Support Rudy's Cancer Fund

On Saturday evening, January 14, 2017 Rudy and Sue (my adopted daughter ) Casaly, enjoyed a romantic dinner at their home in Montgomery, Texas before settling in for a restful evening of watching movies before bedtime. By midnight Sue was frantically calling 911 for emergency medical assistance to help with violent, uncontrollable seizures that had suddenly and inexplicably taken control of Rudy’s body. By the next morning the doctors at Conroe Hospital, outside of Houston, had found that Rudy was the latest victim of Glioblastoma Multiforme Grade 4, massive, malignant tumors that were embedded in both frontal hemispheres of his brain. Brain surgery dictated the transfer to Memorial Hermann, The Woodlands Hospital, a facility more suited for the pending brain surgery. In the workup for the surgery it was learned that a previously-undetected heart murmur first had to be addressed. The cardiology team had determined that aortic valve was constricting blood flow so badly that Rudy might have died on the operating table if the brain surgery had been attempted before the aortic valve was repaired. The heart issue required another transfer to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center in Houston, an associated facility specializing in cardiology. Surgeons there were able to successfully increase the flow through the valve by entering the groin, inserting an inflatable device through the valve and dragging it back through. The surgeon had given a one-in-three chance for success. Two days later the brain surgery was successful in removing 99% of the cancerous tumor in one hemisphere, but the other side was inoperable. Rudy and Sue are making final preparations to begin an intensive series of thirty radiation treatments while also undergoing chemotherapy. The treatments require a daily 90-minute drive to and from the hospital with breaks on the weekends.

Life can change in a blink. Rudy and Sue found each other only two years ago and planned on watching grandchildren find their places and realize their own dreams. In the past four weeks their world has been turned upside down, and now their uncertain future is one that may depend largely on the kindness and concern of their circle of friends and those who learn of their plight through this loving medium. There is one bright spot. Tests indicate that Rudy carries a rare, specific gene (epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR) that qualifies him for participation in a trial study, making him eligible for limited financial assistance during his treatment and recovery. Rudy deserves all of the encouragement he can find after surviving major surgery on two of the major organ systems within three days. Thank you for reading his story and for your prayers and any other support you may be able to offer.
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