Tanner's Updates:

November 19, 2004

Hello everyone, it's Paul. I just wanted to update everyone about my trip to Boston yesterday. My brother-in-law Jamie and I had traveled to Boston to meet with one of the nations top transplant specialists, Dr. Ian Thornley of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children's Hospital of Boston . In our two hour meeting with Dr. Thornley we had discussed three main factors in receiving a “cord stemcell” transplant for Tanner.

•  You need to have a close enough, if not “perfect” match.

•  You need to have the disease under control.

•  The recipient must be in good physical condition.

Well, unfortunately Tanner only has one of the three conditions. We have a close enough match in a “cord stemcell” specimen but Tanner's Leukemia is out of control and his little body, due to the bacterial infection of three weeks ago, is in poor condition. We were informed that our son may not even make it through the preliminary chemical and medicine conditioning needed before the actual transplant. Our main concern is that we make Tanner as comfortable and pain free as possible at this time. We appreciate your continued prayers and support during this difficult time.

Love and God Bless,

Paul

November 15, 2004

I just want to thank everyone for your prayers and support. I spent most of the weekend with dad and we watched a lot of football on t.v. I am still in some pain and discomfort but I am doing o.k. Oh, by the way, we moved again. I am in my old room #D727, phone 262.0319.

Love,

Tanner

November 11, 2004

Hello everyone, it is Tanner's father, Paul. I am sure most of you have heard of the saying that, “no news is good news”. Unfortunately, that is not the reason why I haven't updated the website in over three weeks. Around mid October, while waiting for the results of how the chemotherapy Vidaza had performed, Tanner's health had been severely compromised. Tanner's body had been attacked by bacteria known as “gram negative rod”. This form of bacteria comes from within ones own body, especially when the individuals immune system has been suppressed the way Tanner's has been, through chemotherapy. On Wednesday (10.27.04), Tammy had noticed that Tanner was very uncomfortable and very sensitive around the mid section of his body, as if he was having stomach cramps. I had come home for lunch that day and suggested that we should take his temperature. His temperature had risen over 102 degrees and we immediately called Tanner's doctor who admitted him right away. After running tests they had found the bacteria. The “gram negative rod” in someone like Tanner, can be deadly. The bacteria will cause the digestive organs to shut down. On Thursday, my little boy's life was “hanging on by a thread”. That was truly the longest night of our lives. The doctors didn't think he would make it through the night. By morning I recall a doctor saying, “I am surprised to see you here”. With the grace of God, a miracle, and a strong body, Tanner had managed to remain stable through the morning and afternoon. On Friday evening around 6:30 p.m. , while surrounded by family and loved ones, Tanner's condition had taken a turn in a positive direction. Tanner had released some flatulence and shortly after that he had a bowel movement, which in this case, was music to my ears. That had signified that his digestive system had begun to move again and return to normal functions. I can truly say that I have witnessed a miracle and seen the awesome power of prayer. Tanner's mid section was very distended from all of the liquids and medicines that had been pumped into him and consequently, still very sore to the touch. On Saturday the doctors had noticed that he also had contracted a “yeast fungus” in one of the lumens of his catheter. Unlike the bacteria, that was an easy obstacle to handle. On Sunday, Tanner and I had a calm Halloween. We watched cartoons in a hospital bed while Tammy had taken Adara out trick-or-treating. From that time until now Tanner has been recovering and placed back onto the “Vidaza” chemotherapy. His doctor has also introduced, believe it or not, “arsenic” into his chemo regimen. Even though “arsenic” is very experimental, it has been proven to cause “bad” cells to accelerate their growth cycle and die off quickly. Tanner is slowly but surely regaining his strength. He is by no means “out of the woods” yet, but with our prayers, God's mercy and undying love, we get to enjoy the life that has been entrusted to us for one more day.

Thank you for all of your prayers, love, and support. I will be writing to you soon. We are in room D728, phone number 518.262.0320.

Love,

Paul

October 15, 2004

I am sorry my Dad hasn't updated the web site in awhile but we were having too much fun being at home these past few weeks. After the Mylotarg chemotherapy the doctors have found a new chemo that they haven't used in a long time. Mom and Dad were told that this chemo, called “Vidaza”, was used in combination with oyher chemos about fifteen years ago. John Hopkins had done a study on this drug back in May, which utilized the drug all by itself. AML patients that were refractory and placed on Vidaza alone had displayed promising results. Whether it was the effect of the Myloyarg or the Vidaza my counts are down and I am headed in the right direction. Thank You for all your prayers and support.

Love, Tanner

October 1, 2004

I have been sent home again yesterday (9.30.2004) and I'll be making daily visits to the clinic. Feel free to visit but please call first. Before I forget, take a look in the photo section of this site to see pictures taken of last Fridays Light The Night Walk.

This past week I had my second treatment of Mylotarg. The first couple of days were tough but I am hanging in there.

Wow, what a incredible event last Friday night. I was glad I could attend. My Mom and Dad were overwhelmed with the love and support that was shown towards me and kids like me with blood cancers and disorders.

Hi, its Tanner's parents Tammy and Paul. We would like to especially thank: Tanner's Aunt Theresa, our friend “ Auntie Mo ” Maureen Rizzuto, Uncle Jamie and Aunt Terry Northrup, Tom Savoca , Monica Marini, Jerry and Lisa Pizzemento, and Brendan and Tami Rhatigan, for all their help, hard work, never ending phone calls and follow-ups, to make last Friday night a great success. Without family, loved ones, friends, and a support groups like these, we would truly be lost!!! Thank you, from the bottom of our heats… The Zullos

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk at The Crossings in Colonie , N.Y. estimated statistics :

Attendance – 1,500 people (The L&L Society ran out of 1,000 balloons)

Bone Marrow Donor Drive – 180 people tested (annually average 60-70)

September 24, 2004

Well tonight is the big night!!! “Light The Night” walk. I hope I can join you but I had a fever on Wednesday and I landed back up in the hospital. Luckily, I am in the “penthouse suit” room D726, 262.0318. If my fever goes down the doctors will let me sneak away for awhile tonight. Take a look at my photos page to see some stills of me and my family on Fox New 23 last night. See you soon… Tanner

September 21, 2004

The chemotherapy “Mylotarg” can't keep me feel down for long. The doctors say that I have responded well to Mylotarg and have sent me back home on Sunday afternoon. I had to go to the clinic today to receive some platelets and I have to get some red blood cells tomorrow. You may want to watch Fox News tomorrow at 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm . They are going to do a story on me and I hope mom and dad don't get camera shy.

September 17, 2004

Thank you everyone for your prayers and support. I was feeling very sick these past few days because of the chemotherapy but now my fever has gone down and I am feeling a little better. Daddy says he'll do his best to update the site every other day.

Love, Tanner

September 15, 2004

Please come and join us at “The Light The Night Walk” on Friday September 24, 2004 at Crossings of Colonie , Albany-Shaker Road , Albany N.Y. 12205 . The event, starting at 5:30 pm , is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's annual evening walk to raise funds for blood cancer research and patient services. More importantly, you will have the opportunity to have your blood tested to see if your bone marrow matches mine. For more information please go to http://www.lightthenight.org/all_cal_detail.adp?item_id=303245 or call Allana Birkett at 518.438.3583 or toll free 866.255.3583.

My aunti Mo is the team captain for all those who are walking in my name. For more information about TannerZfight team please feel free to contact Maureen Rizzuto at 518.869.8222.

September 14, 2004

Tanner has received a chemotherapy called Mylotarg. Tanner's side effects have included nausea and a high fever which are now slowly being reduced.

September 11, 2004

Hello everyone, its Tanner's father Paul. I regret to inform you that I have bad news. Tammy and I have been told that Tanner has “slipped out of remission”. His AML condition is becoming more refractory day by day. We need your prayers and support more than ever. Tanner will be placed on a “phase II trial chemotherapy” which hopefully will buy us time in order for a transplant. At this time we do not have a bone marrow donor!

August 24 – September 10, 2004

I have enjoyed some quality time at home with my family including a long and fun filled Labor Day weekend.

August 9 – August 23, 2004 Here's an exciting two week review…

Thank you for your prayers and support. Please keep an

eye open in the near future for my Bone Marrow Drive

which is currently being organized.

August 23, 2004

I am home now and waiting for a Bone Marrow donor to be found… feel free to call. After a donor is found then it's off to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston MA .

 

August 22, 2004

I was discharged today and I get to go home, after I go to

Church of course…

 

August 17 – August 21, 2004

I am back in Albany Med. for a 5 day treatment of chemo…

 

August 13, 2004

A very lucky Friday the 13 th … This last type of chemotherapy

that the doctors have prescribed worked

Dr. Pearce said I was…

 

August 10, 2004

I had an operation in which a new Catheter was installed.

Great job Dr. Cohen.

 

August 9, 2004

We had a great time in Cape Cod except for the little leak

that I developed in my Catheter. That little boo-boo sent me

to the Cape Cod hospital in Hyannis twice but we were patched up and sent on our way for the rest of the week.

July 30 – August 6, 2004 - Good news, the doctor said we could go on our annual one week vacation to Cape Cod . See Yah!!!

July 26 – July 30, 2004 - “Rollercoaster Week” - Test results were uncertain… Keep praying!!! ( a new Bone Marrow test is scheduled for August 9 th . )

We are home now for a little while, so don't call the hospital.

July 23, 2004 - My family is organizing a local bone marrow donor drive through the American Red Cross. Please check this web site for a time and place!

July 19 – July 23 - I am having a great week. I've finished my third type of chemo and I haven't had any bad reactions. Please pray for me because I will have another bone marrow procedure on Monday July 26 th . The results of this procedure will tell weather I am in a “state of remission”. I can not have a bone marrow transplant until I am in and maintaining a “state of remission”. Me and my family really need your prayers and support now more than ever!!! Love, Tanner

July 16, 2004 - Guess what, I've moved back into my old Albany Med. Room, # D727. In case you forgot the phone number it is 262.0319. Please make a note of this !!!

July 14 – July 19, 2004 - The doctor's have prescribed yet another type of chemotherapy for Tanner. There are two chemotherapy medicines called Cladribine and BP-16. The new chemo is a five day treatment.

July 13, 2004 - With heavy hearts, the new results from Friday's test were not what was hoped for. Unfortunately this round of Chemotheraphy is being extended for another 3 days in hopes of getting Tanner to remission.

July 13, 2004 - Please make a note: I've moved again:

Room# D729

Phone# 262-0321

July 6, 2004 - I am sorry I haven't updated in a while… “In a nut shell…” (start from the bottom and work your way up)

July 4, 2004 - I watched the fireworks at the Empire State Plaza from the roof top of the Albany Medical Center parking garage… Wow!!!!!!!!!!

June 28, - July 2, 2004 - My sister Adara starts her first day of summer camp @ the J.C.C. This week we are researching hospitals for the transplant. It looks like the DANA-FARBER Cancer Institute in Boston.

June 23, 2004 - The first day of a “new” 6 day chemotherapy treatment.

The doctors say that I am going to need a Bone Marrow Transplant.

June 22, 2004 - “ Bummer” - Todays results show a high percentage of Leukemia present. I am back in the hospital.

Please make a note:

Room # D726 “the Penthouse Suite”

Phone # 262-0318

June 21, 2004 - “Curve Ball” - The biopsy of Fridays tests show different results. Tanner will have to be retested.

June 18, 2004 - Tanner was retested today and the asperation results show a small percentage of leukemia blast cells.

June 10, 2004 - Mommy took me for a Dr./Clinic visit, all my counts are normal (HOORAY), if your looking for me don't call the hospital, you can reach me at home.

June 8, 2004 - I'M HOME NOW for amost 2 wks. Recovery time and doing great!!!

June 6, 2004 - Did you see me on T.V.? – Channel 10 at 12:00pm. I was the second kid interviewed.

June 4, 2004 - ATTENTION!!! Tune in to Albany's radio 810 WGY AM from Friday June 4 – Sunday June 6 and T.V. channel 10 WTEN on Sunday June 6, 2004 for the “Radiothon / Telethon” benefiting the Albany Children's Hospital. There will be a live feed for the event on Sunday from 12:00p to 5:00p.

June 1 – June 4, 2004 - Recovering very well according to the doctors

May 31, 2004 - A great Memorial Day!!! We got to go home for approximately four hours. Tanner definitely knew where he was; even being away from home for over three weeks.

May 28, 2004 - We had a little “boo-boo”! Tanner, in a fit of being “over-tired”, went face first into the metal bars of the hospital crib. He is o.k. but he looks like he forgot to duck away from a left hook.

May 27, 2004 - On Friday May 21 st Tanner had undergone his second bone marrow procedure which allowed the doctors to track his progress. The results were the best Birthday present Tanner got that day. The early results rendered only 5% “acute myelogenous leukemia blast cells” present in the white blood cells taken. By way of comparison, the doctors would have been happy with 10%. We received further results on Tuesday the 25 th from a bone biopsy take from Tanner during the same procedure on that Friday which showed that the leukemia cells were less than 5% present in the bone marrow. These results now lead Tanner towards the “road to remission”.

•  Take a look inside the photo gallery for some Birthday Party pictures

May 21, 2004 - Happy 1 st Birthday Tanner!!!

Tanner is in his 2 nd Cycle of chemotherapy and responding very well. It's as if he wasn't sick…