Hi Everyboby, TGIF right. Just quick update- started radiation 2 days ago. Gave me a nice glow-just kidding. Starting chemo on Monday. Than Wed, going back to Tampa to have the tubes put back inside. Hi to all and thanks for the cards,e-mails,calls, and mostly the prayers. Love to all, Rutt

Hi Y'all from the south. I hope this update finds you well. Well, where do we begin. The last time we blogged, I mentioned we were going to keep the "outside tubes" because we could keep them clean better than internalizing them. BUT, We had to keep flushing them twice a day to keep them open. The docs also said that if I got a fever over 101, to head for the ER. So Tues night I hit 103 and we headed for the Ft Myers ER. Flushing the tubes can cause infection. The Ft Myers hospitals are swamped with snowbirds so we waited for ever and spent 2 nights before we got released so we could go back to Tampa where they know the "ins and outs of the tubes" ( how's that for a pun). We drove up to Tampa Thurs afternoon and spent the night for an early appointment to replace the old tubes then we went home same day. The good news is that the docs think plastic covered tubes can be used for internalizing both tubes. The success rate of the tubes staying clear after 1 year is 95 %. This means I can be more mobile, less pain, less chance of future infections, and a better quality of life. So, That's it for now. Thanks again to all of our friends-all of your cards, calls, e-mails, and most of all- your prayers. They mean SO much. God bless, The Rutts

Hi everybody. We hope this blog finds you happy and healthy. We went to Tampa to have the external tubes "internalized" but the docs decided to keep them on the outside for now. We got to Tampa every 4 to 6 weeks to have them changed. The thinking is that when we change them, maybe we can keep them open and draining better. We see the oncoligist on Tues but we don't expect much- The written info doesn't show much improvement for the discomfort chemo causes. If we can keep the drains open, the options look unlimited but if we internalize them, they could re-block causing a bigger problem later. Thats it for now. Thanks again for all of your support, prayers, cards,e-mails, and calls- it is always great to hear your voices. Bye for now, be safe and stay healthy. The Rutts

Well, Here's the latest. We just got a call from the docs in Tampa and we are going this Friday to get the drainage tubes "internalized" so we don't have to mess with them anymore. We are meeting next Tues with the Oncologist to see what the options are for the future. Thanks again for all of the support through prayers, e-mails, cards and calls. Debbie has sent all of our records to the Mayo clinic in Jacksonville to see if they can help and we continue to look for options. Thanks again for the support as we keep praying for a miracle. The Rutts

Hi Y'all. I first want to thank everybody for all of the support through e-mails, cards, calls and prayers, it is truly overwhelming. Well, We went to Tampa yesterday for a consult with the Docs after the 4th and hopefully ,last biopsy. As we expected, they found some cancer cells in the ducts so now we can treat with chemo/radiation to try to shrink the blocking Klatskins tumor. The docs said there is very little cancer but it is slow growing,non-invasive but relentless cancer and may someday re block the ducts which we will have to deal with at that time. So, next week we will contact the oncologist here in Cape Coral to discuss the options. Surgery is not an option because it effects all the ducts. A transplant may be an option but not likely. My docs in Tampa called the docs in Houston at M D Anderson and they said they have no protocol for my situation so they would not be an option. So chemo, here we come, (for now). Again, Thanks for all of your support, prayers, etc. Your e-mails and calls are always welcome. Jim feels good ( 9 out of 10) and continues to exercise and enjoy the family. We wish you all a wonderful 2010 with health and happiness for you and your families. Sincerely, The Rutts

Happy New Year everyone !!! Thanks again to all of my friends and family-your kind comments are so appreciated. Yesterday 12/31, we went back to Tampa for another biopsy and then back to Cape Coral the same day. We should hear the results next week then back to Tampa for the consult and discuss options. We still have a moving target here. No cancer is showing up on the tests but the docs say this "Klatskins Tumor" in my liver ducts "usually" is so that's why they keep biopsying. After this last test, we will see what option I have here in Tampa or Jax,Fl or maybe even Houston. The docs say that since this effects ALL of my liver ducts, surgery is not an option- transplant? Maybe. We'll check with Jax, Fl to discuss. So, that's it for now. Thanks again for all of your prayers, thoughts and cards. I come to tears every time I open a card or re-read the earlier ones. We love and miss all our friends up North and hope to see and visit this summer. God has been gracious and we keep praying for his healing hand. Thanks again, and have a Happy New Year. The Rutts