Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting. On August 3rd Rusty had an MRI of his hip for a torn labrum, the results of that showed a mass on his hip. On August 8th rusty was diagnosed with stage 4 follicular thyroid carcinoma. More scans indicated 4 lesions, two on his left side ribs, one on his iliac and one other in his lower pelvis. In true Russell fashion it's something new none of the doctors have dealt with.
Since then, he has had a radioactive iodine treatment and his thyroid removed.
On January 24th we came to the hospital for a planned embolization. The procedure was to take 4 hours. Long story short, there was a complication of sorts that no doctor has been able to explain to us yet, but from that procedure he is now paralyzed from the bellybutton down.
We've currently been in the hospital for 4 days with little to no progress. Yesterday was two steps forward with some sensation in his thigh and being able to turn his right foot some. Today was one step back with little movement..... but, we had some guests today and he tried so very very very very hard and got his left leg to move. It took every ounce of energy he had.
This will be a very long road with no idea what the end of it will look like.
Didn't make it to PT or OT yesterday, waited for about an hour but Rusty was hurting pretty good and very tired. Back here this morning just waiting on someone to come get his bed and take him down.
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Russell Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Russell's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?
