Thumbs Up Ruck
John Collier John Collier

Thumbs Up Ruck

On Thursday evening, October 29th, Rucker’s time here on earth came to an end and now his new heavenly life has begun. He passed away comfortably at home with his Daddy, Momma and his little brother Charlie at his side. He was “safe and good” as we would often say to comfort him, “right where he needed to be.”

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Update: 8.26.19 - New treatment plan
John Collier John Collier

Update: 8.26.19 - New treatment plan

Rucker will begin his new treatment plan tomorrow. First we will do preliminary scans and tests, then begin a chemotherapy called Trabectedin, which has shown some efficacy for advanced soft tissue sarcoma. The drug is intended to keep the cancer cells from multiplying.

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August 16, 2019 Update
John Collier John Collier

August 16, 2019 Update

The surgery is complete and it went very well. The surgeon, Dr. Wall, went in thoracoscopically so it was minimally invasive.

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Update 8.1.2019 - Recurrence
John Collier John Collier

Update 8.1.2019 - Recurrence

On Tuesday, upon scanning his upper extremities, we found that his cancer has returned to his lungs. This recurrence, while shocking, was not altogether surprising. In fact, we have been mentally trying to prepare for this all along, due to the stubborn nature of sarcomas.

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Surgery Started
John Collier John Collier

Surgery Started

Rucker has been taken back to the operating room and his surgery has begun. They will be performing surgery to remove five tumors in both lungs. It should last roughly four hours.

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Surgery Day in Houston
John Collier John Collier

Surgery Day in Houston

Today we are at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.  This morning Rucker underwent curettage surgery on his right femur to remove the tumor that has been causing him so much trouble since June, when he first broke his leg. 

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It is Football Season!
John Collier John Collier

It is Football Season!

Not only is it football season, but Rucker has had a couple of interesting days last week to say the least.  Last Wednesday, he and I were invited to Tuscaloosa and the Mal Moore Athletic Facility for a tour and to attend an Alabama Football practice. It was an incredible experience lifting both of our spirits.

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Rucker Update
John Collier John Collier

Rucker Update

While many of you may imagine this diagnosis is reason for despair, we have found so much to be positive about and thankful for over the past couple of months. The thoughts, prayers and support of our family, friends, neighbors and co-workers has been overwhelming. We are immensely thankful to all who have or will help us in the future.

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