase her need and desire to eat nutritiously.

We remain strengthened in hope and faith because of all your prayers and unfailing support. May God bless you all.

2-11-2010 This week has been unsettling. We identified two clinical trials which seemed to be looking for participants with conditions similar to those of Pam, but reaching the contact persons has been time-consuming. Pam has learned that she is not qualified for one of the trials involving molecular testing because she has had chemo treatment. That stipulation was not clearly spelled out in the criteria for participation. Pam has yet to speak to a contact for the second trial.

Meanwhile, Pam has experienced heartburn, constipation , and lack of energy and appetite each day. She overcame those conditions to practice with the handbell and sanctuary choirs. It is what she loves to do. Other church activities have been rescheduled so everything does not go on the same night and Pam will do what she can to join in.

We are not sure what the next step will be with respect to cancer treatment, but we know that your prayers will lead us. May God bless you all.

2/5/2010 Pam saw her oncologist today and he is supporting her participation in clinical trials. After some further tests, Pam will be attempting to qualify for two trials ready to start in 5 weeks. Our problem has been identifying clinical trials for Pam because she has undergone treatments utilizing all the accepted chemical protocols. We thank all our friends for sending us information on cancer of unknown primary and various success stories. Maybe Pam will be accepted into one or both of these trials.

Meanwhile, Pam has been dealing with abdominal pains, lack appetite and diminished energy. Still, she has been singing with the sanctuary choir and playing handbells. She has been steadfast in her support of the needs and feelings of others while downplaying the effects of the cancer. Pam has been strong in her faith and a source of inspiration to me.

Thank you for your continued prayers and Christian fellowship.