Tough Like Tyler

Initial Diagnosis and Emergency Surgery

On December 29th, Tyler's journey began when he was admitted to the Alberta Children’s Hospital after feeling unwell for several weeks. Initially suspected to be a case of the flu, further medical examinations revealed a much more serious diagnosis: cancer. Just days after this devastating news, Tyler's condition worsened significantly.

During this time, doctors aimed to diagnose his condition accurately. They planned a biopsy of the lining inside his abdomen, a bone marrow biopsy, and a spinal tap to collect spinal fluid. However, this procedure quickly escalated into an emergency surgery to save Tyler's life. Tubes were placed in his chest to remove fluid from his lungs, and although the biopsy was obtained, the other planned procedures could not be completed due to his critical state. Because of this, Tyler was then placed in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) on dialysis, where he remained in a very fragile condition for a week.

Diagnosis and Treatment

After stabilizing, Tyler was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Treatment began as soon as he was strong enough, approximately ten days after his admission to the PICU. Given the aggressive nature of this type of cancer, chemotherapy treatments commenced immediately. Despite the harsh treatments, Tyler has shown remarkable resilience and strength, pushing through each challenge.

Ongoing Complications and Intensive Care

As Tyler’s treatment progressed, further complications arose. A critical moment came when doctors discovered a perforated intestine due to a cancerous growth attached to it, necessitating emergency surgery. This sent Tyler back to the PICU adding to the complexity of his treatment and care.

Recovery and Maintenance

Tyler’s resilience shone through as he successfully completed his chemotherapy treatments. After spending over 70 consecutive days in the hospital, he gradually began to spend longer periods at home. Now, Tyler attends regular maintenance visits to the hospital, which include bloodwork and other necessary tests to monitor his progress.

Financial and Emotional Strain

Throughout this arduous journey, Tyler’s family has faced numerous unforeseen expenses. The cost of caregiver support, particularly for Tyler’s mother who has been by his side constantly, has been significant. With the need for 24/7 care, many financial burdens have emerged, including Tyler’s specialized wheelchair and medications not covered by insurance.

The family's primary goal is to ensure Tyler receives the best possible care, which includes being at home surrounded by loved ones. However, this goal comes with substantial challenges, especially as caregivers are unable to maintain regular employment.

Call for Support

We are reaching out to seek your support in overcoming these obstacles. Your contributions will help cover the extensive costs associated with Tyler’s care, allowing him to remain in a supportive and loving home environment. Every donation brings us one step closer to providing Tyler with the stability and care he needs during this challenging time.

Conclusion

Tyler's fight against cancer is far from over, but his strength and determination inspire us daily. We are immensely grateful for any support you can offer, whether it be financial assistance or sharing Tyler’s story. Together, we can help Tyler and his family navigate these difficult times and ensure he continues to receive the care and support he needs.