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.