Sunday, September 28
Tyler has just been taking it easy at home and enjoying his family. His headache has returned to a lesser degree. The doctor has him measure the pain using a scale of 1-10. He says his headache is between a 3 and 4. This concerns the doctors because they never determined the actual cause of the pain to begin with. He is experiencing some pain again in his back also. Charles took him to the hospital on Friday to have him checked over. They sent him home and told him to just lay around so that is just what he has done. He will return to the hospital on Tuesday. If he is still in pain they will not start his next round of chemo which will again push back his treatment. They need to wait until he is free of his headache.
Elijah had a great 2 days at his school...Briarcrest. He loves his teacher. She is warm, kind and very loving. God picked the perfect teacher for him and he loves her. He can't wait to go to school tomorrow. What a blessing!
Meanwhile, the family is just hanging out at home. They had a water fight yesterday and they are having to find fun things to do at home. Aunt Ally is still visiting and will be there until October 13. Sarah said she has been a Godsend for her. She takes care of Tyler, does the laundry, cleans and cooks. Sarah has had so much fun spending time with her little sister and her niece.
Sarah and Charles are upbeat as usual. Their attitude amazes me. They are always so positive and thankful. They inspire me! Charles remains in Memphis with his family until Tyler is feeling a lot better. Continue to hold Tyler up in prayer for healing and relief of his pain. I look forward to seeing what God has planned for this family!
Stay close! Kim
Hymn of Praise
Tuesday, September 23
I don't understand it, Sarah doesn't understand it and the doctor's don't understand it. After numerous tests today and quite a scare, Tyler woke up pain free, looking and feeling really good. The doctor's are truly baffled as to why Tyler was in tremendous pain. They sent him for a cat scan of the head and back, a MRI and a spinal tap. The doctor's were seriously concerned and they should be. Tyler had been suffering terribly for almost a week with migraines, neck and back pain. He was so nauseous that he hadn't eaten since last Sunday. He was taken off of his pain block today and that was a relief. When he woke up he felt so good that he asked for some fruit and pretzels and he even got up. Truly amazing! The doctors feel that puncturing his spine 6 times today to get some fluid may have relieved some pressure which released the pain. The point of the spinal tap was to draw fluid to check him for meningitis, but they were unable to get any fluid. They said sometimes it is difficult to retrieve fluid from teenage boys. That makes no sense to me. They couldn't even check him for a bacterial infection or meningitis. Since he is doing so well, they may release him tomorrow to go home. What an emotional day for the family...and for his friends. Psalm 40 reads "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord." Waiting for God to help us is not easy! Often blessings cannot be received unless we go through trials.
My prayer is that the Hanson's trials will cease. They have had their share. There was good news today. Dr. Maurer shared the results from the lab work on the tumor they removed. The tumor was 91% dead! This was awesome news. All of that chemo that Tyler has been through worked to kill the cancer. The doctor said when he is through with his treatment there should be no cancer anywhere because it is obvious the chemo is working. The family was thrilled with the news. It could have been a gloomy report but the news brightened their day along with Tyler's improvement.
Sarah and Charles decided today to send Elijah to the Christian school that Tyler attended for 4 years. Elijah is excited to go to school and it will be good for him to get back in the routine and to be with kids his age. Homeschooling is a tough job, one that Sarah didn't need. Great decision for everyone!
Thank you again for your dedication to this family. I find comfort in the fact that God is our refuge and strength. How can we spend a day without HIM!
Stay close! Kim
I don't understand it, Sarah doesn't understand it and the doctor's don't understand it. After numerous tests today and quite a scare, Tyler woke up pain free, looking and feeling really good. The doctor's are truly baffled as to why Tyler was in tremendous pain. They sent him for a cat scan of the head and back, a MRI and a spinal tap. The doctor's were seriously concerned and they should be. Tyler had been suffering terribly for almost a week with migraines, neck and back pain. He was so nauseous that he hadn't eaten since last Sunday. He was taken off of his pain block today and that was a relief. When he woke up he felt so good that he asked for some fruit and pretzels and he even got up. Truly amazing! The doctors feel that puncturing his spine 6 times today to get some fluid may have relieved some pressure which released the pain. The point of the spinal tap was to draw fluid to check him for meningitis, but they were unable to get any fluid. They said sometimes it is difficult to retrieve fluid from teenage boys. That makes no sense to me. They couldn't even check him for a bacterial infection or meningitis. Since he is doing so well, they may release him tomorrow to go home. What an emotional day for the family...and for his friends. Psalm 40 reads "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord." Waiting for God to help us is not easy! Often blessings cannot be received unless we go through trials.
My prayer is that the Hanson's trials will cease. They have had their share. There was good news today. Dr. Maurer shared the results from the lab work on the tumor they removed. The tumor was 91% dead! This was awesome news. All of that chemo that Tyler has been through worked to kill the cancer. The doctor said when he is through with his treatment there should be no cancer anywhere because it is obvious the chemo is working. The family was thrilled with the news. It could have been a gloomy report but the news brightened their day along with Tyler's improvement.
Sarah and Charles decided today to send Elijah to the Christian school that Tyler attended for 4 years. Elijah is excited to go to school and it will be good for him to get back in the routine and to be with kids his age. Homeschooling is a tough job, one that Sarah didn't need. Great decision for everyone!
Thank you again for your dedication to this family. I find comfort in the fact that God is our refuge and strength. How can we spend a day without HIM!
Stay close! Kim
More Prayer Please
Monday, September 22
What a roller coaster ride the Hanson's have been on. Today the ride got worse. Since Tyler has had so much pain in his neck, back and head, the doctor's are admitting him back into the hospital. He probably shouldn't have been discharged to begin with but that's another story. The doctor's have shown concern that this could be serious. He is being tested for a spinal leak, meningitis and even for disease progression to the brain. My heart just breaks for Tyler. We were so hopeful that with the good news of the surgery things would be getting better. He has been very sick this weekend. When you hear about the high doses of pain medicine you would expect side effects but evidently they should have not lasted this long so there will be more tests to determine the problems. Please be in prayer for Tyler as he undergoes more tests to determine the cause of his pain. Sarah and Charles are exhausted from little rest and sleep. They need to be filled with God's power and strength to endure yet another trial.
Thanks for you committed prayers for this family. I will keep you posted as soon as I hear any news.
Stay close! Kim
What a roller coaster ride the Hanson's have been on. Today the ride got worse. Since Tyler has had so much pain in his neck, back and head, the doctor's are admitting him back into the hospital. He probably shouldn't have been discharged to begin with but that's another story. The doctor's have shown concern that this could be serious. He is being tested for a spinal leak, meningitis and even for disease progression to the brain. My heart just breaks for Tyler. We were so hopeful that with the good news of the surgery things would be getting better. He has been very sick this weekend. When you hear about the high doses of pain medicine you would expect side effects but evidently they should have not lasted this long so there will be more tests to determine the problems. Please be in prayer for Tyler as he undergoes more tests to determine the cause of his pain. Sarah and Charles are exhausted from little rest and sleep. They need to be filled with God's power and strength to endure yet another trial.
Thanks for you committed prayers for this family. I will keep you posted as soon as I hear any news.
Stay close! Kim
Relief Please!!!!
Sunday, September 21
Tyler was released from the hospital late Friday evening. Unfortunately it wasn't a positive experience. He has been so sick with pain and throwing up and hopes for relief soon! It has been a tough few days. He has had to travel back and forth to the hospital everyday to have his IV pain medicine changed. It probably would have been better for Tyler to remain in the hospital. The stress of traveling back and forth has been very difficult. Not only is it difficult to get into a car, but once he is inside he must lay in the back seat to keep his leg stretched out. It cannot bend because of the cast. Moving around makes him nauseous and causes his head to hurt. Today while at the hospital he had severe pain in his head, neck, back and he was also nauseous. They gave him a medicine that was stronger than morphine and he immediately began throwing up. Sarah believes the medicine is masking the pain and covering up the problem. Hopefully tomorrow when there is a full staff at the hospital, they will get some answers.
Tyler needs specific prayer today. Please pray his pain will be relieved; the pain in his neck, back and especially his migraines. He will be taken off his pain block tomorrow so this is also a big concern. He hasn't felt any pain in his leg from the surgery due to the pain block but tomorrow may be a different story. They are also anxious for the test results from the tumor. They should have those results on Wednesday.
This has been a long hard road and they have two-thirds of it yet to travel. This is only week 11 and they have 29 weeks until Tyler's treatment is completed. Tyler will have another round of chemo next Monday (Doxorubicin, Cisplatin and Bevacizumab). The family appreciates all of the cards and love that is sent to them. They want to thank the Scull family, especially Tristen and Liam. Tristen and Liam had lemonade stands this summer and sent the family a check for $900. That is a lot of lemonade!!!!!! Thank you for your support, the family truly appreciates you and everyone that has sent cards, pictures and gifts.
Continue to pray for Tyler and if you would like to send him a note of encouragement, his address is:
10704 Quiet Cove
Collierville, TN 38017
Stay close! Kim
Tyler was released from the hospital late Friday evening. Unfortunately it wasn't a positive experience. He has been so sick with pain and throwing up and hopes for relief soon! It has been a tough few days. He has had to travel back and forth to the hospital everyday to have his IV pain medicine changed. It probably would have been better for Tyler to remain in the hospital. The stress of traveling back and forth has been very difficult. Not only is it difficult to get into a car, but once he is inside he must lay in the back seat to keep his leg stretched out. It cannot bend because of the cast. Moving around makes him nauseous and causes his head to hurt. Today while at the hospital he had severe pain in his head, neck, back and he was also nauseous. They gave him a medicine that was stronger than morphine and he immediately began throwing up. Sarah believes the medicine is masking the pain and covering up the problem. Hopefully tomorrow when there is a full staff at the hospital, they will get some answers.
Tyler needs specific prayer today. Please pray his pain will be relieved; the pain in his neck, back and especially his migraines. He will be taken off his pain block tomorrow so this is also a big concern. He hasn't felt any pain in his leg from the surgery due to the pain block but tomorrow may be a different story. They are also anxious for the test results from the tumor. They should have those results on Wednesday.
This has been a long hard road and they have two-thirds of it yet to travel. This is only week 11 and they have 29 weeks until Tyler's treatment is completed. Tyler will have another round of chemo next Monday (Doxorubicin, Cisplatin and Bevacizumab). The family appreciates all of the cards and love that is sent to them. They want to thank the Scull family, especially Tristen and Liam. Tristen and Liam had lemonade stands this summer and sent the family a check for $900. That is a lot of lemonade!!!!!! Thank you for your support, the family truly appreciates you and everyone that has sent cards, pictures and gifts.
Continue to pray for Tyler and if you would like to send him a note of encouragement, his address is:
10704 Quiet Cove
Collierville, TN 38017
Stay close! Kim
It's Going to Take Time
Thursday, September 18
The first 24 hours after surgery are usually the toughest. That rang true for Tyler. Around 10:00 am on Tuesday, Physical Therapy (PT) had Tyler walk from his bed to a chair. This triggered severe nauseousness and a migraine. For the entire next day he threw up numerous times and he cannot shake the headache. The doctor's are slightly concerned. But he was under anesthesia for 7 hours so this could be the result of that. Sarah stayed with him all day and spent the night. Charles arrived yesterday afternoon along with Tyler's Uncle Aaron from California and many other family members. It was a great family time, unfortunately Tyler was heavily sedated and couldn't enjoy it. Charles stayed with Tyler the remaining part of the day and spent the night last night. Sarah took her family to the zoo to try to enjoy some time with them. Elijah and Christian loved the baby animals.
Tyler's leg is heavily bandaged from his hip to his ankle. They will change the dressing on Friday and look at the incision for the first time. Sarah said his poor toes are so swollen you can't tell that they are toes. The doctor's have tried 4 different nausea medicines and 3 different pain medicines for his headache. I pray today he will be much better and over the nausea and headache. The best thing for him now is sleep.
Tyler has been a model patient. He is always so compliant and does whatever the PT or doctor's ask of him. He is so eager to get better and return to a normal way of living. He never complains either. That is the Tyler I know and love. God continue to give Tyler your fruits of your spirit. Thank you for Tyler and his family!
Stay close! Kim
The first 24 hours after surgery are usually the toughest. That rang true for Tyler. Around 10:00 am on Tuesday, Physical Therapy (PT) had Tyler walk from his bed to a chair. This triggered severe nauseousness and a migraine. For the entire next day he threw up numerous times and he cannot shake the headache. The doctor's are slightly concerned. But he was under anesthesia for 7 hours so this could be the result of that. Sarah stayed with him all day and spent the night. Charles arrived yesterday afternoon along with Tyler's Uncle Aaron from California and many other family members. It was a great family time, unfortunately Tyler was heavily sedated and couldn't enjoy it. Charles stayed with Tyler the remaining part of the day and spent the night last night. Sarah took her family to the zoo to try to enjoy some time with them. Elijah and Christian loved the baby animals.
Tyler's leg is heavily bandaged from his hip to his ankle. They will change the dressing on Friday and look at the incision for the first time. Sarah said his poor toes are so swollen you can't tell that they are toes. The doctor's have tried 4 different nausea medicines and 3 different pain medicines for his headache. I pray today he will be much better and over the nausea and headache. The best thing for him now is sleep.
Tyler has been a model patient. He is always so compliant and does whatever the PT or doctor's ask of him. He is so eager to get better and return to a normal way of living. He never complains either. That is the Tyler I know and love. God continue to give Tyler your fruits of your spirit. Thank you for Tyler and his family!
Stay close! Kim
Answered Prayer
Monday, September 15
Tyler's surgery is over and it went well. No it went great! According to the doctors it went better than any other surgery of this type they have ever performed. Tyler is doing amazingly well, he looks great and was up in the recovery room drinking a coke. He only has a little pain. It is in the area that the doctors grafted skin (which I didn't know they were doing). They grafted skin from his upper thigh to put over his incision area. The doctors said this will be the most painful part of his surgery. After the surgery was over, the anesthesiologist administered a pain block in his sciatic nerve. It will remain there until Friday. This will prevent severe pain because tomorrow he will have to get up and do physical therapy. His leg is in a metal type brace that is open in the front for the incision and he has a drain in the incision. The best news is his incision was from just under his knee down his leg. It was only about 10-12 inches long. Most of these surgeries have incisions that are about 26-28 inches long. The doctors removed all of the muscles and tissues around the bone including the bone and tumor. The tumor was sent to the lab and they should have the results on Friday. There was no sign of the cancer spreading so......Tyler is now cancer free. What a huge relief for all of us that love Tyler so much.
Sarah and Charles arrived early at the hospital this morning (before 8:00). Tyler was scheduled at 10:00 but the surgery didn't begin until 11:30. Sarah went with Tyler into the OR room and she said she was amazed at the instruments. She said there were thousands of metals instruments on dozens of tables around the room. They administered anesthesia and they shuffled her quickly out of the room. The doctors called them frequently with updates throughout the surgery. The surgeon came out around 3:50 to talk to Sarah and Charles while it took the team a while to finish things up. Tyler was in recovery at 5:00. After a time in recovery he was sent to ICU. He will remain there for about 2 days. If everything goes well, he may get to go home on Friday. That makes Sarah a little nervous because of the pain and how to deal with that.
Sarah said they had special prayer on Saturday and again on Sunday. Uncle Steve (who is an elder at his church) anointed Tyler on Sunday during a special prayer time. God provided his mercy, grace and love today on Tyler. We are so grateful and thankful. I want to thank all of you who have had special prayer for Tyler. I feel a tremendous sigh of relief! We received answered prayer today!
Stay close! Kim
Tyler's surgery is over and it went well. No it went great! According to the doctors it went better than any other surgery of this type they have ever performed. Tyler is doing amazingly well, he looks great and was up in the recovery room drinking a coke. He only has a little pain. It is in the area that the doctors grafted skin (which I didn't know they were doing). They grafted skin from his upper thigh to put over his incision area. The doctors said this will be the most painful part of his surgery. After the surgery was over, the anesthesiologist administered a pain block in his sciatic nerve. It will remain there until Friday. This will prevent severe pain because tomorrow he will have to get up and do physical therapy. His leg is in a metal type brace that is open in the front for the incision and he has a drain in the incision. The best news is his incision was from just under his knee down his leg. It was only about 10-12 inches long. Most of these surgeries have incisions that are about 26-28 inches long. The doctors removed all of the muscles and tissues around the bone including the bone and tumor. The tumor was sent to the lab and they should have the results on Friday. There was no sign of the cancer spreading so......Tyler is now cancer free. What a huge relief for all of us that love Tyler so much.
Sarah and Charles arrived early at the hospital this morning (before 8:00). Tyler was scheduled at 10:00 but the surgery didn't begin until 11:30. Sarah went with Tyler into the OR room and she said she was amazed at the instruments. She said there were thousands of metals instruments on dozens of tables around the room. They administered anesthesia and they shuffled her quickly out of the room. The doctors called them frequently with updates throughout the surgery. The surgeon came out around 3:50 to talk to Sarah and Charles while it took the team a while to finish things up. Tyler was in recovery at 5:00. After a time in recovery he was sent to ICU. He will remain there for about 2 days. If everything goes well, he may get to go home on Friday. That makes Sarah a little nervous because of the pain and how to deal with that.
Sarah said they had special prayer on Saturday and again on Sunday. Uncle Steve (who is an elder at his church) anointed Tyler on Sunday during a special prayer time. God provided his mercy, grace and love today on Tyler. We are so grateful and thankful. I want to thank all of you who have had special prayer for Tyler. I feel a tremendous sigh of relief! We received answered prayer today!
Stay close! Kim
It's Time for Serious Prayer
Friday, September 12
Tyler, Sarah and Charles met with the team of doctors today who will be preforming Tyler's surgery. It is confirmed for Monday morning 10:00 AM. The surgery will take approximately 4-6 hours. This is a time that we need to be in prayer for Tyler, his family and the team of doctors involved. Not only is this a serious surgery, but there are complications that could arise and there is a long healing period that follows.
The strategy of the surgery: The anesthesiologist will insert an epidural into Tyler's groin area to numb his leg. The epidural will remain there for 5 days to prevent Tyler from feeling any pain. The surgeons will remove the tumor from his leg; cutting until there isn't any cancer for at least 1 1/2 centimeters. There will be an incision from his ankle to his upper thigh. They will cut his hamstrings and pull muscles and tendons from the back of his leg and wrap them around muscles in the front of the leg. This will help him to have movement in his leg after it heals. They will install the metal rods screwing them into his remaining bones and replace his knee leaving his patella. The leg will not be casted for probably 3-4 weeks to insure there isn't any infection. It will be casted with the leg extended straight. He will probably remain in the cast for 6 weeks. He will then have tedious physical therapy for many months. Tyler has been on strong antibiotics for a while to help prevent infection. He has a cream that he rubs inside his nose to help prevent staph infections and he has to take an iodine bath Sunday and Monday before the surgery. There is a lot of prevention going on before the surgery even begins. Amazing!!!!
After Tyler's doctors met with him today, he was down. I am sure he is nervous and anxious, who wouldn't be. He went to physical therapy and his friend Vivian was there. She is 14 and had the same surgery about 6 months ago. Even though she had 2 major surgeries and a lot of complications, she was very encouraging for Tyler today. They were enjoying each other's company during PT; talking and laughing. God placed her at the right place and time for Tyler today.
The family will all be together this weekend. Charles is in town for at least 3 weeks. Sarah's sister, Alli, flew in yesterday and their Aunt Debi and Uncle Steve are arriving tomorrow. They have some good support which they really need. The special prayer meeting is still planned for tomorrow also.
I am thankful for a God who cares, listens and loves. I am confident that God is by Tyler's side constantly. We entrust Tyler to HIS care and I know God will be holding him tight Monday morning. Thank you for your prayers!
Stay close! Kim
Tyler, Sarah and Charles met with the team of doctors today who will be preforming Tyler's surgery. It is confirmed for Monday morning 10:00 AM. The surgery will take approximately 4-6 hours. This is a time that we need to be in prayer for Tyler, his family and the team of doctors involved. Not only is this a serious surgery, but there are complications that could arise and there is a long healing period that follows.
The strategy of the surgery: The anesthesiologist will insert an epidural into Tyler's groin area to numb his leg. The epidural will remain there for 5 days to prevent Tyler from feeling any pain. The surgeons will remove the tumor from his leg; cutting until there isn't any cancer for at least 1 1/2 centimeters. There will be an incision from his ankle to his upper thigh. They will cut his hamstrings and pull muscles and tendons from the back of his leg and wrap them around muscles in the front of the leg. This will help him to have movement in his leg after it heals. They will install the metal rods screwing them into his remaining bones and replace his knee leaving his patella. The leg will not be casted for probably 3-4 weeks to insure there isn't any infection. It will be casted with the leg extended straight. He will probably remain in the cast for 6 weeks. He will then have tedious physical therapy for many months. Tyler has been on strong antibiotics for a while to help prevent infection. He has a cream that he rubs inside his nose to help prevent staph infections and he has to take an iodine bath Sunday and Monday before the surgery. There is a lot of prevention going on before the surgery even begins. Amazing!!!!
After Tyler's doctors met with him today, he was down. I am sure he is nervous and anxious, who wouldn't be. He went to physical therapy and his friend Vivian was there. She is 14 and had the same surgery about 6 months ago. Even though she had 2 major surgeries and a lot of complications, she was very encouraging for Tyler today. They were enjoying each other's company during PT; talking and laughing. God placed her at the right place and time for Tyler today.
The family will all be together this weekend. Charles is in town for at least 3 weeks. Sarah's sister, Alli, flew in yesterday and their Aunt Debi and Uncle Steve are arriving tomorrow. They have some good support which they really need. The special prayer meeting is still planned for tomorrow also.
I am thankful for a God who cares, listens and loves. I am confident that God is by Tyler's side constantly. We entrust Tyler to HIS care and I know God will be holding him tight Monday morning. Thank you for your prayers!
Stay close! Kim
Rest and Relaxation
Thursday, September 4
The doctor's finally have a diagnosis for Tyler's fever. CMV....and what is that? Sarah said the medical term was too long and complicated. Basically it was a virus and they determined it by drawing blood and looking for antibodies in his blood. The antibodies that were produced to fight off the virus helped the doctors determine the cause. The good news is he now has those antibodies to fight off the virus if he would develop it again. How he caught it....who knows? This is the main reason the family will not be traveling to Louisville this weekend. His immune system is so weak he could catch anything. It is disappointing but it is the best for Tyler. He needs plenty of rest and relaxation before the surgery. By the way, the surgery date has changed again. The new date is Monday, September 15. They have learned to be flexible and it's a good thing!
Tyler will get to enjoy his weekend and will be off until Tuesday from the hospital. There is an art festival this weekend and they may go to that. It has been rainy and gloomy in Memphis for the last 3 days so they are praying for some sunshine. The kids are bored and ready to get outdoors and enjoy some activities. They are excited to see their aunt Alli (Sarah's younger sister) and cousin Aiko (she is 18 months old) from Tuscon. They are flying in on Thursday to stay for a month. Charles has been busy working in Louisville and will return to Memphis next weekend. Sarah and Charles have a very important meeting with the entire surgical team of doctors on Friday (9/12). Saturday (9/13), Glen's minister, church members, family, friends and anyone who wants to come and pray are welcome. It will be a special prayer session for Tyler. Matthew 18:19-20 tells us when 2 or more are in agreement in prayer, the Holy Spirit will be with them and their requests will be granted. What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday! Amen!
I am thankful for Tyler and his family and their strong faith. What a tough road they have traveled and they have further to go. How do people travel without faith? It is tough to be separated from your husband /father for long periods of time, but tougher when going through something like this. The pressure must be tremendous on both Sarah and Charles. As you pray for Tyler, remember Sarah and Charles also. Stay close to His word! Kim
The doctor's finally have a diagnosis for Tyler's fever. CMV....and what is that? Sarah said the medical term was too long and complicated. Basically it was a virus and they determined it by drawing blood and looking for antibodies in his blood. The antibodies that were produced to fight off the virus helped the doctors determine the cause. The good news is he now has those antibodies to fight off the virus if he would develop it again. How he caught it....who knows? This is the main reason the family will not be traveling to Louisville this weekend. His immune system is so weak he could catch anything. It is disappointing but it is the best for Tyler. He needs plenty of rest and relaxation before the surgery. By the way, the surgery date has changed again. The new date is Monday, September 15. They have learned to be flexible and it's a good thing!
Tyler will get to enjoy his weekend and will be off until Tuesday from the hospital. There is an art festival this weekend and they may go to that. It has been rainy and gloomy in Memphis for the last 3 days so they are praying for some sunshine. The kids are bored and ready to get outdoors and enjoy some activities. They are excited to see their aunt Alli (Sarah's younger sister) and cousin Aiko (she is 18 months old) from Tuscon. They are flying in on Thursday to stay for a month. Charles has been busy working in Louisville and will return to Memphis next weekend. Sarah and Charles have a very important meeting with the entire surgical team of doctors on Friday (9/12). Saturday (9/13), Glen's minister, church members, family, friends and anyone who wants to come and pray are welcome. It will be a special prayer session for Tyler. Matthew 18:19-20 tells us when 2 or more are in agreement in prayer, the Holy Spirit will be with them and their requests will be granted. What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday! Amen!
I am thankful for Tyler and his family and their strong faith. What a tough road they have traveled and they have further to go. How do people travel without faith? It is tough to be separated from your husband /father for long periods of time, but tougher when going through something like this. The pressure must be tremendous on both Sarah and Charles. As you pray for Tyler, remember Sarah and Charles also. Stay close to His word! Kim
You Gotta Have Friends
Wednesday, September 3
What a great day! Why? Because it was just a normal day. No hospital visit. Sarah cleaned house, the kids hung out and they went out to eat with their good friends the Rosses. I am so glad they have the Ross family. They have been such an important part of the Hanson family. They have become their extended family. They ate at Huey's tonight. It is a fun hamburger joint where you throw tooth picks at the ceiling. It sounds like fun.
Tyler received a package from Mrs. McFarren's homeroom class and 8th grade teachers last night. He loved the balloons: Happy Birthday, It's A Girl and a special wedding balloon. Sarah thought that someone made a mistake but Tyler knew that it came from Mrs. McFarren. She is fun and crazy! It made him laugh and he loved the special treats that came with the balloons. Today he received another package of letters from his friends at CAL. Sarah said this makes his day and it means so much to Tyler to hear from his friends. Another friend, Karl Magnuson, made a special DVD for the family. He took special footage from the Walk/Run this summer and put it to music. Tyler hasn't received it yet but I had a special preview and it was awesome. Thanks Karl! All of you have been so wonderful. God has provided encouragement, love and support through all of you. Friends...gotta have em! Stay close! Kim
What a great day! Why? Because it was just a normal day. No hospital visit. Sarah cleaned house, the kids hung out and they went out to eat with their good friends the Rosses. I am so glad they have the Ross family. They have been such an important part of the Hanson family. They have become their extended family. They ate at Huey's tonight. It is a fun hamburger joint where you throw tooth picks at the ceiling. It sounds like fun.
Tyler received a package from Mrs. McFarren's homeroom class and 8th grade teachers last night. He loved the balloons: Happy Birthday, It's A Girl and a special wedding balloon. Sarah thought that someone made a mistake but Tyler knew that it came from Mrs. McFarren. She is fun and crazy! It made him laugh and he loved the special treats that came with the balloons. Today he received another package of letters from his friends at CAL. Sarah said this makes his day and it means so much to Tyler to hear from his friends. Another friend, Karl Magnuson, made a special DVD for the family. He took special footage from the Walk/Run this summer and put it to music. Tyler hasn't received it yet but I had a special preview and it was awesome. Thanks Karl! All of you have been so wonderful. God has provided encouragement, love and support through all of you. Friends...gotta have em! Stay close! Kim
It's A Waiting Game
Tuesday, September 2
Tyler is finally home from the hospital. He was discharged to go home Saturday night, even though the doctors never determined what caused his fever. He slept all day on Sunday and woke up at 3:00. He will remain on antibiotics for another week. His scans came back looking great with no signs of cancer spreading to other parts of his body. "The scans were looking like they should be looking like at this point in his treatment". Amen! Tyler does need to be extra careful of his leg though. The bone cells in the leg where his tumor is are now osteoids. This means that the bone cells are replaced with a mushy substance. The bone could easily snap and this could be big trouble. This is a specific prayer that we need to pray for Tyler. The doctors have delayed his surgery because of the blood infection. Since they do not know what caused it, they need to be extra careful before his surgery. The surgery involves removing part of his tibia (where the tumor is located) and part of the femur. They will attach the two bones with metal rods that will be screwed into the remaining parts of the bone. He also will receive a knee replacement but will keep his patella (knee cap)to enable movement in the leg. The leg will be given an extra 3 inches to allow for growth. He will wear a lift in his shoe to make up the difference. Isn't it amazing what doctor's can do? Unfortunately the surgery is pushed back to September 18th. The family was hoping for an earlier date but the doctor's need to be assured that his infection is completely gone. If any bacteria remained in his body it could cause severe complications with the metal bones being placed in his legs. They may be able to move the surgery to September 11 but won't know for a few days. The family may come to Louisville this weekend if the surgery is the 18th. He will also have to have an additional round of chemo next week to keep the tumor inactive. They will have to be patient and wait.
Tyler really enjoys cards and pictures that are sent to him. Thank you Mrs. Walters, a new 8th grade teacher at CAL, who dropped off a package at St. Jude this weekend while visiting in Memphis. He loved the pictures of everyone!!!!!! The family was so sad they missed meeting her. Sarah said she is having some phone difficulties and may need to change services.
Tyler has been feeling good the last couple of days. He is eating and has his rosy cheeks again. He needs this time to get some strength and weight back. He is looking forward to his uncle Aaron moving back to Memphis. Aaron should arrive in Memphis around the 11th. Since he lived in California the family didn't get to see him but about twice a year. Now they will see him everyday!
Thank you friends for your faithfulness and continued prayers. The family can feel those prayers working for them. Continue to lift the family up daily in prayer, post comments on the blog and send those cards. It really makes their days brighter!
Stay close! Kim
Tyler is finally home from the hospital. He was discharged to go home Saturday night, even though the doctors never determined what caused his fever. He slept all day on Sunday and woke up at 3:00. He will remain on antibiotics for another week. His scans came back looking great with no signs of cancer spreading to other parts of his body. "The scans were looking like they should be looking like at this point in his treatment". Amen! Tyler does need to be extra careful of his leg though. The bone cells in the leg where his tumor is are now osteoids. This means that the bone cells are replaced with a mushy substance. The bone could easily snap and this could be big trouble. This is a specific prayer that we need to pray for Tyler. The doctors have delayed his surgery because of the blood infection. Since they do not know what caused it, they need to be extra careful before his surgery. The surgery involves removing part of his tibia (where the tumor is located) and part of the femur. They will attach the two bones with metal rods that will be screwed into the remaining parts of the bone. He also will receive a knee replacement but will keep his patella (knee cap)to enable movement in the leg. The leg will be given an extra 3 inches to allow for growth. He will wear a lift in his shoe to make up the difference. Isn't it amazing what doctor's can do? Unfortunately the surgery is pushed back to September 18th. The family was hoping for an earlier date but the doctor's need to be assured that his infection is completely gone. If any bacteria remained in his body it could cause severe complications with the metal bones being placed in his legs. They may be able to move the surgery to September 11 but won't know for a few days. The family may come to Louisville this weekend if the surgery is the 18th. He will also have to have an additional round of chemo next week to keep the tumor inactive. They will have to be patient and wait.
Tyler really enjoys cards and pictures that are sent to him. Thank you Mrs. Walters, a new 8th grade teacher at CAL, who dropped off a package at St. Jude this weekend while visiting in Memphis. He loved the pictures of everyone!!!!!! The family was so sad they missed meeting her. Sarah said she is having some phone difficulties and may need to change services.
Tyler has been feeling good the last couple of days. He is eating and has his rosy cheeks again. He needs this time to get some strength and weight back. He is looking forward to his uncle Aaron moving back to Memphis. Aaron should arrive in Memphis around the 11th. Since he lived in California the family didn't get to see him but about twice a year. Now they will see him everyday!
Thank you friends for your faithfulness and continued prayers. The family can feel those prayers working for them. Continue to lift the family up daily in prayer, post comments on the blog and send those cards. It really makes their days brighter!
Stay close! Kim
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