1/29/2009 This week was supposed to be a time for Pam to relax for the trip to Sloan Kettering; however, it was a trying time. She was unable to work with the children or the Treasure Coast Community Singers. Aside from the effects of the chemotherapy (lack of energy, lack of appetite, edema), Pam has been coughing constantly the past few days. She felt she was catching a cold and I thought the cause was associated with the dust and air pollutants from the current work in the house. Her doctor told her today she has thrush. We have no idea how she contracted that disease, but she will be taking more medication for it.

The encouraging news for Pam today came in the form of test results. Her hemoglobin count was up a bit from last week and it was high enough for her doctor to decide she did not need blood transfusions before our trip. This was a relief for Pam! The real lack of energy had been compounded by the thrush and not the low hemoglobin.

We will leave Saturday morning to visit Dave's brother, who is vacationing from the Ohio winter at a timeshare on Singer Island. Our flight to New York leaves Sunday morning. The appointment at Sloan Kettering is at 3:30 p.m. on Monday. We plan to return home on Tuesday the 3rd. The hospital checked in with Pam today and all the necessary records have been received in New York. Her doctor is extremely supportive of this second opinion and Pam feels he wants to get the best opinion and diagnosis possible.

Your blessings, prayers and unfailing support have helped us immensely. We thank you and God bless you!

1-20-2009 Pam received wonderful news from her doctor that her most recent cancer marker score was 298, down from 360. She was so excited, she burst into tears at the news. It looks like she will have only one more chemo session before the second opinion evaluation at Sloan-Kettering. This schedule will help Pam relax a bit before the trip north.

Bless you all for your prayers, encouragement and support.

1-16-2009 The past ten days have been a struggle for Pam, as she experienced many periods of abdominal pain, anemia and lack of appetite. She underwent chemo treatments on January 9th and today and two others are scheduled before her consultation in New York. Pam was at her familiar enthusiastic self when she worked with the children's choir and the adult choir on the 14th.
She was able to overcome her discomfort doing what she loves. It is a fact the anemia and lack of energy greatly affect her activities, yet Pam maintains a positive outlook.

We are comforted by the many prayers, calls, cards, and visits from our friends in this community and from around the country. Your expressions of faith, encouragement and support are powerful sources of confidence that the cancer will be overcome. Bless you, all!

1-6-2009 Pam's abdominal area was drained of 5.5 liters of fluid yesterday. That is a quick way to lose more than 10 pounds, yet Pam is doing much better than she has over the past few days.
She is looking forward to her February 2nd consultation with the doctor at Memorial Sloan Kettering. This will be a preliminary visit to permit a second opinion as to the nature of the cancer and treatment plans. We do not know how long the assessment will take, but we will only be at the clinic that one day. We will make as many followup trips to New York as necessary to implement more effective means to fight the cancer.

Thank you for all your prayers and support. Pam feels strong enough to resume working with the children's choir this week. She is certainly a woman of faith and optimism.

1-3-09 Pam had her fourth chemo treatment in this round of eight yesterday. Although her hemoglobin count was marginally low, her doctor gave the okay for treatment. The next procedure will take place on the 5th when the fluid accumulation in Pam's abdominal area will be drained. This was not unexpected because her doctor indicated the effectiveness of this chemical in killing the cancer cells in the lymphatic system may not be properly evaluated until near the end of the current treatment plan.

Pam's doctor has scheduled a referral to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City for February 2nd. We have an appointment with a medical oncologist specializing in gynecological cancers. Pam's cancer has been categorized as uterine cancer for purposes of the referral for further tests and evaluation.

Pam's spirit has been uplifted by all the kind and supportive letters, cards, and prayers from our friends-those that we know personally and those who know us through others. She has done extremely well in maintaining a positive outlook while dealing with pain and lack of energy. Thank you for your love and continuous encouragement.

12/30/08 - Pam has experienced highs and lows over the past one and one-half weeks. She was full of energy on the days leading up to Christmas. Her sister and brother-in-law arrived for a week's visit on Christmas night and Pam was really excited. After a chemo treatment on December 26th, Pam began to feel less energetic and tired easily. She began to have abdominal pains attributed to fluid retention due to blockage of the lymph system. She is scheduled to have the abdominal area drained again on January 5th, the earliest date available.

Pam's sister and brother-in-law have helped immensely to keep Pam upbeat and positive. They have worked around the house, completed errands for Pam, and provided wonderful fellowship. They will leave for home in Connecticut tomorrow.

We continue to thank you for your prayers and blessings and wish you a Happy New Year.

December 19, 2008 Pam has been blessed this week with stamina and optimism. After a period of recovery from the shift in chemo treatment drugs, Pam has slept better and begun to have some appetite. We traveled to Orlando for two days to see our four grandchildren and their mother in a performance of the Nutcracker at the Orange County Convention Center. Despite the rigors of travel to and from and around town, the hustle and bustle of visiting excited children, and being away from home, Pam held up very well and immensely enjoyed herself. The granddaughters are compassionate and are comfortable talking to Pam about the cancer.

Pam had a chemo treatment today. She was apprehensive that her hemoglobin count would prevent her from receiving treatment; however, the blood test was fine and Pam has not lost or gained weight. This means she is stabilizing her weight and has not suffered any accumulation of fluid in the abdominal areas. This is a reassuring condition.

We won't know if the chemo is working for several weeks. Pam's doctor will be arranging a visit to New York for late January or early February to have a second opinion. If the chemo is working we will still go. If the chemo is not working, we'll try to find a procedure that will work.

Pam and I have been overwhelmed with prayers, comforting words, and expressions of optimism. We feel greater inner strength and know the Lord is watching over us. Thank you, friends.