Saturday, February 27, 2010
I didn't ever think I would be writing these words again but unfortunately Tyler's cancer has returned.
It began on Tuesday, when Sarah and Tyler flew to Memphis so that Tyler could have his quarterly ct scan. The results showed that Tyler has a spot in each lung that is cancer. Each spot is very small and only measures 1 cm which is good news. The news was devastating to Sarah and Tyler but their faith remains strong. Charles was so sad that he wasn't with them but the family just thought this was a test that needed to be done, not thinking that the results would be anything but good. Tyler's current health has been so good and he is strong and feeling great which will be an advantage when he begins his treatments.
On Wednesday, Tyler returned to the hospital for additional scans and testing and a meeting with his favorite doctor, Scott Mauer. Sarah and Tyler were told the cancer is treatable with surgeries and chemotherapy. Tyler's case is unusual because of the fact that he developed a spot on his lung after chemo was finished months ago. He had a thorocotomy to remove the spot and it was a success and he was declared to be in remission. He has been cancer free for almost a year. There are only about 4oo similar cases a year to compare data, which is a very low number. So doctors don't have a lot of medical data to use to help with Tyler's treatment. They have put together a temporary treatment plan but it won't be complete until after a meeting with many specialized doctors next Wednesday.
Currently Tyler's treatment is expected to include 2 surgeries (thorocotomies on each lung at different times) and 6-8 chemo therapies. Tyler will return to St Jude on March 9Th to have has Hickman line (port) surgically added for his intravenous chemo. The chemo treatments will be similar to the methotrexate he had before where his counts will drop to almost zero and rise again. This is an area of concern since they live in Arizona now and will have to travel back and forth by plane. Traveling by plane with low counts will be very difficult so the family is hoping to have Tyler's chemo in Arizona but it will depend on insurance. This is an area where prayer is highly needed. Charles' new boss, John Rowe, has been so supportive and is collectively working with Charles and others to get his insurance to cover Tyler' treatments in Arizona. As you all know Charles began a new job recently in Arizona so his insurance is also new as of February 1st. His new coverage does not cover pre existing conditions until August but since Tyler was diagnosed as being remission there is a good possibility it will work out. Pray, Pray Pray!!!!!!
The family has so much to absorb right now. They covet your prayers to help them make very difficult decisions for Tyler. The most important prayer being that Tyler will be completely healed from this ugly disease of cancer. Please feel free to send them cards of encouragement. Their new address is: 156 E. Beekeeper Trail, Oro Valley, AZ 85755
As I receive news, I will keep you posted on the situation with Tyler. I miss them tremendously and pray for them often. I challenge you to lift Tyler and his family daily up in prayer!
Stay close!
Kim
