Out of Surgery

Saturday, January 31

Tyler is resting in his room after knee surgery this morning. The surgery lasted about 1 hour and was a success. Dr. Michael Neil, the surgeon that operated on his leg in September, performed the surgery. He made a 2 inch incision in his knee and washed it out with peroxide, added bead-like antibiotics, massaged the area to spread the antibiotics, drained the puss and then closed it up. The antibiotics are a time release type to help prevent any further infections. The infection occurred because of the amount of chemotherapy Tyler has received. The chemo breaks down his immune system so that his body cannot fight infections. This surgery should help Tyler make it through the remaining chemo treatments. Tyler didn't receive a pain block but has morphine for the pain. He compared the pain to his surgery in May at Kosair for the biopsy. That was very painful for several days. Please pray for pain free days and quick, complete healing!!!!!

Tyler will get a week rest before he starts another round of chemo. He will have 2 back-to-back weeks of methotrexate, a week of rest and 2 more back-to-back treatments. His treatment for the cancer will then be completed. If he can remain healthy enough to withstand the future weeks of chemo , he will be finished in about 6 weeks. Please pray for his body to respond to the chemo in a positive way and for his treatment to be completed soon.

Even when things are not going well, Sarah always reports something positive and encouraging. The family received encouragement from Elijah's school this week. Briarcrest Christian had a fundraiser for the family through a jeans day. They usually raise between $500-$600 but they raised over $3100 for the family. What a timely blessing! Since Charles hasn't been working for many months, that money was a Godsend! Gods timing is perfect!