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.

3/28/2009 This week began with an emotional healing service at our church. Pam and I were overwhelmed by the spoken and unspoken prayers, scripture readings and the many laying of hands upon us. It was a most wonderful and lasting experience.

Pam had a chemo treatment which was supposed to be the last one before a two week hiatus, however her doctor suggested she go one more week before a break. The scheduled change would better mesh with the holiday hours at the clinic. Her hemoglobin count was up from last week's report which was close to the threshold for a transfusion. This was certainly encouraging. She has a new medication to counter the early morning nausea which seems to appear for no specific reason.The edema in her feet seems to be easing and her mobility has improved.

Pam's stamina is improving with her appetite. We were out walking a bit today and Pam did very well. She is gathering strength for the Easter season.

We continue to be blessed by the thoughts and support of our friends. God 's mercy is evident.

3/21/2009 Pam continued to suffer abdominal pain and lack of appetite and energy this week. She had chemo on the 19th and learned her CA 125 marker was 205, down from 234 several weeks ago. Every decrease leads us to believe the chemo is being effective in neutralizing the cancer. On the other hand, abdominal fluid was retained and 5.5 liters (approximately 11 pounds) were drained yesterday. (The last drainage occurred on February 6th, when more than 7 liters were removed.) The effect of the drainage on Pam's outlook was immediate-she ate well, remained active all day, and spent a lot of time on the phone.

Pam is fully engaged in the music programs for Easter. She worked with the children's bell choir and the Sanctuary Choir on Wednesday. She gathers all her strength and energies to work with the music ministry, which is her passion.

We continue to be uplifted by the frequent expressions of encouragement and support by our friends for Pam's comfort through this ordeal and hope for continued effective cancer treatments.

Bless you, all!

3/14/2009 After a particularly miserable week of abdominal discomfort, Pam felt much better after chemo and meeting with her doctor yesterday. She gained only two pounds ( a far cry from the 15 pounds of fluid in the past) since her last weigh-in and Dr. Iannotti gave his okay for a two week hiatus from chemotherapy before Easter. Pam's blood work showed no signs of anemia and she was so positive about the report that she enjoyed her first real meal at a restaurant in weeks.

Her schedule calls for chemo on March 20th and 27th, then a break from chemo until April 14th. This will certainly make her more comfortable in working with her choirs during Holy Week and relief from the tedious chemo treatments.

As we prepare for Easter, Pam and I are encouraged and strengthened in spirit from all the thoughts, prayers, and messages from our friends in our church, our community and around the country. God bless you!

3/10/2009 Pam had chemo last Friday (3/6) and everything went well. Her blood count was good and she showed no signs of anemia. The effects of the chemo treatment last about two days before Pam starts to feel good. Despite feeling a lack of energy on Sunday, she directed the sanctuary choir and looked relaxed and radiant. She does need to rest more frequently and is generally tired of the chemo routine. Maybe Pam will be able to take a short break in chemo treatments after completing this round in several weeks.

We thank all our friends for continued support and encouragement.