Short sweet visit to MDAnderson this time...in and out in five hours on Tuesday, April 9.  

After lab tests, Rusty had a "48 Hour Holter Cardiac Monitor" attached.  The purpose of this monitor is to track his heart activity for 48 hours.  Both last visit and this visit he has had an extremely slow heart rate, and this monitor is a precautionary measure to insure that his heart is in fact healthy.  We will remove it at home on Thursday and Fed Ex it back to MDAnderson where the cardiac clinic staff will read the results.

The melanoma team pronounced his lab work "good" and approved him for his regular immunotherapy treatment which took about an hour.  Next month he will have complete body scans again.

To add insult to injury, about two weeks ago, while bending over to give the dog water, Rusty was stricken with severe back pain, fell to the floor,  and could not move.  I called EMTs and they took him by ambulance to the ER where a CT scan clearly showed a slipped disc.  They treated him for pain and we have followed up with our PCP who is treating Rusty with pain med and exercise.  It has affected his left leg and hip, resulting in more leg weakness, more balance issues and dependence on his walker for ambulation.

In spite of all this, his spirits remain good, and he is grateful and hopeful, as am I.

We stayed this time at the beautiful new home of Carolyn and Bob Morley, just outside of Houston this time.  Had a wonderful visit.  I forgot to take any photos - I promise to do better next month!  

Your prayers and good vibes are working!!!!...and we are thankful.