Dec 08

Finally Tanner is feeling good. He is counting the days till he can come home, even though it is only for a few days. He had a group of 3 of his friends visit yesterday, when he saw them he was so excited. But apparently one of this group brought some play toys with him and lets just say the nursing staff was happy for them to come but more excited to see them leave. It was good to see him finally a bit more upbeat.
On Monday the people from the transplant team met with Kristi and Tanner. They said that the hospital had run out of sugar so there was not enough to sugarcoat any of the discussion. Plain and simple this will we an extremely difficult next few months. I have no doubt that Tanner can fight this but nevertheless I cannot say I know how he feels and what it is like. I only know that through faith, prayers and the love of our father in heaven he will indeed serve the mission he was called to fulfill.

Post from Mom...

Good evening,
Boy has the snow moved into Salt Lake, I heard logan got hit hard and fast as well. Tanner has a window that faces north so we were about to watch the storm move in. It looks like I will be spending the night in the ever so comfortable fold out chairs in his room, roads are to bad to leave.
Any way Tanner had a really good morning, he showered and shaved, and sat in the chair for awhile and then wanted a Arby's sandwich for lunch. it was good to see him feeling better. That was this morning this afternoon he started feeling crappy and with another 104.fever, ice bags and tylenol help but it's hard to reduce the fever. His spirits are ok tonight, we are just watching the storm before the next round of chemo begins it's day 6.
Thanks for your love and prayers, this is going to be a very long journey, and we are so grateful for the love we feel.

Day 4

Dad the author of this post. I had the opportunity to spend a couple of days with Tanner at his bedside. First and foremost This is the first time spending the whole day while receiving treatments. I want you all to know the staff here on the 4Th floor is truly amazing and totally dedicated and committed to patient care. What ever you need they are here for you. If you have a question they will get the answer although when our quiet rocking chair was swapped out to the room next door no one could say why we got the squeaky on. Lets just say the squeaky wheel (rocker) gets the grease. I have been told what awesome nurses are here but now I can say I have seen them in action.

Today has been pretty much the same, Thankfully minimal nausea. The meds cause him to sleep most of the time and interesting he tells me he can hear church music from the second floor. It is Sunday you know. He is extremely weak and tired, but has not eaten much or been out of bed all week. Manny his nurse told me this is due to low blood pressure caused from extremely low blood count from chemo. He will receive 2 units this afternoon and that should make a big difference with how he feels. even with only 1/2 unit in him his pressures are beginning to come up. He also has had a fever most of the day. this too is a side effect of chemo. 4 days down 6 to go with treatment.

I want to let you know that while he may be confused as to what day it is he does remember the things that go on during the day. It is interesting to watch how he and his nurses interact. They are asking him the questions not dad. He does let them know if he is hurting and if he needs anything.

I am deeply appreciative of the acts of kindness shown to our family. I cannot express my feelings when I am told of the visits, calls, etc. during this difficult time for my family. Just know that we will all know why we have these trials and that we will all be made stronger from them.

Day 3 of Chemo

Tanner has started day 3 of his chemo treatments. Mom says that he has been fighting a fever all day today. He still is nauseated at times. They are trying to control this with medications. He is still resting well.

Thank you to any and all visitors who have stopped by, you are very much appreciated. Also thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers.

Also Donna and Steve Reeder came by with a get well book from the students at Logan High. Thank you to all of you who took the time to sign it, it means a lot, not only to him but to our whole family.

Update...

Good Morning!

I just got off the phone with my mom.  She said Tanner started his first round of chemo yesterday.  He has had some nausea and a dry mouth.

This morning he developed a fever which they are controlling due to his blood counts being low.  He is resting well.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers!