Hi to our friends and family,

As Cal says “once again, this is a bridge we care not to be on.”

After a routine exam mid-December and subsequent biopsy, we have learned of the unwelcome return of Cal’s cancer for the third time. After a lovely family Christmas at the lake and several tests and appointments, we now know there is a tumor in a slightly new area in his throat, but it has not spread throughout his body.

Since consulting with our team of doctors at Mayo, we decided to begin immunotherapy, and Dad just finished his first infusion on Monday of this week. Given the extensive and intense treatment Cal has already endured, the focus of treatment is now palliative care. The hope is to keep the tumor where it is it for as long as possible or even shrinking it. We will watch how the tumor reacts and change course as needed by possibly adding Chemo later on. 

Cal will take immunotherapy (Keytruda) through an IV infusion at Mayo every three weeks. We expect that the immunotherapy will have minimal side effects, and Dad currently has no pain or symptoms of the cancer. 

As always, we are so thankful for the doctors we are working with and the immense network of support that we have in all of you. And we are enormously grateful to have each other. 

With Love,

The R-Ms