9/24/2009 This is an off week for chemo and Pam has taken full advantage of increased energy and activities. Pam and our daughters Beverly and Tammy hosted a 40th birthday party for our daughter Diane on the 21st. She sang with the community singers on Monday and the church choir on Wednesday. Pam is looking forward to leading the sanctuary choir on Sunday and optimistic that she will have the necessary stamina to direct. She still experiences frequent episodes of chemo effects varying from feeling hot and cold, numb feet, cold toes, and abdominal discomfort. Fortunately, she has learned to minimize those effects.

Pam is most thankful she is still able to be active in church activities, being a part of the lives of our children and grandchildren, and renewing acquaintances from years past. Your prayers and support have sustained Pam and me.

9-17-2009 Pam has been active these past few days. She presented the childrens' sermon on Sunday and worked with the children at our church family night yesterday. In addition to singing with the community singers group and the sanctuary choir, Pam has set aside time to shop for herself and family members and work on many needlework projects.

Pam had chemo yesterday. Despite the effects of the basic treatment and the fact she is attached to a supplemental portable infuser pump for two days, she remains upbeat and positive. She is an inspiring example of the power of hope and prayer.

God bless all our friends for continuing support.

9/11/2009 Pam was quite relieved to learn that the CA125 test had a cancer marker of 48. Her previous score was 47, yet she has had only one or two chemo sessions since then. This news really helped Pam deal with the lack of energy and appetite she has endured since the last chemo on August 31st. She is ready to ring handbells as a substitute in church this Sunday.l

The next chemo treatment is set for September 16th.

We thank you for many prayers and expressions of support for Pam' healing.

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.