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!
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