Tyler - 17 year old fighting cancer!

Tyler - 17 year old fighting cancer!
Ready for Battle!

Friday, April 12, 2013

Clinical Trial

Last week, Michelle was presented with a clinical trial for which Tyler qualified to be a candidate. I haven't said anything about it up until now because things are ever changing with his case and I didn't want to again present a treatment plan that had the potential of not happening.

Anyhow, this trial has only been done once, ever, on a boy with a similar case to Tyler's. That was in Germany some years ago. So, Tyler is the only person in the US to ever try this treatment. They plan to use 4 different drugs, which have all been used to treat tumors, but not ever all together all at once. So, we're not sure of the success rate, or the side effects that they will have on him.

The medications started last night. And the side effects kicked in soon after. Tyler started running a really high very and a high heart rate at 1:00 AM this morning. His night was spent running a ton of tests and trying to figure out what was going on and get the fever back down.

It's with a heavy heart that I write this today. I know the suffering and pain he is in and I know this seems to be a last ray of hope, but I hate when I hear that he's suffering more. Please lift Tyler up in prayer for relief from these side effects. Please pray for his protection and comfort. Pray that these drugs will shrink the tumor and kill the cancer, without too much damage to our boy. 

Thursday, April 11, 2013

What do you crave?

Poor Ty still can't have anything to eat or drink...at least until Monday. He hasn't complained about much since his life (as he knew it) was ripped away from him and he has since spent it laying in a hospital bed for almost 7 months. But man, it is really bothering him that he can't have anything to drink. He's so thirsty!!

My mom sat with him yesterday and told me how bad she felt that he couldn't have anything to drink. So, she challenged me on this one...posing the question of what it would be like to want something so bad and not be able to have it.

The thing I love most in the day is a hot tea. I can't make it a day without one, or 3 or 7 :)

What about you? What do you crave? If tomorrow you were told you couldn't have it, how miserable would you be?

Here's one way we can empathize with Tyler. Will you join me in this bit of "suffering"?

I'm giving up my hot tea, at least until Monday. My family is joining me too...my 8 yr old gave up screen time (whoa!), my 4 year old gave up video games (whoa!) and my husband is giving up coffee (double whoa!!).

Whenever we think about that thing we want so much, we'll stop and instead spend some time praying for Tyler and his suffering. Praying that God would comfort him at this time.

John 4:13-14:  Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again;  but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”

Monday, April 8, 2013

What a fighter

Tyler's x-rays are showing some improvements in the bowels. He still hasn't had anything to eat or drink since last week. He's really craving a coke!!

He is getting another CT scan today, which will tell us more. He went to physical therapy today, though, and walked about 90 feet!

What a kid! I think I continue to say this because it surprises me. When Tyler said he wanted to go in the Army, I have to admit, I didn't think he had the strength. I had no idea what was behind that quiet exterior of his. His will and drive to survive is incredibly astounding to me, having known him his whole life. I didn't think he had it in him. Boy, I'm glad I was wrong.

Shine on Tyler!! Love you, kid!! And thank you all for your prayers!