Here in SoCal, my fruit trees survive and maintain even with persistant canker (ie. brown, jellylike oozing). My peach tree did well, the nectarine has been fine for many years. The cherry didn't make it long, but was probably do to insufficient chilling hours (canker seems to be very common here in SoCal). The trick is to do your copper-sulfur spraying in winter and then cutting out the bad areas in the bark (and disinfect the area and tool). The trees will never be completely free of canker, though, regardless of the effort to "cure" it. Also, look on the "dead" limbs for holes, ie. borer insect damage. If so, ask your nurseryman what to use (I used horticultural oil, but I don't remember the name). If one limb is healthy, you may be able to save the tree. There's still time this season to give the tree a boost of fertilizer, nitrogen (but don't overwater... and don't underwater a "sick" tree). Good luck!!! Pics will help for others to give further advice.

Hi again, Just wanted to give a quick update on the condition of my Thanksgiving cactus. Most of the arms fell off, but it's still hanging in there so far. It's been repotted in a much smaller pot with a mix of perlite, aquarium rocks, and orchid bark, and it no longer stays outside. I'm thinking of bringing it to my office, where it should get plenty of light. Thanks for your help! :-)

Try poking with a pen or someing. If its hard, youre doing fine. Its likely turned to wood. If not, then rot....