Update on Marissa (from Sean)

Marissa has had a rough couple of weeks since being released from the hospital for the bowel obstruction. Her CT scan results showed that the cancer has progressed, although not at the rate that the CA125 is rising (which is now at 7500). She has however had difficulty eating and keeping food down, and her weight has dropped quite a bit. On the positive side, Marissa has had two treatments with the new chemo drug Gemzar, which can be harsh on the platelet and white blood cell counts, and her numbers so far look good.

However, in order to keep going on the chemo she needs to take in more nutrition and get her weight back up, so tomorrow she will be admitted into the hospital for a minimum of four days to start TPN (total parenteral nutrition, which means she will get nutrition directly into her vein instead of consuming foods and liquids orally). After the hospital stay, where they will dial in the exact amounts of TPN her body requires, she will continue to get TPN at home for the foreseeable future in hopes of getting her strength up and letting the chemo reduce the cancer and allowing her to eat normally again.

We will continue to keep you posted on her status. Thanks as always for your love, support, and prayers.