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!
Having Surgery
Saturday, January 31
Tyler has had a rough week. After being in the hospital for a while, he was finally released Thursday morning. His fever had broken and his knee had finally reduced in size. The doctor's changed his antibiotics and he was sent home. Twelve hours later, his fever was back, his knee was swelling again and he returned to the hospital. Evidently some of the antibiotics that were changed were ones he needed to keep infection down.
This morning about 30 minutes ago (9:30) he was taken to be prepped for surgery. Sarah believes they are only going to open his knee, wash it out, drain it, place antibiotics in it and then sew him up. They are trying to avoid his incision from his previous surgery since it is healing. Pray for Tyler and his family today. They are exhausted and feel so low. I know God is there every step of the way holding them tight. They need to feel his touch today!
I will keep you posted about his surgery. Stay close! Kim
Tyler has had a rough week. After being in the hospital for a while, he was finally released Thursday morning. His fever had broken and his knee had finally reduced in size. The doctor's changed his antibiotics and he was sent home. Twelve hours later, his fever was back, his knee was swelling again and he returned to the hospital. Evidently some of the antibiotics that were changed were ones he needed to keep infection down.
This morning about 30 minutes ago (9:30) he was taken to be prepped for surgery. Sarah believes they are only going to open his knee, wash it out, drain it, place antibiotics in it and then sew him up. They are trying to avoid his incision from his previous surgery since it is healing. Pray for Tyler and his family today. They are exhausted and feel so low. I know God is there every step of the way holding them tight. They need to feel his touch today!
I will keep you posted about his surgery. Stay close! Kim
Laying and Waiting
Monday, January 26
Tyler is just laying in bed waiting for the doctor's to decide if he needed surgery today. By the end of the day they decided to wait. He still has a fever and his knee is still swollen but the lab results showed that he does not have a bacterial infection in his joints. His white blood counts rose to 600 so that might help him get some ammunition to help fight off whatever his body is battling. They believe it is celulitus. So they will wait to see if the antibiotics he is taking will eventually kill the infection and his swelling will go down.
Sarah was exhausted after spending 2 days in the hospital. She is hoping for a snow day tomorrow so she can sleep in. They are expecting a little snow but probably not as much as we are getting in Louisville. They don't get much snow in Memphis so just a little will put a halt to the city. Be safe guys!!!!!
Thanks for your prayers. Harriet Michael ( a parent from CAL) e-mailed this to me today: "There is power in prayer, there is power in persistent prayer, and there is power in the prayers of believers who agree together...so I will be agreeing with you in prayer for Tyler today". Amen!
Stay close. Kim
Tyler is just laying in bed waiting for the doctor's to decide if he needed surgery today. By the end of the day they decided to wait. He still has a fever and his knee is still swollen but the lab results showed that he does not have a bacterial infection in his joints. His white blood counts rose to 600 so that might help him get some ammunition to help fight off whatever his body is battling. They believe it is celulitus. So they will wait to see if the antibiotics he is taking will eventually kill the infection and his swelling will go down.
Sarah was exhausted after spending 2 days in the hospital. She is hoping for a snow day tomorrow so she can sleep in. They are expecting a little snow but probably not as much as we are getting in Louisville. They don't get much snow in Memphis so just a little will put a halt to the city. Be safe guys!!!!!
Thanks for your prayers. Harriet Michael ( a parent from CAL) e-mailed this to me today: "There is power in prayer, there is power in persistent prayer, and there is power in the prayers of believers who agree together...so I will be agreeing with you in prayer for Tyler today". Amen!
Stay close. Kim
Tyler Needs Prayer
Sunday, January 25
Tyler's knee started swelling yesterday at noon and Sarah requested a doctor examine his leg. It took 8 hours before a doctor came to see him. Sarah was very angry that it took so long. Tyler's knee was the size of a grapefruit and he was and is in a lot of pain.
Finally, Tyler's surgeon came today and examined his leg. They drew fluid from his knee to determine if it is a bacterial infection is his joints. If it is Tyler will need surgery. The good news is they don't believe it has infected the bone. If it has, he would need to have his prosthesis removed and replaced. That was an extensive surgery back in September. If the tests reveal that he needs surgery, it will be to drain the fluids. Tyler was extremely upset after hearing the news from the surgeon today. Tyler asked these questions: Why doesn't God answer our prayers, Why does he have to suffer so much, When will this all end? I know I have asked some of these questions also! Tyler again needs prayer! Specifically ask God to let this be cellulitus and not a bacterial infection. We will know the results of the lab work tomorrow. Sarah says it will take a miracle to prevent Tyler from having surgery tomorrow. We believe in miracles!
Hold Tyler up in prayers this evening and tomorrow for good news! Stay close! Kim
Tyler's knee started swelling yesterday at noon and Sarah requested a doctor examine his leg. It took 8 hours before a doctor came to see him. Sarah was very angry that it took so long. Tyler's knee was the size of a grapefruit and he was and is in a lot of pain.
Finally, Tyler's surgeon came today and examined his leg. They drew fluid from his knee to determine if it is a bacterial infection is his joints. If it is Tyler will need surgery. The good news is they don't believe it has infected the bone. If it has, he would need to have his prosthesis removed and replaced. That was an extensive surgery back in September. If the tests reveal that he needs surgery, it will be to drain the fluids. Tyler was extremely upset after hearing the news from the surgeon today. Tyler asked these questions: Why doesn't God answer our prayers, Why does he have to suffer so much, When will this all end? I know I have asked some of these questions also! Tyler again needs prayer! Specifically ask God to let this be cellulitus and not a bacterial infection. We will know the results of the lab work tomorrow. Sarah says it will take a miracle to prevent Tyler from having surgery tomorrow. We believe in miracles!
Hold Tyler up in prayers this evening and tomorrow for good news! Stay close! Kim
Feeling Bad
Saturday, January 25
Tyler spiked a fever on Thursday so it was back to the hospital. Unfortunately after many tests, the doctor's are baffled as to what is causing the fever. It seems now every time he has chemo he develops a fever. He is on quite a few different antibiotics to fight off a number of things that could be causing the fever. He will have to remain in the hospital until he is fever free for 24 hours. It is a waiting and praying game again.
It seems the closer it is to the end of the road, the longer it takes to get there. Hang in there Tyler! We love you and can't wait until this is all over for you!
Stay close! Kim
Tyler spiked a fever on Thursday so it was back to the hospital. Unfortunately after many tests, the doctor's are baffled as to what is causing the fever. It seems now every time he has chemo he develops a fever. He is on quite a few different antibiotics to fight off a number of things that could be causing the fever. He will have to remain in the hospital until he is fever free for 24 hours. It is a waiting and praying game again.
It seems the closer it is to the end of the road, the longer it takes to get there. Hang in there Tyler! We love you and can't wait until this is all over for you!
Stay close! Kim
Last In Patient Chemo Treatment
Sunday, January 18
We're counting them down! Tyler finished his last in patient chemo treatment on Friday. He did amazingly well since he had the 2 weeks off to prep his body. Unfortunately after he came home from the hospital on Friday evening he started throwing up. He is trying to eat to keep up his weight and strength but not everything will stay down. He is taking it easy at home by laying in bed and watching movies. The count is now "4". Only 4 more chemo treatments.
This week at the hospital Charles has been video taping Tyler. Christian Academy is planning a fundraiser for St. Jude in Tyler's honor. At an assembly to kick off the fundraiser, the school will show the video of Tyler. It will show a day in the life of Tyler at the hospital. Tyler's doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and even his tutor will star in the video. A five minute video has taken Charles 16 hours to produce. I know the students will be amazed at the footage. I hope there is a lot of support shown for such a great cause.
I hope you are making the most of this new year. Let us be thankful for our family, friends, health but mostly for our one true God! Stay close! Kim
We're counting them down! Tyler finished his last in patient chemo treatment on Friday. He did amazingly well since he had the 2 weeks off to prep his body. Unfortunately after he came home from the hospital on Friday evening he started throwing up. He is trying to eat to keep up his weight and strength but not everything will stay down. He is taking it easy at home by laying in bed and watching movies. The count is now "4". Only 4 more chemo treatments.
This week at the hospital Charles has been video taping Tyler. Christian Academy is planning a fundraiser for St. Jude in Tyler's honor. At an assembly to kick off the fundraiser, the school will show the video of Tyler. It will show a day in the life of Tyler at the hospital. Tyler's doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and even his tutor will star in the video. A five minute video has taken Charles 16 hours to produce. I know the students will be amazed at the footage. I hope there is a lot of support shown for such a great cause.
I hope you are making the most of this new year. Let us be thankful for our family, friends, health but mostly for our one true God! Stay close! Kim
A Glorious Weekend
Sunday, January 11
It has been a glorious weekend because we got to spend time with Tyler, Elijah, Christian , Sarah and Charles.
After school on Friday, a group met at the Foster's for a Mexican Fiesta prepared by Sarah, Gina and Jill. It was great food and fellowship and Tyler was happy and enjoying just hanging out with friends. Later in the evening the kids took turns beating up on a "pinata" full of candy. Even though Tyler couldn't participate in the beating of the pinata, he enjoyed eating the candy that was inside of it. I think Tyler, Austin and Clay stayed up too late because they had to be woken up on Saturday to get to Tony Boom Bozz.
Saturday began with lunch at Tony Boom Bozz where a few friends met for pizza and then the group went to a movie at Tinseltown. They ended the evening with another good meal at the Foster's and another late night of playing Wii and watching movies.
Sunday the family planned on going to church but with the late nights, Tyler needed to stay in bed and rest so he could travel home. We met at the Finnesand's home after church for a great "Waffle House" breakfast. It was difficult saying goodbye because we know it will be a few more months before we see them again.
Tomorrow the family plans to video "A day in the life of Tyler". Christian Academy's middle school is planning a fundraiser/benefit for St. Jude in honor of Tyler. The video will be shown on the kick off day at school in a couple of weeks. Both boys and girls have the opportunity to participate in a hair shaving/cutting benefit. The hair will be donated for wigs for cancer patients. It will be a great opportunity for our students to come together and show support for a wonderful hospital and show Tyler how much we love him also. If you would like to donate, just contact any CAL middle school student.
It has been long road for this family and they are making down it because of wonderful, caring friends and a strong faith in our Lord God. Stay close! Kim
Tuesday, Tyler will be admitted to the hospital for his final round of doxorubicin, cisplatin and bevacizumab. He will remain there for about 5 days. His counts will drop after about 10-12 days and then rise again. These are the chemo drugs that make his hair fall out so since this is the last treatment of these particular drugs, his hair will slowly grow back again. An end to his treatment is in sight.
O Happy Day!
Friday, January 9
Why is it a HAPPY DAY? Because Tyler is in Louisville! Since he left the hospital he has gradually gotten his strength back and his counts finally returned to normal. The doctor's encouraged Sarah and Charles to take Tyler to Louisville to see friends and have some fun! The family left for Louisville yesterday after Elijah got home from school. It was really late when they arrived at the Foster's home. Thank you Gina and Jeff for your hospitality and for inviting them to stay with you this weekend!
Tyler and Charles arrived at Christian Academy today just before noon so Tyler could hang out with his friends at lunch. He sat a table in the cafeteria while groups of friends were allowed to come and visit with him. It was so much fun to get to see all of the smiling faces, especially Tyler's. Several of the kids came to see me in the office and they said it was a great day. After lunch Tyler and his father walked down to see Mrs. English's first grade class and I had the opportunity to tag along. Each student introduced himself to Tyler and they told him they prayed for him every single day. The class had sent him cards and pictures and had a picture of Tyler hanging in the front of the classroom. It touched my heart!
Tomorrow an invitation is being sent to all of Tyler's friends who would like to hang out. Meet at Tony Boom Bozz Pizza located on Hurtsbourne Road at 11:30. The gang will then move to Tinseltown for a 1:30 showing of Valkyrie.
Why is it a HAPPY DAY? Because Tyler is in Louisville! Since he left the hospital he has gradually gotten his strength back and his counts finally returned to normal. The doctor's encouraged Sarah and Charles to take Tyler to Louisville to see friends and have some fun! The family left for Louisville yesterday after Elijah got home from school. It was really late when they arrived at the Foster's home. Thank you Gina and Jeff for your hospitality and for inviting them to stay with you this weekend!
Tyler and Charles arrived at Christian Academy today just before noon so Tyler could hang out with his friends at lunch. He sat a table in the cafeteria while groups of friends were allowed to come and visit with him. It was so much fun to get to see all of the smiling faces, especially Tyler's. Several of the kids came to see me in the office and they said it was a great day. After lunch Tyler and his father walked down to see Mrs. English's first grade class and I had the opportunity to tag along. Each student introduced himself to Tyler and they told him they prayed for him every single day. The class had sent him cards and pictures and had a picture of Tyler hanging in the front of the classroom. It touched my heart!
Tomorrow an invitation is being sent to all of Tyler's friends who would like to hang out. Meet at Tony Boom Bozz Pizza located on Hurtsbourne Road at 11:30. The gang will then move to Tinseltown for a 1:30 showing of Valkyrie.
The family will return to Memphis on Sunday after church. Tyler is scheduled for another round of chemo on Tuesday. We're looking forward to that last round of chemo. Stay close! Kim
A Heartfelt Thank You!
Wow! What a year! It is amazing to me that this year has flown by and we are in 2009. The are moments when it feels as if time has completely stopped and others when I can't believe we've been living in Memphis for 8 months.
Our family just wanted to say thank you to everyone who helped to make our Christmas special this year, despite the fact that we spent it in the hospital. It really wasn't that bad, we were together and that is all that matters. Christian and Elijah thought it was fun to sleep at the hospital. Christian keeps talking about it and wants to sleep at "the hotel" again. :) We are so blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family who support us. You have all made Tyler's situation easier to bear. Thank you for coming alongside us, loving us, caring for us and praying for us. We have so much to be thankful for, but most importantly is, TYLER IS ALIVE, he is going to make it through all of this. We firmly believe God has a plan for all of our lives and he will use Tyler to do magnificent things for his kingdom.
Roman 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
I have twice now, met complete strangers while out and about, who have heard of Tyler and how God has continually had his hand upon us and they were impressed by God's goodness. I will never know or understand the scope of God's plan, but He does, He sees the whole picture and I know in my heart it is all for a greater good.
Tyler is taking a short and much needed break from his chemotherapy. His spirits are high, he is smiling again, laughing again and we are enjoying being home together as a family. This is going to be a great year. This is the year Tyler is going to be officially announced as "cured of cancer".
We love you all so very much,
Charles, Sarah, Tyler, Elijah & Christian
Answered Prayer
Friday, January 2
The New Year is starting off pretty good! After 13 days in the hospital, Tyler is on his way home, discharged at last!!!!! What a relief for Tyler and his family. Thanks for all the prayers!
Stay close! Kim
The New Year is starting off pretty good! After 13 days in the hospital, Tyler is on his way home, discharged at last!!!!! What a relief for Tyler and his family. Thanks for all the prayers!
Stay close! Kim
Happy New Year
Thursday, January 1, 2009
It's a new year and we are looking forward to a happy, healthy and stronger Tyler. He is feeling better today but his blood counts remain at zero. The doctor's feel as though he could have some kind of rare virus and they are treating him still with antibiotics. The family is waiting and just praying his counts will start rising tomorrow. As soon as they start rising Tyler can go home. Home Sweet Home! It has been a while since he has been home.
Sarah took the younger boys to Shelby Farms park today. They walked 2 miles on one of many trails. Sarah is familiar with this park because she has run miles there while in training for the marathon which was held last month. After their day at the park, they ate Italian and brought some spaghetti and meatballs to Tyler in the hospital. Charles had spent the night last night so he left to go home to get a good night's rest. You can't get a good night's sleep on a chair that extends.
Congratulations Tyler on finishing your final tests in Algebra and Science to end the semester. Can you believe that he is caught up with school work? I find that amazing especially since he has been so sick. God is good!
Take time to pray for Tyler today for his counts to rise so he can go home and get a break from chemo and the hospital. He needs to have some normalcy! Stay close! Kim
It's a new year and we are looking forward to a happy, healthy and stronger Tyler. He is feeling better today but his blood counts remain at zero. The doctor's feel as though he could have some kind of rare virus and they are treating him still with antibiotics. The family is waiting and just praying his counts will start rising tomorrow. As soon as they start rising Tyler can go home. Home Sweet Home! It has been a while since he has been home.
Sarah took the younger boys to Shelby Farms park today. They walked 2 miles on one of many trails. Sarah is familiar with this park because she has run miles there while in training for the marathon which was held last month. After their day at the park, they ate Italian and brought some spaghetti and meatballs to Tyler in the hospital. Charles had spent the night last night so he left to go home to get a good night's rest. You can't get a good night's sleep on a chair that extends.
Congratulations Tyler on finishing your final tests in Algebra and Science to end the semester. Can you believe that he is caught up with school work? I find that amazing especially since he has been so sick. God is good!
Take time to pray for Tyler today for his counts to rise so he can go home and get a break from chemo and the hospital. He needs to have some normalcy! Stay close! Kim
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