Monday - Sept 28th update

Every hour of every day there are changes that take place. As we updated everyone that Tanner was being released to "outpatient" status on Saturday afternoon,  he returned that evening back to the hospital, due to a fever and having pains. Since he is in the stage of Neutropenia, it is critical to monitor Tanner for any infection. Neutropenia occurs when neutrophil counts in the blood are too low. This is happens after each Chemo treatment.  Tanner was placed in isolation for precautionary reasons. Every type of test has been done to rule out different types of infection. After today's meeting with the physicians, they have suspicion that this is still an aftermath of the mucositis.

Right now the path that Tanner is on is to stay under watch and continue to treat for any and all types of infections until his counts rise again.

It's hard to be told that some of these serious pains can be "normal" in the cancer world, because to loved ones it is hard to watch a beautiful young boy go through this.

We stay strong for Tanner, but behind the mask it can be very emotional internally. To get through the treatment the fight is real. We know that Tanner is not alone, God is by his side. Its not even one day at a time, it is one hour at a time. We are grateful for the care that is given here at St. Jude. He is in the best hands.

Thank you for the continued support!

#Tannerstrong
 

Sat - Sept 26th update

Tanner has been released back into "outpatient" status and is at the Target house now. Some of the side effects that derive from Chemo treatments are common, but when the side effects turn for the worse, then constant care and stabilization is required. Tanner had what was called, Mucositis. The inflammation and sores were so bad that he was unable to eat or drink without an extreme amount of pain. He is doing better today. We would like for people to understand that within a day, feelings and/or emotions can change. Right now, Tanner feels "okay" and we will leave it at that.

Everything else that the chemo treatment is supposed to be doing, as far as healing is working. Once again, this is a roller coaster ride and what we can all do is keep the prayers and support going. We can never sit in Tanner's shoes and know exactly what he is feeling; only other cancer patients can relate to that. As we walk down the halls of St. Jude and we see other children of all ages going through the same feelings as Tanner, we can only pray that everyone can be healed from this horrible disease.

There has been a lot of #Tannerstrong support coming from everywhere and we will be posting all the support soon.

Thank you for the continuous support. Tanner and family are truly blessed with how much love is out there for him.

Thurs - Sept 24rth update

Tanner has had a couple of really rough days from the 2nd session of Chemo that he started last Thursday. Even though he was admitted to outpatient on Monday afternoon, he was admitted back into "inpatient" status yesterday afternoon. He is doing a lot better on pain medication and will be monitored closely. He has a scheduled MRI this morning.

We will update more this evening. We appreciate all the #tannerstrong support that is running rampant all the through the community and with friends and family members from different states.

In the meantime Tanner does have a "temporary" place to stay until treatment is done here at St. Jude. He will be at located at the Target house.

Thank you for the patience as we hadn't been able to update the blog.

We appreciate all the prayers, love, and support.

 

Sat-Sunday - Sept 19th-20th update

Tanner is still in  "inpatient" status, due to the monitoring of the chemotherapy and all the other medications that he must take during this 2nd session. Saturday, he had a visitor from one of his good friends, which cheered him up.

The side effects of the chemotherapy are happening now, and it makes it very hard for loved ones to see or hear of this brave young man going through this. He's in a lot of pain right now in certain areas of his body. Unfortunately, this is what chemo does..... I will say it.... this just plain sucks!!!!! We see the bigger picture, but its hard for a 14 year old to see this.

Please keep Tanner in your prayers. #tannerstrong!!

 

Friday - Sept 18th update

The evening of the 17th was a long, due to the nurses checking Tanner's urine to make sure the Chemo is flushing out, which it was. He had a spinal tap today and made it out of the procedure great. Tanner's appetite was pretty hardy because he could not have any food or drink prior to the procedure. In the late afternoon he was put on a six hour drip on a certain medication that is known to be a little hard on his heart. He was doing pretty good earlier in the day, but in the evening not to great. The up and downs are going to be expected.

In the meantime, Tanner will be checking into the Target House after he is changed back to "outpatient". The mail address is still the same and we will notify everyone if that changes.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. #tannerstrong

Thurs - Sept 17th update - Power of Prayer!!

THE POWER OF PRAYER!!!  Tanner's PET scan needed to show 25% decrease in tumors and growths to stay on course and not be bumped up to a higher dose of chemo.  This morning, his PET scan not only showed the decrease, it "failed" to light up (which means no active growth was present) in the previous listed areas:  0 tumors behind bladder, 0 growths in pelvis, 0 lymph nodes under the diaphragm!  The liver showed significant decrease on the CT and still did not show on the PET so it's likely it's killed the cancer cells and left a space that the image is picking up.  There is only one spot, a very tiny spot showing active on the PET in his intestines.  The Dr made the joking comment that this looks like a scan that someone finishing up treatment would be expecting.  It's not remission clear, but it's looking great. We went in expecting God to move and through faith & prayer he has!!!!!

We still have 2nd session treatment on schedule tonight. This course will be tough on the kidneys so the nurses will take urine samples every two hours.  He also has his second (of six) intrathecal injections of chemo tomorrow into the spinal canal.  Tanner is in good spirits right now and feeling ready for the challenges of the medications the next few days will bring.

 

Let's all take an opportunity to thank God tonight for hearing our prayers. We thank all of you for the many prayers that are continually being said. Tanner still has a journey to go through, but this nothing short of a miracle that happened at St. Jude today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Communication - Please understand

 We thank everyone for thinking of Tanner every day and looking out for the parents too!

Please understand if communication through phone or text is limited at times, because we are all focusing our efforts on Tanner's immediate care. We will continue to send daily blog updates, especially during the "inpatient times". Thank you all for the continued support. #tannerstrong

Tues-Wed - Sept 15-16th update

Tuesday was a good day for Tanner and he wanted to take a walk. He walked down farther than expected and ended up at a Bass Pro Store down the street. Tanner and his Mom went to the top of the pyramid and had a nice view of Memphis.

Wednesday, Tanner had a barrage of appointments and was kept busy today. We want to let everyone know that tomorrow is a big day for Tanner. Tomorrow, they will do a 2nd (PET) scan to see if there is a 25% reduction of the Lymphoma. He will be checked back into "inpatient" status where he will start the 2nd series of chemotherapy. This is the beginning of the more intensive stage of the treatment. We appreciate all the support and please continue your prayers. #tannerstrong
 

#tannerstrong post support from a beautiful individual in Tanner's community

Today is ‪#‎tannertuesday‬ September is also childhood cancer awareness month. So, I wear red for ‪#‎tannerstrong‬ and gold for childhood cancer awareness. I wanted to send a message of encouragement to Tanner. People wear red in your honor, to show the support we have for you and your journey with this illness. But I want you to know, you are reaching people in ways you can not even imagine! #tannerstrong represents the path that was given to you, and the WAY you CHOOSE ..
to move forward with courage, strength, and perseverance. Of course there will be tough days, and when you have those....look up, you will never be alone! It is about how you handle those tough days. This is YOUR story, your TESTIMONY and it is already changing lives! Our world can be a very sad, scary place, and many young kids face issues that are way to adult than they should ever have to worry about...just like you! But, Tanner, YOU give them hope, YOU are an example to them that when you are at the bottom....and the road to the top seems way longer than the trip you took down, you take the first step on that road and then you take the second....and then you keep moving forward. Despite the pain and fatigue, you do some wheelchair wheelies, and hang out with some positive people who encourage you to continue toward the top...and during it all you pray...we all pray! ---So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:6. 

(Laura was the first person who saw Tanner on 09/03 with a complaint of a stomach pain and was not convinced it was appendicitis)

This post is absolutely beautiful. Thank you Laura for the kind and much needed words of support! We will read this often ~

 

 

 

#tannerstrong support from Washington State

Tanner's cousin in Washington, Taylor is #tannerstrong. She has vowed a personal commitment to raise awareness and let Tanner know she supports him 100%.  Taylor and her Mom designed and put together some shirts and hoodies to raise money for Tanner. We are amazed every day by the love and support that is out there for Tanner. Thank you Taylor. We know Tanner really appreciates it.

We also want to share another story from WA. A Jr. from Connell High School does not know Tanner but heard of the campaign through Taylor and her Mom. She shows Lambs at the Columbia Basin Junior Livestock Show in Connell. She is going to donate 10% of her earnings to Tanner's fund. Her parents should be so proud of her. Thank you!

09/15 - There's more to this story. I was just informed that as Jamie stood waiting her turn to sell her lamb, she had a strong impression she should donate 10% of her money to Tanner. When she went to sell her lamb, she actually sold the lamb for a lot more than what most lambs were going for. This beautiful young woman knew this was a sign that she had made the right decision. Tanner is a stranger to her and only knows of his story through a family member. This is a sign that was given from our Heavenly Father. Absolutely beautiful.

 
 
 

#tannerstrong - support

It is important for all of us to recognize the show of support from everyone. Here are a few ~

(A Message from McBride Elementary in Springfield, MO)
McBride Elementary is supporting ‪#‎Tannerstrong‬ and raising money each day this week for the lymphoma and leukemia society! Today was a penny drive, this is just one donation site. Tomorrow is Neon Nickel Day. We raise money all week.... You're old Boswell principal believes in you!!! Stay strong!!! Sending all our love from McBride Elementary students and staff!

UMKC Chi Omega is #TannerStrong

#Tannerstrong bracelets are being made

 

 

Lindenwood University Lionettes Dance Team is #tannerstrong

 

 

Lebanon Walgreens is #tannerstrong!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday - Sept. 14 update

Hello All,

Tanner had a lot of appointments today and seemed to be doing pretty good. We always take a positive out of the day and today, Tanner had an appetite. This made everyone happy because he needs to stay strong. Chemo and medication seems to kill the appetite.

We want to share something special. Tanner was able to sign up for three research studies that will help St. Jude with future patients and treatment. Tanner felt good about being able to donate blood and information towards helping the hospital. We should all be inspired to look into donating to see if we can help others. What a great example this wonderful young man is setting. We are so proud of you!

Tanner received a ton of mail, gift baskets, cookies, and packages. Thank you, Thank you, and Thank you. Tanner, as well as his parents are sooo appreciate of all the support and love!!

Sat-Sun, Sept. 12th-13th update

#Tannerstrong

There is going to be ups and downs on Tanner's journey. What keeps the downs from getting too bad is knowing how much every one is supporting this strong young man. Tanner has more courage than he even realizes.

Saturday/ Sunday ~ Tanner had some visitors that are his schoolmates. First, were a cute group of girls with a lot of spirit and his second visitors were two of his very best friends. Tanner made it down to the cafeteria and was able to have some hang out time. I was told there was even wheelchair races.

What really made his day is that he is now considered an "outpatient" as of Saturday evening. I wish this meant he could go home and get his treatment there, but he was moved to another facility on the St. Jude Compound. Just in the small amount of time he had spent up in his room, he had accumulated some amazing gifts and cards. It took a couple of loads to move it over. Tanner will still go to the hospital daily for his treatments and check ups.  Lets keep his spirit alive. I know he misses his everyday teenager life but visitors can really cheer him up.

We have been posting some "good" moments in Tanner's treatment. We want you to be aware that Tanner is sometimes very fatigued, feeling immense pain, nauseated, and struggles with his diagnosis. Lets remember that just a week and a half ago he was an excited teenager in the 8th grade that excelled in sports and education.

Thank you for thinking of Tanner and the continued support!

 

Friday, Sept 11th update

Today was a pretty good day for Tanner and we will remember the good days when times get rough.  Tanner has had it with staying in his room and wanted to get out and about. He did some walking today without the wheelchair. He ventured out into the public arena of St. Jude and walked over to Starbucks for a vanilla steamer.

In the afternoon, we all had a good time playing Uno together. We met another young man, who is around Tanner's age and joined in the game. We are hoping Tanner get to go to outpatient status by end of weekend. We will see.

The Staff here at St. Jude is incredibly amazing and we couldn't ask for a better place to be at. Tanner will have some visitors tomorrow and he is sure excited for that.

Thanks for the all the support!

Thursday, Sept 10th - Birthday update

Today was Tanner's 14th bithday. As everyone can imagine, it was not where Tanner and his family had planned on spending his birthday. This morning didn't start out to well. Tanner took some medication that didnt sit good with his stomache. Even though everyone was eager to wish him a Happy Birthday (including his parents), Tanner really wasnt up-to-par.

In the afternoon, Tanner felt a little better and the Staff came in with a birthday cake, confetti and sang Happy Birthday. We can't thank the Staff here enough. Tanner received many, many bithday wishes from all over the United States. Washington, Missouri, Florida, California, Utah, Virginia, Texas, Indiana ect.

His school sent him a huge package with many wonderful cards from faculity, students, and parents. He received a special Nebraska sweatshirt from California. The video's and photos were so awesome!! It really cheered up Tanner and we all had a few laughs.

This evening Tanner will be starting the first of five rounds of the chemotherapy treatment. Each round will last about 21 days with rest periods in between. Please think of Tanner as he starts the treatments.

We want to thank everyone for the kind birthday wishes, cards, and gifts. He will have alot of cards to read which will keep him busy :).

All the suppot is truly God's work. Thank you everyone!

 

Wednesday, Sept 9th -Wonderful update!!

The results came back from the bone marow test and they were negative!! We will take this news all day long! The prayers are working!

 

Wednesday, Sept 9th update

Today, Tanner got up and headed out into the hallways of St. Jude :). He was able to walk around a little, which is a positive step. We have received news from the physicians that there is no infiltration in the spinal fluid. This is wonderful news!! We are still waiting on the bone marrow results. We feel your prayers and support!

Tuesday, Sept 8 - Show of Support from Tanner's School and Community

Sept 8 was #Tannerstrong and #Pray4Tanner day in Lebanon, MO. The amazing support that was shown through the community was really awesome!! The support is being felt here at St. Jude and all of us feel very blessed and humbled by the love. Tanner really appreciates it and it makes him smile.

The photos include Tanner's school, Laura's work, Community Businesses, Lindenwood University Women's Basketball, Family Members, and a Truck Load of Pontoon Boats heading from Lebanon, MO to Florida ~

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

 

Tuesday, Sept. 8 update

Tanner is now back in his room and the physician stated that his procedures went well. He is sedated and resting. We are still waiting for the final results of the Bone Marrow Test and the CSF. Thank you for your continued support.

A Special Phone Call From Anthony Tolliver

Today, Tanner received a special phone call from Anthony Tolliver of the Detroit Pistons. This was a connection from Pastor Matt Flanders. Tanner is an awesome basketball player himself, so to have a call from this professional player really made his day and lifted his spirits.

 
 

For anyone who does not know who this superstar is ~
Anthony Tolliver is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association. He played college basketball for Creighton University. Anthony played for Kickapoo High School, which is in Tanner's High School Division (Lebanon Yellow Jackets). Tanner will be attending High School next year and will play for the Yellow Jackets.

Visit From Brother Boyd - From First Baptist Church in Caruthersville, MO

We had a wonderful visit from Brother Boyd who brought Tanner and the family beautiful crosses. The Caring Cross has a wonderful story attached to it. These crosses are for patients to hold when they are going through treaments to let them know God is always with them.

Brother Boyd thank you for the visit and the beautiful crosses.

The Family ~

www. YourCaringCross.com

Monday, Sept 7th update

Yesterday we met with Tanner's team of physicians. They had discussed the treatment plan and other procedures that would take place. Right now we know we are looking at a six-month treament plan, but that could change after tomorrow's procedure findings. Here are what the procedures are -Tanner will be recieving a CSF (cerebrial spinal fluid) biopsy. This is when they will first introduce chemotherapy into his spinal canal. Also, there will be a bone marrow biopsy where they will test bone marrow out of Tanner's hip bone to see if there are any lymphoma cells present. The final procedure will be an implantable port, which is a thin soft plastic tube fitted into the vien in the chest, just below the skin. This will allow the chemotherapy to be given without a needle every time.

This will be a long trying day so please understand, we will update as soon as we have more answers. Tanner's spirits are doing much better than we have expected and this has everything to do with Friends, Family, and Community Support. Thank you!

Light The Night Walk/ San Diego/Special Team to honor Tanner ~ Love Brittney

On November 6th, we will be participating in the Light the Night Walk at Petco Park for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This will be in honor of my brother, Tanner. Our team is Tanner Strong and we welcome anyone who wants to join, walk and or donate. All funds go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We will be wearing red and there is a link below on my page for a Tanner Strong tshirt where all funds go towards St. Judes. Tanner is literally the light of so many people's lives. I love him so much and we need to rally, pray and send the best vibes. He is the toughest and strongest young man and he will beat this. ‪#‎tannerstrong.

I just registered for a Light The Night Walk. Join me in helping to create a world without blood cancers: http://pages.lightthenight.org/sd/SanDiego15/BHubbard

 

A Visit From Pastor Matt Flanders

We want to especially thank Pastor Matt Flanders from Family Chuch, who on Sunday said a special service in honor of Tanner, and came to visit all of us at St. Jude. Thank you for your support and keep us in your prayers.


 
 

 

Show of Support

We want to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for the texts, calls, and especially for the show of support. We understand this will be a journey for all of us, but we would not be able to do this without the love and support from our family and friends. Tanner and the whole family have received such outpour of support, we can't tell you how much we appreciate it. We like to list some of the ways people have been showing their support.

T-shirts link for the Donations to St. Jude

Help support Tanner's recovery by helping us support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital!

Click on the link below


http://teespring.com/tannerstrong
 

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Founder and entertainer Danny Thomas opend the doors to St. Jude in 1962 with the dream that "no child should die in the dawn of life"