2-16-2010 Pam has been very weak and simply exhausted the past few days. She was extremely upset she was unable to attend church or work with the children at their handbell practice. That is one of her loves in life.

Pam underwent a biopsy of her tumor and xray of her abdominal area today. The biopsy tissue specimens will be sent to a lab for testing to help identify exactly where the cancer started. Although all the available chemo treatments for cancer in the ovaries and GI areas have been tried with little, if any, success, we hope that something may come out of the molecular testing. The xray will let her know if there is any blockage of the digestive system and may help explain why she feels so full without eating much. She is now taking megase to help increase her need and desire to eat nutritiously.

We remain strengthened in hope and faith because of all your prayers and unfailing support. May God bless you all.

2-11-2010 This week has been unsettling. We identified two clinical trials which seemed to be looking for participants with conditions similar to those of Pam, but reaching the contact persons has been time-consuming. Pam has learned that she is not qualified for one of the trials involving molecular testing because she has had chemo treatment. That stipulation was not clearly spelled out in the criteria for participation. Pam has yet to speak to a contact for the second trial.

Meanwhile, Pam has experienced heartburn, constipation , and lack of energy and appetite each day. She overcame those conditions to practice with the handbell and sanctuary choirs. It is what she loves to do. Other church activities have been rescheduled so everything does not go on the same night and Pam will do what she can to join in.

We are not sure what the next step will be with respect to cancer treatment, but we know that your prayers will lead us. May God bless you all.

2/5/2010 Pam saw her oncologist today and he is supporting her participation in clinical trials. After some further tests, Pam will be attempting to qualify for two trials ready to start in 5 weeks. Our problem has been identifying clinical trials for Pam because she has undergone treatments utilizing all the accepted chemical protocols. We thank all our friends for sending us information on cancer of unknown primary and various success stories. Maybe Pam will be accepted into one or both of these trials.

Meanwhile, Pam has been dealing with abdominal pains, lack appetite and diminished energy. Still, she has been singing with the sanctuary choir and playing handbells. She has been steadfast in her support of the needs and feelings of others while downplaying the effects of the cancer. Pam has been strong in her faith and a source of inspiration to me.

Thank you for your continued prayers and Christian fellowship.

1-22-2010 Pam had a quality visit with her college roommate and several friends in the Florida Keys. The weather was perfect and she even had time to shop.

Pam's CT scan showed the cancer has spread with numerous nodules appearing throughout the abdominal area. It is clear that the six different chemo treatments have not been effective over the past 18 months and no other drugs are available. Pam will no longer be taking chemo treatments, but she asks for any and all information that may be available about experimental clinical trials for cancer of unknown primary.

Pam remains strong and will continue to work with the music ministry and other activities at church.

We thank you for your continued prayers which have guided us and helped Pam endure the cancer treatments. May God bless you all.

1-19-2010 Pam had a CT scan today and she will discuss the results with her doctor on Friday, the 22nd. Meanwhile, Pam is still suffering from constipation and abdominal discomfort. She learned her calcium level in her blood is elevated, which may have contributed to the constipation problem. Consequently, she was administered a treatment targeting the calcium concentration.

Pam is wearing down from the continuing medical procedures, the side effects of the chemicals, and the inability to do everything she would like to do. We are going away to the Florida Keys for two days with the expectation that a change in environment will be beneficial for the psyche.

Thank you all for your continuing prayers and support.

1-15-2010 Pam opted to forgo a chemo treatment today. She just felt like she needed a break from chemo. Her doctor appreciated her concerns about persistent constipation, lack of energy and appetite and scheduled a CT scan for January 19th. Pam's last scan was in October 2009. Even if Pam had a treatment today, she would have been scheduled for a scan in accordance with her treatment plan.

Meanwhile, Pam is planning to attend a handbell workshop tomorrow and a full schedule with church music on Sunday. The church activities really seem to help her overcome the debilitating effects of the cancer.

1-13-2009 Pam has had a rough time for the past two weeks. She has had little or no appetite while experiencing abdominal discomfort and frequent constipation. These conditions have affected her energy level, yet she has been able to sing with her choirs and lead the bell choir practices.

Pam is scheduled to meet with her oncologist this week and have a chemo treatment on Friday. Her blood work has been acceptable recently and should not affect her scheduled chemo. We continue to search for clinical trials that Pam may qualify for participation, but her diagnosis has ranged from ovarian to cancer of unknown origin. Chemo treatments targeted for many different types of cancer have not yielded marked improvement, but we hope the current treatment with Doxil will provide results.