We retrieved our trusty RV Trailer from the shop in Rockport on Saturday and headed for Houston on Rt. 35 along the Texas coast.  One of the distinct benefits of this route is the crawfish etouffee at Baytown Seafood in Van Vleck. 

Since Rusty's appointments were on Monday and Tuesday, we vegged out on Sunday and spent the afternoon in Richmond (a suburb of Houston) with Cadge and Bob.

On Monday Rusty had his usual 3 month "restaging" body scans, and since we missed our usual Italian dinner during our last visit, we made up for it Monday at D'Amico's.

On Tuesday Rusty had seven appointments, three with clinic teams, two diagnostic, including a brain MRI, and two infusion related.  

Only one seizure this month and Neurologist has decreased seizure medications in hopes of improving walking balance and coordination.  Otherwise neurologically stable.  No return visit to this clinic for six months.  YAY!

Radiation neuro-oncologist reports that brain MRI shows that the brain is stable - no further necrosis and no new lesions.   No return visit to this clinic for four months.  YAY!

Melanoma doc says scans show no tumor activity and Rusty is "perfect."  Rusty will continue the immnunotherapy for about nine more months, once every 28 days.  YAY!

So, as usual, to celebrate Rusty's good health and our high spirits, we had a meal - upscale Chinese this time. 

We leave Houston tomorrow to spend a couple of R and R days at Blanco State Park, then head over to Wimberley on Friday to prepare for the August Wimberley Market Days on Saturday.  Home on Sunday.  Thanks once again for your interest, prayers, good vibes and support...we feel surrounded by love.

In mid June Rusty’s seizures increased in frequency and his MDAnderson neurologist increased his anti-seizure medication.  He has had infrequent small facial motor seizures due to the effects of radiation to the brain.  The medication did the trick as far as stopping the seizures, but has caused him to have more trouble walking...balance and coordination are impaired, and his legs fatigue easily.  So, early this week he became the proud owner of a three wheel scooter.  It has made a wonderful difference in his quality of life...he is happy with it and promises to learn to practice moderation with the speed.

   

We changed our usual Houston routine for this July 2 visit since the travel trailer is in the shop for axle repair.  We flew to Houston on Tuesday morning with plans to fly home Tuesday evening after the last appointment.  MDAnderson was doubly crowded on Tuesday because of theThursday holiday, so appointments backed up and we missed the last flight to Corpus Christi Tuesday.  We stayed over in Houston at the MDAnderson Rotary House hotel Tuesday night and flew home on Wednesday morning.  Southwest Airlines was wonderful about changing our flight at no cost citing a “medical exemption.”

Uneventful medical visits this time.  Labs were good, visit with melanoma team was positive and the immunotherapy infusion was routine.  Next visit Rusty will have brain MRI and Body CT scans for “restaging”...checking for tumor activity.

Our next visit is scheduled for July 29 and 30.  In the meantime we plan a 10 day trip to the Ozark Mountains.  Please keep the prayers and good wishes coming.  You all give us strength, and we are grateful.