Back up to MDAnderson yesterday afternoon to prepare for visits today (January 9). We had some anxiety because, since the encephalitis episode, Rusty had been withdrawn from the Clinical Study protocol, and we were sure about what the new recommendations for treatment might entail.  Since we had been told three weeks ago that there were new tumors, we were afraid that we might have to make some difficult choices...i.e. Quality vs quantity of life.

Happily, that was not the case.  The Melanoma team recommended a new, different combination of IV chemotherapy and immunotherapy.  Pending Rusty's consent it was scheduled to start today.  The chemo is intended to shrink or obliterate existing tumors, including the one in his leg which has limited his mobility.  The immunotherapy is intended to boost the immune system so that it recognizes and attacks tumors.   Immunotherapy takes some time (weeks or months) to be effective, but the chemo is expected to work immediately. Discussion of possible side effects was a little scary, but Rusty is very ready to begin the new regimen, and side effects do not happen in all cases.  There will be four cycles of the drugs, three weeks apart, then a series of scans to determine status.

 Jeff was with us again for this visit and the three of us were very relieved and grateful.  Rusty had the first of the chemo and immunotherapy infusions today, and we'll come back in three weeks for the next round.

Rusty and Jeff back at the travel trailer with take out ribs from Pappa's Barbecue.

Thank you for your prayers, messages and support.  I'll post again when there are changes or when we come back in three weeks.