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!