Saturday, June 28
Since Sarah and the boys are in Memphis, Charles has been busy moving their furniture into Go Mini's for storage. Last night a group stopped by to help Charles: Kevin and Parker Hobbs, Gary Beams, Bruce Novicki and the entire Finnesand clan. They took apart furniture and packed it into pods along with dozens of boxes. They worked hard until way after 11:00 p.m. Tonight they are hard at it again with the addition of Christian and Conner Novicki and Jessie Beams. Jill Finnesand has been busy cleaning the house so it will pass inspection. She even had Conner cleaning base boards (I wish he would do that at home). Thanks to all who helped pack, clean and move! You are a blessing! You may need to apply some Icy Hot to your muscles tonight.
Tyler is spending time with good friends from Tuscon, Arizona, the Sasse family. They have a son, Tyler, who is the same age. The Hanson's lived there before moving to Memphis. They arrived yesterday and are spending a few days while Tyler is feeling good. Yesterday was a rough day at the hospital because the nurse's had to clean out his incision from his surgery. This was very painful and Sarah said she could hardly bear to watch him in that much pain. She let him and his friend, Tyler, stay up all night watching movies. He deserved it! Have fun this weekend Tyler with your friends. We sure do miss you and love you! Stay close! Kim
Pump It Up for Tyler
Thursday, June 26
It was so hard to say goodbye to Tyler and his family today. They have been in town since Saturday and we have had a lot of fun this week. The family stopped by the Finnesand's for a final meal and goodbye hug. After a lot of hugs and tears, Sarah drove off with Tyler, Elijah, Christian and Mollie stuffed inside their car. The car was packed with as much stuff as they could possible fit inside a car. Charles remained in Louisville to work and finish packing up their home. We were hoping that Tyler could attend the fundraiser tonight but he had to get back to Memphis to be at the hospital tomorrow.
Pump It Up offered us a great opportunity to have a fundraiser for the Hanson family. It was held tonight from 5-9. Our goal was to have 50 people attend. Guess how many attended? 50 Isn't God good! WAVE 3 came and filmed the event. We were having the best time and then rain, lightening and boom the lights went out. What do you do in the dark with 50 kids and no electricity? You jump rope, do the hula hoop, throw bean bags eat pizza and cookies. Unfortunately the lights never came back on and the inflatables didn't inflate so we had fun in the dark. Thank you Pump It Up for your help, we really appreciate your support. Your staff was friendly, courteous and made the best of a "dark" situation. I want to also thank all of our great friends who supported the Hanson's. Your generosity is overwhelming! God has truly blessed our endeavors and is working in big ways in the Hanson's lives. Stay close! Kim
Another Fun Day
Wednesday, June 25
The day began at Renaissance Fun Park in Middletown. Management offered Tyler and his brother, Christian, free attractions and tokens. Twenty-five of Tyler's friends showed up to ride go karts and play mini golf from 12-2. Even Mrs. Snider, Tyler's sixth-grade teacher, showed up to say hello.
After the fun ended, Tyler had to go home and rest up for more fun tonight. Three girls from his class (Avery DePaso, Allie Davis and Darby Ragsdale) are having a shared birthday party and they decided to offer their gifts to Tyler. Everyone attending the party is bringing a gift card to Tyler instead of the girls. How unselfish is that?! After the party the Hanson's will be enjoying their last dinner in Louisville for a while with the Barella's. We are going to miss them. Stay Close! Kim
Buzz Time
Tuesday, June 22 7:00 P.M.
They did it!! That's right Tyler, Conner, Tommy, Chad, Clay and Elijah shaved their heads. Brotherhood! Tyler's hair starting falling out so he decided it was time to cut it all off. Charles got the razor out and starting shaving heads in the Finnesand's backyard. It was fun; there was a lot of laughing and picture taking going on. Tyler said this is a day he would never forget! After dinner they went to the mall hunting for matching beanies. This is the wrong season for beanies so they had to settle for hats, not matching ones. They will show off their new hair cuts tomorrow at the Renaissance Fun Park. Stay close! Kim
Incredible Fun
Tuesday, June 24
Monday turned out to be a very fun day for Tyler. He arrived at Incredible Dave's and was greeted by 22 of his classmates (along with other friends of different ages also). If you aren't famililar with Incredible Dave's, it is an awesome place of fun. There are arcade games, bungee jumping, a giant inflatible slide, a giant inflatable basketball arena, an obstacle course, x-box and wii games. Tyler's favorite was Nascaar racing because he could challenge his friends in a race. The manager even donated a $10 gift card to Tyler. The mom's enjoyed eating and talking with Sarah while the kids had fun. The food is also very tasty! Everyone left around 1:30.
Tyler hung out with Conner and Tommy the rest of the day. After dinner, Tyler had to say good bye to Uncle Aaron. Aaron and Glen had to drive to Memphis so that Aaron could catch a plane today back to California. I got to know Aaron this week and what an awesome young man. He will be GREATLY missed by his family and his friends. Come back soon, Aaron. The boys/men ended the day with the "Get Smart" movie and popcorn.
I will keep you posted later on the fun we will have today. Stay close! Kim
Hanging out with friends
Sunday, June 22
Sunday began as a normal Sunday. It began by attending church at Southeast. While the family was worshipping in "big" church Tyler was attending the middle school program. Jon Mcallon called Tyler up on stage and prayed for him and announced the upcoming fundraiser . It will be held this Thursday (6/26) at Pump It Up. The cost is $15 per child and the time is from 5-9 p.m. If you would like to attend please make sure you bring a waiver signed by a parent (download from their website). Please rsvp to Kim Novicki @ 254-3035 to make sure there will be enough pizza for everyone. We welcome everyone to come and support the Hansons.
The family later attended a cookout at the Finnesand's home. Those in attendance were: the Foster family, the Novicki family, Morgan Flaherty, Jessie Ogburn, Tyler, Sarah, Charles, Elijah, Christian, Aaron, Glen and of course the Finnesand family. It was fun watching Aaron (Sarah's brother) ride a scooter with Elijah, listen to Glen (Sarah's father) share stories about his children growing up and watch the kids play video games and laugh. It was a relaxing, fun evening. Tyler came home with Conner to play more video games and spend the night.
He is looking forward to another fun day with friends tomorrow. Thanks for all your prayers! Stay close! Kim
Sunday began as a normal Sunday. It began by attending church at Southeast. While the family was worshipping in "big" church Tyler was attending the middle school program. Jon Mcallon called Tyler up on stage and prayed for him and announced the upcoming fundraiser . It will be held this Thursday (6/26) at Pump It Up. The cost is $15 per child and the time is from 5-9 p.m. If you would like to attend please make sure you bring a waiver signed by a parent (download from their website). Please rsvp to Kim Novicki @ 254-3035 to make sure there will be enough pizza for everyone. We welcome everyone to come and support the Hansons.
The family later attended a cookout at the Finnesand's home. Those in attendance were: the Foster family, the Novicki family, Morgan Flaherty, Jessie Ogburn, Tyler, Sarah, Charles, Elijah, Christian, Aaron, Glen and of course the Finnesand family. It was fun watching Aaron (Sarah's brother) ride a scooter with Elijah, listen to Glen (Sarah's father) share stories about his children growing up and watch the kids play video games and laugh. It was a relaxing, fun evening. Tyler came home with Conner to play more video games and spend the night.
He is looking forward to another fun day with friends tomorrow. Thanks for all your prayers! Stay close! Kim
Welcome Home Hansons!
Saturday, June 21
What a difference a day can make! Yesterday Tyler's white blood count was at 400, today it was 1900!! Isn't our GOD so GOOD! After his test this morning the Hanson family, Molly included, jumped into their car and drove to Louisville. They arrived around 7:15 p.m. at El Nopal in Middletown where they met the Novicki's and Finnesand's for dinner. What a reunion. It was great to be with them again. I couldn't stop staring at Tyler all through dinner because I have missed his beautiful smile. He looked so happy and really no different (maybe a few pounds lighter). Elijah is going to camp Hi Ho this week. He was scheduled for last week, but camp Hi Ho agreed for him to come this week instead. Have fun Elijah! St Jude's has arranged for home health to come each day and draw blood to monitor Tyler's counts while he is in town. What a great hospital! What a blessing to be apart of that team. Thanks for your prayers, they were answered quickly! Stay close! Kim
What a difference a day can make! Yesterday Tyler's white blood count was at 400, today it was 1900!! Isn't our GOD so GOOD! After his test this morning the Hanson family, Molly included, jumped into their car and drove to Louisville. They arrived around 7:15 p.m. at El Nopal in Middletown where they met the Novicki's and Finnesand's for dinner. What a reunion. It was great to be with them again. I couldn't stop staring at Tyler all through dinner because I have missed his beautiful smile. He looked so happy and really no different (maybe a few pounds lighter). Elijah is going to camp Hi Ho this week. He was scheduled for last week, but camp Hi Ho agreed for him to come this week instead. Have fun Elijah! St Jude's has arranged for home health to come each day and draw blood to monitor Tyler's counts while he is in town. What a great hospital! What a blessing to be apart of that team. Thanks for your prayers, they were answered quickly! Stay close! Kim
Bum News!
Friday, June 20
We had disappointing news today. Tyler went to the hospital today for blood draws. His Nutropentic count (white blood count) was very low. This means his body cannot fight off any type of infection. He will have to be monitored closely every hour until they rise to a normal range. Even a slight fever could be dangerous and would indicate some type of infection in his body. Sarah is treating him with G-CSF shots to help bring the count up. These shots stimulate the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells. Unfortunately they are not allowed to travel to Louisville today. Let us all pray for those counts to rise miracously overnight. Tyler will again return to the hospital tomorrow (Saturday) for more blood draws. If there is a rise he will go again on Sunday for more blood draws. If at that time his counts have returned to a normal level, they will pack up and head to Louisville. He will have to make daily visits with his Louisville doctor (Dr. Tom McCormack) while in town to monitor his counts. There is a lot involved for him to get to come home. We really hope and pray that will happen for Tyler. Keep the faith and stay close. Kim
We had disappointing news today. Tyler went to the hospital today for blood draws. His Nutropentic count (white blood count) was very low. This means his body cannot fight off any type of infection. He will have to be monitored closely every hour until they rise to a normal range. Even a slight fever could be dangerous and would indicate some type of infection in his body. Sarah is treating him with G-CSF shots to help bring the count up. These shots stimulate the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells. Unfortunately they are not allowed to travel to Louisville today. Let us all pray for those counts to rise miracously overnight. Tyler will again return to the hospital tomorrow (Saturday) for more blood draws. If there is a rise he will go again on Sunday for more blood draws. If at that time his counts have returned to a normal level, they will pack up and head to Louisville. He will have to make daily visits with his Louisville doctor (Dr. Tom McCormack) while in town to monitor his counts. There is a lot involved for him to get to come home. We really hope and pray that will happen for Tyler. Keep the faith and stay close. Kim
Looking Forward to a Break
Thursday, June 19
It is so nice NOT to have to hang out at the hospital. Even though Tyler had to go yesterday to meet his orthopedic surgeon, he didn't have to stay. He had to wait 21/2 hours for him but other than that, the meeting was short. He will know more info about his surgery in the next few weeks. He enjoyed a day at home today with his family. Tomorrow morning they will go to the hopital for blood draws. If they are normal, Tyler is coming to Louisville for a visit. We are sooooo excited for him. It will be so nice not to have to go to a hospital for a few days! I know we can't overwhelm him with visits and he will have to be very careful because his immune system is different now. Please pray for good results and a safe drive home.
Sarah's brother, Aaron, is still in Memphis visiting. He was suppose to stay until Tuesday so they are frantically working to get his flight changed so he can fly out of Louisville. The whole family will be traveling together down I40 to Louisivlle. Charles has been working at their home in Louisivlle packing up their belongings to store in Go-Minis.(Thanks Bob Jones and staff). Thanks also goes to Scott Herbert (a neighbor) for helping Charles with the packing.
The outpouring of love for the Hanson's has been amazing. Thank you. Let us never forget the ONE who provides us with the unconditional love and peace that surpasses understanding...our Father in Heaven. Stay close. Kim
It is so nice NOT to have to hang out at the hospital. Even though Tyler had to go yesterday to meet his orthopedic surgeon, he didn't have to stay. He had to wait 21/2 hours for him but other than that, the meeting was short. He will know more info about his surgery in the next few weeks. He enjoyed a day at home today with his family. Tomorrow morning they will go to the hopital for blood draws. If they are normal, Tyler is coming to Louisville for a visit. We are sooooo excited for him. It will be so nice not to have to go to a hospital for a few days! I know we can't overwhelm him with visits and he will have to be very careful because his immune system is different now. Please pray for good results and a safe drive home.
Sarah's brother, Aaron, is still in Memphis visiting. He was suppose to stay until Tuesday so they are frantically working to get his flight changed so he can fly out of Louisville. The whole family will be traveling together down I40 to Louisivlle. Charles has been working at their home in Louisivlle packing up their belongings to store in Go-Minis.(Thanks Bob Jones and staff). Thanks also goes to Scott Herbert (a neighbor) for helping Charles with the packing.
The outpouring of love for the Hanson's has been amazing. Thank you. Let us never forget the ONE who provides us with the unconditional love and peace that surpasses understanding...our Father in Heaven. Stay close. Kim
Good days and bad
Tuesday, June 17
Today I took some time to think about simple pleasures I take for granted: walking, running, riding a bike, kicking a ball, swimming, dressing myself and even rolling around on the ground playing with my dog. Then my mind turned to Tyler who can't enjoy these simple pleasures. How must he feel? Could he be discouraged and down? I would be. He probably has a lot of bad days when he wonders "why me"! I wish I knew the answer to that question. Only God has the answer. He knows what is best for Tyler and why he must endure these bad days. We can only trust Him and pray that he will answer our prayers for Tyler to be well soon. I know for sure that God loves Tyler so much even though he has pain and suffering right now. Romans 5:3-5 tells us that when we experience suffering our character will be strengthened, our trust in God will deepen and God will give us greater confidence in our future. I am looking for forward to Tyler's future and a healed body.
Today Sarah took Tyler to the hopistal for blood work to check his red and white blood count. They were above normal. PRAISE GOD! This is a good day! If they remain normal through Friday, there is a great chance he can come to Louisville for a few days. His weight has dropped from 100 pounds to 83. This is a big concern. If his weight continues to drop he will need a feeding tube inserted. The prayers for today are simple: God please keep Tyler's blood counts normal and his appetite big so he can gain back his weight.
Thanks for all the special prayers and support! What a great team we have become.
Stay close! Kim
Today I took some time to think about simple pleasures I take for granted: walking, running, riding a bike, kicking a ball, swimming, dressing myself and even rolling around on the ground playing with my dog. Then my mind turned to Tyler who can't enjoy these simple pleasures. How must he feel? Could he be discouraged and down? I would be. He probably has a lot of bad days when he wonders "why me"! I wish I knew the answer to that question. Only God has the answer. He knows what is best for Tyler and why he must endure these bad days. We can only trust Him and pray that he will answer our prayers for Tyler to be well soon. I know for sure that God loves Tyler so much even though he has pain and suffering right now. Romans 5:3-5 tells us that when we experience suffering our character will be strengthened, our trust in God will deepen and God will give us greater confidence in our future. I am looking for forward to Tyler's future and a healed body.
Today Sarah took Tyler to the hopistal for blood work to check his red and white blood count. They were above normal. PRAISE GOD! This is a good day! If they remain normal through Friday, there is a great chance he can come to Louisville for a few days. His weight has dropped from 100 pounds to 83. This is a big concern. If his weight continues to drop he will need a feeding tube inserted. The prayers for today are simple: God please keep Tyler's blood counts normal and his appetite big so he can gain back his weight.
Thanks for all the special prayers and support! What a great team we have become.
Stay close! Kim
Throwing Up Is No Fun!
Saturday, June 14
I am so sorry for the delay in updates on Tyler. I have been out of town without a cell phone. Tyler was released from the hospital as expected on Thursday. Unfortunately he has been very, very sick. He was throwing up so often that Sarah couldn't give him medicine to help prevent the nausea. He threw up constantly so they returned to the hospital on Friday. They gave him a back pack that he could wear with a pump that contained iv fluids. The doctor's were concerned he would become dehydrated especially since he couldn't eat or drink anything. He also had another mri to check on the size of the tumor. They haven't received the results yet.
On Friday evening, after the iv's began to work, the family went to eat at Olive Garden. Unfortunately Tylers bread sticks and half a bowl of soup didn't sit well and again he threw up. He slept through the night and woke up today feeling a little queezy but better. He is at the hospital right now being disconnected from his iv backpack. Tyler is tired of carrying around a trash can and is looking forward to a few days of feeling stronger especially since his Uncle Aaron arrived this morning from California.
Charles left this morning for Louisville to pack up their home and to work. He will probably be here until July 3. Tyler doesn't have to go back to the hospital until Tuesday for blood draws and on Wednesday to meet with the surgeon. Sarah wishes that they lived a little closer to the hospital because it is a 60 mile round trip. The doctor's will be closely monitoring his white blood count. It usually drops from day 6-8 and then they will rise back up. If his white blood counts can rise then they will travel to Louisville for a few days the week of June 22-26.
Tyler still has a full head of beautiful red hair and his prayer is he will beat the odds of it falling out. Please continue to pray for Tyler and his family and this tough road they are on right now. My heart breaks for them but I am confident with God's plan for Tyler. I know he will be healed.
Tyler's last few days have been brightened by the cards and gifts you have sent. Again thank you for your support and generosity. Stay close! Kim
I am so sorry for the delay in updates on Tyler. I have been out of town without a cell phone. Tyler was released from the hospital as expected on Thursday. Unfortunately he has been very, very sick. He was throwing up so often that Sarah couldn't give him medicine to help prevent the nausea. He threw up constantly so they returned to the hospital on Friday. They gave him a back pack that he could wear with a pump that contained iv fluids. The doctor's were concerned he would become dehydrated especially since he couldn't eat or drink anything. He also had another mri to check on the size of the tumor. They haven't received the results yet.
On Friday evening, after the iv's began to work, the family went to eat at Olive Garden. Unfortunately Tylers bread sticks and half a bowl of soup didn't sit well and again he threw up. He slept through the night and woke up today feeling a little queezy but better. He is at the hospital right now being disconnected from his iv backpack. Tyler is tired of carrying around a trash can and is looking forward to a few days of feeling stronger especially since his Uncle Aaron arrived this morning from California.
Charles left this morning for Louisville to pack up their home and to work. He will probably be here until July 3. Tyler doesn't have to go back to the hospital until Tuesday for blood draws and on Wednesday to meet with the surgeon. Sarah wishes that they lived a little closer to the hospital because it is a 60 mile round trip. The doctor's will be closely monitoring his white blood count. It usually drops from day 6-8 and then they will rise back up. If his white blood counts can rise then they will travel to Louisville for a few days the week of June 22-26.
Tyler still has a full head of beautiful red hair and his prayer is he will beat the odds of it falling out. Please continue to pray for Tyler and his family and this tough road they are on right now. My heart breaks for them but I am confident with God's plan for Tyler. I know he will be healed.
Tyler's last few days have been brightened by the cards and gifts you have sent. Again thank you for your support and generosity. Stay close! Kim
Long Day in the hospital
Wednesday, June 11
Unfortunately today was not Tyler's best day. He threw up in the middle of the night followed by severe nausea. The nurses have kept him medicated so that he will just sleep through it. He was too sick to eat today. Since he was so sick they decided to keep him an extra day to watch him closely. Charles was staying the night with him. Sarah misses spending the night with him and wishes she could be with him to comfort him but she needs to be with Christian and Elijah. Tyler received doxorubicin, which usually causes the severe nausea, during this phase of chemo. He won't get this medicine every time so hopefully the nausea won't be as severe during the next phase which is not for a couple of weeks. Good news: there will be 2 weeks of "no chemo". He will get another MRI on Friday to determine the size of the tumor. We're praying it is gone!!!!!!!!!!
Sarah and Charles were overwhelmed by the cards, gifts and furniture they received today from their friends in Louisville. She said she was amazed and felt so blessed by the generosity from people she hardly knew. Thanks to all that sent gifts and again to Gary Beams for delivering them. Your christian love is shining bright! Stay close. Kim
Unfortunately today was not Tyler's best day. He threw up in the middle of the night followed by severe nausea. The nurses have kept him medicated so that he will just sleep through it. He was too sick to eat today. Since he was so sick they decided to keep him an extra day to watch him closely. Charles was staying the night with him. Sarah misses spending the night with him and wishes she could be with him to comfort him but she needs to be with Christian and Elijah. Tyler received doxorubicin, which usually causes the severe nausea, during this phase of chemo. He won't get this medicine every time so hopefully the nausea won't be as severe during the next phase which is not for a couple of weeks. Good news: there will be 2 weeks of "no chemo". He will get another MRI on Friday to determine the size of the tumor. We're praying it is gone!!!!!!!!!!
Sarah and Charles were overwhelmed by the cards, gifts and furniture they received today from their friends in Louisville. She said she was amazed and felt so blessed by the generosity from people she hardly knew. Thanks to all that sent gifts and again to Gary Beams for delivering them. Your christian love is shining bright! Stay close. Kim
Sleepy Head
Tuesday, June 10
If you tried to call or text Tyler today and he didn't answer, it was because he slept all day. He received some additional medicine to help with nausea (benydryl and other stuff) and it made him very sleepy. Good news though, he had only a slight upset stomach but not enough to keep him from eating a lasagna dinner. Sarah said the hospital food isn't the greatest but they are opening a state-of-the-art resturant soon. She said the food sounds really good (sushi, mexican, italian, etc). Sarah learned today that Tyler will need to have injections even though he has kept his weight up. His white blood count will drop and that means the chemo is working so the injections will serve as a booster to bring them up. Good news... Sarah will be his nurse and she can administer them, instead of him coming to the hospital every day.
Sarah shared with me how blessed they feel because of all the support they are receiving from their friends. She met a woman today that has a 4 year old who is terminally ill and she is pregnant. They do not have any support from family or friends because they are from the Phillipines. They have no one! It was sad for Sarah so she has decided to befriend the family and pray and encourage them. This experience has made her realize that she needs to help others. I know God will reveal how.
A big thank you goes out to Gary Beams for picking up furniture for the Hansons last night and he will be delivering it to them on Wednesday in Memphis. The Sheryak family and the Manuel family donated beds. There were a lot of offers from others also. Thank you! Thank you! Keep praying and stay close! Kim
If you tried to call or text Tyler today and he didn't answer, it was because he slept all day. He received some additional medicine to help with nausea (benydryl and other stuff) and it made him very sleepy. Good news though, he had only a slight upset stomach but not enough to keep him from eating a lasagna dinner. Sarah said the hospital food isn't the greatest but they are opening a state-of-the-art resturant soon. She said the food sounds really good (sushi, mexican, italian, etc). Sarah learned today that Tyler will need to have injections even though he has kept his weight up. His white blood count will drop and that means the chemo is working so the injections will serve as a booster to bring them up. Good news... Sarah will be his nurse and she can administer them, instead of him coming to the hospital every day.
Sarah shared with me how blessed they feel because of all the support they are receiving from their friends. She met a woman today that has a 4 year old who is terminally ill and she is pregnant. They do not have any support from family or friends because they are from the Phillipines. They have no one! It was sad for Sarah so she has decided to befriend the family and pray and encourage them. This experience has made her realize that she needs to help others. I know God will reveal how.
A big thank you goes out to Gary Beams for picking up furniture for the Hansons last night and he will be delivering it to them on Wednesday in Memphis. The Sheryak family and the Manuel family donated beds. There were a lot of offers from others also. Thank you! Thank you! Keep praying and stay close! Kim
Chemo......What Chemo?!!!!!!
Praise the Lord! We are about 24 hours into our first round of chemotherapy and Tyler is having absolutely no side effects. God is hearing all of our prayers and answering back boldly. Tyler is doing great. He's been eating lots of high calorie foods, reading books, watching movies and of course texting away. This morning, Tyler weighed 45.9 kilograms. Yippeee! We needed to be 45 kilograms in order to not be tied to the hospital for 14 days following chemotherapy, for a series of shots to help boost his immune system. Because we are over 45 kilograms he will only have to get 1 shot on Wednesday. Thank goodness for milkshakes and IV fluids!
The staff here continues to be wonderful. Today, Tyler will continue to receive the doxorubicin and cisplatin. He also has a physical therapy appointment at 2pm. Other than that we are just hanging out and sleeping when we can. Hospital staff have a horrible habit if waking people up every 1-2 hours. I know, I know, there just doing their job. :)
Thanks for praying everyone! Keep it up! It is working!
We love you all!
Charles, Sarah & Tyler
News from Sarah
Sunday, June 8
After being admitted to St. Jude's today, Tyler has received his pre-chemo med's. These med's were given to help him to prevent nausea. The good stuff is soon to come. Sarah said he was sitting in bed enjoying a plate of wings (hot or super spicy ones no doubt). Our prayer for today is that Tyler can put on a few more pounds and keep them on. This weight is necessary to prevent him from having future injections. The Hanson's plan is to come to Louisville for a few days during the week of June 16. Elijah is suppose to go to camp Hi Ho and they would like to come and visit friends. Tyler has to weigh 45 kilograms which equates to 100 pounds. He weighed 44.8 kilograms today. He has gained 3 pounds since Friday. Yea!! He is tired of milkshakes so I suggested donuts. Sarah is spending the night tonight and Charles will be there tomorrow night. Elijah is coming for a visit today and hasn't been to the hospital yet. Christian loves to come to the "children's" hospital because there are a lot of fun things to do. Keep the prayers comin'. We love you! Stay close! Kim
After being admitted to St. Jude's today, Tyler has received his pre-chemo med's. These med's were given to help him to prevent nausea. The good stuff is soon to come. Sarah said he was sitting in bed enjoying a plate of wings (hot or super spicy ones no doubt). Our prayer for today is that Tyler can put on a few more pounds and keep them on. This weight is necessary to prevent him from having future injections. The Hanson's plan is to come to Louisville for a few days during the week of June 16. Elijah is suppose to go to camp Hi Ho and they would like to come and visit friends. Tyler has to weigh 45 kilograms which equates to 100 pounds. He weighed 44.8 kilograms today. He has gained 3 pounds since Friday. Yea!! He is tired of milkshakes so I suggested donuts. Sarah is spending the night tonight and Charles will be there tomorrow night. Elijah is coming for a visit today and hasn't been to the hospital yet. Christian loves to come to the "children's" hospital because there are a lot of fun things to do. Keep the prayers comin'. We love you! Stay close! Kim
Day of Rest
Saturday, June 7
Tyler enjoyed a restful day today with his family. They went to the movies but afterwards Tyler was feeling very tired and he had a headache. He went home to sleep it off and Sarah woke him up to go eat at O'Charley's. Tyler, Sarah and Charles need a good nights sleep tonight as tomorrow starts his official first round of chemotherapy. Even though he had the new drug (bevacizumab) on Friday, the tough round of drugs start tomorrow. He will be admitted until Wednesday. Please pray that Tyler's body will accept the drugs with few/no side effects. Sarah and Charles will be staying with him (probably a tag team). He will have a 2 room suite. One room will be Tyler's bedroom and the adjoining room will be a living room with a couch that pulls out to a bed. The nurse's warned Sarah and Charles not to expect to get much sleep as they need to monitor Tyler closely. That means they will be in the room every hour even through the night. Pray that Wednesday will come quickly so that they can go home. We love you Tyler! Be strong and know you have a lot of people praying for you! Stay close! KIm
Tyler enjoyed a restful day today with his family. They went to the movies but afterwards Tyler was feeling very tired and he had a headache. He went home to sleep it off and Sarah woke him up to go eat at O'Charley's. Tyler, Sarah and Charles need a good nights sleep tonight as tomorrow starts his official first round of chemotherapy. Even though he had the new drug (bevacizumab) on Friday, the tough round of drugs start tomorrow. He will be admitted until Wednesday. Please pray that Tyler's body will accept the drugs with few/no side effects. Sarah and Charles will be staying with him (probably a tag team). He will have a 2 room suite. One room will be Tyler's bedroom and the adjoining room will be a living room with a couch that pulls out to a bed. The nurse's warned Sarah and Charles not to expect to get much sleep as they need to monitor Tyler closely. That means they will be in the room every hour even through the night. Pray that Wednesday will come quickly so that they can go home. We love you Tyler! Be strong and know you have a lot of people praying for you! Stay close! KIm
Long Day!!!
Friday, June 6, 2008
After a 12 hour day, Tyler is finished with his first day of chemo. Charles and Sarah took turns hanging out with Tyler at the hospital. Charles called and said that he was catching up with phone calls while Tyler was sitting in his wheel chair watching tv and playing video games. Tyler can get around using his crutches but it is best if he remains in his wheelchair. His leg is very weak and could break if pressure was applied. He will have another chemo tratment on Sunday. They have learned that "flexible" is now a part of their life. Schedules can change daily. They are living life one day at a time.
The family was spending the night at their home last night. They have enjoyed staying with the Ross family especailly Christian and Elijah. The boy's are having fun playing with their friends. The are still in need of some bedroom furniture as they had one bedroom suite donated for Tyler. Someone else may be lending them another one. It couldn't be too much fun sleeping on an air mattress on the floor.
I am still receiving many phone calls from concerned friends. Last night at the CAL baseball game (we won by the way to advance to state) Tyler's friends were asking about him. Thank you for your support and prayers. The Hanson's are so grateful and appreciative of all the support and prayers! Stay close! Kim
After a 12 hour day, Tyler is finished with his first day of chemo. Charles and Sarah took turns hanging out with Tyler at the hospital. Charles called and said that he was catching up with phone calls while Tyler was sitting in his wheel chair watching tv and playing video games. Tyler can get around using his crutches but it is best if he remains in his wheelchair. His leg is very weak and could break if pressure was applied. He will have another chemo tratment on Sunday. They have learned that "flexible" is now a part of their life. Schedules can change daily. They are living life one day at a time.
The family was spending the night at their home last night. They have enjoyed staying with the Ross family especailly Christian and Elijah. The boy's are having fun playing with their friends. The are still in need of some bedroom furniture as they had one bedroom suite donated for Tyler. Someone else may be lending them another one. It couldn't be too much fun sleeping on an air mattress on the floor.
I am still receiving many phone calls from concerned friends. Last night at the CAL baseball game (we won by the way to advance to state) Tyler's friends were asking about him. Thank you for your support and prayers. The Hanson's are so grateful and appreciative of all the support and prayers! Stay close! Kim
Chemo Starts Today!
Good Morning All!
Well, Tyler and Charles are off to the hospital to start chemotherapy today. It is scheduled to be a very long day, so Charles and I decided to tag team things. They have a few more tests to do this morning. A bone age x-ray and then another MRI. Chemotherapy is schedule to start at 11am. Tyler will receive the new drug, Avastin this morning. It will be given over 90 minutes. Tyler will then stay at the hospital until 10pm tonight. In the future, Tyler will be able to leave the hospital once the drugs have been administered, but today they need to see how his body is reacting to the drug and they will draw blood numerous times until 10pm, which is when he can leave. Sunday, Tyler, will get the doxorubicin and cisplatin.
Tyler is such a trooper. You would all be so proud of him, to see how strong and brave he is being. I have yet to hear him complain. He handles every waiting room, test, surgery and needle stick with such grace. Charles and I are so proud. We know God has his hand on our child.
Thanks you once again for all your prayers and support. They mean so much to us. May God reveal himself to all of you, the way he has revealed himself to our family, in these trying times.
Praise Be to God!
Charles and Sarah
Success!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Praise God! Tyler's central line surgery went well with no complications. His chest is sore but that is to be expected. After a lot of prayer, they have decided to participate in the new clinical protocol offered at St. Jude. The difference in this treatment and the other protocol offered is he will receive a drug called Bevacizumab or Avastin. Studies show that this drug prevents blood flow to the tumor which helps to get rid of it. Additional drugs that Tyler will receive will attack and destroy fast growing cells (tumor). Tyler's treatment plan looks like this:
Week 0: Drugs: Doxorubicin, cisplatin and bevacizumab
Week 1: Rest, no treatment
Week 2: Rest, no treatment
Week 3: high dose of methotrexate, bevacizumab
Week 4: High dose methotrexate
Week 5: Doxorubicin, cisplatin, bevacizumab
Week 6: Rest, no treatment
Week 7: Rest, no treatment
Week 8: High dose methotrexate
Week 9: High dose methotrexate
Week 10: Surgery
Week 11: Rest
Week 12-29: Repetitive treatment, same as weeks 0-9
Depending on the drugs given, Tyler will be in the hospital 1-3 days. Side effects: He will lose his beautiful red hair, will have some nausea (there are lots of drugs for this), his blood counts will drop which will make him susceptible to infections, his heart and kidneys can be damaged (so they will keep a close eye on these), and he could experience pain in his bones. Pray for smooth sailing through this period!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Pray for NO side effects!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wednesday will be a day of additional testing. Due to these tests, chemo will begin on Friday.
Yesterday Tyler received a package with notes from the entire 7th grade class and some of his teachers. He was thrilled! He really enjoyed reading the notes and they really lifted his spirits. It was good to see him smile. There were other goodies too. The Hanson's are very touched and feel so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful school. Thank you friends and family. God is continuing to work His plan out for their lives and they are resting in His hands. Stay Close! Kim
****The above was taken from an e-mail from Sarah and Charles ****************
Rest for Tyler
June 2, 2008
Good Monday morning,
Tyler is receiving some well deserved rest this weekend. Having 3 days off from the hospital is a wonderful thing! Charles left Memphis Saturday morning to return to Louisville to pack up some personal items for the family, take care of some business at work and just get organized. Charles may need to get another car for Tyler to transport him better. Sarah's 4Runner is too high and difficult for Tyler to get in and out of. A package of cards and small gifts from his friends at school were mailed. (There will be more packages Tyler, Elijah and Christian). Thanks to the generous outpouring of love to this family.
Pray for Tyler and Sarah for tomorrow as he will have surgery to put in a central line called "Double Lumen Line". This will have 2 heads that will enable his med's and fluids to run at the same time. This is a new procedure that his doctor has designed and Tyler will be one of the first to experience it. His first chemo treatment will begin on Wednesday. Tyler is strong and we know he will do great!!!!!!!! Your prayers are greatly felt and appreciated. Thanks for the wonderful support. Stay close! Kim
Tyler's weekend
Hey everyone my weekend has been really uneventful like yesterday i sat in the car for six hours straight. But i got to talk to this amazing girl yesterday she plays a lot of sports (like soccer) and she goes to cal and we talked about how much fun this year has been. haha if you guessed it its CATHERINE!!!!!!! haha We also got our house in memphis set up and so many people have given us things to put in our house. God has been working non-stop since my biopsy and stuff but he is always working in us. But my week will be sooooooooo crazy like on tuesday my permanent iv goes in and then on wednesday i start my chemotherapy and physical therapy. YUP A LOT OF THERAPY!!!!!!! I cant wait to see all of you soon and we will have good times................ good times.
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