Back at Home Update 7
January 15, 2025
It had been a while since there has been an update, but the wait was worth it. TC received his blood work and CT Scan results today. He is cancer FREE!!
TC and his family want to thank everyone for all of the support, positive thoughts, and prayers. They clearly worked and helped.
Back at Home Update 6
October 3, 2024
It’s been a while since there was an update, so how about one from the man himself, TC.
Hello Family and Friends,
It has been a while since my last update, so I wanted to share what’s been happening. As most of ya’ll now, when they cut me open, they felt confident they got all the cancer out of me. So, they prescribed a very aggressive course of action to prevent the C from coming back. I made the decision to do the course of 6 chemotherapy treatments, once a week for 6 weeks, in conjunction with radiation treatments for 30 days, 5 sessions a week.
My chemo and radiation “County Double” was on Thursdays. I quickly learned that meant on Sunday, I would look and feel like hammered shit. I would stare at the wall and forget peoples’ names, mumble, or buy stuff on Amazon. My dad told my wife to hide my credit cards. Fuck, I even bought a new truck that drives itself! I’m loving it! Wrapping up the bad stuff, mouth sores have been miserable, and I’ve never winced and cried so much in my life. I can barely eat and weighed in today at 170lbs. My leg is still tight and causes pain. My neck blistered and the skin split open, feels like a really really bad burn. Best I can describe my mouth pain is like 3-4 bees are trapped inside and they keep stinging me. Who wants some of that? Cmon man, sign-ups are on the door.
On to the good stuff. I’m done with the treatment and its time to recover. I go on walks when I have the energy. I even jog up a hill for about 50 yards. I lift my weights and punch the heavy bag. I was able to do some yard chores the other day and then petered out. We have met some amazing Warriors during the treatments. This has been really great for Liza and the other care givers. Yeah we are going through hell, but we can’t forget the incredible things care givers give us.
My wife is my Guardian Angel and I truly believe she was sent to me from God. What and amazingly strong women that has come into my life. Some of you know we got married during Covid in a Judge’s Chambers. We never had a honeymoon, so guess what, On SUNDAY, I booked an all-inclusive Caribbean Retreat for us……She didn’t know I had a hidden credit card, LMAO. The medical staff at Kaiser kicked butt. They were family from the start.
A co-worker’s wife happened to be a Radiation Nurse there, and she took me under her wing. The entire team did, really. They were so compassionate to me and well just everyone. It was awesome to be a part of.
During this journey, I was introduced to someone who had my procedure about 3 years prior. He introduced me to a retired PD who had the exact same procedure. Through another friend, I met another PD who had the exact same procedure. And through one of my surgeons, I meet another PD, similar procedure. I was beside myself, 4 LE persons pretty much with the same procedure, all in treatment together at the same time. We formed a Cancer Group and share our stories, our pain, our feelings, and treatment options. They have become family, so thank you, Ashlee, Walt, Patrick, and Mike.
I will leave you with this. The doctors said, “Go and live, we will see you in 3 months for blood work and scans.” Most likely, at that time, I will be able to get some implants on my right side. So that’s what I plan on doing, living and surviving!
Thank you, God. Liza, you are my world. Thank you, boys. Thank you to the group of fellas that texted or called me every day to see how I was doing. I mean every day! You know who you are. As the saying goes, there’s Nice Guys, Good dudes and Solid Mother Fuckers, the every dayer’s are Solid Mfer’s in my book. Tony and Espie V., thank you for taking me to Chemo and sitting with me while I got the needle and bags of poison. To my Aunts and Uncle, they cruised on through from Louisiana and cared for me for a week. The gumbo was the bomb. And thanks to my Father, a 3-time Warrior, for your support daily, your words of encouragement and for being a tough son of a bitch. I know it’s because of you and Mom I am the way I am. Love ya, Pops.
Until next time, all my love to all of you following this journey, Love Ty and God speed.
P.S. Psalm 91 was my daily battle cry before every treatment.
Back at Home Update 5
August 21, 2024
Once again, this update comes from TC himself.
Hello All,
Since the last post I was in a holding pattern for treatment. The week before today, I had a hiccup and my neck incision sprung a bacterial leak. They got it under control, and I was able to start my treatments today. Oh yeah, they thought the cancer may have returned and did a CT scan. Thank the Lord it came back negative.
My two older boys took up golf and earlier this week I just had to treat them to a round and give them some pointers and just had a blast bonding with them at the same time. I am gonna brag a little bit and let y’all all know 7 weeks post-surgery I drove that sucker 225! (Watch video). Watch out Jack P. I’m getting those skins back I lost to you in Parker!
I had my first radiation and chemo today and the medical staff was great.
And in true Swamp Ass fashion the Cali Ragin Cajun went and chowed on some fuckin Canes y’all!!!
Love,
Ty Christopher
Back at Home Update 4
July 26, 2024
Before we get to the latest update, TC was featured in a Netflix Series, “Watch Homicide.” His main episode is #4. Check it out using the link below.
Watch Homicide | Netflix Official Site
Now on to the latest update that comes directly from TC himself. Enjoy.
Dear Family and Friends,
I can’t begin to thank y’all enough for the support. Friends I haven’t heard from in years have reached out to me and their messages have been remarkable. Even though some of you are far away, New York, Carolinas, Texas, Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Idaho (who the Ho?), Hawaii, and parts beyond, you reached out. Thank you.
I am very thankful to Marc M., John T., Brad G., Chris R., Dave P., and Ruben N. for praying for me and for guiding me in the journey back to our Lord Jesus.
Many know my mom passed away years ago. Growing up, my play mother was always in my life. We never lost contact over the years, and to have her visit me, make food for me, and to feel her gentle motherly touch on my forehead, I can feel the love from her and from my mother who rests in eternity. Thank you, Rosemary.
As far as my status, pain is pain. I choose the path to fight with my Calvary by my side. The leg has been excruciating and often I just break down, whence, and cry. But I am forced to PT it every day, rest, ice, massage, and heal. Then repeat.
My mouth is feeling great. I can’t eat solid foods as the Doc says I can’t chew yet. If I do and damage my jaw, I may not be able to ever chew food again. Pretty serious stuff right there! I also have to use a device to force my jaw open, every 2 hours of everyday. This has been just loads of F’in fun. Necessary because the radiation and chemo is gonna cause my mouth to close. I’ll be forced to eat from a tube.
My weight is holding at 180-185, but the reality is I’m gonna suck up to about 150. I haven’t been 150 since I was 14 years old!!! To be honest with you all, radiation and chemo treatment is pretty daunting, and the side effects will change my life and lifestyle forever. I will fight every day with Liza by my side.
When adversity happens the true test of our love was placed front and center. I know for a fact that if Liza was not beside me, telling me to suck it up, stop feeling sorry for yourself, all the while being compassionate with me and having the patience of 20, my recovery would not be where it’s at today. I love her dearly. On a lighter note, everyone knows I’m the cook of the party, but her culinary vision with a Vita Mix blender has been remarkable. If ya haven’t had a tomato clam soup with a nice slab of Haddock on top, man what a delight. Thank you, babe, for feeding me, slapping me around and caring for my wounds, both the physical and emotional wounds.
I’m not sure when I will post again, I am projected to start a 6–7-week radiation and chemo treatment program in mid-August.
All of y’all that offered to help out and live close by, I may need a ride to and or from Ontario Kaiser. I know there is no way Liza can take me every day for 7 weeks, it will break her. So, if I call, be RTG! Like anyone that knows me has heard me say a million times, “If ya stay ready, you don’t gotta get ready.”
With that said, I’m ready for this shit, and FUCK CANCER! Here comes my Calvary!
Love,
Ty Christopher
Back at Home Update 3
July 16, 2024
Tuesday was a busy day. TC had several visitors through the day, and he worked out with his son Luke.
He also tried to walk with a cane. He is determined and has a positive attitude.
He can now drink water, but cheated and had a sip of a chocolate mocha shake. He loved it.
On Wednesday, he felt good enough to give a mini guitar concert.
Over the weekend, he was able to eat some soup and frozen yogurt by himself.
He was also able to walk by himself.
And here is a message directly from TC himself. “Hello Everyone, I want to again thank you for your messages, cards and prayers. I’ve had a lot of visitors which has been really nice. Some great stories and prayers and quality time being spent.
Every day is a challenge and it’s accompanied by pain at times. But I can tell each day is a step forward and luckily haven’t really gone backwards.
So, onto the plan moving forward. My cancer was removed, however, they want to be very aggressive in attacking anything left over. After looking at survival rates and the treatment, vs. potential side effects, I decided to do a 6 week, 5 days a week Radiation treatment. And at the same time, once a week for 6 weeks, I will undergo a Chemotherapy treatment using the drug CisPlatin.
They are telling me it is a strong drug and they feel based on my steller workout regimen and specimen of a body I can handle it!!!
Anyways, I should start this around mid August at the Ontario Kaiser.
All my love, Ty Christopher”
The visits are still greatly appreciated and welcomed. However, please set up an appointment for a visit. To set up an appointment, text Liza at (909) 261-9962 and be sure to include your name so she knows who she is talking to. Use of this phone number for any purposes other than to set up an appointment will not be tolerated. And keep the positive thought and prayers coming. They are working miracles.
Back at Home Update 2
July 8, 2024
On Friday night, TC had the best sleep that he has had in over a month thanks to that Lazy Boy. On Saturday, he went for a walk. He walked past 3 houses and back. He did an amazing job. So determined!! Then it was inside to watch Golf and NASCAR.
Once again, sorry for the blurry video.
On Monday, TC and Liza went to a doctor’s appointment with TC’s head oncologist. The cancer was confirmed to be in two of the lymph nodes in his right neck. It did not spread! In the next week, TC and Liza will meet with the head oncologist again to discuss radiation and chemotherapy options. They will be for preventative measures, improving his odds of survival ability, and staying in remission.
His neck and leg drain tubes were removed. The graft in his mouth took 100%. Same with the graft at his calf. Both are healing well. The tracheotomy wound is now closed. The neck vein also took. The feeding tube will remain until he can stabilize his diet eating soft foods, protein soup, smoothies, etc. No chewing.
He will be undergoing speech and physical therapy at home over the next month.
From TC. “I can’t begin to thank everyone for your prayers, love, and support. It has been tremendously overwhelming and keeps me sharp on fighting this every day. I’m not gonna lie, this is a mother fucker, and I’d wish it on no man, but having God, Family (that’s all of you) and Love has kept the demons at bay.
Back at Home Update 1
July 6, 2024
Today was a much better day for Ty. He went for a walk to the front of the house, without wearing the compression boot, and sat outside to get a bit of Vitamin D.
Thanks to our wonderful friends who let us borrow their Lazy Boy. He is so much more comfortable now. See for yourself in the above photo.
He has a post-surgery appointment on Monday with his oncologist doctor and another on Thursday with the plastic surgeon doctor. Hopefully the remaining drains will get removed during these appointments. His is accepting visitors, texts, and calls. In person visitors still need to make an appointment by texting Liza. Her number is in the last post.
Thank you for all the prayers. Keep them coming!
Post Surgery Update 8
July 2, 2024
Last night and this morning were rough adjusting to the new pain meds (not as strong), the new type of food (different from the hospital type), and the bed. This bed is not as convenient and comfortable as the hospital bed (it’s a super old model). Once TC ate and had his meds, he took a nap with his teddy. This is why it is so important for people to set up an appointment before stopping by.
To set up an appointment, text Liza at (909) 261-9962 and be sure to include your name so she knows who she is talking to. Use of this phone number for any purposes other than to set up an appointment will not be tolerated. Thanks for your cooperation. And thanks again for all of the support. It is greatly appreciated!
Post Surgery Update 7
July 1, 2024
The head oncologist told TC and Liza he removed 38 lymph nodes that were in and around the “concentrated” area of the cancer. He felt that 3 of those lymph nodes were compromised but wanted to completely remove anything close to the cancer. The pathology returned today and only 2 lymph nodes had Cancer!!! That’s right, only 2!
He will begin radiation in about 6 weeks.
One drain in his neck area and the wound surge pump vac on his leg was removed today. And the best news of all………….He was discharged today, and he and Liza are now home!!
The change of scenery comes with the ability to have more contact with people, but with some strict rules. Phone calls are now welcome as are texts. Visitors, helpers, people bearing food and gifts, are all welcome as long as they have contacted Liza via text and set up an appointment. Please, no uninvited guests at this point.
Everyone’s positive thoughts and prayers have made, and continue to make, a difference. They are very much appreciated. THANK YOU everyone and let’s keep it going!
This will be the last DAILY update for now. The updates will be a few times a week and when major events happen. So, no need to be concerned if you haven’t heard anything for a few days. Thanks again to everyone for the continue support.
Post Surgery Update 6
June 30, 2024
Another great report today. TC was able to walk a full lap around the entire ICU wing. He sat in a chair and watched golf and NASCAR, followed by a nap. His team of doctors will be back tomorrow to assess him and possibly give us a discharge date. He is in a lot of pain still, but the meds have been helping. He is very determined and is in great spirits.
Thank you to all that have reached out, helped with our sons, doggies, and for the food drop-offs. We greatly appreciate the support, all the love, and prayers.
Unfortunately, still no phone calls or visitors at this time. Text messages are still fine, but it will continue to take a while for them to be answered.
Post Surgery Update 5
June 29, 2024
Sorry the video is a little blurry, but it is better than nothing.
TC had a bit of a rough night last night with the pain. Today he is doing much better. He went for a walk and was moving along very well. He walked about 75 feet. He can sit in his chair and watched some golf on TV. The plastic surgeon doctor visited today and said everything seems to be healing very well.
Everyone’s positive thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated and are making a difference. THANK YOU everyone!
Please, still no phone calls or visitors at this time. Text messages are still fine, but it will continue to take a while for them to be answered.
Post Surgery Update 4
June 28, 2024
Yesterday afternoon, the oncology doctor talked to TC and Liza. He removed the tracheostomy and said the graph in his mouth area is adjusting very well. This was another round of great news.
Today, this warrior was dying to leave his room for a walk, and he accomplished it! He is determined and doing amazing with his recovery journey so far. The doctor said he can have the room at any temperature now so that is a great sign that everything is cooperating in his body. He has not lost his personality one bit. He knows all of the medical staff by first name and is still his witty self! He will take another walk later today. He is making amazing progress thus far and may get moved out of ICU tomorrow.
Keep the positive thoughts and prayers coming, as they are working! Please, still no phone calls or visitors at this time. Text messages are still fine, but it will continue to take a while for them to be answered. THANK YOU everyone!
Post Surgery Update 3
June 27, 2024
Yesterday, TC and Liza met with TC’s main oncology doctor. He said TC can sit in a chair and start talking. He was excited about that. He will need radiation no matter what. The test results of the jaw bone and lymph nodes they removed will determine if he needs chemotherapy or not. They should have results in about 5 days.
This morning TC is doing great. He is sitting in a chair, and the PT will put a boot on his leg to have him walk with a walker. He is highly medicated, so the pain is not too bad. He is napping on and off with lots of staff coming and going. During PT this morning, he took about 12 to 15 steps to the restroom and then to the bed to rest. Great progress today so far!! He is also fully talking on his own. He still has the tracheostomy, but his speech is great.
Once again, keep the positive thoughts and prayers coming. They are clearly helping. Please, still no phone calls or visitors at this time. Text messages are still fine, but it will continue to take a while for them to be answered. THANK YOU again to everyone.
Post Surgery Update 2
June 26, 2024
This morning, they woke TC up in his ICU room. He was in considerable pain, so they are managing it with pain killers. The doctors and medical staff say he is doing very well. They were able to lower the temperate in his room to around 75 degrees. TC, being his usual self already, has been communicating by writing on his tablet. He will remain in the ICU for now. He can only have two visitors at a time. Liza and his three sons are there and are taking shifts staying in the room with him.
At around noon today, the physical therapist came to his room and had him sit up for a few minutes, then stand up with his walker for about a minute. The therapist told TC if he couldn’t do either thing, to let him know. TC said, “I’m not a quitter! Don’t let me quit!” He spoke those actual words. That is an amazing sign, but shouldn’t be a surprise for all of us who know TC.
Keep the positive thoughts and prayers coming, they are clearly helping. Also, please no phone calls or visitors at this time. Text messages are still fine, but it will continue to take a while for them to be answered. THANK YOU to everyone.
Post Surgery Update
June 25, 2024
TC getting ready for surgery. Clearly, hairbrushes were optional.
The Rajun Cajun all doped up right before going in for his surgery. He planned on using his special “cap” to call aliens.
TC was admitted this morning at 7:45 AM and was in great spirits for his 8 AM surgery. The surgery was scheduled for 10 hours. By 12:45 PM, the cancerous bone in his jaw and the cancerous lymph nodes in his face had been removed and the reconstructive part of the surgery had begun. As of 5:45 PM, he was out of surgery. The surgery was deemed successful. His jaw was rebuilt with bones and veins from his lower leg and a skin graft was taken from his thigh to cover the work done on the lower leg. So, his leg has two areas that need to heal and obviously his jaw and mouth need to recover as well. The jaw and lymph nodes are being sent to the lab to ensure all of the cancer was removed.
TC (with Liza at his side) will spend the night sedated in a heated room in the hospital. This is done to help all of the new veins get up and running. They should try to wake him up at some point tomorrow.
Liza and the family really appreciate and thank everyone for all of their positive thoughts and prayers. Please, no phone calls at this time. Text messages are fine, just understand they will be answered as time allows. Let’s keep all of the positive thoughts and prayers going. This first hurdle has been cleared, but there are more to come.
There will be another update tomorrow once TC has been taken off of the sedatives. Thanks again to everyone for everything!
Pre-surgery message from TC
June 19, 2024
Hello Everyone,
Today was my last pre-op meeting with the Plastic Surgeon. He showed me a 3D image of my facial bone structure and how the cancer tumor is eating a hole in my jawline. Pretty graphic and intense to see.
I want everyone to know I am in good spirits and that’s because of all of you and your support. I am ready for this, mentally and physically, and I know that being flanked by God, my family, and my friends, I will go into battle next week and fight like hell. I will pray that the surgery team is successful, and my body cooperates with the three different procedures that will be performed. I pray my body will accept the skin grafts, the bones, the tissue, and the veins that will be removed and relocated within me. They said they have a miniature donor igloo to place these parts for when they travel from my leg to my face! That’s cool!!!
My affairs are in order. Please know I am at peace with God and my life. I can’t wait to see all of you at some point and time, post-surgery. May Saint Raphael watch over me and may Saint Michael protect my family and us all.
With Love, Ty Christopher
The PET Scan
June 11, 2024
TC had a PET Scan today to ensure the cancer had not spread to any other organs or areas within his body. The PET scan had great results. No additional cancer was found, meaning the cancer is limited to his jaw and his two facial Lymph nodes.
Next comes the hard part. On June 25, he will have a surgery to remove the cancer. It is no minor undertaking. The surgery will take around 10 hours. The doctors will remove the cancerous part of the jaw and mouth, and rebuild it and the surrounding area with bones, veins, and organic material from one of his legs. He will have to breath via a tracheostomy for a while after the surgery, be hospitalized for a minimum of a week if everything goes perfectly, and be on a feeding tube for at least three weeks. If he is healthy enough a month after the surgery, they will start radiation. No chemo is required as of yet. The overall recovery time is about a year.
The Diagnosis
June 8, 2024
TC Labbe has been diagnosed with Stage 4a Jaw cancer that has metastasized to the lymph nodes near his face. As of right now, the jaw and lymph nodes are the only place the cancer has been found. On Tuesday, June 11, TC is scheduled for a PET Scan to ensure the cancer has not spread to any other organs or areas.
TC Labbe Update 