Two For One

Thursday, May 29, 2008.

Sorry there was no blog yesterday-computer problems!!!!

It has been 2 very busy days for Tyler, Sarah and Charles.  Wednesday started by arriving early to the hospital-9:00 am.  Tyler visited many areas of the hospital; pharmacy, x-rays, audiology, physical therapy, social services ,etc., etc.  They learned that since they have a home in Memphis  the hospital will not be paying for any travel or food expenses as they had so hoped.  Sarah shared how important it is to remain a family unit but Charles will need to drive/fly back and forth to Louisville to work. He will stay in their home as long as they can but may need to give up that home and look for other housing. She expressed that this will be a financial burden but they have peace that God  will provide.  They want to visit Louisville as often as they can but it will depend on Tyler's tolerance of his treatment.   They are still waiting for Kosair to send final reports and tissue sample results.  If they do not receive them soon, Tyler may need to have another bone biopsy (PRAY).  Monday will begin Tyler's 1st week of treatment and they label this as week 0.  He will be administered chemo for 1 to 3 days depending on how well his body accepts/tolerates the drug.  It is a work of Science, the chemo attacks fast growing cells (Cancer) and kills them.  As long as the drug is in the blood it attacks the cells however it also attacks other fast growing cells such as hair (which is why it falls out) and the esophagus (which is why patients get nauseous).  The drug needs to be processed just the right way to work effectively and without too many side effects (PRAY).  The doctor will fine tune the dosage as they constantly run tests to check Tyler's vital signs, liver, kidneys, heart, etc. Either Sarah, Charles, Glen or Marcia will always be with Tyler as he will need to remain in the hospital for these treatments. A positive:  THE TEEN ROOM; a place where 13-18 year old patients can go and play video games, use a MAC, play board games, do arts and crafts or just hang out with other teens going through the same thing.  No parents allowed! Tyler will have chemo every 21 days until week 10 (approximately 3 rounds) and then he will have "Limb Sparing Surgery".  The doctor will share details later about this surgery but a portion of his tibia will be removed and another bone will be inserted. He will be casted for 3 months and have physical therapy every day.  This day ended in the late afternoon, and they were exhausted both mentally and physically.  

Thursday:  Testing, testing and more testing for Tyler. He had a echocardiogram, EKG, physical therapy, testing on his kidneys and they drew blood 3 times. I'm sorry Tyler I hate needles too!!!!!!! This afternoon, Charles traveled with friends Marcia and Richard to pick up the furniture for their home.  What a nice gift from friends but they will still need lots of "stuff".  Their address is:  10704 Quiet Cove Collierville, TN  38017  Write or send them a card, they would love to hear from you.  Tomorrow (Friday), will be less hectic but a difficult decision will need to be made by Tyler.  He will receive a central line or port for his chemo treatments.  There are 2 types and Tyler will make the decision. (PRAY)  The family plans a weekend of relaxation with NO hospital visits. Thank you John McCallon (Tyler's youth minister) for calling and sharing Isaiah 55.  I encourage everyone to look this verse up. When we listen, seek and call on God He will provide free nourishment that will feed our soul.  The Hanson's have been listening, seeking and especially calling on God during this difficult time.  GOD is providing!  Thank you family and friends!  Stay Close!   Kim