Tyler Carder Cancer Recovery Fund

Hey friends, on Wednesday, May 15th, our friend Tyler received news that he had developed testicular cancer. (Tyler's full story that he wrote is below.)
We all are so aware that this diagnosis brings so much turmoil to anyone. Good doctors aren't cheap and taking time off from work is hard. Danielle and Tyler were so graciously not going to ask for financial support, but I think we should assure them, bless them, and support them with whatever financial support you can give. I know Tyler, Danielle, and their four boys would be so blessed by that! Instead of using this accound and you'd like to use a different form of giving support you can send your gift via Paypal to [email redacted] or Cash App to $TylerCarder.

LET'S BLESS THE CARDER'S!

Thank you so much in advance!

Also check out his beautiful leather goods shop at https://simpletongoods.com/
He is offering 15% off site-wide using coupon code CANCERSUCKS or go to https://simpletongoods.com/discount/CANCERSUCKS to help.
If you would like custom work done please email us at [email redacted].


TYLER'S STORY:
Somewhat reluctantly, I went to see my primary care doctor Wednesday morning, May 15. After a quick exam he ordered an immediate ultrasound of my testicles (actually he ordered them STAT which made me feel like I was on an episode of E.R.) and by that evening he delivered some serious yet uncertain news; tumors inside of my right testicle. The following day surgery was scheduled during a brief yet to the point visit with the urologist. Tuesday morning, May 21, before the sun was up I was in a pre operation room trying my hardest not to pass out after a botched attempt at inserting an IV into my right hand (It wasn’t the nurse’s fault. Sometimes you don’t know what’s under the skin. She was great otherwise.) That same morning we received the results of Friday’s CT Scan. No other visibly affected areas meant we caught it early in Stage 1. Thank you God for general anesthesia because in a blink the 90 min procedure was over and I was in a recovery room trying to gather my wits. The pathology lab confirmed the tumors to be malignant after post operation tests were conducted. A phone call with the urologist led us to know that all blood work and other tests pointed to things looking normal and that for the time being we won’t need to pursue any chemo or radiation treatments.

Since the surgery I have spent a good bit of time in bed trying to rest and recover. I’ve tried to be productive but due to pain meds and migraines it’s been an uphill battle. I’ve been trying to remember the last time I was forced to stay in bed with nothing more to do but watch movies and think. There was the time in 2009 when I caught swine flu and spent 5-7 days down and out. But that feels like a lifetime ago and was different in many ways. It was free of the curiosities about what the future holds in relation to this sickness and if would manifest itself again in the years to come in a more aggressive way. Nor did it come with the stress of needing to provide for a wife and four kids.

Many people have asked what we need as a family or if they can help with anything. All the texts and phone calls and meals have been so great, encouraging, and very much appreciated. I can’t express how grateful I am to have such wonderful friends and family especially in such a hard season. Unfortunately though I don’t work for a company that has sick leave or paid time off and the reality of working for myself is that when I stop the business stops. In my mind the most pressing need is financial provision and at this point, due to doctors visits and surgery I have been away from work for nearly two weeks and it could still be another two weeks for recovery. I am reluctant to ask for help to meet my financial needs, wether that’s due to my pride or the fact that I don’t like to make anyone feel pressured by a sad story since I know that life has enough demands. I do not want anyone feeling sorry for me especially since this is more of a best case scenario in terms of having cancer. No one plans to get cancer and yes it is an unfortunate thing but morale has been high and I’d like to keep it that way! I have been reminded by loved ones that there are people out there eager to help those that genuinely need it and there are others that might even be disappointed to find out that in time of need I refused to ask for help. This season, as new and quickly as it has moved in, has very much humbled me. It’s put a lot of things in perspective and has helped (or rather forced) me slow my pace and to just sit and be still. As difficult as that has been to stop and psychologically tedious it is to practice good perspective I am believing that things are going to be just fine even though there are questions in many areas of life.

Thank you to those of you that have already helped and an advanced thank you to those that will help. For all the prayers and well wishes, they have helped my family tremendously. We feel so loved and supported by a great community of genuine people. Those that have brought us food, it has been delicious and has met our needs and removed stress! Thank you so much!