On May 5 we drove from Wimberley directly to MDAnderson for appointments on May 6 and May 7.  In addition to lab work, Monday, May 6 was the routine three month "restaging diagnostics"...a body CT scan and a Brain MRI to determine the existence and/or status of tumors.  In the case of the brain MRI, they are also checking the post treatment necrosis and swelling that have been steadily improving over the past year.

On Tuesday during the visit with the radiation-neuro-oncologist, we learned that the affected areas in the brain are stable, there is no tumor activity and, in fact, there is some improvement in the post-treatment swelling.  A very positive report on the MRI.  

The Melanoma physician also had good news - the CT body scans show no evidence of tumor activity - the melanoma team is very happy with the response to immunotherapy.  At this time, they are estimating that the immunotherapy will continue for about a year.

Two weeks ago, Rusty had two motor seizures.  We were in communication with his three primary physicians at MDAnderson and the neuro-oncologist instructed us to increase the dosage of Rusty's seizure medication.  We did so and while he had no further seizures, he began to experience balance, coordination and energy problems.  He was very fatigued and walking was almost impossible.  The docs agreed that Rusty had not tolerated the increased dosage well, and at this visit, they decreased the dosage to what it was before the seizures. They will continue to monitor him and work to find an appropriate medication regime.  No-one is exactly sure what is causing the seizures, but they are following him closely.  Radiation to the brain, while destroying tumor, can cause such problems.

Rusty had his usual monthly immunotherapy infusion after the doctor visits Tuesday.

 Skittles and the Chronicle make the infusion time pass quickly

Nurse Ratchet

Summary...a very positive visit!!!  We are so grateful for this institution and for the people who make such a difference in the lives of patients and families coping with cancer.  We are also deeply grateful for our family and friends who have stood by us, prayed for us, loved us and supported us on our journey with cancer...thank you, thank you, thank you.

 Seafood lunch on the way home to celebrate the good reports!

 Our chariot and mobile hotel room

Greta is glad to have Rusty home