It's Time for Serious Prayer

Friday, September 12
Tyler, Sarah and Charles met with the team of doctors today who will be preforming Tyler's surgery. It is confirmed for Monday morning 10:00 AM. The surgery will take approximately 4-6 hours. This is a time that we need to be in prayer for Tyler, his family and the team of doctors involved. Not only is this a serious surgery, but there are complications that could arise and there is a long healing period that follows.

The strategy of the surgery: The anesthesiologist will insert an epidural into Tyler's groin area to numb his leg. The epidural will remain there for 5 days to prevent Tyler from feeling any pain. The surgeons will remove the tumor from his leg; cutting until there isn't any cancer for at least 1 1/2 centimeters. There will be an incision from his ankle to his upper thigh. They will cut his hamstrings and pull muscles and tendons from the back of his leg and wrap them around muscles in the front of the leg. This will help him to have movement in his leg after it heals. They will install the metal rods screwing them into his remaining bones and replace his knee leaving his patella. The leg will not be casted for probably 3-4 weeks to insure there isn't any infection. It will be casted with the leg extended straight. He will probably remain in the cast for 6 weeks. He will then have tedious physical therapy for many months. Tyler has been on strong antibiotics for a while to help prevent infection. He has a cream that he rubs inside his nose to help prevent staph infections and he has to take an iodine bath Sunday and Monday before the surgery. There is a lot of prevention going on before the surgery even begins. Amazing!!!!

After Tyler's doctors met with him today, he was down. I am sure he is nervous and anxious, who wouldn't be. He went to physical therapy and his friend Vivian was there. She is 14 and had the same surgery about 6 months ago. Even though she had 2 major surgeries and a lot of complications, she was very encouraging for Tyler today. They were enjoying each other's company during PT; talking and laughing. God placed her at the right place and time for Tyler today.

The family will all be together this weekend. Charles is in town for at least 3 weeks. Sarah's sister, Alli, flew in yesterday and their Aunt Debi and Uncle Steve are arriving tomorrow. They have some good support which they really need. The special prayer meeting is still planned for tomorrow also.

I am thankful for a God who cares, listens and loves. I am confident that God is by Tyler's side constantly. We entrust Tyler to HIS care and I know God will be holding him tight Monday morning. Thank you for your prayers!
Stay close! Kim