September 16, 2020 - 

Returned home last evening after two days of testing and doctor visits at MDAnderson.  As you may recall, the June visits were positive and the doctors promoted Rusty to three month visits instead of monthly.  This was our first three month interval...the longest we've been away from MDAnderson since January of 2017.

Scans, MRI and lab work all positive again!  (happy dance!)...no indications of tumors throughout the body and the area of the brain affected by radiation has shrunk further.  In all, a welcome, wonderful report!

In the time since our June visit, Rusty busied himself in his workshop making a cherrywood jewelry box for Dr. Amaria, his primary melanoma doc.  The precision work on a jewelry box with all its corners and intricate little cubbies takes great patience and skill, and I'm sure that both Rusty and Dr. Amaria were happy to know that his mental and physical abilities are returning so well.  I am sorry I did not take a photo of it before he gave it to her.  

As a matter of fact, with all of the special COVID precaution and activities during our visit, I only took one photo - that of Rusty feasting on Pappa's ribs back in the camper after a day of testing.  We again have a three month interval between visits and will return in December.  As you all should know by now, both Rusty and I believe that we could not have walked this journey without the love, support, concern and presence of all of you!!!  Thank you.