Sunday, Nov. 15th - Fantastic update!!

On Friday, we found out that all test and scans came back clear and no evidence of cancer in Tanner!!! He has one more round of chemo left to ensure that all cells are completely gone and to help remove any chances of relapse. As parents we are still taking in the news from Friday. Its a little surreal and a lot to process since this journey began on Sept. 3rd. We do not falter in faith or question because we are witnessing true testimony through the wonderful news of the term "remission".

The oncologist used remission, which means according to medical terms that the test, physical exams, and scans show that all signs of the cancer are gone. Some doctors also refer to complete remission as "no evidence of disease".  The doctors and nurses are amazed at how quickly Tanner has gone through this treatment. We are in amazement ourselves. It has been said that the quickest treatment was five months and Tanner will before Christmas.

There are major contributions that we want to recognize that aided in Tanner's journey. The wonderful individuals, which include the Dr's, Nurses, and the Administrative Staff at St. Jude that gave their undivided attention, professional care, and positive outlook every day. We can't thank them enough. We also know what helped contribute to Tanner's remission is the most humbling and undying support from our families, friends, and many people we do not know that kept Tanner in their prayers every day. We also want to recognize Tanner's resilience and strength in having a positive attitude that this is a journey was given to him for a reason that doesn't mean that it wasn't very difficult for him.  The number one recognition above all is our Father in Heaven for his abundant blessings upon Tanner. Tanner has been chosen for a specific reason which has not been revealed, but God has a special plan in store for Tanner.

As parents, we are truly blessed and we get down on our knees to say thank you to God for sparing this special boy, as we see children at St. Jude every day that are going through a different journey have been called to Heaven.

Tanner's numbers have increased and although he is still in isolation from the viral infection, he has the green light for his FINAL ROUND OF CHEMO that starts on Monday. In a little more than three weeks, we are hopeful that he will be going back home to MO.

We are so thankful and feel very humbled by the news on Friday, but we will save the last breathe when Tanner packs his bags to leave Memphis and go back to his home.

Thank you everyone!!! A photo of  Dr. Ribeiro, Tanner's head Oncologist on the day he delivered the remission status.

 

Wed. Nov 11th great news!! #Tannerstrong

Tanner's bacterial tests came back negative and he was taken off his antibiotics!!! He will be discharged this afternoon to "outpatient" status. We are so grateful for his strength to fight through this and for God's blessings.

Tanner has a scheduled PET scan on Friday and this will let us know where his diagnosis stands, and how long his stay will be at St. Jude for future treatment. We will update everyone then.

Thank you!!! We are all feeling very happy and blessed!

Wed., Nov 11th - update

Tanner had a good night and he felt no pain or problems. We played a fun game of clue (old school). His blood pressure numbers looked good. His labs are all in good ranges and Tanner's appetite is in full force. We should find out when he will be released back into "outpatient" status.

Thank you for your continued prayers, love, and support!

 

Tuesday, Nov. 10th update

The Dr's decided it was best to give Tanner another blood transfusion last evening, instead of going back on the epinephrine medication. It seemed to help him and he didn't feel as tired. His blood pressure has stabilized on its own. Its still was not the numbers they wanted but high enough that everyone felt better. He is on a low bacteria diet which includes quite a bit so Tanner is a happy camper being able to eat again.

Tanner is officially out of ICU and has moved to the rooms that we are very familiar with, as well as the nurses. He's been tired this afternoon and has been sleeping a lot but we are sure his body has taken its toll between his chemo treatments, the backpack of meds, and his BP dropping so low yesterday.

They are monitoring closely and he's on a massive amount of antibiotics. The viral infection will unfortunately just have to run its course and his "fighter" cells are down to 300 (from an average norm of 18000). However all in all he is doing much better and we want to thank everyone for the prayers that were being said. We can breather a little easier today!

Monday, November 9th update

Well.......We might have been getting a little to comfortable with Tanner's "outpatient" status and was looking forward to some good news today; possibly Tanner going home for a few days before his next chemo treatment. We received a huge reminder that we are not in control of Tanner's cancer and/or his conditions.

Today, there were scheduled appointments and we were hopeful for a PET scan date to let us know the status of Tanner's cancer and future treatments. That was not the case!

Last evening, Tanner's temperature was unstable. This is one of the signs that keeps us on notice if there is something wrong.  This morning, his temperature was higher than usual and a call into St. Jude ended up with Tanner going in earlier than scheduled appointments. He definitely had a fever. His ANC number was down to 100 ( neutropenia status) and his blood pressure dropped pretty low (95/33). Tanner was coherent, but in a blink of an eye, in came two head oncologist on Tanner's team, the head of ICU, and a group of nurses. This caught us off guard.  His blood pressure had everyone pretty alarmed so he was admitted into ICU for obvious precautionary reasons. The "Team" decided he needed to be monitored and fluids were administered to aide in getting his BP up. We are still waiting on the results from the blood tests, but a nasal swipe showed that he does have a virus. Tanner is NPO which means no food or drink until further notice. Not a happy camper.

His BP was stabilized by late afternoon. I will post as soon as we get an update on when he can be released from the ICU. We know he is in the best hands at St. Jude and we have constant prayers being said.

We were so disappointed and worried today (more than usual), but grateful for the instant care at St. Jude and God's loving hands.



 

Saturday, Nov 7th update

Quick update

Tanner has been "outpatient" status since the last update. This is great news!! This past week he had appointments pretty much every day. He has been receiving the "G" shots every evening since Tuesday and his numbers are rising which means he has a little more energy.

Today,  Tanner went in for his labs and his hgb was at 7.0 so this required a blood transfusion. This went well.  We don't have any complaints with Tanner's status as of today, and are very grateful for how well he is responding to the chemo.  Next week, we will find out when Tanner's PET scans will be scheduled. We are looking forward to this because his "Team" will let us know where Tanner stands in getting future treatments at St. Jude, and his current status with the cancer. Tanner has endured so much during his chemo treatments and we can't say enough how brave this 14 year old has been through it all.

Thank you for the support and many prayers!