Keep Rusty Burke in your thoughts

[Jason Aiken]

Saw this on Facebook from a pulp lover who I trust.

On Facebook, Nancy Collins has posted the following:

"My thoughts are with old friend & former house-mate Rusty Burke , who suffered a serious cerebral injury this past weekend and is currently under heavy sedation in the ICU. For those unaware, Rusty is one of the foremost authorities on the life & work of Robert E. Howard and was instrumental in the creation of the Robert E. Howard museum in Cross Plains, Texas."

Wishing him the best and a speedy recovery.

[Jason Aiken]

From Rick McCollum's Facebook

FORTRESS MCCOLLUM
SPECIAL REPORT:

Our absolute best wishes, thoughts and karma to very old friend Rusty Burke! He is hospitalized with serious head injuries as the result of a fall. One of the leading authorities on Robert E. Howard as well as a supporter of my work, Rusty has been my friend for something like 45 years and I cannot envision him not being around. The situation has given all of us, his friends and peers, pause as we reflect upon age, time, and fate.
All of our love to him and his wife Shelly in this very trying time.

[salant]

From 
 www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=758249336321192&set=a.477002017779260   
 
Update December 27th:

Rusty is still being closely monitored and I wanted to share the latest developments. Rusty hasn't regained consciousness. Despite the doctors' perplexity, there is a ray of hope: Rusty has shown some responsiveness. On encouragement, he has been able to open his eyes and blink in recognition of voices he knows – these are positive signs that remind us he’s present and fighting.

While some responses like squeezing a finger remain absent, and despite the uncertainty surrounding his awakening, it's comforting to know the hematomas aren't growing and there are no signs of meningitis. The care team is continuing with precautionary treatments as they navigate this complex situation.

For context to friends who may not know, Rusty had a serious fall a week ago and has been in the hospital since. His brother Michael, and wife Shelly are by his side, providing the love and support we all wish we could give in person. Thankfully, the hospital is close to their residence, offering a slight ease during this difficult period.

Shelly has said that this will be a LONG, LONG journey back, but at least today's response to two different voices is a tiny step forward.

December 22nd:

I've got an update on Rusty's condition as relayed by Bill ("Indy") who spoke to Jack and Barbara Baum.

"There's been no real change in Rusty's condition. He has a subdural hematoma and a subdural arachnoid hematoma, but they haven't increased in size, which is good. The doctors think the fluid will be absorbed with time. Shelly sounds strong and said while she's worried, the doctors don't seem so and told her it will take time.

He is still intubated as they don't want to risk removing the intubation and then finding he can't breathe on his own. They are still waiting for a command response but he has been moving his body. His body functions are good, kidneys working & stuff.

So, that's what we've got tonight. Right now it's a waiting game but we can be encouraged that there's no bad or dire news."

----

Dear Friends and Followers,

I have some personal news to share with you all today. A dear friend and fellow Robert E. Howard enthusiast, Rusty Burke, has recently been in an accident. Many of you may know Rusty for his passion and dedication to the world of REH.

At this moment, our thoughts go out to Rusty and his wife, Shelly. They have both been pillars in our community, sharing not only their knowledge but also their warmth and friendship with us all. It is during times like these that the strength and compassion of our community are most valuable.

While Rusty is on his journey to recovery, I encourage each of you to keep him and Shelly in your thoughts. If you wish to send messages of support or share your fond memories of Rusty's contributions, feel free to do so in the comments. Let's show them the same kindness and support they have always extended to us.

We are with you, Rusty and Shelly, in heart and spirit. Wishing Rusty a speedy and full recovery.

[Von K]

Thanks for letting us know Jason, and thanks for the updates Salant.

Rusty is receiving the best of care and I join everyone in wishing him a full recovery.

[Von K]

From Deuce at DMR Books:

Rusty has touched the lives of so many people in the REH community, not least myself. Here's hoping for a swift and thorough recovery.

dmrbooks.com/test-blog/2024/1/3/regarding-rusty-burke

[Jason Aiken]

Nice post by Deuce, thanks for linking it, vonk.

If it wasn't for the Delrey collections under Rusty Burke's stewardship, I doubt so many new readers would have discovered REH's writing. I know I probably wouldn't have

Still hoping for a speedy recovery for him and his family.

[salant]

Updates on Rusty's condition from Bill & Stale at
www.facebook.com/TheWorldOfRobertEHoward/posts/pfbid035DuyKECG65oDJNE2PWJmFi5C1mur5FsJUMw86Tg4ed2AiT1DN3ypyxyV94zDyPgjl

Update January 8th (from Bill Cavalier):
A text from Shelly and a phone call from Jack and Barbara Baum this evening brings continuing and encouraging good news.
- today the occupational therapist got Rusty sitting on the edge of the bed and had him moving his arms and his legs. This is a big deal, as it shows he is getting stronger.
- he has huge grip strength and he's trying to vocalize. His voice is stronger but words are still garbled.
- he is still not taking some voice commands willy-nilly.
- hopefully he will be able to have the feeding tube and oxygen removed soon.
- Rusty's GP was in and was was encouraged.
- Shelly thinks he is "waking up". She is very encouraged.
So, these are all good, positive and encouraging signs, but the road to recovery is still down the line. Baby steps for now, but the positive vibes and prayers every is generating are greatly aiding our dear friend Rusty.
Stay positive for Rusty; good things are happening.
Indy Bill
Update January 6th (information from Bill):
The good news tonight is that Rusty is breathing on his own and has been moved out of ICU after 18 days into a regular room at MedStar Medical Center in DC.
Tests have shown he did not have a stroke but the doctors are still puzzled by why he not fully waking up.
- he is still on a feeding tube
- he IS waking up but it's slow, like he's in a fog; the doctors and nurses have said all along this appears that it will be a long haul.
- he tunes in and tunes out; he seems to recognize Shelly and brother Mike's voices, but he is confused.
- when he looks at Shelly and tries to speak it comes out as garbled words
- his limbs are functioning and he has tried to get out of bed and he will grab Shelly's hand but also yanks and pushes it.
- he still does not obey the voice command of 'squeeze and release a finger' but he will grab a finger.
- it's like he's hearing everything but his brain is not allowing him to respond correctly.
Again, this will be a long process in Rusty's return to health, so let's all sending positive thoughts and concerns and healing prayers to him and Shelly. Rusty's a tough old bird and he'll be coming back to tell us all of the weird adventure he is having.
If you would like to send him and Shelly (Wischhusen) a card or note: 408 G St. SE, Washington, DC 20003.
---
Update January 2nd (information from Bill Cavalier):
Rusty is pretty much the same as he has been since Friday 12-29-23, with small improvements.
- he is off the intubation/ventilator and breathing on his own. His oxygen levels are low but not alarmingly so. He has a nose piece for his oxygen supply.
- he did not have to have a tracheotomy.
- he has to wear "mitts" so he doesn't scratch someone or pull his nose piece off.
- this is because he points and flails his arms a bit, as if he was agitated. He will have this activity and then fall asleep. He is moving his arms and trying to scratch his beard.
- he is still not doing the "squeeze and release" finger command. He'll squeeze hard but not release.
- they can't do an MRI right now, as he cannot lay flat for any period of time for fear of aspiration in his lungs, which are weak.
Shelly said different things are happening every day. That this is going to take some time is where things are truly at.
Rusty is slightly better than he was 3 days ago but still looks and acts confused as to what's going on. She said he still has that "wall-eyed" look. There's been no verbal communication, but she knows he's in there and that he's trying.
So, we are in the waiting game and will be for a while.

[Jason Aiken]

Very encouraging news there. Thanks for posting the update, salant.

[johnnypt]

Very good news. Great that he’s moving on his own even a little.

[hun]

Thank you for the updates everyone.

[Von K]

Thanks for the updates salant. Wishing Rusty all the best. Here's hoping for a full recovery.

[Von K]

Deuce has posted his update over on DMR Books and Tex's reply includes useful links to some of Rusty's classic essays:

dmrbooks.com/test-blog/2024/1/8/rusty-burke-update-1-8-24

[terryallenuk]

The latest update from Bill Cavalier , certainly sounds more promising.

Terry


""Rusty woke up!" were the first words Shelly spoke to me tonight when she called.

- He was more alert looking today, too. When he was watching the First Methodist Church of Cross Plains' service this morning on You Tube, he recognized the Pastor.
- When his brother Mike walked into the room today, Shelly said "Wave to Mike" and he did.
- When two of his nurses entered , Shelly said the same thing and he waved to both of them.
- One of the nurses asked "how are you?" he said "Good."

Rusty is continuing to try and talk and while it's still indecipherable speech for right now, his ability to form words is coming back. Big step.
The next hurdle is passing the swallow test and they can remove the feeding tube.

But this is great news and shows significant progress. These baby steps will turn into real steps.
Nice way to end the weekend. I'll keep you posted as I learn more. Your continued prayers, good vibrations and healing thoughts are appreciated (and nice to see some results from them!)"

[Von K]

Thanks Terry!

[terryallenuk]

More improvement -

"Shelly said today was an amazing day, showing Rusty's brain activity is increasing.

- Rusty's brother Mike played the Beatles' Abbey road album for him, and Rusty mouthed the words to each and every one of the 17 songs!
- then he did the same thing for the Rubber Soul album. (Another 14 songs!)
- he tapped his fingers to the beat of the songs.
- when Shelly said to him 'I love you', he said 'I love you, too'.
- Rusty tried to speak to Shelly's brother when he called. It was garbled, but he was trying.

Shelly said he's more aware now but still disconnects. He pulled out his feeding tube overnight so that had to go back in. The hospital put him in a harness to stand him up but his legs and arms were flailing. So, the physical is a little behind the mental.
- Rusty will take a swallow test tomorrow and if he passes, that will be his ticket to the rehab facility, where they will be able to help him more.

So, the baby steps are getting bigger and the signs of improvement are encouraging. Shelly is grateful for the cards and shows of concerns and eventually she'll be trying having Rusty listening to voice mails and phone calls.
Rusty's improving and we're thankful for that. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
And if he's mouthing the words to the entire Sun King medley on Abbey Road, his brain will be just fine!

Indy Bill Cavalier"