It's A Waiting Game

Tuesday, September 2

Tyler is finally home from the hospital. He was discharged to go home Saturday night, even though the doctors never determined what caused his fever. He slept all day on Sunday and woke up at 3:00. He will remain on antibiotics for another week. His scans came back looking great with no signs of cancer spreading to other parts of his body. "The scans were looking like they should be looking like at this point in his treatment". Amen! Tyler does need to be extra careful of his leg though. The bone cells in the leg where his tumor is are now osteoids. This means that the bone cells are replaced with a mushy substance. The bone could easily snap and this could be big trouble. This is a specific prayer that we need to pray for Tyler. The doctors have delayed his surgery because of the blood infection. Since they do not know what caused it, they need to be extra careful before his surgery. The surgery involves removing part of his tibia (where the tumor is located) and part of the femur. They will attach the two bones with metal rods that will be screwed into the remaining parts of the bone. He also will receive a knee replacement but will keep his patella (knee cap)to enable movement in the leg. The leg will be given an extra 3 inches to allow for growth. He will wear a lift in his shoe to make up the difference. Isn't it amazing what doctor's can do? Unfortunately the surgery is pushed back to September 18th. The family was hoping for an earlier date but the doctor's need to be assured that his infection is completely gone. If any bacteria remained in his body it could cause severe complications with the metal bones being placed in his legs. They may be able to move the surgery to September 11 but won't know for a few days. The family may come to Louisville this weekend if the surgery is the 18th. He will also have to have an additional round of chemo next week to keep the tumor inactive. They will have to be patient and wait.

Tyler really enjoys cards and pictures that are sent to him. Thank you Mrs. Walters, a new 8th grade teacher at CAL, who dropped off a package at St. Jude this weekend while visiting in Memphis. He loved the pictures of everyone!!!!!! The family was so sad they missed meeting her. Sarah said she is having some phone difficulties and may need to change services.

Tyler has been feeling good the last couple of days. He is eating and has his rosy cheeks again. He needs this time to get some strength and weight back. He is looking forward to his uncle Aaron moving back to Memphis. Aaron should arrive in Memphis around the 11th. Since he lived in California the family didn't get to see him but about twice a year. Now they will see him everyday!

Thank you friends for your faithfulness and continued prayers. The family can feel those prayers working for them. Continue to lift the family up daily in prayer, post comments on the blog and send those cards. It really makes their days brighter!
Stay close! Kim