Monday, January 25, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Coming Home!
Gotta love a quick visit to the hospital!
The doctor came in early on Friday to see how Rylan was doing, talk about the surgery, remove the drain in his leg, and get him ready to be discharged. Apparently they need the beds for kids who actually needed to be there.
Since I (Dad) wasn't there at the time, here's Rylan's take on the conversation:
"He didn't tell me much. All I remember is that he told me that it (the growth) was the size of a tennis ball, and that I'd need four weeks on crutches."
As for the removal of the drain in his leg, Rylan described it as this:
"It Was PAINFUL!"
Shelly remembers the info as this:
"They made a 4 inch incision to remove the growth; He said that it was the size of a tennis ball. We're still waiting for the results from pathology, because the results didn't come right back, we're assuming that is a good sign. Rylan'll need 4 weeks on crutches, with a 6-8 total recovery time. Rylan will be out of school for 10 days.
He got most of it out, but there is still a small chance that it will grow back, and that will have to be addressed if it becomes a problem in the future."
Shelly called me just before 8AM to tell me that Rylan was cleared to go home. I was amazed, and happy, that he was being discharged so early.
I got to the hospital as soon as possible to get Ry and Shelly home.
When I got there, I found both Rylan and Shelly in the beds they had tried to sleep in for the night.
They both had a pretty rough night. Shelly said they couldn't get much sleep for a few reasons:
Rylan must have a killer pain tolerance, he only took a pain pill in the morning because the nurse made him. He was just anxious to get out of the hospital and head home!
He got to take a ride in a funky looking wheel chair with a cute chauffeur.
But he was VERY Happy to be in the Durango headed for home!
It didn't take too long into the ride home for him to crash! I loved his creative use of crutches!
Once we got home, he took No time to try and be as independent as possible, wanting NO help from dad to get into the house.
He got to his room to see that it had been decorated by Kylee and the Loertsher's.
Before finally getting to crash in his own comfie bed!
We were also lucky to have our great friend and neighbor Jenny make us a yummy enchilada dinner with some fantastic Lemon Bars. Thanks SOOOO Much!!!
The doctor came in early on Friday to see how Rylan was doing, talk about the surgery, remove the drain in his leg, and get him ready to be discharged. Apparently they need the beds for kids who actually needed to be there.
Since I (Dad) wasn't there at the time, here's Rylan's take on the conversation:
"He didn't tell me much. All I remember is that he told me that it (the growth) was the size of a tennis ball, and that I'd need four weeks on crutches."
As for the removal of the drain in his leg, Rylan described it as this:
"It Was PAINFUL!"
Shelly remembers the info as this:
"They made a 4 inch incision to remove the growth; He said that it was the size of a tennis ball. We're still waiting for the results from pathology, because the results didn't come right back, we're assuming that is a good sign. Rylan'll need 4 weeks on crutches, with a 6-8 total recovery time. Rylan will be out of school for 10 days.
He got most of it out, but there is still a small chance that it will grow back, and that will have to be addressed if it becomes a problem in the future."
Shelly called me just before 8AM to tell me that Rylan was cleared to go home. I was amazed, and happy, that he was being discharged so early.
I got to the hospital as soon as possible to get Ry and Shelly home.
When I got there, I found both Rylan and Shelly in the beds they had tried to sleep in for the night.
They both had a pretty rough night. Shelly said they couldn't get much sleep for a few reasons:
- Rylan had to get up and go potty every couple of hours
- The Nurses came to get his vital signs every couple hours (these hours tended not to be the same time)
- There was some kid crying the whole night
- The beds, especially the fold out chair, are not that comfortable.
Rylan must have a killer pain tolerance, he only took a pain pill in the morning because the nurse made him. He was just anxious to get out of the hospital and head home!
He got to take a ride in a funky looking wheel chair with a cute chauffeur.
But he was VERY Happy to be in the Durango headed for home!
It didn't take too long into the ride home for him to crash! I loved his creative use of crutches!
Once we got home, he took No time to try and be as independent as possible, wanting NO help from dad to get into the house.
He got to his room to see that it had been decorated by Kylee and the Loertsher's.
Before finally getting to crash in his own comfie bed!
We were also lucky to have our great friend and neighbor Jenny make us a yummy enchilada dinner with some fantastic Lemon Bars. Thanks SOOOO Much!!!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Big Day
The big surgery day finally arrived. Mom made sure that he was fully ready to go to the hospital by making him go get a haircut first thing. :)
We got up to the hospital and Ry got to change into the cool hospital gown (now both He and Doydle had the cool gown), have a final meeting with Dr. Randall who confirmed with Rylan where he was going to be operating by marking the spot on his leg.
Just as we were heading down the hall to send Rylan to surgery, Grandma and Grandpa Taylor happened to show up, so Ry got to say hi to them before things got started.
Then we got him to the doors and Mom and Dad had to say goodbye...
While Rylan was unconscious, Grandma and Grandpa Taylor took us to "The Point" restaurant up at the Huntsman Cancer Center. A Wonderful lunch with an AMAZING view of the Salt Lake Valley.
About 2 hours after he went into surgery, Dr. Randall came out to tell us that the surgery went exactly as he had hoped and that everything looked great. He sent the mass that he removed from his leg to have a biopsy done, but didn't think it was anything to be too concerned about. Shelly and I breathed a big sigh of relief.
A few minutes later we got to go see him in recovery. Both Rylan and Doydle (the dog actually got to go into surgery with him!) were doing well. Rylan was a little groggy, of course, but still talkative and enjoying his Sprite! When we moved him into what would be his room, Rylan got totally settled in, wearing his hat, cuddling his stuffed dog, and wrapped up in the "Truck Blanket" watching TV.
Rylan was getting tons of compliments on his funky hat, and spent the next little while drifting in and out...
Eventually one of the Physical Therapists came in and started him on Crutches.
He was a little wobbly, but managed to hold his own.
He really enjoyed driving the wheelchair to and from where he was using his crutches.
I didn't get photos of the grandparents visiting, but of course they stopped by and brought presents, a "Lucky Troll" from the Barnes' and a "Cowboy Monkey" from the Taylors'.
Tara and Tiffany came by with a stuffed cow and some candy.
Rylan should be discharged from the hospital on Friday with recovery taking 6-8 weeks. We'll post updates throughout.
Shelly and I would like to thank everyone that has been so kind and concerned for our family. The outpouring of love and support had been amazing! We have some of the best friends and family that anyone could ask for.
We got up to the hospital and Ry got to change into the cool hospital gown (now both He and Doydle had the cool gown), have a final meeting with Dr. Randall who confirmed with Rylan where he was going to be operating by marking the spot on his leg.
Just as we were heading down the hall to send Rylan to surgery, Grandma and Grandpa Taylor happened to show up, so Ry got to say hi to them before things got started.
Then we got him to the doors and Mom and Dad had to say goodbye...
While Rylan was unconscious, Grandma and Grandpa Taylor took us to "The Point" restaurant up at the Huntsman Cancer Center. A Wonderful lunch with an AMAZING view of the Salt Lake Valley.
About 2 hours after he went into surgery, Dr. Randall came out to tell us that the surgery went exactly as he had hoped and that everything looked great. He sent the mass that he removed from his leg to have a biopsy done, but didn't think it was anything to be too concerned about. Shelly and I breathed a big sigh of relief.
A few minutes later we got to go see him in recovery. Both Rylan and Doydle (the dog actually got to go into surgery with him!) were doing well. Rylan was a little groggy, of course, but still talkative and enjoying his Sprite! When we moved him into what would be his room, Rylan got totally settled in, wearing his hat, cuddling his stuffed dog, and wrapped up in the "Truck Blanket" watching TV.
Rylan was getting tons of compliments on his funky hat, and spent the next little while drifting in and out...
Eventually one of the Physical Therapists came in and started him on Crutches.
He was a little wobbly, but managed to hold his own.
He really enjoyed driving the wheelchair to and from where he was using his crutches.
I didn't get photos of the grandparents visiting, but of course they stopped by and brought presents, a "Lucky Troll" from the Barnes' and a "Cowboy Monkey" from the Taylors'.
Tara and Tiffany came by with a stuffed cow and some candy.
Rylan should be discharged from the hospital on Friday with recovery taking 6-8 weeks. We'll post updates throughout.
Shelly and I would like to thank everyone that has been so kind and concerned for our family. The outpouring of love and support had been amazing! We have some of the best friends and family that anyone could ask for.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Surgery
Hey everyone I wanted to tell you some things about my surgery. I had a fun class at primary children's medical center to learn more about my surgery that is going to take place tomorrow. I had some fun going to the class. I am so thankful for the things they gave me. They gave me a doll that I named Fred
They also gave me some stuff that the doctors will use during the surgery that I wore which was pretty fun
Tomorrow
Tomorrow is the big day and I am yet, still a little scared for surgery. I'm going to Primary children's medical center with my three favorite things
Doydle
(yes he is wearing Fred's hospital gown)
THE Hat
and....
Truck Blanket!!!
Yes I am still a little scared, but with these three things I am bringing to the hospital hopefully they will calm me down. I am still kind of sad that a lot of people can't visit me while in the hospital. I am happy that I finally get to write my own post with no help from my mom and dad. This is my Last post for a while because of my leg, still recovering. I am glad for being able to make this blog
-Rylan
Thursday, January 14, 2010
My Brown Belt
Because of my leg, I wouldn't be able to make my Brown Belt testing at the end of the month.
It was very important to me that I was able to test before I had surgery, so Master Lee let me test early on Wednesday.
Here's a video my dad made of the testing.
Thanks for everybody who is pushing me to my BlackBelt.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
A Pain In The Leg
For the past year or so, Rylan's had what we would call a "tender" spot on his leg. As parent's, we didn't think too much of it until Saturday Jan 1, 2010. Rylan's tender spot seemed almost "hyper sensitive" to the point that if anyone brushed up against it the pain would bring him almost to tears. There was also a definite "lump" on his leg which caused us a little concern.
We took him to our physician on Monday who ordered a Tuesday ultrasound which was inconclusive, that was followed by an X-Ray. Wednesday Rylan had an MRI.
The MRI finally showed something...
A "mass" which measured 6CM in length and approximately 4CM in diameter was easily seen in the image.
The Dr. was fairly certain that we were looking at a Sarcoma in the muscle. The images showed that it wasn't intruding into the bone, not any of the major arteries in Rylan's leg, which was good, but the fact that there was a tumor of some sort in our little boys leg was devastating to say the least.
Dr. Webber contacted a colleague of his at Primary Children's Medical Ctr. to get a referral for the best person to deal with the situation and made arrangements for us to meet with a specialist for orthopedic tumors in children on Tuesday the 12th.
We spent the next few days being a little on the "Freaked Out" side of things. Shelly's parents took the opportunity to get us all together and go out for our Post Holiday Dinner at Tepinyaki's. Thank you SOOO much for a wonderful dinner and afternoon/evening.
Tuesday the 12th could not get here fast enough! In the email we sent to friends and family here's what happened:
We met with Dr. Randall at Primary Children’s hospital today, and it is his opinion, based on the MRI and XRAYS we had done, that Rylan has a hemangioma, which is a tumor defined as “an abnormal buildup of blood vessels in the skin or internal organs.” He is fairly certain that this is a non-cancerous situation, but won’t know for certain until he operates.
Rylan is scheduled for a 2 ½ hour surgery next Thursday to remove the growth, at that time he’ll know for certain of what is there in Rylan’s leg muscle. The doctor will have a biopsy done at that time to be sure. It’s anticipated that he’ll spend one night in the hospital, followed by up to 6 weeks of therapy to return to pretty much normal. And, in all probability, he’ll be better than he was to begin with.
Dr. Randall is the L.B. Young Endowed Chair for Cancer Research, Director of Sarcoma Services, and a professor of Orthopaedics at the University of Utah, so Rylan is in the best care possible.
Rylan wanted to start this blog, honestly because we all figured this was going to be a longer journey than it now appears to be. For that, I am truly grateful! We'll keep updates on this site as he goes through surgery, recovery, and beyond.
We took him to our physician on Monday who ordered a Tuesday ultrasound which was inconclusive, that was followed by an X-Ray. Wednesday Rylan had an MRI.
The MRI finally showed something...
A "mass" which measured 6CM in length and approximately 4CM in diameter was easily seen in the image.
The Dr. was fairly certain that we were looking at a Sarcoma in the muscle. The images showed that it wasn't intruding into the bone, not any of the major arteries in Rylan's leg, which was good, but the fact that there was a tumor of some sort in our little boys leg was devastating to say the least.
Dr. Webber contacted a colleague of his at Primary Children's Medical Ctr. to get a referral for the best person to deal with the situation and made arrangements for us to meet with a specialist for orthopedic tumors in children on Tuesday the 12th.
We spent the next few days being a little on the "Freaked Out" side of things. Shelly's parents took the opportunity to get us all together and go out for our Post Holiday Dinner at Tepinyaki's. Thank you SOOO much for a wonderful dinner and afternoon/evening.
Tuesday the 12th could not get here fast enough! In the email we sent to friends and family here's what happened:
We met with Dr. Randall at Primary Children’s hospital today, and it is his opinion, based on the MRI and XRAYS we had done, that Rylan has a hemangioma, which is a tumor defined as “an abnormal buildup of blood vessels in the skin or internal organs.” He is fairly certain that this is a non-cancerous situation, but won’t know for certain until he operates.
Rylan is scheduled for a 2 ½ hour surgery next Thursday to remove the growth, at that time he’ll know for certain of what is there in Rylan’s leg muscle. The doctor will have a biopsy done at that time to be sure. It’s anticipated that he’ll spend one night in the hospital, followed by up to 6 weeks of therapy to return to pretty much normal. And, in all probability, he’ll be better than he was to begin with.
Dr. Randall is the L.B. Young Endowed Chair for Cancer Research, Director of Sarcoma Services, and a professor of Orthopaedics at the University of Utah, so Rylan is in the best care possible.
Rylan wanted to start this blog, honestly because we all figured this was going to be a longer journey than it now appears to be. For that, I am truly grateful! We'll keep updates on this site as he goes through surgery, recovery, and beyond.
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