July 28-31

Unfortunately, we have to postpone starting the new clinical trial medication that we were all so hopeful about.

Wednesday evening, Rusty developed uncontrollable nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain. He hasn’t been able to eat or drink and has become extremely weak. A CT scan showed that he has more ascites (fluid buildup) than his PleurX drain is able to remove. We were discharged around 4:15 a.m. and made it home long enough to get a little sleep before heading to Portland at 5 p.m. for Friday’s clinical trial appointment. Thank you, Aspen, for coming to take care of the critters so Dad and I could rest.)

However, around 2:00 p.m., everything started again—only this time it was even worse. We made it to our hotel, and after a few hours the on-call oncologist instructed us to go straight to the OHSU Emergency Department. Another CT scan was done, and Rusty was admitted to the Vista Unit, OHSU’s new oncology wing.

He is still very sick and in a great deal of pain.

The palliative care team explained that his ascites is lobulated, meaning the fluid has become trapped in separate pockets by fibrous tissue. Because of this, much of the fluid cannot be reached by the PleurX drain. Instead, it is pressing against his stomach, causing severe pain, nausea, and vomiting, and making it nearly impossible for him to eat or drink.

Right now, we are waiting and praying that his medical team can find a way to safely remove the trapped fluid and give him some relief. Until then, his clinical trial will have to be delayed. We will be here at least 2 to 3 more days if they figure it out soon. It’s sounding like it will be longer though,

We would be so grateful for your prayers. for wisdom for his doctors, for a solution to this complication, for relief from his pain, and for strength as we continue this journey.

As always, thank you for standing beside us. We continue to trust God, even when the path is difficult. We know He is with us every step of the way❤️🙏