Tanner's Guest Book:

Year 2005

Happy New Year! Monday, January 3, 2005

Mom, Dad, Hope and Tanner all got to celebrate the New Year together with hats and noise makers in Tanner's room on New Year's Eve.  Then on Sunday Tanner got to come home from the hospital and the family was really all together. Tanner playing with Hope and all their Christmas toys or just plain relaxing like you can do no where else, but home.

Now it is just a day to day waiting for the medication to work and of course that means Tanner will not being feeling well, she will become very tired and her blood count will be dangerously low before it starts coming back up. In about 10 days or so they will re-test and see how the medication (chemo) has affected the tumors. Our prayers are that Tanner is chemo sensitive and they will have shrunk in size. We know you will all keep her in your prayers.

Marjorie is doing good and Tanner and Hope's little brother is just waiting for the perfect time to join they family. Dad and Hope are doing much better now that they are all together.

Thanks to Kelly and Kelly, we will have some new pictures posted soon. Trying to work out some bugs, hope to have them up shortly. 

Friday, January 7, 2005

Tanner was admitted into the hospital yesterday due to fevers and her counts are at ZERO (0). They started hydrating her and giving her antibiotics by an IV as well as Tylenol.  Tanner will be there until the Doctors feel it is safe for her to come home.

As of today, Tanner is still running fevers and in the hospital.

More news of the day! Marjorie is in the hospital just a block away having Tanner's little brother! Yea, that's right the little boy will be here today.

Friday, January 7, 2005 pm

BABY UPDATE

THE LITTLE GUY WAS BORN ABOUT 10 MINUTES AGO, SO ABOUT 1PM PST

HE STILL DOESN'T HAVE A NAME

WEIGHT 8LBS 5 OZ

21 INCHES LONG

MOM AND BABY ARE DOING FINE!

Saturday, January 8, 2005

Tanner is doing is feeling a little better today and is a little more awake and even doing a little bit of playing in bed this afternoon. Maybe little brother has helped a little.

Thanks to all those that continue to keep her in their prayers.

For those that don't know I have learned there is a prayer time set up for Tanner for both today and tomorrow.

Today the time is 8 pm eastern standard time and tomorrow it is at 12 pm est.

Thank you to those that have set it up. Meet you there!

WE HAVE A Name (we hope), Brody Jack! Wow, isn't great. Mom, dad, and Brody are doing fine. In fact Brody is eating like crazy. Shortly after he was born he ate a whole 1 oz and has been improving on that ever since. Dad has managed to come over and be with him and mom while Tanner was sleeping and being care for wonderfully by her special caregiver. 

Tuesday, January 11, 2005

Tanner is still in the hospital. Her counts are taking a much longer time to come up. Her ANC is still only at 4. She is currently enjoying herself with hospital provided "art therapy".

Brody and Hope are home with mom while dad enjoys some time with Tanner.

For all of those that helped with the truck - it has arrived. Thank you to everyone that helped load it and thanks to the Beresh and Larson families as well as your friends. Once again we could not have done this without you.

Thursday, January 13, 2005

Tanner's counts are still at 4. She had been having some trouble with the spot on her hand from the IV, which had made it very sore and a lump was forming. They have changed the site of her IV and upped the strength of her antibiotic and have done a biopsy of the lump.

She sounded pretty good yesterday when I spoke with her, but boy is she ready to go home and get out of the hospital. She was having a wonderful play date with her little brother, Brody. But she was disappointed that mom wouldn't let her do her big sister role and teach him to walk. Yes, you read it right; she wanted to teach him to walk. When that didn't work, well how about teaching him to sit up. When mom tried to explain that he couldn't even hold this head up because his neck wasn't strong enough - wouldn't know it, Tanner couldn't see what the neck had to do with sitting - everyone knows you use your bottom for that. Being a big sister isn't as easy as one would think.

Monday, January 24, 2005

Wow, sorry for the long delay. Tanner's counts hung out between 4 and 20 for all this time, but today we have some wonderful news. Tanner's ANC count is 320 and she will finally get her MRI done tomorrow at 12:30. Dad, Mom and Tanner along with Tanner's nurse Anessa made bets to see who would be the closest on her ANC and Anessa won, she was the closest at 120. Tanner is still on IV antibiotics, but she is doing it at home.

Tanner was allowed to come home on Friday even though her count was only at 10. So she has been able to spend some time with Hope and her new little brother Brody. And she was very excited that Auntie came into town on Saturday for a visit.

Tanner is doing great, she has started home schooling and the doctors say she can even go outside to play in the snow.

Thanks to everyone for all their help and support.

Tuesday, January 25, 2005

Things change from day to day and they changed again today. Tanner's MRI has again been postponed. It has been rescheduled for Thursday, January 27, 2005.

Thursday, January 27, 2005

Fantastic News! There are only 4 tumors, 2 are smaller and 2 are about the same. THERE ARE NO NEW TUMORS. Tanner's ANC count is 1680 and her platelets are at 55.

They are now preparing to do a stem cell transplant. But there are some things that need to be done first. Tanner is currently in doing a viral study. Her GCSF shot, that helps her body produce blood products, will need to be doubled and her platelet count needs to be up to 100. They are hopeful that they can start the harvesting next week. Tanner will have to have her line removed and a new line inserted to be able to harvest the stem cells. It is not known at this time how long the harvesting will take to get the necessary amount, but we do know that it can be done on an out-patient basis.

Once the stem cell harvest has been completed they will remove her line and re-insert a line for her chemo and she will get a second round of chemo.

Thanks to everyone one of you! There are so many that help each and every day with all types of things. There are those that have talked to their friends and are preparing meals. There are so many that do countless things from shoveling snow at Tanner's house, send wonderful gift packages in the mail, send many wonderful prayers on the families behalf and many many more things. Thanks to all of you!

Monday, January 31, 2005

Wow, Tanner's ANC count is 10,000, her platelets are at 144 (enough to harvest her stem cells), but her hemoglobin in only at 9.2 so she is in the clinic today getting blood to bring it up.

Because her ANC is up to such a great number Tanner got to have some kid fun on Saturday. First there was a trip to the Space Museum, which was great fun. Tanner and Dad rode the flight simulator which was great fun. Second, a play date with kids was in order for the day. Tanner got to play with the Beresh Boys! Boy does she miss playing with the boys.

Tanner is disappointed that she will be missing her home-schooling this week, but it will start up again just as soon as it is possible.

Stem cell harvesting will start tomorrow. They are going to try to use her current line. If is works great, one less surgery for Tanner. If it doesn't then they will be replacing her line either tomorrow or Wednesday. The stem cell harvesting will continue daily until they have the required amount. Hopefully that will be completed this week so the chemo treatments can resume the following week.

Love to all and thanks for all your help, support and prayers.

Wednesday, February 2, 2005

Well, this is Tanner's second day having her stem cell harvested. Yesterday they got half of what they need. That is great! We didn't think that they would be able to get that much at one time. They have been successful at using her existing line, but it is taking a lot longer because they have to go slow. Boy it isn't easy on Tanner; she was hooked up from 8 am to 4 pm yesterday. They monitor her calcium level the whole time, and have her snacking on cheese, milk and yum "toms". We will know by 5pm today if they have enough or if it is back tomorrow for some more.

In the meantime, the foundation "In The Arms of Friends" has gotten Tanner and her family tickets to see STARS ON ICE in Omaha for tonight. A great night out after being hooked up again all day today.

Thanks "IN THE ARMS OF FRIENDS" for the wonderful evening for Tanner and her family!

Friday, February 4, 2005

Well she did it! Tanner has completed the harvesting of her stem cells. They have all they need to be able to do a stem cell transplant some time in the future.

Tanner wasn't able to see STARS ON ICE on Wednesday, she was much to tired. But on Thursday she was feeling much better and was able to play ball with the Beresh boys and DAD. Now that was fun. Tanner loved that.

Dad, Mom, Tanner, Brody and Hope are off to visit with the Larson's tonight. The best kind of fun for Tanner - playing with kids. And what fun the Larson boys are.

Tanner will be going to the dentist on Monday to see about a cavity and then if all is good and her counts are right she will be starting chemo round number 2 on Tuesday.

Monday, February 7, 2005

While it was a busy morning for Tanner, a trip to the dentist and the doctor's office. Tanner is in need of some dental work, but they are going to try to hold off on it until after her next chemo treatment. Tanner's ANC count is at 600, but her platelets and hemoglobin are good.  Tanner's counts are to low to start chemo tomorrow, so they will be going back to have her counts done on Thursday. If they are high enough then they will start chemo at that time.

It snowed yesterday! Tanner, Dad and Hope had a wonderful time building a snowman - maybe it will last a while. The Larson's came over last night and Josh and Tanner had a great time just being kids.

Sunday, March 6, 2005

Tanner is back in the hospital; her ANC is down to 0 and she is running a fever.

On Saturday mom, dad, Brody, Hope and Tanner went to the park for some outdoor fun - kite flying. They all had a great time. On the way back they could see that Tanner was pretty tired and not her usual high spirited self. Later that day she continued to be tired and then to run a fever, by 10 pm it was high and off to the hospital they went.

Tanner will be receiving a transfusion since her hemoglobin is low; her platelets are low but not low enough for her to get those today. Tanner is doing pretty good; she isn't as low as last time. Her spirits are high and she is even sitting up and playing games. The doctors say her counts shouldn't stay down as long as last time. We are praying for only a few days, we don't want to risk infection.

It still looks like they will redo her scans next week. Keep her in your prayers. Join us in praying they are gone!

to those 4 tumors in her brain.

Tanner has been doing pretty good, but has been experiencing leg pains. With Tanner's counts still down she is still open to infections.

Hope woke up not feeling well this morning. Not good for Hopey, Mom, Dad or Tanner. Well at least Brody won't mind. Hope will be off to the doctors this afternoon to find out and get treatment as soon as possible.

Some of our friends need your prayers; Josh Larson - he had some conflicting reports from his scans yesterday. They are going to rescan in 3 weeks. They are trying not to worry at this time, but you can image how difficult that is. There are many others at different ages that are battling different forms of this monster, thank you so much for all your prayers.

Take a look at the photos of Lucky. Isn't she beautiful? What a wonderful thing for Tanner and Lucky to have made a wonderful friend in Jerry. Jerry owner of Executive K-9, specializes in obedience and protection. If you are interested in his services please call 818-269-4087.

Tuesday, March 8, 2005

I spoke with Miss Tanner this morning, she sounds real good. Kite flying on Saturday was great fun, but Dragonfly kites fly much better than Butterfly kites. Each trip to the hospital brings a different food craving, last time it was salad (well lettuce and Italian dressing) this time Top Roman noodles

Tanner's ANC is still at 0. She will be getting platelets today and a blood transfusion tomorrow (her hemoglobin dropped right back down). One very good thing - no fevers, she hasn't had a fever since she went into the hospital on Saturday.

Brody went to the doctor yesterday for a check-up; wow he is up to 11 pounds. He sure didn't like the 4 shots he got and neither did Hope. Marjorie couldn't tell if Hope was scared she was going to get a shot too or if she was upset because Brody was hurt. But all is well now and enjoying being home with dad.

Wednesday, March 9, 2005

Tanner's ANC is still at 0, but there is some indication that it might be on the rise in the next couple of days. Maybe Tanner will be able to get back home before next week. She just completed a blood transfusion and was able to spend an hour out of her room and in the playroom - what a treat! She played Bean Bag Toss and some other fun games. It is nice that they block off the playroom so Tanner can have an hour out of her room.

Tanner is scheduled for a chest CT and a brain and spine MRI on Friday. Please keep her in your prayers for a CLEAR results.

We would like to send a big THANK YOU to the Kaufman family for the wonderful things they sent to not only Tanner but to Hope and Brody. And the special gift of the beautiful collar and engraved dog tag for our Lucky Penny. Thank you so much for all the gifts and support.

Thank you "Michigan congregation" for the backpack filled with TONS of goodies that will keep Tanner busy doing all the long hospital stays. Tanner was so excited with all the fun learning activities and reading material (which she loves learning) - she was so excited.

Guess what, snack today - Chicken Top Roman and root beer! 

Thursday, March 10, 2005 - Update

Tanner's results are in: Her chest and spine scans are clear. The MRI showed no new tumors and no significant change in her 4 existing tumors. Nothing new, that is a good sign!!!! They will be reviewing their plans for Tanner's future treatment; her bone marrow is very depleted.

--------------

Things change every day, even plans. The scans and MRI that were scheduled for tomorrow have been moved up. Tanner will have all her tests done later today. I will post the results just as soon as they are in, won't be until later today or tomorrow.

Tanner does have an ANC count of 30 - yea, it is on the rise. Her platelets are even lower so she will be getting platelets this morning.

Some good news; mom and dad received word that Tanner's Stem Cell Rescue (the replacement of her own stem cells) has been approved by the insurance company!!!!!!

Last night was movie night; movie - Home Alone 2 - and one of Tanner's favorites "popcorn". 

Please keep Jakie in your prayers as his scans are today as well. We are praying for all clear from both Jakie and Tanner.

Friday, March 11, 2005

Tanner got to come home today, yea!  Her ANC is at 70. We are going back to the clinic on Monday; we will have updated counts at that time.

Thanks for all your prayers, Jakes scans were all clear.

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Tanner went to the clinic on Monday, she is doing good - her ANC was 440. We had a very quite weekend.  I gotta go they want me to be the catcher.  It's me and Tanner against Chris and Jackson (Jackson is a little boy from next door - he is 6). Update given by Marjorie.

Thursday, March 17, 2005 - Saint Patty's Day

Tanner has a shirt on that has green eyes - no pinch for her!

Every body has been sick the last day or so; sore throats, runny nose and coughs, Tanner included - it is a real good thing that Tanner's ANC is up to 1800. Her platelets are good and so it her hemoglobin.

Meetings will start the week of the 28th to decide on the next plan of action. The most likely next step will be getting rid of the 4 existing tumors by way of a gamma knife. We will know more after the meetings.

It has been a pretty laid back since all are ill except Marjorie. But the weekend holds some fun and surprises. IN THE ARMS OF FRIENDS foundation got tickets for Tanner and her parents to attend the Motocross at the Quest Center on Saturday night. Wow, what fun they are going to have, Hope and Brody will be visiting the Larson's - so it will be fun for all. There will also be an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday afternoon.

Monday, March 21, 2005

Yea!!!! Tanner's ANC is up to 8,000 so she doesn't have to have her shots each night. She is very happy to have her cousins there to play with and are they happy to be with her.

They are trying to get Tanner dental work scheduled for the end of this week or the beginning of next week. If all goes well they just might get the Gamma Radiation scheduled for the following week.

Everyone had a real good time at the motorcross and it was even better that Auntie, Uncle Jeff, Zach and Maddie got to go with them. We will be putting up some great pictures tomorrow.

Love to you all and thanks so much for all your prayers.

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Well things are always changing - Tanner will be going in tomorrow (Thursday) for oral surgery to have ALL her teeth fixed at once. It is amazing what chemo does to your teeth. Then just as she is recovering from that she will be admitted into the hospital for another chemo treatment before her Gamma Knife surgery. The doctors want as little time as possible between each treatment - we don't want them growing. Tanner's ANC count is down to 700 but that is because her shot was stopped so hopefully it her ANC count will be up to 1000 before Monday.

Everyone has been having fun and doing a little everyday. Auntie, Uncle Jeff, Zach and Madison will be heading for home tomorrow just as Papa and Mare arrive for Easter.

Thursday, March 24, 2005

Well our girl did it AGAIN! Tanner was in oral surgery from 11am to 3pm. Due to all the chemo and medication her teeth needed some major work and the risk of infection due to all the problems was high. They had to remove 7 teeth; the top front 4, a molar and 2 others. Every single tooth in her mouth was affected. She had to have several root canals and caps. But she did it. They said she did better than most adults they work on - that's our Tanner.

TANNER YOU ARE AMAZING!

Tuesday, March 29, 2005

Every thing was great for the Easter weekend; it was warm and very nice outside.

Tanner didn't end up in the hospital on Monday because they needed a 24hr urine sample before they would admit her. We will be in the hospital today around 11:00am.  Tanner will be in the hospital for 3 days on 3 different

chemos, two she has been on before and the third one is an oral chemo that she will start at the hospital and finish at home, a total of 5 days of oral chemo. Tanner has an appointment on Monday the 4th of April with Dr. Long to discuss the Gamma knife surgery. I hope her counts will be ok for that appointment, if not we will have to try for another date. But as we know all this could change tomorrow. (update given by Marjorie)

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Tanner started her chemo treatment last night at 8pm with a push and then a drip from 8pm to 12am and her oral chemo at 9pm. She did very good except for some arm pains. Tanner usually does have body pains at the time of chemo. All will be repeated again tonight.

A favorite for Tanner's trip to the hospital "Michigan Backpack" as it is called. Tanner had planned to work on the furry painting, which she started last night. Thanks for such wonderful gifts - most especially all the prayers that are included.

Since Tanner wasn't hooked up to chemo this afternoon and her counts were up she got to see the "Sleep Fairy" who came to the hospital to read stories to the children. She was very excited about that. She is currently having school. Her teacher comes not only to her home but also to the hospital. That is one of Tanner's favorite times of the day. Later on she is planning on doing some rock painting.

Friday, April 1, 2005

I spoke with Tanner this morning; she is home and sounds great. She built a blanket fort last night and inside she took the stuffed animals, blankets and books she received from Mark, Chris, the Sobles, and the Valencia congregation. Tanner was very excited and she has plans to play a special game that Chris plays with her class. Brody's sounded great and so did Hopey.

Grandma and Lucky will be on their way real soon.

Thank you Jerry for all your wonderful help with Lucky!

If any of you are looking for someone truly wonderful to help with your dog, if there are some habits you might want to fix, some manners that might need some, let's say, adjustments, or if you want a truly well behaved dog - Jerry is the man for you! OR if you want someone that will help you pick out just the right dog for you and your family from the very beginning give Jerry a call. 

Tuesday, April 5, 2005

Tanner, Mom and Dad met with Dr. Long, the doctor to do the gamma knife radiation, yesterday. Everyone learned all about the procedure and Tanner was given a complete tour and even sat in the chair that she will sit in while the treatment takes place. Tanner will have a scan the day of the treatment which will be able to see at a 10 time greater magnification than her normal scans. They do know that one tumor is near the optic nerve and one is next to the brain stem, but Dr. Long is confident that things should go well. Each spot will take about 8 to 10 minutes in radiation. Because of the increase in magnification if they see any additional spots they will get those at the same time. Follow-up scans will take place 4 to 6 weeks after the treatment. Tanner treatment is scheduled for Wednesday, April 13th. BUT as we all know everything is subject to change.

Tanner is sad today, mom and dad can tell her counts are down so she can't play with the other kids. It is real hard when you can see them playing from the window and you can't join in. She does go in tomorrow to see exactly where her counts are, but until that time she has to keep her distance. Tanner was able to go out earlier for a walk and a ride on her scooter (but no kids).

Thursday, April 7, 2005

Tanner is doing GREAT.  We went for counts on Wednesday and everything was surprisingly VERY, VERY good.  Her platelets were 152, her hemoglobin was 9.6 and her white blood count was 6.64 and her ANC was over 5000. We all were very surprised by the results. I even asked them to double check the name.  Tanner's counts have not dropped yet. We are staying positive that she will not get a fever this go around.  We go back to clinic for counts on Monday. If all is well, everything is a go for Wednesday. We are ready to do radiation. Doctor Wheeler, the radiation oncologist seems very positive that we will get a great response from Gamma knife.

Tanner is having a lot of fun with Jakie (grandma's dog) and grandma too.  I am sending you some pictures of Tanner and Jakie. Tanner has her first baseball practice on Saturday. We hope she is feeling OK so she can get to play with the other kids. (update by Marjorie)

Monday, April 11, 2005

Tanner just got back from clinic where she needed platelets, they were at 19,000. Tanner's ANC is good at 3,000 but her hemoglobin is only at 8.6 so she will go back to clinic tomorrow for red blood. Tanner was doing real good earlier but is pretty tired and doing some TV watching - Kim Possible!

At this point everything is still on for the gamma knife radiation that is set for Wednesday. 201 separate beams of radiation will all be directed to each tumor in turn. It will be an all day treatment. Your continued prayers are wonderful, Thank you!

Tanner had a GREAT time on Saturday - she got to practice with her baseball time! She is the only girl on the team - she is going to beat them boys.

Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - procedure updates will follow all day!

4:05 - Tanner is out of surgery and the doctors said everything went remarkably well. She is now in recovery. 

12:38 - Tanner's MRI has been completed. She is currently having the gamma knife radiation.

10:56 - step # one is complete and Tanner's physical halo is bolted in place. This halo is similar to a halo that a person receives when they have a spinal cord injury except it is lower, it doesn't extend over her head, and the band is actually more at Tanner's eye level. She is now back at Children's waiting step #2. Marjorie and Chris are doing good.

9:56 am - Tanner is now in surgery and should be sedated for approximately 6 hours. They are putting her bolts in and the halo at Methodist right now and then they will be bringing her back to Children's. They will be doing some intense testing and planning. They will come out and give us updates throughout the day. I will update you as soon as I hear anything.

All your prayers are so felt and welcomed!

Thursday, April 14, 2005

Last night Tanner was able to come home from the hospital. She wasn't feeling wonderful after all she had gone through doing the day, but she was home with her family.

The Doctors said that everything went REMARKABLY well. They were able to zap all 5 tumors. This will be followed up with more chemo. Of course they will let Tanner rest for a few days while they decide the next course of action.

"Thank you all so much for your continued prayers and support!"

Friday, April 15, 2005

Tanner is doing amazingly well. She is running around playing and doing all the things a little girl should be doing. Tanner and her family are off to a fundraiser for "In The Arms of Friends."

Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Every one is doing well, Tanners counts are down to 300, so we stated the shot back up AGAIN. You would never know it because she is running around like normal. We go back to clinic on Thursday for counts. We hope they will be high enough to have some FUN. Tanner has a dentist appointment next Thursday for a checkup, and we will take Hope too. No new plans as of yet, but we will see as the week goes by. We had a big thunder storm last night, there was also a tornado warning near by, around Lincoln. That was our excitement for the week. Tanner has her first baseball game on Saturday, she is so excited.  But the best news of all is Lucky will be here on Sunday at 7:40pm YEA YEA. (Update by Marjorie)

Friday, April 22, 2005

Tanner went in to clinic today and got some good results; her platelets are at 38,000 (normal 204,000 to 402,000), hemoglobin 9.6 (normal 10.7 to 12.7) and her ANC is 2,980. Saturday night will be the last night for her shots. Hopefully her ANC will be able to stay up on its own.

Her counts are high enough the doctors say so she can play in her game on Saturday. But she gave strict orders that she has to wear her helmet all the time and NO SLIDING. Tanner was disappointed but she yes to both.

Tanner will be back in the clinic on Monday to see how things are going. At this point it looks like they might let Tanner rest with no chemo until they rescan her in 6 to 8 weeks. It will give her body some much needed rest and hopefully her bone marrow can recover a bit. The bone marrow needs to be as high as possible when they start the stem cell replacement that might be next.

They are also saying she can go to school, if her counts stay high enough. She might only be able to go a couple of hours a day or only a couple days a week. It is not know just now how much she activity she can handle. Boy, does Tanner want to go!!! Of course she will miss Jennifer a lot - that is her home school teach, who she just loves so much.

The Child Life Specialist from Children's Hospital will be going to Tanner's class (Tanner has never been there, but she has one) to prepare her teacher and classmates. They will be bringing books and other material and explain to everyone why Tanner will seem so different. They will explain about her line and the things she can and can't do. They will answer all their questions so when Tanner does go it won't be too big of a shock to them. Marjorie thought that was wonderful she is the one that did it in California.  

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Tanner had a great day today. And, Boy did she have an exciting weekend. As some of you know Lucky is now in Nebraska as of Sunday night. She is very excited to be back with her family and has missed them so much.

Tanner's counts are real good right now; the break in chemo has been fantastic for her. A complete update of all the fun kid stuff and the plan to move forward will be available tomorrow.

Thanks so much for all your love, prayers and support.

Wednesday, April 27, 2005

P.M.

Things are in motion around - here more changes

We got a call from Anissa letting us know that Dr. Thompson has met with the doctors at the transplant center and reconfirmed that Tanner needs all new scans. They want these scans as soon as possible, so Tanner is scheduled for CT scans tomorrow of her chest, abdomen, and pelvis. We will be at clinic at 9:15am and scans will start around 10:45am.

Tanner also has her dentist appointment at 2:30pm, so we have a big day ahead of us.

Tanner is a little disappointed, she was really looking forward to going to school, but she will be there on Friday to continue with all of her fun with her new friends.

Tanner is also scheduled for a bone marrow biopsy on Monday, we will find out at clinic what time and about the other scans that will need to be done. We will update you as soon as we know. Things change so fast around here it's really hard to plan for anything else, even school.

A.M.

Tanner had a very busy weekend filled with a TON of fun.

Saturday - Tanner had her first baseball game "GO ROYALS". She had a lot of fun but it was very windy. We did not think she would make it the whole game, but she did. When it comes to baseball she will do anything. Later on that night we had a cook out at the Polsley's, our neighbors, which happens to be Tanners baseball coach. They are great and very helpful with all of our kids. "THANK You Joe and Amy".

Sunday - Tanner had her baseball pictures, which was very emotional for us because the last time Tanner had her baseball pictures was before she had cancer. We did not know if she would ever have that opportunity again. It really makes you treasure every possible moment with your kids. Hoping and praying that she will make it to that next stage in her life. We will do every thing we can to get her to MANY more.

Tanner also got to go to Sammie's (next door neighbor) soccer game. We were late Tanner was having some leg pain, so we moved a little slower. But shortly after we got there she was on the playground having fun with all the kids.

Later on that day Chris surprised Tanner with Kenney Chesney concert tickets 6th row. She was very excited, because she has never been to a concert. Tanner likes Kenney Chesney her favorite song is Big Star. Gretchen Wilson was there and Tanner thought she was very pretty and sang very well. There was some very nice people there who wanted Tanner to have there seats in the 2nd row. Soon Tanner was asked to be near the stage to get a closer look. Tanner was all smiles when Kenny Chesney blew her a KISS from the stage. Every one around us was all smiles too. Chris, Tanner and I had a great time, we love doing everything with her.

More excitement that night we picked up LUCKY PENNY LUSK at the airport, she could not wait to get her home. We were up till 1:30 a.m. getting to know Lucky again and all the cool tricks Jerry (Lucky's special dog trainer) has taught her.

Monday - Chris and Tanner went to clinic to get counts, they were GREAT!!! ANC was 3600 and platelets and red blood were all up from Friday. All very good news. Dr. Thompson thinks that the tumors are all inactive. YIPEEEE!!!! This is now the perfect time to do stem cell. Anissa (Oncology nurse) will be calling to schedule all scans and tests. All new scans must be done prior to stem cell. We are hoping in 4-6 weeks Tanner should be in for stem cell. In the mean-time Tanner will be attending school.

Tuesday - Chris, Tanner and I went to Wheeler Elementary to get a tour and to meet all of Tanner's classmates. Christy, Child Life Specialist from Children's Hospital, met us there. Christy came to school to help ease Tanner's load of questions and funny looks. Christy also asked Jake Beresh to join us because he has been there and knows what Tanner is feeling. Christy did such an awesome job she is truly one of the nicest people we have met out here. She answered all the kid's questions and explained why Tanner has no hair and that she may need a little help some times. Thank you Christy it made Tanner feel a lot better.

 I also want to thank Jake. What he said to the kids was incredible. He told them," not to make fun of Tanner just because she does not have any hair". He said that, "I was made fun of because I was bald and it was not nice". Jake also said, "Tanner is just like you and me, she is a person and has feelings so do not make fun of her".

THANK YOU, Jake.

I was crying of course. We stayed and had lunch and recess with all the kids. Everyone was very nice and very helpful. The kids wanted to talk and play with Tanner they were treating her like a little STAR. I also wanted to thank Mr. DeFreece and Mrs. Pratt they will take good care of Tanner at school. They are very caring and nice.

Wednesday - Tanner started her first day at school today and she was ready to go. She just wants to be normal again and be able to be a kid. I know she will but it will just take her a little bit longer. It has been a long day without her here with us. We are so used to her being around all the time. Chris and I miss her so much and it's just the first day. BUT we are very, very PROUD of her just like we are every day. She is one tough cookie.

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. Please keep all of these special kids in your hearts and prayers. (update by Marjorie)

Thursday, April 28, 2005

We have GREAT news, all scans are clear!!!

Of course it wouldn't be a normal day without a little emotional stress. I called the clinic at 1:30pm for results of scans but no luck, not ready yet. Anissa said Dr. Thompson will go down to radiology for the results, she would call me right back. She called two minutes later (she's so quick), but the news wasn't too good. The Radiologist saw something in Tanner's chest CT, they weren't sure if it was a blood vessel or not. But they wanted her to come back for another chest CT to make sure what they were seeing. Tanner and I went back to clinic and had another chest CT. I was ok at first but than you start going crazy and trying to read in people's faces the results of your daughter's scans. You really can't tell but we ALWAYS try. It just makes you crazier, it doesn't help. Tanner had a dentist appointment, but we decided to go to clinic for results right away. That made Tanner happy because she didn't have to go to the dentist.

Long story short my stomach was in my throat and my heart was beating so fast I thought it would come out of my chest. I needed the results NOW. Dr. Thompson soon came out to tell me that they saw a small granuloma, which is an inflammation, initiated by various infections. Many people could have these in their chest, it is NOT cancer. As soon as Dr. Thompson told me I lost it, all emotions took over I couldn't hold back anymore. It was the utter relief that Tanner was ok.

Dr. Thompson was great, sad to say, she is used to it I am sure. I had Dr. Thompson call Chris because he was pacing back and forth and I was too over-whelmed with relief to even talk. So all is well, just another kick of reality to let us know that things can change at any time.

Tanner's ANC went down without her shot, ANC is 510. Platelets and Red blood are good both up from Monday.

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers today and every day.

Tanner will be having a bone marrow biopsy and spinal tap on Monday. We will be there at 10:30am and they will take Tanner in at 12:30pm. We will post results as soon as we know.

Have a GREAT weekend.

Monday, May 2, 2005

Tanner is home and doing GREAT!!

Tanner's bone marrow and spinal tap went great today. Dr. Thompson herself performed both studies. They were sent out to pathology and we should have the result in a couple of days. Dr. Thompson will be sending all results to the insurance company for approval we are hoping they will give approval right away. So Tanner can get in stem cell and get cancer out of her body FOREVER.

As soon as we walked in the door she demanded food. That seems to be the hardest part of it all, going without food for that long. Once Tanner got her food, milk and a movie she said, "I feel normal already". She is AMAZING!!!

Tanner has her second baseball game tonight. But guess what Tanner wants to do, Yup, that's right she wants to play in it. We told her if the weather is ok we can go watch your team play, but like I said when it comes to baseball she will do anything to play.

Tanner's ANC went down a little to 480 so she will not be able to attend school. But that is ok, Jennifer, her home school teacher, will come to our house. Tanner loves Jennifer she is wonderful. We will go to clinic for counts again soon, and hope they will be higher so Tanner can enjoy going to school with her friends.

Thank You for all your thoughts and prayers.

Marjorie, Chris, Tanner, Hope, and Brody, (and now Lucky)

Tuesday, May 3, 2005

More Great News, we can really get used to this.

Just got a call from our case worker at the insurance company and Tanner is officially approved for stem cell, authorization number and all. Now we are just waiting to hear from the transplant doctors for their approval. We are sooooo EXCITED!!!! Just wanted to share the great news, hope every one is having a great day and we will update you on Thursday after clinic. Hope for high counts.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.

Marjorie, Chris, Tanner, Hope, Brody and Lucky

Thursday, May 5, 2005

Tanner's ANC is up to 740, and she is doing GREAT!!!

Tanner's bone marrow and spinal tap all came back CLEAR. Dr. Thompson did send some of the spinal fluid off for another test called the FISH test. It takes a closer look at the cells to see if any have the same makeup as Ewing's Sarcoma. That test takes about a week, so we should have results Monday or Tuesday. We got a call from the transplant center and Tanner's appointment is for Wednesday at 9:30am. We will make a plan at that appointment and discuss the stem cell transplant.

Since Tanner's counts were high today she got to join her classmates on the field trip to the zoo. Omaha has one of the best zoos. We love it!! Tanner got to hang out with some of her friends especially Jackson, our neighbor. All the kids were given booklets to try and mark off what they saw at the zoo.  But, since we went after clinic Tanner didn't get one, so Jackson shared with Tanner and they found the items together.

Thank you Jackson for being a good friend!

Tanner will be attending school tomorrow, she is VERY excited. Than we have a big weekend ahead of us. Tomorrow night we are going to see the Royals play ball and watch some fireworks at the stadium. Chris and Tanner will be wearing all their Royal gear. Tanner also has another game on Saturday; she wants to hit a HOME RUN. I know she can do it.

After the big game we will go to the Larson's for a boat ride and play, play, play with all the boys we will have LOTS of fun.

Hope everyone has a Great Mothers Day.

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers,

Marjorie, Chris, Tanner, Hope, Brody and Lucky

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

Hope everyone had a great Mother's Day!!!

I had a very nice Mother's Day. Chris made breakfast, cleaned the house and took the babies that night so I could sleep in. If you are a mother with young kids any one of those things are wonderful but the three of them is a DREAM.

Tanner is doing great! She has been going to school and loving every bit of it. She had to leave early on Tuesday for her dentist appointment. Tanner was a little worried about going she thought they were going to pull more teeth out, but we assured her that is was just a check up, but she did great no problems. The dentist was very nice and said that Tanner was in his prayers every night. Another GREAT doctor that we have met since we have been out here in Nebraska!

Tanner had her appointment today at the Nebraska Medical Center for her stem cell. She had to have multiple tests done in order to get her ready for stem cell. She had a chest x-ray, echocardiogram and labs (to test for any virus exposure). We also met with Dr. Gordon who is the head pediatric oncologist transplant. Tanner will be getting three types of high dose chemo medications, Carboplatinum, ThioTEPA and Etoposide. Tanner has had two out of the three before but these chemo medications will be given at such a high dose that it will kill her bone marrow. On the day of transplant her stem cells will be given back to her like a blood transfusion through her catheter. After the transplant we will wait for her bone marrow function to return, usually takes 1-2 weeks. During this time Tanner will be kept in an isolation room and given antibiotics to protect her from infections. She could have multiple blood and platelet transfusions, she will also get her G-CSF injections to help the marrow function return sooner. Once her bone marrow starts to recover and she has no other problems she will be released from the hospital.

We HOPE and PRAY that this will eliminate any remaining cancer cells and Tanner will be CURED (wonderful word) from cancer.

We are planning to start Tanner's stem cell treatment in a week an a half. Tanner will have a brain MRI tomorrow at 1:45pm to make sure all tumors are DEAD and GONE. We will post results as soon as possible. We are also waiting for results from the labs today they take a week to ensure no virus growth. And we have to do a 24 hour urine collection to make sure her kidneys are functioning properly. Once everything is done and all results in we will have a date for her to be admitted.

Tanner's ANC went down to 588; her bone marrow is so tried of all this chemo. That is why we need to do this stem cell rescue, without it I don't think Tanner would be able to recover from another round of standard chemo.

Please keep Tanner in your thoughts and prayers for all CLEAR results on her MRI tomorrow.

On a positive note Josh Larson had his ONE YEAR out of stem cell rescue scans yesterday and all is CLEAR!!!  YAAAAA Josh!!

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers,

Love, Marjorie, Chris, Tanner, Hope, Brody and Lucky

Thursday, May 12, 2005

The results of the MRI are in - the tumors are smaller! The radiation is working. The F.I.S.H. test came back clear - no signs of cancer cells in Tanner's spinal fluid. Marjorie will be sending an update shortly.

Friday, May 13, 2005

Sorry, for the delay in updating but things are always a little crazy around here.

Tanner's brain MRI came back with GREAT news. The tumors are smaller. The tumors should continue to die over time. No new tumors to report, so things are looking wonderful. We also got the results from the FISH test and it was all clear. Yesterday was filled with great news. STEM CELL HERE WE COME. We feel very confident that this will remove any cancer cells that remain in Tanner's little body.

Tanner will not be going back to school. We are trying to reduce the chance of her catching any virus before stem cell. We do not want to delay things at all. Tanner will continue home schooling for the remaining time. She will miss all her new friends but we promised TONS of play dates before she goes into the hospital.

Tanner has another big game this Saturday so she is practicing outside with dad. She wants to hit the big HOME RUN. I know she can do it, she can do any thing.

Hope and Brody are doing well. Brody had his 4-month check-up today and boy is he growing fast.

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers, it is so nice to read all of the encouraging words in the guest book. It lets us know how much every one loves and misses us. And that Tanner is ALWAYS in your hearts. Thank you!!!!

Love,

Marjorie, Chris, Tanner, Hope, Brody and Lucky

Thursday, May 19, 2005

Tanner went to clinic yesterday and got good news, her ANC is up to 1200. Her platelets and red blood are normal (normal that is a word we don't get to use often). I got a call today that Tanner will be admitted on Monday for the stem cell rescue. We will be meeting with Dr. Gordon at 3:00pm to go over all the paper work and information again, to cover all bases. We will than be taken to the transplant center to get our room away from home. Tanner has BIG plans to take almost every thing she owns so she won't get bored. Chris and I told her she will be in the hospital a long, long time, and all she said is, "well we better bring a lot of stuff than". She has such a great attitude with all this going on, I wish we all could. Chris and I are ready for stem cell but we are also VERY scared. We know it is Tanners only chance at beating cancer. It is just very hard to see your child go through all this. MOMMY AND DADDY LOVE YOU SOOO MUCH TANNER.

Tanner had a great weekend; she played baseball (of course). We also went to Old Town, down by the water front in Omaha. We went on a carriage ride through old town, and Hope was a little nervous at first because of the horse, but once sissy (Tanner) told her it was ok Hope was ok.

Chris and Tanner are at the Star Wars movie, she wanted to see that before she went into the hospital. Tanner loves Star Wars; we must have watched all those movies 100 times last year.

Tanner has another baseball game this weekend, this will be Tanner's last game before stem cell so we will try and have lots of FUN before Monday.

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.

Love, Marjorie, Chris, Tanner, Hope, Brody and Lucky 

Monday, May 23, 2005

Well everything is a GO for stem cell!!! We are going in TODAY!! Tanner will start chemo tomorrow around 11:00 am. Today they will do labs, hydration, and urine collection. I will keep you posted as soon as I can. Please continue to keep Tanner in your thoughts and prayers during this time. Thank you

WOW, what a great weekend we had.

Friday we took Tanner, Hope and Brody to play at the arcades and miniature golfing. The kids had so much fun. Hopey wanted to ride the horsy over and over again, but had to have Tanner right next to her on the ride. Brody was a piece of cake; he slept through most of it (he is such a good sport).

Saturday, Tanner had another baseball game and boy did she do GREAT!!! She was playing third base and threw the ball to first to make the out. We were all so excited for her, she was so proud of herself (so were we). She also hit two balls to the gate (outfield) and ran so fast to first to make sure no one was going to get her out. All the kids played a really good game.

After the game we went to have our family pictures taken. I really wanted to have them done before Tanner went into stem cell. You just never know when we will be able to do that again. So I would like to thank Arnold Clark Studios in Omaha for fitting us in at such short notice and for making the experience a memorable one. As anyone with kids would know, taking your kids to get pictures is ALWAYS a nightmare; one is always crying or running around like a crazy man. But it was very nice and they really kept the kids attention. It was great Thank you!!!

Sunday was the best; we planned a barbecue with the Bereshs, Larsons, Polsleys and Sankeys. The Larsons could not make it, we sure did miss them. Chris set up the waterslide and the kids played for hours in the water. The kids also had a lot of water balloon fights, it was so much fun. Thank you to Brandon, Jake, Ben, Jackson, Sammy, Henry, Taylor, and Greg all of you kids made Tanners day, she had the best time and it is all because of you. Thank you for being such GREAT friends. Tanner is very lucky to have all of you in her life. It was wonderful to see her out there playing with all the kids and being so normal. Almost makes you forget she has cancer (almost). We were so happy to be able to give her such a GREAT time with all of her friends before she goes into the hospital for so long. Thank you to all those great parents for all your help and support in this time to come.

Love,

Marjorie, Chris, Tanner, Hope, and Brody

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

Tanner will be having her first day of chemo. I spoke with Marjorie this morning; she said this is day -8 working to day 0 when the stem cells will be reintroduced. Today Tanner will be given carboplaten for 3 days. On day -5 and -4 she will be getting two other types of chemo medication. On day -3 Tanner will be given 3 days of rest - no chemo medications. Once the stem cells are given they will start counting forward.

Tanner was her wonderful self this morning and for breakfast she had pancakes, donuts and rice krispy cereal. Boy can that girl eat.

I know Marjorie will have an update as soon as she can.

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!

For all of your wonderful words of love, faith, and encouragement. It means so much to hear how much Tanner is in all of your thoughts and prayers.

Starting from 5-24-05 (-8), the transplant schedule is:

-8    carboplatinum,         -7    carboplatinum,         -6    carboplatinum

-5    Thiotepa and VP-16, -4    Thiotepa and VP-16, -3    Thistepa and VP-16

-2    rest day,                 -1    rest day

day 0 will be the day she will get her stem cells. ( June 1st)

Tanner has already started her mouth wash routine, to try and prevent extreme mouth sores from the chemo and low counts. She tolerated the first round of chemo today very well. She has a minor case of diarrhea, but over all she is doing very well. She has already made friends with her nurses and asking them to play games with her. Tanner loves all the nurses that take care of her. The nurses make these trips a whole lot easier. Thank you to all of the wonderful nurses at UCLA, Children's of Omaha and now the Med. Center.

Chris and I will be switching back and forth between home and the hospital. Chris will be doing most of the night stays; he has a really hard time at night being home without Tanner. We all have a hard time without her being here. We love her so much. But it gives me some good time with Hope and Brody.  Grandma (Chris' mom, Julie) has come out to Nebraska to live with us. She is staying to help take care of Hope and Brody while Chris and I are always coming and going. She is keeping everything running at home. I don't know what we would do without her; she has been GREAT and the kids love having her here. Thank you so much Grandma we love you!!! 

Thank you to Liz Larson for all your words of wisdom on stem cell it is so nice to have her to talk to when things just don't seem so clear as they should. Thank you to the Beresh family for the pretty necklace and pictures for Tanner we already hung them in her room. And thank you to Grammie for the "Carrot Bear" you sent today. Tanner thought it was pretty cool. We love you all soooo much!!!!

Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers, please continue to keep Tanner in your hearts during this time.

Love,

Marjorie, Chris, Tanner, Hope, Brody

Thursday, May 26

Three days of chemo DONE!! Three more left. Tanner is doing very well. Tanner has had minimal side effects (so far so good). Tanner normally does very well on chemo; she tends to have her down time about a week after chemo. So next week will be pretty hard. Tanner will start Thiotepa and VP-16 tomorrow, she has had VP-16 before and does very well but she has never had Thiotepa. Thiotepa is a little different because it comes out through your skin pores. Places where you sweat a lot (arm pits, neck and butt). Tanner will have to take 4-5 showers a day to wash off the chemo from her skin; if you do not wash your body the chemo will burn your skin. It could be very painful. You have to take all of these precautions very seriously, no matter how hard it is as a parent to force your child to do all of these things, YOU have to. Tanner will try to avoid doing mouth care or taking certain meds, but we are doing every thing we can as parents to save her life. So for us to let her slide on the mouth care, meds, wearing her mask and now these showers because it's too hard as a parent to make her do them is CRAZY.  It's hard for us every day to make her do all of these things but WE do not have a choice and either does Tanner. I can handle Tanner being mad at me for making her do her meds but I could not handle if Tanner got a serious infection because of my lack of doing something too hard for me. Chris and I have told Tanner how important all of these things are for her and she does not fully understand but she knows that they do need to be done, NO MATTER WHAT, even if mommy and daddy have to be the bad guy. We are nervous about the next couple days with this chemo, but we know Tanner WILL be taking showers very often. You do what you have to.

Thank you to Mrs. Pratt's 1st grade class for all the wonderful cards and the beautiful bracelet. The Larson's for the "YOU GO GIRL" bracelet, it is cool. And all the games, snacks, magazines, drinks and all of the great cards and HUGE poster from Josh's class mates. Thank you very much. I can't forget about the Mister Incredible balloon from the Beresh's, it is also very cool. Tanner is pretty INCREDIBLE, thank you. All of you guys are Incredible to us, thank you for everything.

Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers for Tanner.

Love,

Marjorie, Chris, Tanner, Hope and Brody

Saturday, May 28, 2005

Chemo is starting to have its affects on Tanner. She has the beginning stages of mucusitis in her mouth. She hasn't been very hungry, and when she does eat she vomits shortly after. This of course is all normal for chemo, but it is very hard to see her like that. Tanner is also getting some leg and joint pains, but she can't keep down the Tylenol, so they gave her some morphine. We are continuing the showers and mouth care. The showers she does GREAT. We don't even have to ask her to take one; she wants to take them all the time. She will stand in the shower for 20 minutes, or longer just letting the water run all over her body. I think it helps with the joint pain as well. The mouth care on other hand is getting harder. The more her mouth hurts the harder it is to do. She still does it four times a day, and I know it is so hard for her but she is one TOUGH COOKIE!!! Chris and I are so proud of her, she goes through so much. It truly hurts us. She is such a little fighter and so strong. I wish I could be as strong as her. She is truly amazing. All these wonderful little kids that have to go through all of this are absolutely incredible. Tanner has one more day of chemo (Sunday) and than two days of rest (Monday and Tuesday). We know things will get worse before they get better, but we just hope next week flies by.

Thank you Grammie for all the cool gifts you send every day it really gives Tanner something to look forward to. And thanks to Grandma for watching Brody and Hope so Chris and I can be there for Tanner. Papa and Mar thank you soooo much for letting this be possible for Chris and me to do all of this as a family. We know that coming to Nebraska was the best thing for Tanner. I don't want to think about how Tanner would be if we would have stayed with UCLA. The treatments that Tanner has had so far (surgery, gamma knife, and stem cell) were never an option that was given to us. I don't think they thought she would make it this far. Tanner is NOT a normal Ewing's, or a normal Ewing's relapse and she will not be treated as one. Tanner has already beaten the odds and she WILL continue to beat them. Thank you to the great doctors in Nebraska that are willing to think outside the box and not give up hope. And for everyone who continues to pray for Tanner every day, thank you so much!!!

I am sorry if I offended any one. But when it comes to your kids you will do anything.

Even move to Nebraska (just kidding Nebraska is GREAT). Please forgive me Beresh and Larson families. HAHAHA

Love,

Marjorie, Chris, Tanner, Hope and Brody

Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Tanner seems to be getting a little better. The vomiting has slowed down a little. She still feels nauseous most of the time, but they are giving her ant nausea meds to help. The meds make her sleepy so we have to try and space them out because she still needs to get up for her showers and mouth care. Tanner is still getting the joint pain but the morphine fixes that right away. She is now getting TPN which goes through her line for nourishment since she is not eating. It's good because now we don't have to worry about trying to get her to eat something. All of this is expected with the chemo, so overall she is doing ok. Her ANC was 1600 yesterday. Once her counts drop we will have more side effects. Her mouth sores will get worse, risk of infections due to low white cells, fevers and transfusions (red blood and platelet). She will have her transplant tomorrow at 9:00am. We are hoping the week continues to fly by.

Thank you to Liz Larson for taking Hope to play with the boys yesterday. It is nice for Hope to have some special time with friends. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers for Tanner. Please send a special pray for some of our friends back home Joyce and Tom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both and your families.

Love,

Marjorie, Chris, Tanner, Hope and Brody

Wednesday, June 1, 2005 - day 0

Well Tanner has received her Stem Cell that part of the actual transplant is complete.

Now comes the hard long road. It could approximately 7 to 14 days for her counts to go down and then start back up again.

Tanner had a hard night last night so you can imagine how hard that was on Mom and Dad. Tanner was in a coma-like state for a while they think from all the medication for pain and nauseous but she did come out of it. She is better today and is more alert. Boy is she feeling miserable from all the effects. The continual dry vomiting and the mucusitis. We are to be counting forward for when her counts come up but first they will be going down so she will be getting a whole lot sicker before they start coming back up. Marjorie will do an update as soon as she can.

A child life specialist (a teacher) at the hospital stopped by. She is there for Tanner; she brought many wonderful things; a nice soft blanket, stuffed toys and a new pillow case just to name a few. She said she would like to come by do puzzles, read, just anything to help give Tanner a little lift when she is up to it.

I would like to thank all the wonderful people that are there in Nebraska that are such wonderful help and support to Tanner and her family. You all truly make a difference in their lives.

Thursday, June 2, 2005 - day 1

Tanner's counts are at 0. She is still feeling all the horrible affects of the chemo - leg and joint pain and the continual dry vomiting and the mucusitis.

Friday, June 3, 2005 - day 2

Tanner slept good last night. She does have a lot of stomach, joint and leg pain and vomiting (dry). With all the medication it does keep her pretty sleepy. Tanner is tolerating everything so far and is following the course the doctors expect. She is a pretty sick little girl and with our Tanner that means there is not much talking, but she is doing her best. Her ANC count is still 0, but her hemoglobin and platelets are ok - no need for transfusions today.

Tanner's strength, fight and spirit is amazing. And all of you that continue to pray for her and be there to help are amazing. Thank you!

Saturday, June 4, 2005 - day 3

Tanner's platelets have dropped and she had to have a transfusion. Her hemoglobin is ok. At 7pm she started running a low grade fever and they are starting IV antibiotics as a precaution. They are growing a culture to see if they can determine the cause. Tanner's mouth sores are pretty bad, so bad that they are giving her morphine for the pain. They say all is to be expected. Tanner isn't talking, being sick and then with the mouth sores. She is handling it fairly well, she is staying pretty calm watching TV and resting - she is staying pretty still.

Tanner continues to need your prayers. Love to you all.

Sunday, June 5, 2005 - day 4

Still 0 counts, still battling with the pain and side effects of the chemo.

Monday, June 6, 2005 - day 5

Her counts are still at 0.

They have found a bacterial growth and are giving Tanner two types of antibiotics, one to help avoid infection in her stomach and one for the infection in her blood. Her blood cultures show negative. They are continually checking for infection in her stool. Tanner will be receiving both red blood and platelet transfusions today.

Tanner is handling it all pretty well - as well as a 6-year-old can. As you can imagine she tries to rest, watches some TV and doesn't talk. She is still being feed through an IV, she can't swallow at all. She is doing her own suctioning and mouth care. The doctors and nurses are amazed that in her condition she is doing this herself.

Things are getting rough; Hope and Brody are both not feeling well. They are both coughing, horse and have congestion. Since Chris was at home when all this started he can't go to the hospital (to risky for Tanner) and Marjorie can't come home (don't want her exposed). Dad is doing his best, but little Hope and Brody of course still miss mommy and sissy.

Thanks to all the wonderful people there in Omaha - Kelly, Liz and their families, those living across the street, next door and all the wonderful friends that are helping them get through this rough time. The dinners and babysitting really help out so much - all the things you do are just fantastic! And a special Thanks to Grandma for all her help. Marjorie always tells me how wonderful everyone is in helping out. It means so much to the whole family.

All your prayer and support mean so much.

Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - day 6

Tanner still is at 0 counts.

She is having a lot of stomach pains and diarrhea. She has a fever but it hasn't spiked. She is being watched closely for any possible infections. Her hemoglobin and platelets are good after transfusion yesterday.

The doctors say that everything is pretty normal for stem cell. What isn't normal for them is our Tanner. She is a constant amazement to them; how she does her own mouth care and suctioning, her attitude and strength, how she knows all about her treatment and what makes her feel better and what needs to be done. It isn't a surprise to us! That's our girl.

Daddy sent Tanner a wonderful present - a home video of Brody and Hope. Brody was laughing, Hope waving and telling mommy and sissy how much she loves and misses them

A special Thanks to Derek Schlossman who sent Tanner a paper he wrote on Tanner along with the ribbon where he won. Thanks to the whole family.

Thanks to the Stradling Family for the great PJs and slippers.

Thanks to Royal baseball team for the cool framed picture - she really misses you all. 

There are so many of you who do great things, send wonderful stuff and most importantly are there praying for Tanner and the family - thank you!

Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - day 7

Tanner had an echocardiogram today because of her positive blood culture to make there was no blood clotting around the tip of her line that is inside her chest. Things seem good so far. Still 0 counts. Her hemoglobin is ok but the platelets are down and she might have a transfusion tomorrow. She is on a continuous morphine drip now due to the sever stomach cramping. She has started her shots and is doing good on her mouth care.

Tanner is doing much better and even laughing some and wanting to do somersaults in bed. Mom said NO!

Doctors say she is doing very well, nothing out of the ordinary.

Thank Liz!!!

Yea! Hope and Brody are feeling good! And good news "Auntie Kelly just got in to visit."

Thursday, June 9, 2005 - day #8, day #8, #8!!!!!!

Wow, Tanner has counts - her stem cells are working!!!!!

Wow! Tanner's monosites are at 32, that is normally the first to come up. Her white blood count is at .5 and her ANC is at 10. What wonderful news.

Her hemoglobin is at 3 but her platelets are to low and she will need her third platelet transfusion since she arrived. There has been no official word on her EKG, we will let you know as soon as we hear something.

Tanner did have a bad night with a lot of stomach pains and they had to give her additional morphine for the pain. They have done another blood culture and there hasn't been any word as to the results as yet. They are considering a CT for her stomach. She continues to have diarrhea.

Day 8 wow, thank you Lord!

Friday, June 10, 2005 - day #9

Are you ready for this? Tanner's ANC count is at 348, wow it is wonderful! Tanner's platelets and hemoglobin are good, no need for any transfusions today.

On top of all the other pains, bone pain has set in. This is very normal for Tanner so they are just continuing her morphine drip and antibiotics and continuing to watch for infection.

They are going to start weaning her off her IV food and nourishment; so far she hasn't been hungry since it supplies everything her body needs. At this point they are thinking that the shot to help her counts come up might be able to be discontinued on Sunday. Of course her counts will drop some then because her body won't be getting the extra help.

Sunday, June 12, 2005 - day #11

Tanner's counts continue to climb - 5,600. She did have a brief 1/2 hour out on her patio for some fresh air.

Monday, June 13, 2005 - day #12

Wow, are things moving along. Tanner's counts are up to 7,000. Her shot (helps her counts come up and causes a lot of her pain) was stopped on Saturday so her counts will drop some in the next few days but will help get her past a lot of the pain she has been in. The pain is still pretty bad and even though the morphine drip has been discontinued she has had to have morphine a few times through her line. They are working on getting the pain down so it will be a whole lot easier for her. They are still giving her nourishment through her IV and that will continue until she is eating more on her own. At this point she has only been eating a few bites of applesauce.

It has been truly amazing - they say barring any problems she might be release tomorrow to come home. It is just amazing. She will have to continue to do some things at home like her IV antibiotics, her TPN (nourishment) and to get rest of course. Not that she is up to much movement. The doctors try to get her home to her own bed as soon as possible.

Thank you so much for all your prayers and support. Thank you to the Apostle, and those that came with him, for coming to the hospital to pray for Tanner. Thank you to all the great neighbors on U Street for all your great help and support. Thank you to Qiagen, Uncle Jeff and Auntie April for the wonderful boxes of great stuff. Thank you to Auntie Kelly for coming out we had a wonderful time and thanks so much for the beautiful photo album. 

I know you are all looking forward to an update from Marjorie; she will try to get one out as soon as possible.

Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - day #13

I don't even know how to start; it is so unbelievable Tanner is going home today. They are sending her home to finish her recovery. She is doing outstanding. With her stem cells graph taking as well as it do, her counts coming up so fast it is amazing. We all believed that she would still be there into next month.

Tanner herself called today to say she was going home and boy did she sound wonderful and what a change since the last we spoke. It was wonderful to hear her joking and teasing and most especially the giggling she was doing. Not to say she has totally recovered. She had a pretty bad night last night. So you take it day by day and hour by hour.

She is very excited the doctors said her counts are good. Her ANC dropped some it is back down to 5,000 but that is good considering they have stopped her shot. Her platelets are at 93,000, hemoglobin is at 10 all very good signs. She has been given permission to see some of her friends for a bit today. So Mom and Dad planned a great coming home trip.

Thanks to all of you for all your prayers, love and support. All the wonderful gifts, cards and fun things for Tanner were unbelievable and surely brighten Tanner's room and her experience. All of you that were there for the family through the whole ordeal have been outstanding and I know that Marjorie and Chris appreciate all that you have done. Not even the smallest thing has gone unnoticed.

Thank you all very much!

Wednesday, June 15, 2005 - day #14

Tanner is HOME!!!!!!

It was the greatest moment when we pulled up to the house and all of Tanner's friends were outside waving and holding signs, welcoming her home. She had the biggest smile on her face. She looked so beautiful and happy.

When you're in the hospital you watch so much TV, and all Tanner wanted to watch was Disney channel. On one of the shows the kids were in a limo so Tanner decided that it would be very cool for her to ride in a limo. Chris and I told her that when she was discharged from the hospital a limo would be waiting. But of course Tanner wanted to ride in the limo with her friends not just mom and dad (she had seen enough of us). When we got home the Polsleys, Bereshs, and the Larsons were all there to welcome us all home. Thank you for the great signs and the balloons. After Tanner ran into the bathroom, her and all her friends loaded up into the limo to go to Burger King (drive thru). I guess it is very cool to go thru a drive thru in a limo. Chris and I rode in front with the driver. They were all so cute, talking, playing games and playing the music very loud. It was wonderful to see Tanner with her friends and smiling, after seeing her in the hospital in the last 3 weeks. They had a great time. Thank you Royal Limo.

Tanner is home but she still has to be hooked up to her meds. She gets her antibiotic every 8 hours thru her line. She also gets her TPN for 12 hours at night thru her line. Tanner is not eating, nothing sounds good to her. She still has some diarrhea and nausea. But over all she is doing well. She is excited to be home and so is Hope she really missed Tanner. We go back to the med center on Friday for counts and to meet with Dr. Gordon. We are going to take the next couple of weeks to enjoy each other and than we will have some big decision to make regarding proton radiation. Tanner will have new scans in 2-3 weeks. Depending on what those show we need to figure out what is next, but for now we are going to take one day at a time.

Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. Thank you to Beckie and the Sankey's for dinner. It is soooo nice not to worry about what is for dinner. Thank you Thank you! Kelly thank you for coming out to visit us her in Nebraska we love you and miss you. We also wanted to thank the wonderful nurses at the med center they are wonderful. They all took great care of Tanner.

Love,

Marjorie, Chris, Tanner, Hope and Brody 

Friday, June 17, 2005 - day #15

Tanner is doing well. We went to clinic on Friday for counts; her ANC is 750, hemoglobin is 10 and her platelets are 142. Her ANC went down now that she has been off the GCSF shot. It just took a little longer to drop but if they continue to drop we might put her back on the shot for a little help. The doctors say it is not abnormal for them to drop this late. We are all surprised that her hemoglobin and platelets are holding strong, we don't think she will need any transfusions anytime soon. Tanner has had some vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. So far she is still not eating too much. Thursday night was the first time in 2 1/2 weeks that she ate food. It was a spicy bean and cheese burrito. I was worried about it being to spicy but it seems to be the only thing that she would eat. On Friday she wanted spicy chicken wings, right after she vomited. Tanner told me that the food needs to be spicy because her taste buds haven't come back yet. The doctors are keeping her on her TPN until she eats on a regular basis. The nurse practitioner made a bet with Tanner that if she eats something every day she will get Tanner a BIG stuffed animal on Monday when we go to clinic. Knowing Tanner she will make it a point to eat because she will Not lose a bet. Her energy is slowly coming back; she will go outside for a while and than she will crash on the couch for a couple of hours just vegging out (relaxing). Her team the Royals have a game on Saturday and guess what she wants to do?? Yes PLAY (SURPRISE!!!) Not even a week out of the hospital. Kids are so amazing. I know she is very excited to see all her team mates. Thank you Royals for the great cards and gifts while Tanner was in the hospital.

I hope everyone has a GREAT FATHER'S DAY!!! I know Chris will; he is just soooo happy that Tanner is out of the hospital. It makes the day just that much sweeter.

Thank you to all of our Wonderful neighbors for the delicious dinners we have been getting. Thank you Judy. Thank you to Mrs. Iblings and her first grade class, Tanner's first grade class in California for the box of goodies (art supplies, books, games, letters, pictures). We miss you guys and hope you have a GREAT summer. Thank you Amy (great neighbor) for watching Hope today while we went to clinic. Thank you Emma, Nick and Dereck for your letters and pictures Tanner misses you all soooo much. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Marjorie, Chris, Tanner, Hope, and Brody

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Tanner is doing GREAT!!!

We had a good weekend, Tanner got to play in her baseball game on Saturday and she did such a good job. She hit it to the fence, almost a HOME RUN. On Monday Tanner had her clinic appointment her ANC is 700, red blood and platelets are both up. The nausea is getting a little better, Sunday was the last day she has thrown up. Some smells still make her feel like she has to vomit. But over all she is doing well. She is eating a little more but still only the spicy stuff. She is still getting her TPN for 12 hours at night and her antibiotic every 8 hours. Chris and Tanner went down to Rosenblatt Stadium, where the college world series is at, to see all the cool baseball stuff. But it got to hot for Tanner. It has been very hot the last couple of days. We also got a visitor in from California late Monday night, GRAMMIE. Tanner was soooo excited for grammie to come visit; we will have lots of fun. Tanner has a clinic appointment on Thursday to check her counts.

Thanks Steve and Kelly for the College World Series tickets for Wednesday, I think Chris is VERY excited. Uncle Jeff sent Tanner a big box of gifts and cards that had been sent to the PO Box. There were so many nice and wonderful things said in all of the letters. It is just amazing to see how Tanner has touched so many hearts. Thank you for always checking on Tanner. I also want to thank the Earwickers and the Pattersons for your letters and gifts.

Love

Marjorie, Chris, Tanner, Hope and Brody

 Thursday, June 23, 2005

Tanner's counts are coming up, slowly but they are coming up. Her ANC is 786; red blood is 10.8 and platelets 140. Her appetite is coming back; she is only eating things that are spicy. The doctors said that it is very normal; her taste buds should be back to normal in about two months. No more vomiting or nausea. YA, YA!!! The doctors are reducing her TPN to every 8 hours. She will be on her IV antibiotics until the 26th of June.

Tanner had a baseball game on Wednesday; she had to sit out some of the game she got a little tried. She has a double header on Saturday she is very excited. After her doctors appointment today we headed off to the zoo with grammie. We did not stay very long because today was so hot here in Nebraska. Yes, it does get hot here!!!

Chris has been working a lot due to the college world series; he has three to four games a day. I am so glad that grammie is here to help with Hope, Brody and Tanner. Thanks mom.

Thank you Marie, another GREAT neighbor on "U" street, for dinner it was wonderful. Thank you for all thoughts and prayers for Tanner. Have a GREAT weekend.

Love,

Marjorie, Chris, Tanner, Hope and Brody 

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Another crazy time in the Lusk household. Tanner got a fever late Saturday night, 101. Chris and I were very worried because Tanner is already on IV antibiotics, if she got an infection when she is getting antibiotics it would have to be pretty bad. But we tried not to assume the worst, easier said than done. They drew labs and blood cultures. Shortly after we got there Tanner's fever broke all on its own. Within the hour her labs came back, everything looked good. Her ANC was 956. They decided to send us home and they would call us if anything grew from the blood cultures. Late Sunday night Chris got a call that Tanner has a positive fungus infection. We took Tanner to the hospital for an EKG on Monday to see if she had a blood clot at the end of her central line in her chest (no results).Tanner did some more labs and blood cultures, and again her labs came back great. Her ANC is 1762. No results from the blood cultures they normally take 24 hours. The doctors came in and examined her and they were a little surprised, because kids with fungus infections are pretty sick and need to be admitted to the hospital. But not Tanner she is not sick and not running anymore fevers. Tanner is anything but normal. So the plan for NOW is to treat the infection with a new IV antibiotic, fluconazole for two weeks and keep a closer eye on her than we normally do. This could all change if the other test comes back with other results. If there is a clot at the end of the line, her central line will be pulled out right away. Tanner will go back to clinic on Thursday to repeat everything again. She will be having new scans at Children's Hospital the second week in July, Please Pray for CLEAR results!!!

The whole time we were in clinic Tanner kept asking what time it was because she had her final baseball game with the pizza party and the trophies were going to be handed out. Tanner was not going to miss that last game infection or not. She made it to her game and had the best time with all her team mates. Good Job Royals!!! I can't believe that Tanner started playing baseball, (we thought she would only be able to play in a couple of the games) took 3 weeks off to have a stem cell rescue and is back to finish off the season PLAYING!!! Tanner you are amazing!!

Thank you Steve Beresh for saving the Lusk family ONCE AGAIN!!! Our air conditioning went out on a HOT, HOT day and Steve saved the day. I know I have said this before but I truly do not know where we would be without the Beresh's they are GREAT friends. Thank you grammie for being here for Hope and Brody so Chris and I could be with Tanner on Saturday and Monday. Also the Royals, (coach Joe) thank you for giving Tanner something to look forward to, something to get excited about, and something to make her feel NORMAL (like a kid) Thank you to all the GREAT kids and families. Thanks Joe you are a wonderful coach!!!

Love,

Marjorie, Chris, Tanner, Hope and Brody

Thursday, June 30, 2005

Well yesterday Tanner did have to have her central line removed and they did NOT sedate her! It might be the possible cause of her infection. Mom and Dad said it was by far the worse thing she was awake to experience. Now her antibiotics will all be given to her by mouth. She will have to eat more since she will not be on her TPN. But she did it like she does it all and was happy to come home after. She had some vomiting on the way home but shortly after was eating one of her favorites; lettuce salad and Italian dressing. I know Marjorie will give an update soon.

Friday, July 1, 2005

Hi, sorry it has been so long for an update. Tanner had another positive fungus infection on Mondays blood cultures so we had to have her central line pulled ASAP. We are hoping that the infection is coming from the line, because Tanner is showing no sign of a fungus infection, she is doing GREAT. I knew that Tanner was very brave and strong but after seeing her line being pulled out of her chest, I was overwhelmed. Chris and I had to hold her down while the doctor was cutting and digging the line from Tanner's chest. It was the MOST horrible experience that we have been through. I have never seen Tanner in so much pain; she was begging us to help her. The doctor said it was so hard to remove because the line had been in her chest over six months and the skin was growing around it. NEVER AGAIN will we do that; I don't care how fast they say they can remove it. If all goes well Tanner will never have another line again. After the line removal Tanner got to go to Toys R Us to pick out ANY toy, boy did she deserve that. Tanner has been eating a little better but we need to keep up on her liquids. She now needs to take her fluconazole by mouth; she no longer is on TPN or her other antibiotic. Chris and I took Tanner to clinic on Thursday; she got to bring her cousin Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn, Papa and Mar are out visiting and she is having so much FUN!!! Tanner's ANC is down to 800. The doctors said that it is normal for her ANC to move up and down for about a year. But everything else looks great. They took blood from her arm for blood cultures to see if the infection is in her blood. (no results) We should get them within 24 hours if there is an infection. Tanner will go back to the clinic on Tuesday for more labs, if no fevers or problems over the weekend. No Fevers, No Fevers, No Fevers!!!!!!!!

We are looking forward to a great 4th of July, we will be at the Beresh's with TONS of fireworks. It is a lot different here in Nebraska, they do fireworks (BIG fireworks) Chris is VERY excited because not only can he do the fireworks but they are sooooo much cheaper out here. Chris has been lighting some off almost every night. (I am sure the neighbors love us)

Have a GREAT 4th of July and treasure every moment with your kids, because there are so many families who don't get to have these moments. Enjoy and play with your kids.

Thank you Grammie for coming out, we had a great trip. We love you. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers for Tanner. Please keep Skylar in your prayers; he is a sweet boy who will be doing stem cell very soon. YOU CAN DO IT SKYLAR!!!!!!

Love,

Marjorie, Chris, Tanner, Hope, and Brody

Thursday, July 7, 2005

Tanner is doing GREAT!!!!

We had the best 4th of July!!!! Chris thinks it should be a tourist attraction for Nebraska. There were fireworks EVERY WHERE. For those of us who are from California, it was amazing because we can't even light a sparkler with out getting arrested. Thank you to the O'Conner family for including us in their celebration at Ginger Cove, for the most beautiful firework display. Also thank you to the Beresh's for welcoming our friends and family to join them on the 4th of July. We had a wonderful time with lots of fun and lots of food. And thanks for letting Chris get A LOT crazy with all the fireworks, he had the greatest time. Thanks 

Tanner had her clinic appointment on Tuesday and she does not have a growth in her blood cultures from last Thursday. The fungus infection was only in her line. So even though it was the most horrible experience, I am so glad we got that line out of her. It would have been very hard to treat if it was in her blood. Tanner will have to continue to take the antibiotic for two weeks.

The best news of all is that Tanner is released from the Nebraska Medical Center; she will continue her care at Children's Hospital. She will be having her next scans on the 14th of July. She will do a brain MRI and CT of chest. We are hoping for no new lesions and the ones that were there to be much smaller. After her scans we have a clinic appointment with Dr. Thompson to figure out our next step based on the results. We will also have a consult with a radiation oncologist to get their opinion on what type of radiation will benefit Tanner. At this point they are thinking Proton Radiation which is not available in Omaha, Nebraska. So we might be coming back to California very soon. We should have more info after Thursdays scans. Taking it day by day and not able to plan much of anything is not very easy.

We are getting more nervous than usual because we are no longer treating Tanner's cancer. It feels like we are just waiting for it to grow back. It is very scary!!! When she was under treatment it was like our safety net, we were stopping the cancer from growing and taking over Tanner's

body, but now we just have to wait and see what happens and hope that everything that has been done, will work.  We always look forward to the end of treatment but we also dread what could come back. It is a HORRIBLE feeling.  On a brighter note, Tanner will be going to CAMP!!!!! I did not think it would be possible this year, right after stem cell, but it is. It is Camp CoHoLo a children's cancer camp. It will be July 17th through July 20th, yes it is OVERNIGHT!!! I am very nervous; Tanner has NOT been away from one of us EVER. Kelly Beresh and Anisa (oncology nurse) had to talk me into it. We know Tanner would have a great time and she does deserve to have a great time with other kids, it is REALLY hard to let her go. At first she did not want to go but we told her that Jake Beresh and Josh Larson will be there and lots of her doctors and nurses will also be there with her to have lots of fun. Tanner finally agreed to go, she is ready for camp. Mom and Dad are not but we know she will be in GREAT hands (Anisa no pressure).

Thank you to Papa, Mar and Kaitlyn we had a GREAT time when you guys were out. Thank you for watching Hope and Brody so we could be with Tanner, together for her clinic appointments.

We love you. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers for Tanner. It is truly amazing!!!!

Love,

Marjorie, Chris, Tanner, Hope and Brody

Thursday, July 14, 2005

I just heard from Marjorie. Tanner's MRI came back with wonderful good news - The tumors are smaller and they don't see any new ones.

They are having a busy day; they are also meeting with a radiologist about Proton Radiation. I am sure that Marjorie will provide an update just as soon as she can.

Thanks for all your continued prayers and support. Thanks Amy and Christine for taking care of Hope and Brody.

Thursday, July 14, 2005 (later that night)

Yes, we can breathe now, the scans went very well. No new tumors and the tumors that are there are smaller. We went to clinic today to meet with Dr. Thompson to plan our next step in Tanner's treatment. We will be meeting Dr. Ramon (radiation oncologist) tomorrow to get his opinion about proton radiation and the side effects, and we have to figure out how much radiation she will need to be effective for Ewing's sarcoma. Dr. Thompson wants to move quickly on the radiation, so once Dr. Ramon shares his opinion she will send all of Tanner's info to another radiation oncologist at Loma Linda Medical Center, were they do proton radiation. Chris and I want to do everything we can to prevent this cancer from coming back into Tanner's body, we know there are risks to all of the treatment but our other choice is to monitor her and that risk is much greater (her life).  We are hoping that Loma Linda Medical Center will be able to fit her in soon, so that we can get this all started. 

Tanner will be going to camp Sunday morning and we are getting very excited for her, she will have so much fun. It will be very hard to not have her at home for three days; it is going to be weird. (Good weird) We will miss her, but we are so proud of her, she is so strong.

Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers for Tanner. Thank you to Amy and Christine for watching Hope and Brody, you guys are GREAT!! Thank you Liz for helping us pass the time today. And thank you to Angela for all you help and advice on proton radiation, it is really nice to talk to a parent who has gone thru all of this. 

THANK YOU!!!!!

Love,

Marjorie, Chris, Tanner, Hope and Brody           

Saturday, July 16, 2005

We met with Dr. Ramon (radiation oncologist) today regarding his recommendation for Tanner's radiation treatment. Dr. Ramon was very positive about Tanner's care and he did recommend Proton Beam Radiation to her brain and spine. He did talk to us about her long term side effects, Tanner will have a harder time in school, as he put it, "she won't be a rocket scientist but she will be here and happy and she will NOT be an idiot".  He also said that "she will not be as tall as she would have been". Dr. Ramon told us he is making Tanner his number one priority and that he and Dr. Thompson have already put together all of Tanner's reports and scans to send off to Loma Linda. But Dr. Ramon did make us aware of one thing that we had no idea of, Loma Linda does not have to accept Tanner as a patient. Do to all of Tanner's abnormal treatment such as stem cell rescue, gamma knife radiation and her chemo treatments; Tanner does not fit into the normal category of treatment for Ewing's sarcoma. What he was saying is that just because he and Dr. Thompson both recommend the Proton radiation  that does not mean they will accept Tanner for the treatment. There are only two locations in the country that he would refer Tanner, Loma Linda, California or Boston, Massachusetts. We would prefer Loma Linda but if they reject Tanner or they can not fit her in soon, we will have to see what Boston has to say. Dr. Ramon said he would be checking out both places. Depending on which facility will accept her and can get her in right away is where we will be going. He said "since you have come this far and beaten all the odds we should not stop now and leave any stone uncovered". We know that Dr. Thompson and the other oncologist out here in Omaha have gone above and beyond the treatment for Tanner, but Dr. Ramon also told us that if we would have stayed and done what was originally recommended for Tanner, she would not be here today with us. THANK YOU so much to the Beresh's, Larson's and Anisa for all the encouragement to come to Omaha. All of you have SAVED our daughter's life. Thank you so much. So now we are just waiting for the word from Dr. Ramon to go. Where ever that might be, we are ready and willing to do anything. Tanner has beaten the odds so far and she WILL continue to do so. We will not take no for an answer, Tanner will get treatment in one of those locations. They can't put Tanner in that category of Ewing's sarcoma, because she is not a normal case and she will not be treated like one. 

Sorry I just get so upset when we came this far and now we are depending on someone to accept her as a patient, it is frustrating.

Please pray they accept Tanner into treatment for proton radiation.

We had the Omaha News here at our house on Wednesday to do a story on our family and the foundation In the Arms of Friends, a childhood cancer foundation, formed by Kellie Beresh and Liz Larson. The website is http://web.archive.org/web/20060715131152/http:/www.inthearmsoffriends.org/. You can view the story on the website of Omaha Channel it is http://web.archive.org/web/20060715131152/http:/www.theomahachannel.com/ go to Julie's Diary and click on Tanner and Chris' picture. They did a great job and were very nice.

We are taking Tanner to camp tomorrow morning; we are very excited for her. She will have a GREAT time.

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers for Tanner and our family. Thank you Christine and Nolan for all your help on Friday.

Love,

Marjorie, Chris, Tanner, Hope and Brody

Monday, July 18. 2005

Tanner is at camp and doing WONDERFUL!!! We are so glad that Tanner was able to go to camp. We never thought in a million years that she would be able to go so soon after stem cell. Chris and I are doing OK. Last night was a little hard without Tanner; we are so used to having here with us all the time. We also had a thunder storm, which made us worry even more. Chris even called Steve Beresh to make sure he didn't need to go out and get her. He blamed it on the weather, but he just wanted to see how she was doing and take her home. We would not be doing as well if we didn't have the GREAT ANISA; she gave us a phone call to tell us that Tanner is doing just fine. She also takes pictures of all the kids and posts them on the camps website.  We can see them every day and see how they are doing. Thank you Anisa, because after having to monitor Tanner's every move it's like we don't know what to do with ourselves. We pick up Tanner on Wednesday morning and we can't wait.

No word from the doctors regarding radiation we are hoping by the end of the week.

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. Please pray for our little friend Skylar Berry he was just admitted into the hospital for his stem cell rescue. You can do it SKYLAR!!!!

Love,

Marjorie, Chris, Tanner, Hope, and Brody,

Friday, July 22, 2005

Everyone is a bit worried. Tanner's doctor has not been able to get approval from either Loma Linda or Boston. Tanner can't wait much longer they need to get the treatment started as soon as possible. They are putting together a back up plan but it will come with a lot more very damaging side affects. They will meet again on Monday to see what has been done over the weekend. Tanner desperately needs this Proton Beam Radiation to keep this monster from taking a hold of her body.

Tanner did have a great time at camp and spent yesterday sort of resting up and watching some TV. Today they are trying to put their worries aside and everyone is off to a water park. Please keep them in your prayer, as you always do. We will let you know something as soon as we hear.

Sunday, July 24, 2005

Happy Birthday Hope!

Monday, July 25, 2005

I am very sorry it has been so long since I have last updated. Tanner is doing wonderful as usual. We got a contact at Loma Linda Medical Center and they are going to review Tanner's file tomorrow. They said that they will call us in the morning, but its sounds promising. Tanner and I will be on

the next flight back to California as soon as we hear. Things around here are a little crazy and when I get some more time I will update in detail.

Thank you Dr. Raman, you are a one of a kind doctor. You gave Chris and I the courage to never give up hope.  Tanner is a miracle and thanks to you she will continue to be our miracle.

THANK YOU everyone for all of your thoughts and prayers. Thank you to the Earwicker and the Peterson families for letters, books and candy, Tanner loves getting mail from you. Thank you for making Tanner feel so special. Thank you to the Beresh, Larson, Polsley and Sankey families for sharing in Hope's second birthday.

Love,

Marjorie, Chris, Tanner, Hope and Brody

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

TANNER needs YOUR help!

Tanner NEEDS the Proton Beam Radiation.

Does anyone have any contacts with Loma Linda Medical Center or Boston Medical Center?

Tanner has been doing very well on a non-Ewing's protocol and her doctors say what she needs now is Proton Beam Radiation and of course everything in this fight needs to be started as soon as possible. You have all been so wonderful and we need your help again. If you can please help us in this fight, Please go to Where's Tanner - Contact page and send an email. Thanks for your help.

Tanner's doctor openly states that she is a MIRACLE to have gotten this far and to be in the physical shape she is in. Thank you so much for all your prayers, love and support.

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Tanner has a consult set up for Wednesday the 3rd of Aug at 9am at Loma Linda Medical Center and a planning CT on Thursday the 4th of Aug at 9am. This is still not a guarantee to treat but it is a step in the right direction.

THANK YOU for all of the help, thoughts and prayers to make this happen. We are not giving up our contacts at Boston and Bloomington in case Loma Linda decides not to treat. Please continue to pray that Loma Linda continues to help Tanner.

Thank you, The Lusk Family

Monday, August 1, 2005

Well the family is all together again. Marjorie, Tanner, Hope and Brody got in to California safely on Saturday. Hope was a little under the weather and not feeling to well after all the traveling or maybe it was a flu bug that got her. They were met at the airport by some very excited family.

Chris (and Lucky) met up with the family on Monday after some very long traveling days. But all are together again. But Tuesday evening they are off to the area of Loma Linda so they will be there bright and early on Wednesday morning to meet with the doctors. It is our hope and prayers that they will agree to begin treatment just as soon as all her prep work is complete.

 Executive K-9  - Jerry, specializes in obedience and protection - he can be reached at 818-269-4087. Thanks again Jerry! For those of you who give Jerry a call - tell him Tanner sent you!

Wednesday, August 3, 2005

TANNER HAS BEEN ACCEPTED AT LOMA LIND FOR PROTON BEAM RADIATION!!!!!!!!

It will take approximately 1 1/2 to 2 weeks for them to develop a treatment plan. Tomorrow at 8am she will be going in for a planning CT from the top of her head to the bottom of her spine. They will be meeting with several individuals to work out all the details on how they will move forward on this new treatment.

Thank you for all your prayers and support.

Friday, August 5, 2005

Yesterday, Tanner spent the morning and afternoon at Loma Linda undergoing tests so that they can put together a treatment plan. Marjorie and Chris met with doctors and social workers to see how everything will proceed from here. Housing still seems to be an issue since it is an hour and a half drive each way and we don't think Tanner will be up to that twice a day. She does have an appointment next week to have a pic-line put in her arm and at that time everyone will learn more on how the treatments will proceed. Everyone did return home yesterday afternoon for some much needed rest.

Tuesday, August 9, 2005

Tanner is still waiting her appointment for her pic-line and her first visit with her Oncologist at Loma Linda.

In the mean-time Tanner has been doing some visiting with old friends and family, doing some swimming, going to the movies and just hanging with cousins and kids on the block.

Thursday, August 11, 2005

Tanner has an appointment with an Oncologist at Loma Linda tomorrow at 9 am. They will not be putting in her pic-line until the first day of treatment. At this point they are looking for her treatments to start either next Wednesday or Thursday, if for some reason they can't make that happen then they will wait and start treatment on Monday, August 22nd.

In the mean-time out Tanner is enjoying visiting with family and friends. Today it was a play date with Emma. Boy were they excited to see each other. 

Monday, August 15, 2005

The appointment with Tanner's new Oncologist went well on Friday and it looks like her treatment will start on Monday the 22nd.

A Hugh Thank You to PAT for opening her home. Tanner, Marjorie and Brody will be staying with Pat throughout the week. Pat was wonderful and even went to Loma Linda with Tanner and Marjorie on Friday. Hope is one special girl; she will be getting all of Daddy's attention.

Tanner had a great time over the weekend. Bowling was great fun as well as visiting the Old Train Station in Fillmore. She is now the Captain in charge of her own train - of course giving out orders to the train conductor and her assistant.

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

They have received word that Tanner's treatment will begin on Monday, August 22nd. In the mean-time Tanner has been enjoying some summer fun with a trip to Disneyland and play dates with friends and teacher over the last couple of days. She has been fighting an ear infection that does seem to want to go away.

Thursday, August 18, 2005

GUS' TOOLS will be closing their doors. Effective immediately there is a hugh floor to ceiling sale - everything needs to go. Please come out and support the family in their move.

Monday, August 22, 2005 - Proton Beam Radiation #1 out of #20

4:15 pm - they have finally left the hospital. Tanner seems to be doing pretty good. Her eye is bothering her and they don't exactly know why, they did give her some eye drops and of course she is not in a real pleasant mood (who would after being sedated from 4 hours, not eating all day and facing setting in a seat belt for an hour or so). Talked to Marjorie as she was ordering some food, first that either one had eaten all day. Now they are trying to get on the freeway in peak traffic. They will also have to meet up with Chris sometime tonight, hospital policy won't allow Brody to stay - he needs to go home with dad. What a day!

1:20 pm - Just received a call from Marjorie, Tanner has completed her radiation for today and is in getting her pic-line. She went in for radiation at 9:45 am and came out at 1:20 pm. They said that today would be a little longer than the rest because of it being the first treatment and reviewing all the measurements. Marjorie hasn't gotten to see Tanner yet, and won't until they have completed her pic-line and have moved her to recovery.

Brody has been wonderful helping mommy and Sissy. Hope is helping daddy while the rest of the family are away.

Thanks Pat for taking Marjorie, Tanner and Brody into your home and making this all so much easier, you are the greatest! 

Tuesday, August 23, 2005 - day #2 of 20

Well they are on their way back to Pat's. Another full day. They found that the trouble with Tanner's eye was due to the tape they were using to close her eyelids - they will be using paper tape going forward. There was some trouble with Tanner's blood pressure going to high they will have to watch her carefully and try to change up the mediations used to sedate her.

Tanner is getting a very full treatment, they are radiating 5 fields every day and they have to make sure they are not overlapping any of the areas. For anyone that wants to know some more information about Proton Beam Radiation there is a story on a doctor in Houston in PEOPLES magazine (the one with Britney Spears on the cover).

After a quick stop at the cafeteria, once Tanner was released from recovery, it was off to see her new Oncologist before heading out. Wow - what a full day.

They say tomorrow should be a little shorter day.

Wednesday, August 24, 2005 - day #3 of 20

Well this was a much better day for Tanner, Marjorie and family. Treatment today only took from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm and then only one hour in recovery so they are one their way home as of 2:30. Though Marjorie did say that today they gave Tanner a HAPPY sedation and she realized it still hadn't totally left Tanner system as she was doing some very funny things in the car (holding her nose on the window and talking pretty slow). They are happy to go home and see Hope, Brody and dad tonight and will be heading back for their appointment at 10am tomorrow.

Last night Tanner felt up to some fun, going to the park, playing some tennis and even some baseball practice before heading to In & Out for dinner.

Monday, August 29, 2005 - day #5 of 20

Well it has been a busy few days.

Thursday - day #4 of 20 was a little scary. There was a new team that took Tanner in and they seemed very unprepared. It was very upsetting to Marjorie who went right to Gail. Thank you Gail for your care and understanding. It is very important to feel confident and comfortable with the radiation team, Marjorie didn't feel either of these. But with Gail's help all went well - THANK YOU GAIL!

Friday - Treatment was cancelled due to the proton machine being down. Treatment #4 will be added to the end. Marjorie and Tanner were both very excited to come home early and beat the traffic.

Tanner's blood is reviewed every Tuesday - as so last Tuesday her ANC count was at 2200 and her platelets and red blood were within normal range.

Weekend - Thank you to Darren and Tiffany for the Dodger tickets for both Saturday and Sunday - Tanner and Chris had a great time at the games.

Thank you to Derrick and family for opening your home to the family on Saturday.

Thank you to Joann and John for the great transportation. It just couldn't be done without you.

Christina - you make things so great. No need to worry about Hope and Brody. Hope says "I wanna see Kyle, mom." It is great that she is looking forward to spending time with her cousins not upset about mom and Tanner being gone. Thanks so much for everything Christina.

Thursday, September 1, 2005 - day #7 of 20

Tuesday went according to plan and was a good day. Grammie brought Hopie and Brody out to visit and spend the night. Tanner made dinner PB&J and cookies and ice cream. Thanks Tanner, dinner was great!

Wednesday Gail called;