9/7/2009 Pam started another round of chemo last week and all of the physical discomfort and effects associated with the chemo have returned. Pam's appetite, energy level, mobility have diminished and the constant abdominal pain has increased. She maintains an upbeat attitude and hosted a Labor Day weekend gathering of more than 30 friends and family members yesterday.

The new round of chemo has been planned and is scheduled for 6 treatments two weeks apart. We have not received results of the CA125 test taken over a week ago and no scans are planned. We should have some definite information this week.

Please continue to pray for Pam's healing.

8/26/2009 We are back from vacation and Pam is doing very well. We stayed with her sister Diane and husband Art and made many side trips to visit longtime friends and family. Pam needed no wheelchair and was able to walk short distances and climb a few steps. Pam certainly had an appetite and meals from salads to lobster. She has not forgotten the technique and skill needed to eat lobster and thoroughly enjoyed four lobsters during our trip. Despite her eating regularly, she did not gain any weight. She will discuss the weight concerns with her doctor.

All in all, Pam was very active and showed no effects from potential infection from the air travel or any of the symptoms associated with the cancer. The break from chemotherapy was wonderful for her quality of life and personal happiness.

Bless you all for your continued prayers and support.

8/13/09 It is an awesome day. Pam's white blood count went up, well above the minimum level, and she does not require any special shot to ward off infection. In addition to the white count, the values for hemoglobin, red blood cells, and platelets all went up. Pam is ecstatic. These increases were not due to any medication or chemo. We remain cleared for travel tomorrow.

Pam learned today from the nurses at the Cancer Center about a lab that tests for the source of cancer of unknown origin, which is basically describes her situation. We will be studying the literature during our trip. Pam remains a candidate for clinical trials which may be established to study cancer of unknown origin.

We are grateful for the continuing thoughts, prayers and support of all our friends, acquaintances, and family throughout this ordeal with the cancer.

8/9/2009 Pam could not have chemo last week because of a low white blood count. If necessary, she will have a shot to bolster the white count this week to help her resistance to infection when we travel to New England on August 14th.

Meanwhile, Pam continues to be active and energized in her activities. She has been working hard finishing some needlework projects, getting ready for our trip, singing with the choir. We have been to the movies and dined out several times. Today, Pam taught children's Sunday School and gave the children's sermon with enthusiasm and confidence.

We know these signs of progress in healing and Pam's ability to adapt to the effects of chemo are the results of your prayers and unfailing support. May God bless you all.

7/29/2009 Pam has been energized the past 5 days-good appetite, active in the choir, taking the two oldest grandsons shopping for school (Chase is entering college and Ricky will be a high school senior), working on needlework projects and planning a trip to New England in August. She was scheduled for chemo today, but her white blood count was down and not sufficient for treatment.

Pam was a bit disappointed with her overall plans when she had to reschedule chemo for next week. If she has chemo she will have only one week to recover before our trip. This will be a strain on regaining strength and endurance to travel. The original plan was to take August off from all chemo so she could relax and enjoy travel. Her cancer condition remains stabilized and the postponement of chemo today was only a minor setback.

We know the prayers and thoughts of our friends and church family have been instrumental in her improved condition. We ask for your continued support.

7/24/2009 Pam has just about recovered from the effects of her last chemo (on 7/24). She was in a euphoric state today when her doctor called to tell her the cancer marker (CA 125) was down to 47.
The last marker score was 72. Regardless of how unreliable the cancer marker may be, the reduction in the number is comforting to Pam, especially when a score of 35 may indicate a state of remission. This news reinforces her doctor's assessment that her condition is stabilized rather regressing.

Praise the Lord!

7/17/09 Pam had a good report from her doctor today. He was pleased with her overall condition-skin color, no swelling, very alert and feeling good about herself. He plans no CT scan after the next chemo treatment, scheduled for July 29th, because he does not want to inject radioactive contrast in to her system when she seems to be responding to chemo. Pam plans to take the month of August off from chemo, with her doctor's blessing.

This chemo protocol seems to be the one we have hoped for to show signs of improvement. We know your prayers for healing and continuous support have helped Pam to reach this point in her treatment. We thank the Lord for you and His blessings on you.