OK all ye faithful members of Rusty's Booster Club!...Yesterday we got the news we've all been waiting for for three years!  After CT scans and blood work yesterday, April 9, Rusty's primary Melanoma physician, Dr. Amaria,  pronounced him "CANCER FREE"!!!!!!!!!

CANCER FREE ! 

During the first year, Dr. Amaria explained to us that melanoma is now treated as a "chronic" condition, so if and when there are flare-ups they are treated just like any other chronic condition.  That was very helpful to us, it meant that we did  not have to wait and pray for a cure, just for good enough health to have an active, satisfying life.  We feel as though, with just a few bumps in the road, we have been in that situation for the past two years.  Yesterdays' news is wonderful, but, just as with any of us, that could change tomorrow.  In the meantime we are intensely grateful for MDA Anderson, for Dr. Amaria and her team, for all the many physicians who contributed to the digressions of this disease and for all of you...our most treasured support team!!!

Visits to MDAnderson will now be less frequent.  Rusty goes back in June for an MRI and visit with his radiation neuro-oncologist - after that, as long as he stays well, visits should be every three months. 

When a patient is found to be cancer-free, they usually get to "ring the brass bell" in the clinic signifying victory.  Rusty refused the privilege yesterday, saying that he wanted me to be with him when he rang the bell - the "team" idea.  Due to COVID19 I was not allowed to escort him into any of the MDAnderson clinic facilities yesterday - I sat in the truck and we communicated via cell phone.  We will "ring the bell" on a future visit when our two person "team" can do it together.  

I wish all of you could ring the bell with us!!!...this journey and yesterday's news has been a clear example of "it takes a village."  I will post a short blog after each upcoming visit.  We feel deep gratitude for you - our friends and family who walked this path with us, and to God.