We left Corpus Christi on Monday for Rusty’s March MDAnderson visit.  Good trip up with a bonus visit to Brazos Bend State Park for a picnic lunch.  

Just for a little added excitement, as we were parking the travel trailer at the RV Park, Rusty had a small motor seizure…first one in nine months…we know that these seizures happen as a result of the radiation to his brain, and they are not terribly serious, but Rusty was quite discouraged because the seizure resets the clock for his resuming driving.  Under Texas law, he must now wait at least six months to resume driving.  He has not driven since January of 2017 and it has been hard on him.

Spring is arriving in Houston

After routine lab work he saw both the melanoma team and the neuro-oncology team.  The melanoma team was pleased with his overall condition.  He will not have another set of scans until May.  This team must see him every month to assess whether his condition is stable enough for the monthly immunotherapy…as usual, he was approved for the infusion.

During the melanoma team exam, they did find that his pulse was extremely low.  Within minutes they had scheduled and completed an EKG, and found no heart problems – he was cleared for treatment.

The visit to the Neuro-oncology team was better than we expected.  The neuro-oncologist was not worried about the seizure, and, on examination, found that Rusty’s neuro status has improved since the last visit three months ago.  While he still has some bouts of confusion and memory loss, the episodes are shorter and fewer.  His left sided weakness is gone and his muscle strength is symmetrical and good.

Infusion was non-eventful, so we did a little happy dance leaving the Main Clinic.

We topped off the good day by meeting Cadge and Bob for Italian dinner at D’Amico’s to celebrate Bob’s birthday.  We are so blessed by good friends and we thank you all for your prayers, support and love.