When Can I go Home

Friday, August 29

It is hard to believe the end of summer is almost here. As most of us enjoy the long weekend and break from school and work, Tyler remains in the hospital. Unfortunately his fever keeps returning at night so he must stay put until he is fever free for 24 hours. He is feeling great though. It is frustrating the doctors not to know the cause of his fever. Charles spent the night last night and worked from the hospital today while Sarah spent the day with Elijah and Christian. She also had to do some cleaning, grocery shopping and cooking. They are patiently waiting for Tyler to be released. It would be great if he could have a break for a few days before he has to return for his surgery.

Everyday I hear encouraging words from people at school who have been praying for the family. Today someone shared that they pray every night for Elijah. Sometimes we forget there are other family members that need prayer also. Thank you for thinking of them also. Not much else to report but hoping that Tyler can go home soon! Maybe tomorrow!!!!!
Stay close! Kim

Feeling Better

Wednesday, August 27

The entire family was hanging out in Tyler's hospital room tonight when I talked with Sarah. He still has a fever but it isn't as high. The doctor's took him off of one of the antibiotics. He has gotten up today and walked around and ate a little dinner. The cultures aren't growing anything (they are negative) so the doctors are baffled as to what is causing his fever. They swabbed his mouth today and sent more cultures to the lab. His hemoglobin is low so tomorrow he will have a blood transfusion. This will be a first. He had MRI's and x-rays so it was a busy day. The good news is, Tyler is feeling better. I pray the fever will leave and he will be able to go home soon!

It warms my heart to read the posts on the blog. I loved the one from the Scull family. Their boys raised $850 this summer selling lemonade. That is amazing! I know Tyler will do something special with that money. A big Thank You to everyone who has mailed cards, posted, and prayed. It is so encouraging for the family to know they are loved and cared for. The 8th grade class at CAL sent Tyler a package this week and another one is in the mail. I read some of the cards they wrote and they made me laugh. I know they will make Tyler laugh too. You are an amazing bunch of friends. God loves you and so do I.
Stay close! Kim

Serious Prayer

Tuesday, August 26

A lot can change in 24 hours. Tyler was admitted to the hospital this morning.

Last night he felt horrible and had a temperature of 102. Sarah always takes it twice to make sure. The second time she took it, his temperature was 99. Sarah woke him early this morning around 6:00 am to get to the hospital by 7:00. Tyler's fever was 103. He just wasn't acting quite normal either. He had flu like symptoms. They drove straight to the hospital and they immediately admitted him. They determined that he had a very serious blood infection. What caused it? It might have cultivated from his rash and sores on his chest. They aren't sure. But a team of about 6 hooked him up to IV's and worked to get him stable. He is being treated with some very serious high potent antibiotics. The doctor was very stern with Tyler about the seriousness of having a fever and not reporting to the hospital. Tyler does not enjoy going to the hospital and Sarah thinks he might have prevented the thermometer from reading his fever accurately. When you are on chemo the slightest sniffle can be a true indication of something serious.

The doctor took blood cultures and they were sent to the lab. It will take at least 48 hours to determine what type of bacterial infection he has contracted. The antibiotics that he is on are dangerous because they are so strong. They release gases that affect his blood pressure. He is being constantly monitored by the nurses. As soon as the cultures reveal what is specifically wrong, they can administer the perfect antibiotics to treat Tyler.

Charles left Louisville around 2:00 to get to the hospital tonight. Today is Elijah's birthday and Sarah didn't even get to see him this morning because of the urgency of Tyler. She is hoping to take him out for dinner tonight before returning to the hospital. Today was supposed to be tests and home by 4:00. It is disappointing that Tyler is in the hospital for at least 3 days, maybe more.

There was good news today. They received the results from the extensive scans Tyler had yesterday. First the spot we were concerned about on his lung. The doctors believe it may be 2 blood vessels laying side by side. The doctor's said his lungs are clear of cancer! AMEN! The lymph node that was causing concern is now gone, vanished. Amazing? No a miracle! I thank God for answering those prayers. Now we have more prayers. Remember Tyler and the family tonight in your prayers that he will wake up tomorrow and the infection will be gone, vanished!
I trust that God will keep Tyler safe. Thanks for your serious prayers. Stay close! Kim
Monday, August 25

It was nice to have Charles in Memphis this weekend. Even though Tyler didn't feel great and he spent a lot of time at the hospital, it was nice having dad around. On Sunday the family celebrated Elijah's birthday even though it is actually tomorrow. They celebrated with birthday cake and ice cream. Elijah got all of his favorites especially Leggos and Bakugan. Happy Birthday Elijah!

Today was a long day at the hospital. Tyler was scheduled for his Pet scan which is basically scans all day long. He was feeling tired and nauseous tonight. They were at the Ross's house tonight and Tyler said he would rather be there throwing up than at home because it is "boring" there. Tomorrow he will have a MRI, bone scan and x-rays. Sarah is anxious to get the results. It is important that Tyler be as healthy as possible before his surgery. Wednesday he has to see a dermatologist about his skin and then hopefully he will be off for a few days.

I am constantly reminded that God is in control. From where He sits, He knows exactly what Tyler needs. He has him in the palm of His hand. God is sovereign and has promised never to leave or forsake. We need to trust Him. We need to turn our focus from evil (cancer) to God's love. FOCUS ON HIS POWER!

Hang in there Tyler! We love you and miss you more than you know! Stay Close!
Kim

Another Round of Chemo

Friday, August 22, 2008

Tyler arrived at the hospital today around 11:00 for week 9 of high doses of methotrexate. Charles arrived last night late so Sarah took Tyler to the hospital and Charles came later to relieve her and spend time with Tyler. He should be able to come home tonight from the hospital around 11:00. Tyler tried his best to talk the doctors out of giving him chemo this week but they didn't see any reason to postpone it. He will be extremely tired and will sleep a lot. Sarah is hoping he will feel up to going to a movie with the entire family this weekend. Charles will return to Louisville either late Sunday or very early Monday.

Tyler is scheduled for a series of tests on Monday. He will have a pet scan, cat scan and a MRI. The doctor's want to check the spot on his lung, the lymph node in his leg and the tumor in his leg. The tests are necessary before his surgery. This helps them plan out a strategy for the surgery. What do we pray for? God's will to be done through Tyler, wisdom for the doctor's as to the type of treatment for Tyler, a successful surgery with no complications, the removal of the cancer from his body, patience, strength, encouragement but most of all healing! I know a lot of you have questions regarding this upcoming surgery. Hopefully I will know more details in the near future and I will pass the information on to you. Thank you for your concern, love and faithfulness. Stay close! Kim

It's A Down Day

Tuesday, August 19

Tyler went to the hospital today for tests. He hasn't been feeling well and hasn't had much energy. In fact he has been sleeping for 18 hours a day. He is bored and has nothing to look forward to. He has just been feeling down. The doctor's decided to wait a few days to start his next round of chemo. He will begin it on Friday instead of Wednesday. If you think school is boring or hard try going to the hospital and spending hours there. It is no fun! Tyler would love to be going to school right now. I truly believe Tyler will be back to CAL again soon.

The doctor's have changed the date again for his surgery. It will now be September 4. Hopefully the family can still come in to Louisville one more time before the surgery. Tyler isn't looking forward to that surgery but who would? He needs this surgery to completely remove the cancer from his body. He met a girl today that is 14 who had the surgery in December and is still trying to recover after several complications. He will have physical therapy every day for 3-6 months after the surgery. Please pray specifically that this surgery will be a perfect success with NO complications!

Sarah decided to start running again. She joined a marathon group (I don't really understand the running thing). Now instead of running by herself, she can join others and run at a park (it is safer also) two nights a week. She is planning on running in the St. Jude marathon in December. She will be able to get sponsors and the money will go to St. Jude. A great fundraiser and a way to give back!

Continue to keep Tyler and the family in your prayers. Send them a card to say hi, to encourage them or to make them laugh. Friends can make tough days better. The Hanson's are not only our friends they are our family too! We love you! Stay close! Kim

Enjoy the Day!

Sunday, August 17

Sarah and I talked earlier today. Tyler was still sleeping and she hated to wake him for church so she let him sleep. His body is run down and the best thing for him is sleep. I mentioned last time that he had sores all over his body. Sorry but I misunderstood Sarah. He does have open sores and a nasty rash but they are on his chest around his port. His skin has become very sensitive to the tape around the port and that is what caused the sores. They are treating that area with special creams and using something other than tape to relieve the pain. It has been miserable for him and hopefully the sores will heal soon. It is nice not to have to go to the hospital and to just have a normal day at home with the family. Tonight they are going to the Ross' home for a birthday party. They are looking forward to the evening.

I asked Sarah today about the spot on Tyler's lung. I talked about the spot a while ago in a blog and have had many people ask about it. Tyler's doctor was off for a month as she vacationed with her family in Lebanon. She returned last week and a team of doctors met to discuss Tyler's condition. They believe the spot is a node in his lung because of the shape of it. They will continue to monitor and watch it. Since it is located in a difficult spot to biopsy, that is all they can do right now. Tyler also has a lymph node that has some blood flow to it. They located it in his groin area in the same leg as his tumor. Again the doctor's said they aren't too concerned and they will watch it closely. Sarah has a lot of trust in Tyler's doctors because they are the best in their field. Tyler has extensive tests 4 times during his treatment. His next extensive testing will be after his surgery. We will continue to pray that the spot and lymph node will be gone and his cancer is removed from his body. We want a miracle and we know our God can provide it! He is the Great Physician! Stay close! Kim

The Lagreca Family



Dearest friends and Family,

Yesterday was a very hard day for our family.  As Kim told you in her blog, some friends of ours whom we met here at St. Jude lost their four year old son to brain cancer yesterday afternoon.  Please pray for the family.  They are taking it very hard, especially the mother, Elly.  None of us can even begin to understand what God's plan is for all of our lives but please pray that they would turn to God right now, instead of away from the one true person who can bring them comfort and peace in this difficult time.  Elly is also about five months pregnant.  Please pray that God's hand would be upon her and the new baby she is carrying, and that he will keep them both healthy in these stressful times.  Thank you all so much for always being there for us.  We are so blessed.

We love you all,
Charles and Sarah
The pictures are of James, Elly, and CJ Lagreca on their Make a Wish vacation to Disneyworld about a month ago.

Week 8

Friday, August 15

While most of us were getting ready for school, Tyler was at the hospital getting high doses of methotrexate. It doesn't seem fair! This week began on Tuesday at the hospital with the usual tests. Wednesday was a brutally long day at the hospital. 17 HOURS! They arrived early and he was administered his chemo. He had to remain at the hospital until midnight to make sure his body could handle the poison. A very long day! Thursday it was back to the hospital for more tests. By Friday his body was covered in open sores and a horrible rash. The doctors tried several diferent medicines and finally found a combination of special cremes to relieve the itching and pain. His mouth has sores also. Thankfully he is off from the hospital until Tuesday. Tyler will need a lot of prayer this week. His body needs to rebound from this round of chemo. He is very tired and will be sleeping a lot this weekend to recuperate and get stronger.

Sarah had some very sad news today. A friend she met in the hospital lost her son today. It is times like this we ask God why? We want to know what is His plan for a mother and father when they lose their 4 year old son to cancer. Sarah prayed with her and tried to comfort her the best she could. We have to trust and have faith even though it hurts so much.

Tyler is scheduled for his surgery on September 11. This date has been pushed back because one of the two doctors performing surgery broke his arm. If Tyler is well enough to have his next methotrexate treatment next Wednesday, the family may come home to Louisville before his surgery. Please continue to hold Tyler and his family close in prayer. Pray for healing and for the tumor in his leg to disappear. I thought today about all the families in hospitals that need prayer today. Some for healing but many for salvation. Thank you God that we know you and we are a child of yours. Thank you for your faithfulness, love and mercy! Stay close. Kim

A Fun Weekend in Louisville













Tyler arrived Friday around 3:00 in the afternoon. This week he is feeling better and has more energy. His family went out to eat with the Finnesand family at Ichaban Japanese restaurant. Afterwards they went to the Novicki's to eat s'mores around the fire pit. I was amazed to see Sarah prepare his TPN for the evening. It is a very large bag of fluids that are fed intravenously through his port. He is hooked up to these nutrients for 14 hours a day. The bag is enclosed in a backpack that he wears to bed. I know if must be a nuisance to wear that backpack but it is helping him to keep his weight at a higher level. He is receiving nutrients he needs to keep him healthy. Each bag costs $1000. Ouch! He has to have one every night.

Saturday, Tyler slept until 3:00 in the afternoon. The family then went to the Foster's to hang out and eat dinner. Again the Finnesands and Novicki's joined in to spend time with the Hanson's. We enjoyed Gina and Jeff's gracious hospitality and their special bar-b-que chicken. The picture above is of Tyler, Austin, Clay and Conner at the Foster's. Tyler and Elijah went to the Novicki's to spend the night (and stayed up late playing video games).


Sunday proved to be a very busy day. The Hanson's went to Church at Southeast. Tyler surprised his friends and went to the middle school worship. He then went to eat at one of his favorite restaurant's, Qdoba. Since he was feeling so good today, Tyler and Conner called a few friends at the last minute to meet at Tom Sawyer Park for pizza and to hang out. Sorry if you weren't included, it was a very last minute get together. Enjoy the pictures of the event below. It is back to Memphis for Tyler, Sarah, Christian and Elijah. Charles will remain in Louisville for a while. Pray for a safe return to Memphis. We really enjoyed the weekend and we will miss you a lot!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stay close. Kim





On The Road

Thursday, August 7

Good news! Answered prayer! Tyler's counts were amazingly good today after a scare last night. Tyler had a fever that spiked last night and Sarah had to call the doctor. After a while, the fever fell and Tyler slept. Unfortunately Sarah couldn't. She was so afraid his fever would return she stayed awake all night. He arrived at the hospital today and had his blood draws. His nutriphil counts were normal. AMEN! Sarah had to pick up his TPN (nutreints) before they could head to Louisville. Something happened to the machine and so they left to go home thinking they couldn't come to Louisville. Half way home, the hospital called and they had to return to the hospital to get the TPN. A long day!!! They didn't start to Louisville until after 4:00 p.m. Sarah was so tired that she stopped in Nashville and got a hotel room. Pray for a good night's sleep and a safe trip tomorrow! We're thankful that you are coming home!

If you haven't read yesterday's blog, Tyler wrote it. Yea!!!!!! I loved reading it and was so happy to hear from him. Tyler, I hope you will post again soon. I also hope that all of his friends from his old school in Memphis will call or text. Keep the comments comin'. They are fun to read and so encouraging for the family. Stay close. Kim
Hey everyone wats up i cant believe the summer has blown by, but when does it not. haha I can tell you that this has been one of the crazyest and most confusing summer ever!!!!!!!! but its been kinda fun my drums are so beast. yea!!!!!!! or as me and sarah s. would say its soooo SUPER DUPER (with the fingers). ok so my counts are low but they said if thursday they were good we are still coming to louisville so lets all hope they are rly high. And for everybody that went to Briarcrest in the 5th grade my cell is 1-502-759-9376 you can either call or text me soo yea. It would be great to hang out. Thanks 4 all the praying and cards it means alot.
-TYLER

Counts Low But Feeling Good

Tuesday, August 5

Tyler was disappointed to learn that his counts were dangerously low today. It was a surprise since Tyler has been feeling pretty good these last couple of days. He has been eating more and has gained 2 pounds. His energy level is better and he hasn't been sleeping as much. When his counts are dangerously low, Tyler has to be very careful around people. His immune system is so weak that if he would contract a virus, it could make him very sick. He will return to the hospital on Thursday for more blood work. Please pray for a miraculous turn around. They would really like to come to Louisville this week but it will depend on his counts. If his counts are high enough they will hop in the car and head north to Louisville. If they don't rebound it is best for Tyler to remain close to the hospital. We will be patient, hope and pray for Tyler to come for a visit before school starts. Thanks for your failthfulness. To God be the glory!
Stay Close! kim

Down Time

Saturday, August 2

Tyler has been spending most of his time lately sleeping and hanging out at home. Since his chemo ended last week he has been taking it easy at home to recover. It usually takes about 10 days or so. Right now he is being monitored closely because his counts will drop very low, which can be dangerous. Sarah is hoping that when they go to the hospital on Sunday (tomorrow) they will have dropped as low as they can and will be rebounding. I pray daily for Tyler to receive the Lord's strength and mercy to sustain him through this treatment. When his counts start to rise he should start to have more energy and feel better. I'll bet he will be playing more on his drums! We miss you Tyler, Sarah, Elijah, Christian, Glen and Mollie! If things go really well, the family may travel to Louisville for a few days next week to see dad and friends. I pray that will happen!

I was reminded today by Beth Moore that God puts trials in our lives. This helps us to make a stand for him. The devil supplies the temptations to make us fall. The Hanson's have been put through a tough trial right now. I pray they will remain faithful and stand firm in their faith of Him. They are a great testimony to many and have leaned on the One who truly loves and cares for them. Stay strong Hanson family! We love you!
Stay close!
Kim