Monday, March 27, 2017
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Tuesday, March 21 was the completion of Rusty's first 28 day cycle on the clinical trial, and the beginning of the second of 36 cycles. (He is seen at MDAnderson in Houston every 14 days.) He had lab testing, heart testing , eye testing, a visit with his medical team and his third chemo infusion. All his appointments were in the MDAnderson Main building, and they kept us hopping all day. They do, however, work to keep all his required appointments in one or sometimes two days. The medical team was very happy with his response to the treatment and he is in fact, vastly improved since February....more energy, sharper mentally, motivated, and happier. So far only very minor skin related reactions to the oral and infused chemo. So grateful!
At home, he's working in the yard, playing in his workshop and we're back on our regular three times a week to the gym schedule.
Once again we had some diversion on the day before the clinic visit - we spent time in Hermann Park, did a few hours in the Museum of Natural Science and found a wonderful Chinese restaurant, "Qin Dynasty."
I am going to attempt to post a few pictures of some of our treatment trip related activities within the next few days. Otherwise, I will try to keep you all (y'all!) updated on our Houston trips every two weeks.
We are so appreciative of all your messages, letters, help, cards, phone calls, prayers, concern and love...
At home, he's working in the yard, playing in his workshop and we're back on our regular three times a week to the gym schedule.
Once again we had some diversion on the day before the clinic visit - we spent time in Hermann Park, did a few hours in the Museum of Natural Science and found a wonderful Chinese restaurant, "Qin Dynasty."
I am going to attempt to post a few pictures of some of our treatment trip related activities within the next few days. Otherwise, I will try to keep you all (y'all!) updated on our Houston trips every two weeks.
We are so appreciative of all your messages, letters, help, cards, phone calls, prayers, concern and love...
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
March 6-8
We did our regular first Saturday show in Wimberley on Saturday...rained all day but still had enough buyers to make it fun. Drove into Houston directly from Wimberley on Sunday afternoon...teeming rain and fog and two oilfield angels in the campground who helped us set up during a brief respite from the rain.
One of the requirements of the clinical trial is regular tumor biopsy. On Monday Rusty had a biopsy of a tumor on his back. Local anesthesia and they do it under an ultrasound to get exact placement. By noon we were out and decided to take on the Houston public transit systen. Went to Rice Village, strolled through the shops, (in the rain) and had lunch at D'Amico's...overate as usual.
Tuesday, after early morning labs, we had a few hours break till the next appointment so we made our way over to the Houston Museum of Natural Science which is in beautiful Hermann Park, only a few blocks from MDA. Amazing place! We bought a membership to the Museum, knowing that we will be in the area every two weeks.
After having the venous catheter for his chemo inserted, we saw Rusty's Melanoma doctor. There has been a positive decrease in the tunor mass since starting the chemo two weeks ago. While this is encouraging, the doc is guarded regarding the duration of effectiveness of the oral agents, and not sure when the IV immunotherapeutic agents will "kick in"...that's what the clinical trial is all about.
Rusty had his infusion after the doc visit and we were back in the camper by 8 PM...Long day for a guy who could barely walk to the mailbox two weeks ago. We're preparing to head back to Corpus in an hour or so and we'll be back up herre on March 21.
We did our regular first Saturday show in Wimberley on Saturday...rained all day but still had enough buyers to make it fun. Drove into Houston directly from Wimberley on Sunday afternoon...teeming rain and fog and two oilfield angels in the campground who helped us set up during a brief respite from the rain.
One of the requirements of the clinical trial is regular tumor biopsy. On Monday Rusty had a biopsy of a tumor on his back. Local anesthesia and they do it under an ultrasound to get exact placement. By noon we were out and decided to take on the Houston public transit systen. Went to Rice Village, strolled through the shops, (in the rain) and had lunch at D'Amico's...overate as usual.
Tuesday, after early morning labs, we had a few hours break till the next appointment so we made our way over to the Houston Museum of Natural Science which is in beautiful Hermann Park, only a few blocks from MDA. Amazing place! We bought a membership to the Museum, knowing that we will be in the area every two weeks.
After having the venous catheter for his chemo inserted, we saw Rusty's Melanoma doctor. There has been a positive decrease in the tunor mass since starting the chemo two weeks ago. While this is encouraging, the doc is guarded regarding the duration of effectiveness of the oral agents, and not sure when the IV immunotherapeutic agents will "kick in"...that's what the clinical trial is all about.
Rusty had his infusion after the doc visit and we were back in the camper by 8 PM...Long day for a guy who could barely walk to the mailbox two weeks ago. We're preparing to head back to Corpus in an hour or so and we'll be back up herre on March 21.
Monday, March 6, 2017
So far...
This blog has been created by Jeff Rank in order to communicate about Rusty (John) Rank and his journey with cancer...it is in response to the numerous emails and phone calls asking for and about Rusty and Grace (me) and this new wrinkle in our lives. It is not intended to replace personal contact but to have a place to post facts of interest. We love hearing from you, even when we cannot answer your messages.
How it began...by Grace...
In early January of 2017, after busy, happy holidays, Rusty suddenly became fatigued easily and suffered from some bouts of confusion. CT scans and a biopsy revealed a diagnosis of stage IV malignant melanoma (throughout his body) with metastasis (spread) to the brain. Thanks to our primary physician, Gerry Boynton, Rusty was admitted to care at M.D.Anderson Cancer Center ("MDA") in Houston on January 17. Jeff and I accompanied him to Houston for this initial One week visit.
Three episodes of Atrial Fibrillation with Emergency Room visits complicated the week before and during our initial visit to Houston...now controlled with medication, but exciting nonetheless!
Rusty was seen in the Melanoma and Skin Clinic at MDA and hs doctor explained diagnostic and treatment options. Genetic testing to determine classify the DNA of his tumor would be key in determining treatment.
On January 20, surgery to remove the dangerous brain tumor was performed. Recovery was rapid and on Monday, Jan. 23 Rusty was discharged to home to continue recovering. A visit with the neurosurgeon two weeks after surgery indicated the the surgery accomplished what they hoped.
The genetic analysis resulted in Rusty being a candidatefor a clinical trial combining daily oral targeted chemotherapeutic agents (Tafinlar and Mekanist) and infusions of an immunotherapeutic agent (Novolumib) every two weeks. Since it is a clinical trial, the regeime includes frequent scans, labs, biopsies, heart monitoring, and opthamology monitoring. Rusty opted to do the clinical trial. (I am including the drug names for my nurse and doctor friends)
In anticipation of three day visits to Houston every two weeks, and with Rusty's driving curtailed, we purchased a 17 foot "Casita" travel trailer which I have no trouble towing. Most of you know that we have had a 28 foot travel trailer for more than twenty years and love traveling with it...problem is that I am intimidated by towing it. The big trailer is now for sale and we are loving our little Casita. There is an RV park about three miles from MDA and the park runs shuttles into the hospital and clinics, so we're good to go.
We are hopeful.
Feb. 20 and 21 - Multiple baseline tests, scans, labs and examinations. First oral and intravenous therapy...so far, so good. Met Cadge ( roommate fron nursing school 55 years ago) and her husband Bob, for dinner in Houston. They were here from Tennessee visiting their daughter...had a wonderful visit!
How it began...by Grace...
In early January of 2017, after busy, happy holidays, Rusty suddenly became fatigued easily and suffered from some bouts of confusion. CT scans and a biopsy revealed a diagnosis of stage IV malignant melanoma (throughout his body) with metastasis (spread) to the brain. Thanks to our primary physician, Gerry Boynton, Rusty was admitted to care at M.D.Anderson Cancer Center ("MDA") in Houston on January 17. Jeff and I accompanied him to Houston for this initial One week visit.
Three episodes of Atrial Fibrillation with Emergency Room visits complicated the week before and during our initial visit to Houston...now controlled with medication, but exciting nonetheless!
Rusty was seen in the Melanoma and Skin Clinic at MDA and hs doctor explained diagnostic and treatment options. Genetic testing to determine classify the DNA of his tumor would be key in determining treatment.
On January 20, surgery to remove the dangerous brain tumor was performed. Recovery was rapid and on Monday, Jan. 23 Rusty was discharged to home to continue recovering. A visit with the neurosurgeon two weeks after surgery indicated the the surgery accomplished what they hoped.
The genetic analysis resulted in Rusty being a candidatefor a clinical trial combining daily oral targeted chemotherapeutic agents (Tafinlar and Mekanist) and infusions of an immunotherapeutic agent (Novolumib) every two weeks. Since it is a clinical trial, the regeime includes frequent scans, labs, biopsies, heart monitoring, and opthamology monitoring. Rusty opted to do the clinical trial. (I am including the drug names for my nurse and doctor friends)
In anticipation of three day visits to Houston every two weeks, and with Rusty's driving curtailed, we purchased a 17 foot "Casita" travel trailer which I have no trouble towing. Most of you know that we have had a 28 foot travel trailer for more than twenty years and love traveling with it...problem is that I am intimidated by towing it. The big trailer is now for sale and we are loving our little Casita. There is an RV park about three miles from MDA and the park runs shuttles into the hospital and clinics, so we're good to go.
We are hopeful.
Feb. 20 and 21 - Multiple baseline tests, scans, labs and examinations. First oral and intravenous therapy...so far, so good. Met Cadge ( roommate fron nursing school 55 years ago) and her husband Bob, for dinner in Houston. They were here from Tennessee visiting their daughter...had a wonderful visit!
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