4/30/2009 Pam met with her doctor to discuss the CT scan and blood tests. The CA 125 marker came in at 72, a marked decrease from the last test of 238, but we now realize the test is unreliable, especially with respect to Pam's cancer. The scan results show the cancer has spread to tissues around the lungs, abdominal area and bowel. Pam's recent experiences with fluid buildup, constipation, nausea, and lethargy are a direct result of the spread of the cancer, which is still loosely classified as of unknown origin.

Pam has opted for a new chemo treatment plan, called 5FU (fluorouracil) or FolFox. This treatment is supposed to prevent cancer cells from dividing and growing normally which leads to tumor cell death. This therapy has been used to treat patients of many different types of cancer and may be effective here. If the new treatment is effective here, the cancer cells will shrink and the symptoms Pam has experienced will be abated.

The abdominal fluid will be drained on May 1st and the new chemo therapy will begin on Wednesday, May 6th.

Pam is determined to see this this chemo work and check the spread of the cancer. Only a Divine intervention will cure the cancer. The prayers and support of our friends remain a source of optimism and strength for Pam. We love you all.

4/29/09 Pam had a CT scan of her mid-section on Monday and has experienced nearly constant discomfort and nausea. The nausea appears as soon as she arises and greatly affects her appetite. On the positive note, Pam has been sleeping very well at night, even after taking frequent naps during the day, and takes frequent strolls around the house. We will discuss the scan and blood tests with her doctor tomorrow, the 30th.

We are very blessed to have so many friends and friends of friends express their love for Pam through prayers, cards, thoughts and calls. Pam remains uplifted and optimistic for the right treatment because of your wonderful support.

4/23/2009 - Pam was scheduled for a chemo treatment today but her doctor was concerned about her lack of strength and her recent problems with nausea, irregularity and fluid accumulation. He felt her condition would have been markedly improved if the chemo were working as planned. It appears that the chemo treatments have had the opposite effect and have diminished Pam's quality of life.

Our plan is to evaluate the extent of the cancer beginning with a CAT scan next week. We should also have the results of the CA125 cancer marker blood test taken today. Although the cancer markers have decreased over the past several months, the test results are not conclusive.

The choice of further chemo therapy is generally up to Pam. Since the three different treatment plans targeted for this cancer have been rather unsuccessful, any new plan would tend to introduce more toxicity in her body. Any treatment plan decision will be carefully weighed.

Although Pam's spirits are down a bit, she remains optimistic for a successful treatment. She continually thanks all our friends for the prayers, expressions of concern, support, and personal success stories.

4-21-2009 Pam is scheduled to resume chemo on Friday, April 24th. She took two weeks off from the treatment for the holidays, but Pam did not feel any noticeable change in how she felt. Aside from a great Easter, she suffered frequent periods of nausea and irregularity. Two different medicines for nausea did not seem to have any significant effect. Overall, Pam has had little energy and desire to move around. We hope to schedule a complete assessment of the chemo treatment and effects this week.

Your prayers and expressions of support have helped immeasurably in enduring this disease for the past year.

4/13/2009 Pam had a good week and a fantastic Easter. Throughout the week, Pam spent most of her time relaxing and resting, while dealing with frequent nausea and little appetite. She was inspired by a special visit by friends from church who gave their testimony of how God helped them overcome a number of health issues and prayed for God's healing for Pam. The prayer meeting seemed to give her energy to coordinate plans for Easter Sunday and the family gathering.

She awoke Sunday with the usual feelings of weakness and felt uncertain about her stamina to direct the children's choir. By the time she arrived at church, she was really energized. The children sang very well, Pam was able to stand for the hymns without assistance, and showed no sign of weakness.

Nearly thirty people visited the house Sunday afternoon for a potluck We had six of our grandchildren, friends we have had since we have been married, four generations of one family, and our extended family. Pam was thoroughly enjoying the children, adults, a birthday celebration, and fellowship.

We are very thankful for the most happy day. The church and family activities were exactly what Pam needed to enjoy life and overcome any effects of the cancer for the day.

Easter was a blessed day for us and we thank you all for prayers, support and comforting thoughts.

The following was written by our 10-year old granddaughter in her homemade card,

" Dear Grandma,

I am praying for U. I have been praying every single night for U. I am so happy that the test results were good. I am happy for U. We all love U, and we all hope that U get better.

Love,

Lauren

P.S. U are the greatest Grandma in the world."

This represents the love and support which helped Pam on Sunday.

4/4/2009 Pam spent all day at the infusion clinic when she received two pints of blood to combat her anemia. She ate a big breakfast and most of her lunch and feels very good. There also was no episode of nausea when she first got up this morning. The act coughing up of phlegm every morning the last several weeks has been uncomfortable and there has been no explanation for it.

Pam had a surprise visit from our three local grandsons (ages 15, 17 and 18) and one daughter after she arrived home. She was very pleased to hear what is happening in their lives for nearly an hour. Not every teenager would think to stop by to see his grandmother just to check on her.

Pam is ready for Palm Sunday and Holy Week. She feels very blessed to receive all your prayers and support. May God bless all of you!

4/3/2009 This has been another up and down week for Pam. When not working with the children at church, she endured general weakness and lack of energy. At her chemo treatment today she learned the hemoglobin count has decreased. The shot she received last week to at least steady the hemoglobin count did not work as planned. Pam accepted her doctor's suggestion to undergo a transfusion tomorrow (April 4th) to bring up her hemoglobin. This procedure will presumably boost Pam's energy level to enable her to complete all the Holy Week events and personal activities until her next chemo treatment on April 24th. Pam believes she needs a break from the effects of the chemotherapy and her doctor has supported her in this decision. A cancer marker blood test will probably be taken on the 24th.

We thank you for your continued prayers and support.