Broke the $3000 mark today- Thank you, Bruins!

by insomniacslounge on Oct 26, 2009 10:55 PM PDT

Tonight, I received yet another donation from a generous Bruin to Dribble For The Cure, bringing the total raised in my son Tyler's honor to over $3000! Your generosity has been overwhelming. The event is this Sunday, and I hope that I will be able to thank some of you in person- but as I realize that many of you are not able to attend the festivities, allow me to do so in this space: Thank you all so much for your very heart warming and supportive gestures. You make me even prouder to be a Bruin.

As for Tyler's condition, he just can't seem to get over the hump. The good news is that the donor stem cells have successfully engrafted in his bone marrow and are producing new white blood cells. The bad news is that because of the immunosuppressive therapy that is part of the transplant regimen, he keeps getting secondary infections which require him to stay in the hospital. Three weeks ago, on the eve of his scheduled discharge actually, he found himself with a 104 degree fever as a result of an opportunistic infection of the BK virus. He had just started to shake the virus this last weekend and was scheduled to be discharged this Wednesday. Unfortunately, today he tested positive for C. difficile, a bacterium found in everyone's gut that is usually held in check in otherwise healthy individuals. I won't go into the details of the symptoms and possible complications, but I'm sure you all can imagine what happens when an intestinal bacteria runs rampant. It's not pleasant. Fortunately, the hospital lab was at least able to isolate the cause of his symptoms so that he was able to begin treatment today.

Today is the 62nd consecutive day that Tyler has been in the hospital, and it's indefinite how many more there will be before he can get out of here. It has certainly been a day when we could have used some good news, and getting an email that Tyler's page had surpassed the $3k mark was one of the few times that I smiled today.

Thank you, once again.

-Derek (Tyler's dad)

UCLA, Class of '95

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.

Tweet Comment 24 comments | 6 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Hang in there Tyler!

…and you too, dad.

Best wishes and prayers for both of you, your family and friends.

by Telemachus on Oct 27, 2009 12:33 AM PDT reply actions

Hang in there

A good friend of mine had a BMT earlier this year and after many heartbreaks its worked out ok so far. The side effects are brutal but it was darkest just before he really turned a corner. I’m not a huge Lance Armstong fan but his website and the support network he sponsors are really good.

by PaloAltoBruin on Oct 27, 2009 12:35 AM PDT reply actions

Thanks, PaloAltoBruin

Before Tyler had his relapse, I’d hardly met anyone who had gone through a BMT. Now, it seems like everyone I meet knows someone who’s been through it. I’m glad to hear that you’re friend is doing well, now. You’re right- the side effects are absolutely brutal. But hopefully the payoff down the road is worth the price.

by insomniacslounge on Oct 27, 2009 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Hang in there!

Hey Derek,

All the best wishes for your son Tyler and yourself! Although I am not a doctor yet, from my limited knowledge, getting the donor cells successfully grafted and producing WBCs is the most difficult part and an important first step on the road to recovery. If his cell count is rising now, hopefully his immune system will start kicking in soon.

Please also know that both of you demonstrate extraordinary bravery and persistence. Tyler’s trials, and your tribulations, are something most of us have never faced, and so my advice is nearly meaningless. But in the wise words of one of my friends (who is going through something similar): “Stay positive, and wash your hands frequently!”

Mike

by dokein on Oct 27, 2009 1:06 AM PDT reply actions

Hang in there Tyler

You too Derek. Our prayers are with you all the time.

by Nestor on Oct 27, 2009 4:23 AM PDT reply actions

Stay Strong:

Both Tyler and Dad.

Many, many, many things are far, far, far more important than football records.

I think everyone on this site would opt for a winless season in exchange for a full and speedy recovery by Tyler. I know I would. Football is meaningless when it comes to real life.

Go get ’em!

by Barnes2JJ on Oct 27, 2009 5:19 AM PDT reply actions

+1

by Nestor on Oct 27, 2009 6:08 AM PDT up reply actions

on the flip side

It’s nice to have some distractions from real life. It would just be nice if the ones provided by the Bruins of late were some victories.

by insomniacslounge on Oct 27, 2009 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Seriously

Makes all the complaining about who should be starting QB and what our coaches are/aren’t doing seem really petty. I know I’ll be happy when Tyler is back on his feet.

by Tydides on Oct 27, 2009 8:47 AM PDT up reply actions

Well said!

Stay strong Derek!

We have a history of Cancer in my family, so I know a little bit of what you’re going through. Also, being a Cancer survivor, I know a little bit of what Tyler is going through. Keeping a positive attitude was just as important to my recovery as many of the treatments I received.

Also, I hope I don’t come off as some fringe lunatic, but let me recommend “Food Matters 2008” a documentary on the importance of nutrition for our health and natural disease fighting immune system. If you can’t find it on the internet for free and easy viewing, let me know, and I’ll ship you a DVD.

A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden

by MexiBruin on Oct 27, 2009 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions

thx for the recommendation

I’ll definitely check that out. Right now, Tyler is on a pretty restrictive diet, but it will be good info to have for down the road.

by insomniacslounge on Oct 27, 2009 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions

I think of you both almost daily

and wish the best for you always.

greg in denver - UCLA guy for life

by gbruin on Oct 27, 2009 7:05 AM PDT reply actions

The money is important

but more important is that you know that we are solidly behind you and Tyler. Both of you make us proud.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Oct 27, 2009 8:03 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs

Stay strong!

Our thoughts are with you guys!

Also…boy, that Class of 95 sure produced some great guys! :)

But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.

by tasser10 on Oct 27, 2009 10:51 AM PDT reply actions

the Class of 95 produced some old guys too

How did this happen?!?!?!?!

by insomniacslounge on Oct 27, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions

It was our magic of course

That brought home banner number 11 and started that epic 8 game winning streak.

by Nestor on Oct 27, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Of course!

Not to mention:

- the riots

- the Malibu fires

- the Northridge earthquake

- El Niño

- OJ

- Bill Clinton

We were a force of nature.

But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.

by tasser10 on Oct 27, 2009 2:37 PM PDT up reply actions

Of course

There were also:

- the meltdown against Fab5
- where is Tulsa?
- the Princeton “offense” (thanks Insomniac, thanks a lot)

Aaaagh.

by Nestor on Oct 30, 2009 4:43 AM PDT up reply actions

Please keep us updated on Tyler's condition

And share any pictures from Sunday’s event for those of us who are exiled and unable to attend.

I hope and pray to see Tyler out on the Nell and John Wooden Court dancing with our cheerleaders this season.

by bruinbabe2000 on Oct 27, 2009 11:01 AM PDT reply actions

Thank you, everyone

I truly do appreciate the support from everyone. It really does help me get through all of this. Of course what helps me most is just seeing how strong Tyler and all of the other kids on the floor are through their battles. Considering everything that Tyler’s been through, his spirits have been amazing. It’s truly remarkable to see his resilience in the face of everything.

I am going to try to take pictures at the event,although I haven’t figured out how I’m going to hold a camera steady while dribbling a basketball around campus. I guess I won’t be able to show off my sick crossover (also known as kicking the ball down Bruin Walk).

by insomniacslounge on Oct 27, 2009 1:39 PM PDT reply actions

Good luck on Sunday!

And good luck to Tyler. If he’s got the spirit, I think he’ll be fine. :)

by solidgoldsound on Oct 28, 2009 9:14 PM PDT reply actions

Hang in there Derek and Tyler...

My nephew was nine when he was first diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. We endured four years of ups and downs, mostly downs, including multiple rounds of chemo, radiation, and a BMT at City of Hope, which was an insanely difficult time for our entire family.

Today, he’s a 20 year-old junior at UCSB, thriving and happy. There were many dark days along the way, but with love, support, and determination, his was able to overcome this obstacle, with a level of courage I could never even approach. When I look at Tyler, I see my nephew.

Derek, you and Tyler will be in my thoughts every day until the day I read that he is in remission.

by waters96 on Oct 29, 2009 7:18 PM PDT reply actions

Thank you so much for taking the time to post this

I’m sorry your nephew had to endure so much, but his story is so very encouraging. After all of the setbacks, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for sharing your nephew’s success story.

by insomniacslounge on Oct 29, 2009 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions