On Monday and Tuesday, Aug 13 and 14 Rusty had interim appointments at MDAnderson to assess the status of the brain lesion that was problematic after the gamma knife surgery.  The lesion was treated with a potent infused drug over two months in April and May.  Yesterday (Monday) he had labs and a brain MRI,  and today (Tuesday) we saw the neuro-oncology radiation team. 

Good news.  The lesion has stablized and there is no new necrosis or inflammation.  While the tumor that was irradiated is still present, it is "dead".  The team feels that Rusty has improved in his appearance and his cognitive and motor competencies, and they are happy with his status.  They will check him again in two or three months. 

In the meantime he is getting physical therapy three times a week to help with balance and stamina.  The therapy seems to be helping, although Rusty is impatient and wants much faster results!  As if all of this were not enough, he had some major dental work here last week for problems under two old crowns...it went smoothly and was relatively painless, thank goodness.  He will get his new crowns next week.

We return to MDAnderson at the end of August for appointments with the Melanoma team and an immunotherapy infusion. 

We're feeling very blessed, grateful and happy with the today's news.  Thank you for the prayers, love, support and good wishes!       

  

At the RV Resort pool after a day at MDAnderson Cancer Center