Since our last update, Pam has continued her courageous and valiant effort to battle the stomach cancer.  She has reached her 8^th month when doctors indicated she would only make 3-6 months without chemotherapy.

After her August hospital experience, she came home and was able to spend some quality time with the family.  Unfortunately, the cancer caused additional challenges.  We finally decided that it was time for her to enter the hospice program to better manage her pain and the complications.  The good news is that she is able to stay home.  She started hospice care on Thursday, September 12….just two days before Mandy’s wedding.

On the wedding day, Pam was feeling really good.  She sat in her command and control chair and directed the wedding preparations.  While she did not have the strength to attend the wedding in person, Eric was able to stream the ceremony to our TV so she could watch it live.  Ryan also recorded the ceremony and she was able to review the special events of the day again.

 

When Pam went into the hospice program, she was told that most people at the stage only last about 7-10 days.  Again, Pam has defied the odds again.  She made it from the 12^th to our 35^th wedding anniversary on the 22^nd.  As of today, September 26 (14 days), she is still with us and her family is enjoying the opportunity to spend more quality time with her. 

For our anniversary, I got her 35 red roses on 16^th so she could enjoy them throughout the week.  Also, I was able to complete (with Eric’s help) a video to celebrate our 35 years.  Not to be outdone, she made sure that she was here on our anniversary and was the first to wish me a Happy Anniversary.  Given everything we have been told, this was truly a tender mercy. 

 

While we know that our time with Pam in this life is short, we enjoy the time that we can still have with her.  Her spirit remains strong and she is putting her trust in the Lord that this is his will.  We know that we can be a family forever and while this will be a difficult separation, we look forward with faith that we will be together again. 

I again express appreciation to all of those who have done so much to help Pam and the family with this experience.  Pam’s sister, Rose, and her sister-in-law, Charlotte, have spent much of the summer helping Pam and the family.  I have also been impressed with the love and care that our children have provided to Pam.  They have been there for foot rubs, chats and other acts of service.  Thanks to all of you!

Pam is truly a remarkable woman.  She has done so much for her family and others.  This battle with cancer has revealed the depth of her faith and courage.  Our family has been blessed to have her as our MOM!