Tyler spiked a fever early this morning, and he’s now back in 3 West at the UCSD Hospital. After an x-ray this morning, they determined the pneumonia has worsened in his right lung. His medical team says it’s likely that the pseudomonas (the pneumonia bug) is resistant to the antibiotics, so they are switching him to an antibiotic that can be inhaled; the idea being that it will directly target the lung tissue. Apparently, this isn’t something new to the team, and there are other medications that can be used.

I’m glad that both our parents are out there with Tyler… Tasha continues to amaze me with her grace, love and uplifting spirit.

As always, positive thoughts, prayers, energy, and uplifting messages are warmly welcomed.

Love from Kansas City,

Leigh

I realize that there are other “Daddy Wags” out there reading, but I’m referring to my dad, Jimbo “Daddy Wags” Wagner. He prefers things short, sweet (this term being used loosely) and to-the-point…

I was reminded this week that silence on the GoTeamTyler blogosphere leaves one to wonder if Tyler is doing ok or not… often leading one to the “worst-case-scenario” if you don’t have direct contact with the Moshirians or the Wagners. Thus, I thought a concise, bulleted (Jim Wagner-style) update would be appropriate. (The comments in parens are added Leigh-esque touches… I can’t resist):

• Tyler and Natasha rode 70 miles yesterday. (seriously?! yes, seriously. Tasha is getting ready for a century ride to raise money for Diabetes & Lymphoma research)
• Ty is in between A and B cycles. (He’ll start his “B-sandwich” next week… he has 2 B’s and 1 A cycle yet to go).
• Per Ty, Tuesday was one of the best days he’s felt since starting treatment (WooHoo!)
• Ty and Tasha will spend Easter with Tasha’s family out in SD. (My parents and I are back in “The Good Life” (Nebraska) for the holiday).
• Murt (my mother) will head out to SD for his next round on Monday.

My dad would think anything over 5 bullet points is overkill… 😉

Happy Easter, all! Lots of love,

Leigh

Tyler is still hanging tough in room 366 of the Thorton Hospital at UCSD. Kristin, the current nurse, summed it up best saying, “You’re the mystery man right now.” The medical team can’t exactly figure out where the infection is coming from, and we’re still waiting for some blood results to return. Tyler continues with spiking fevers, unidentified infection(s), and an upset gut.

In order to calm down his digestive tract, they put him on nutrition administered into his veins. The IV nutrition will allow his digestive tract to settle down, and eventually we will slowly and steadily introduce normal foods. He’s been on the IV nutrition for about 32 hours now, and we’re hoping that it will calm down soon.

Since he did have another fever, they did a CT scan to determine any other potential causes for infection or see anything significant that may have changed.

The doctor rounded yesterday, and we were able to bring to light some of his nutritional deficiencies and imbalances: low vitamin D, low vitamin A (retinol), and high copper (which, in my clinic, we often see in people fighting cancer). The doctor was open to supplementation, as we emphasized that this is a critical period for Tyler to swing his internal environment to inhibit cancer progression. I have a food/nutrition post coming here in the next few days… so I can expand on that later.

Ty remains strong and determined. Thanks for all the love and support.

I’ve been thinking about drafting this post for a while now. Today seemed to be the most appropriate day for several reasons… I love lists 🙂

#1 I love Tyler and I know his love for sports, athletics, and general butt-kicking. #2 Tyler is in serious battle mode. He needs a pump-up/half-time talk, like whoa. His meals have become his workouts. I can see it on his face: he leans forward, grabs his fork or smoothie or whatever and demolishes the meal/snack because he knows he has to (to him, it all tastes like cardboard). #3 I love the #33. Today is treatment day 33 (or yesterday was), and I feel good about this.  #4 I adore analogies. #5 Motivating/inspiring people is fascinating. Tyler has an incredible ability to do this, and I’m a sucker for anything related to leadership (anything cheesy and motivational… e.g. the Covey family inspires me without even being annoying…(?!) that’s the level I’m talking about). #6 I went on a great interval run today, and I’m on a runners high… here goes… Continue reading →

Since it’s only the 3rd day of Christmas, I thought we’d continue the ‘holiday cheer’…

Dick Railsback is a living legend for many reasons: world record-holding pole vaulter, Swedish chef,story teller… some might say he’s the ‘master of the groaner’ – I say that in the MOST ENDEARING way.

The ‘Moose Turd Pie’ story is told annually, generally after we’ve finished our 3rd plate of food and before the Akvavit toast (“skol”) at Swedish Christmas dinner… and it’s always per the suggestion of our favorite, T-Wags.

Dick contributed his written version of this infamous story:

Hi Wagners……..Sure do miss you.  We are expecting you all to join us for Christmas Dinner next year!!!!  We miss you all so much.

This is love and inspiration from Michelle “Misha” Smith (Railsback)… and the whole Railsback crew. 🙂