Greetings to my big Team Tyler Fam!
I hope this message finds you all happy, healthy, and enjoying the final week of 2011. I had a fantastic Christmas holiday spent with family and loved-ones. Santa was waaay too good to me this year. For a brief period of time on Christmas afternoon, I got to experience the sensation of time-travel, as I was transformed into a ten-year old boy while unwrapping a new bike and stationary trainer. I’ll be able to take both with me to the hospital for future inpatient treatments, which will be great.
I’m committed to staying as active as possible through this process, but the last few days have been challenging. I’ve been doing my best to listen to my body, and it has been telling me to rest. I am feeling physically drained. I got up this afternoon and got my legs moving at the track at UCSD for a bit, and I’m actually feeling pretty good at the moment as I drink a blueberry smoothie packed with proteins, oils, fresh greens, and vitamin-c. It’s important that I eat as much as possible, as my body is metabolizing calories at a higher rate than normal. My appetite comes and goes, so the fact that food is tasting good right now is a great sign.
I’m a “Monday-Thursday”, which means tomorrow is my Thursday blood draw. Twice a week I will be visiting the Moore’s Cancer center for labs and occasional out-patient chemo treatments. The most important number to watch is my absolute neutrophil count (ANC), which gives us a way to measure the strength of my immune system as it responds to the chemotherapy. Ideally, after a few days, my count rebounds, and my immune system bounces back to normal–at which time we blast the cancer again with another round of inpatient chemo.
If all goes according to plan, I will be receiving inpatient treatment at Thornton Hospital every 21 days. And, all is going well so far. In fact, I just got a voicemail from the hospital confirming my admission on January 2nd for round 1B of my Hyper CVAD regimen.
My hair started falling out in the shower today. It’s strange. I knew it was going to happen, but it’s just another one of those “this is real” confirmations. Tash has been asking to cut my hair for months now, but I never trusted her enough to let her try. I guess she’s going to have her chance!
Lots of love to you all!
–T
GoTeamTyler 
HI, Tyler! I work next door to CHIP at Voices for Children. I just want you to know I’m thinking of you, as is everyone else here, and I’m sending tons of positive energy your way. Enjoy the bike trainer… I love mine! It will be great to have during inpatient treatments, I’m sure. You are a definitely a fighter. Wishing you the absolute best.
Thanks for the update Tyler. You are in our thoughts and prayers everyday. We are having unseasonablly warm weather here. Mick’s plant where he works closes down the last week of the year every year, so he has the week off. He golfed 27 holes today. He enjoyed it! Of course, my boss had a full schedule for me today! Take care, Connnie
Hey Ty — I am glad to hear all is moving forward in a good way. BTW, if you want me to come give you a haircut, I’ve had a lot of practice (as you well know by Brad’s “do”). I’ve got the machinery and accessories, so if Tasha’s not up to it, just let me know. We missed you during the holiday but was glad your family was here with you. Family and holidays are a good thing. Lotsa love in the house. Will say good night for now. Love you, Monica & Brad
haha! no way!!! this may be my only chance ever to cut his hair, he has been denying me for ages. maybe a mohawk to start????
Natasha, I hope you don’t mind me interjecting here, but I have some experience in dramatic hair transformations myself, since I tend to let my hair grow unseasonably long and then cut it scalp short. I usually start with an attempt at a mullet, then I go faux hawk, then finish with the mohawk. You can go through that progression in that order and not forego one in favor of the other. I also recommend a lot of camera clicks, front, side and back angles. Tyler has a lot of responsibility in this as well, as facial expressions are key to pulling off the hairstyle effect. As is a lot of styling product. But I’m sure you’ve got your game plan.
Tyler seems treatment is going as planned, no set backs. good. Will be away from my computer for several weeks so will miss your progress. Your in our prayers.
Alice Harpst.
Tyler…I’m sure you will be setting a new fashion trend in SD as the coolest bald guy in town! So glad to hear that your treatments are going according to plan. Team Nebraska is focusing all the good energy we can muster toward California…well, there are a few die-hards who are interested in South Carolina about now…not us!! Take care…
Tyler – bald is sexy! Thinking of you. Martha
Bald is areo dynamic!
HI Tyler, Thinking about you in my heart! Praying for you daily to God for your physical ,emotional,and spiritual healing!Every Sunday,during Communion I pray for your complete healing through Jesus our Lord .Amen. Love,your Cousin Kathleen , & Jame Miller