Tanner Page

A Celebration of Tanner’s Life

0FFDUTY1 — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 17:20:26 +0000

Tanner Austin Page passed away peacefully Thursday morning January 29th 2009, at home, surrounded by loving family members.

Although words are difficult to come by at this time, we wanted to Thank each of You for the part you played in making Tanner’s life’s journey a little more comfortable … it was appreciated not only by Tanner, but by the entire family.

Tanner would have been 7 years old on February 8th 2009. In his short but meaningful life, his bravery and unselfishness touched the hearts and lives of many people. He was smart way beyond his years, and he will be remembered and missed by many.

A Celebration of Tanner’s Life … is planned for Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14th, 12 noon, at the beach Tanner so loved, Ponce Inlet (Inlet Harbor Rd walkover).

We are requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the below listed Organizations that became so much a part of Tanner’s life…

Chrisanne and Steve…

Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville

http://www.rmhjax.org/

__________

Dreams Come True Jacksonville

https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/MakeDonation.aspx?ORGID2=592967803&vlrStratCode=ujqxdS%2ftUD3pneaoL67Ryndiwfu1wt3DAsKBQ5woN2rf7dLahoBCrcpZt%2bTomGC3

__________

University of Florida Brain Tumor Program

http://www.peds.ufl.edu/braintumorprogram/donations.asp

__________

Ponce Inlet Lions Club http://ponceinletlionsclubfl.lionwap.org/

__________

Children’s Cancer Foundation Inc. (Deland, FL) http://childrenscancerfoundationinc.org/index.html

A new journey…….

0FFDUTY1 — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 21:25:25 +0000

As many of you may know, in late November Tanner finished his final round of Chemo. Unfortunately, due to the December MRI results that showed his tumor was aggressively growing we could not hold out for the new clinical trial study. Tanner quickly began a new therapy drug, however in two weeks he stopped responding to the new drug and we were informed his body had started the dying process.

On December 16th Hospice was brought into the home with open loving arms, and helped prepare us and Tanner for his new life journey.

It has been a very difficult process preparing ourselves, family, friends and most of all Tanner for the life altering events that lay ahead of us. He shortly thereafter has lost the ability to hold all liquids and solids down, and was given several medications to help but they did not last long requiring an IV placement to help keep him comfortable. He spends most of his days sleeping, preparing for his journey, however we have had many days filled with incredible loving memories. Friends and family have been visiting including his best friend/girlfriend Malia and her family from Colorado.

Tanner recently requested the early rising to view a beautiful sunrise on the beach which we enjoyed for several hours. We try to have picnics on the beach as often as possible, feeding the seagulls and searching through the tide pools when his body allows it.

We thank each and every one of you for all your continued love and support, and ask for your prayers to help Tanner feel as comfortable as possible. He is my little hero and has showed us so many beautiful things in life. We are very grateful to be his parents and know that God has something very special planned for him and soon he will begin a new journey in life filled with no pain only to be surrounded by incredibly beautiful things and love.

Chrisanne & Steve Page

December 12 medical update

0FFDUTY1 — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 03:53:02 +0000

December 12, 2008
We apologize for the delay in making this latest update. It’s been very difficult to put into words what has been going on.

Tanner’s recent MRI has not given us very good news. The MRI revealed the tumors at his brain stem have grown rapidly even with his latest round of chemo. His physical condition has caused us great concern also. He is no longer able to walk on his own, and even with the use of a walker he must have assistance. He spends much of his time laying down or in his wheelchair. His cognitive functions are now affected, causing him confusion and forgetfulness.

Unfortunately, the only treatment available to him at this point is a new drug that “may” slow the growth of the tumors. This drug makes him very tired and has other side effects that are worrisome. We have been advised to expect further loss as the tumors have united and are pressing hard into his brain stem. Although he has neck pain, we are very thankful he has not experienced pain of greater scale.

With all this, Tanner remains an optimistic little boy who really looks forward to Christmas! He plans to make gifts for all his family, just as he does every year. Last year he made beautiful pinecone ornaments!

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We again would like to Thank You All for your continued Thoughts and Prayers. Your kindness is heart warming, and very much appreciated .

Tanner and all of us wish You and Yours a Blessed Holiday Season, and a Bright and Beautiful New Year!

With all our Love,

Steve, Chrisanne, Mackenzie and Tanner Page

Taking one day at a time………..

0FFDUTY1 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:12:36 +0000

As many of you are wondering, recently Tanner had a routine MRI to follow his progress. Although it was not exactly what we had hoped for, we are thankful for every day with Tanner. The doctors informed us that almost all of the necrosis except for a small nodule remains (the hyperbaric treatments as well as the avastin seem to be working!!!). However, what was thought to be one tumor now appears to be two that are very close to one another almost looking like a dumbell. They are located in the fourth ventrical and seem to be pressing against the brain stem. The doctors are amazed that Tanner is walking, breathing, eating as well as he is own his own. He truly is my little hero. They feel the chemo is slowing down the tumor growth, but not stopping them. Tanner will continue the chemo cocktail for another six to eight weeks and hopefully by then there will be an opening to start on a new clinical trial where he would be taking a new drug called Deforolimus.
Some days seem harder than others for Tanner, although his spirits remain high, his body has a hard time keeping up. His balance is very unsteady, his little legs just aren’t as strong as they used to be.
Thanks to Aunt Candie and Uncle Bernie who made it possible for all of us to get away for a few days, we made a trip to Saluda SC to stay at the Lake House on Lake Murray. Tanner had an incredible time with his cousins Justin, Allison & Brandon playing games, riding on the boat and just being plain lazy!!!! It was nice to get away from all the doctor appointments for a while.

Staying strong…..

0FFDUTY1 — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:30:37 +0000

Tanner has finished his 46 day cycle of chemo and is staying strong. His counts have been almost perfect with no signs of infection. He usually begins his treatment process around 11:00am and finishes around 5:00pm. He has made many new friends at the infusion center and they spend most of the time playing video games and eating pizza. The treatments are begining to affect him a little bit more each time, causing severe abdominal cramping for the first 24hours. As always, he keeps his chin held high and pulls through.
He later developed severe pain in his legs and feet requiring longer use of the wheelchair, however the doctors prescribed some celebrex and aqua therapy 3 days a week which has shown great improvements.
Although he has not been able to play outside, he has had many sleepovers with his best friends Jacob, Donavon and Christian watching movies, playing games, army men and video games.
Tanner will return to Shands October 7th for another MRI to check the progress he is making. It will be a long week in Gainesville and will be returning home Wednesday after chemo.
As always, “Thank You” for all your prayers, love and support.
We would also like to extend our gratitude to the Ponce Inlet Lions Club and Down the Hatch Restaurant who will be hosting a Charitable Benefit for Tanner Sunday, October 26 from 1:00 – 6:00pm.
The Page family

Your Love and Support is greatly needed…..

0FFDUTY1 — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 18:49:23 +0000

As many of you may know Tanner and I recently returned home after he received 2 months of hyperbaric treatments in Gainesville and West Palm Beach. Shortly thereafter, we returned to Gainesville to have his routine MRI with plans to begin a new therapy drug called “Avastin” to reduce the necrosis and carefully taper him of the decaron steroids before they became too damaging.
To our surprise we received the most devastating news we thought we would never hear again. Not only was the necrosis still present, but the tumor had returned in the original tumor site. After Oncology, Neurosurgery and Radiology teams met it was determined that the tumor is inoperable…..
After carefully weighing out our choices it was determined that we would begin Tanner on a mixed infusion of the Avastin as well as a chemo called Irinotecan with hopes of slowing down tumor growth which seems to be moving quickly.
Quality of life has been very important to us and the choice of this infusion allows us to bring Tanner home with us and return every two weeks to Oncology for the treatments.
Tanner received his first infusion on Wednesday and seems to be handling everything very well. They will be stopping the steroids in one week to begin a cortisol medication with the guidance of the Endocrinology and Oncology group. The decadron steroids unfortunately developed a large fatty layer along the spine which is compressing on it and making it difficult for Tanner to walk for long periods at a time.
As always Tanner’s spirits remain high filling every day with his beautiful smile and laughter. He may have some additional physical challenges now, but his mind and soul remains the most incredible thing I have ever seen. Everyday is truly a blessing with him and I know he will continue to fight this battle.
We love each and everyone of you who are a part of Tanner’s life journey and appreciate all of your support.
The Page Family

The weekend is almost here…..

0FFDUTY1 — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:59:19 +0000

Hey everyone just wanted to let you know Tanner is making some good progress. Still sleeping good, with far less interuptions during the night. However he is ready to stop using the bi-pap machine, and it will be a month or so before he will have another sleep study to see if things have really improved with his breathing.
He has showed no signs of complications with the lowering of the steroids, and his beautiful blue eyes are starting to shine again. He still however has some weight issues which are weighing heavily on his self confidence…..but soon that should quicklly change. We are already seeing some swelling decrease in the face and tummy.
He had a wonderful visit with Aunt Shirley and Uncle Harvey yesterday. We had lunch, a small nap, a short trip to the store for a game and puzzle and then a wonderful dinner. He is really looking forward to Friday since we will be going home for the weekend to be with Daddy and Sissy for some pool fun with friends.
Next week will be the last of his treatments – yeah!!!!!!!!! and will be going home!!!! He eagerly counts down the days!!!!
We miss and love everyone – once again “Thank You” for all your love, support and prayers.

FINALLY FOUND A COMPUTER!!!!!

0FFDUTY1 — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:46:51 +0000

Hey everyone, as you may have heard, I havn’t had access to a computer and finally after cruisin the halls at St. Mary’s I found a coffee shop with computers!!!!
Alot has changed since we left Gville, the treatments planned for Parish Medical Center fell through, they didn’t think Tanner could handle a mono chamber – boy were they wrong!!!! We then transferred to St. Mary’s in Boynton Beach so we could be with family (my mom and grandma) and have less stress on Tanner. The HBO crew is wonderful with Tanner and he fully enjoys his treatments since he is now in a mono chamber.
He had his second sleep study and now is like grandaddy and sleeps with a bipap machine, he says he can breath much better at night! Nothing seems to bother him!!!!!
Since we have been here Tanner met with the Oncology Group had some tests done and his counts were perfect, however the high doses of steroids are starting to take their toll on Tanner. He has gained over 20lbs since his admission in the hospital last May. His joints and muscles are very tired and makes it difficult for him to walk for long periods at a time. We have been keeping in close contact with his group in Gville and are working on bringing him slowly off of the steroids.
We are starting to see some progress, he has had alot more energy and is laughing and playing jokes alot on everyone. He has been to the beach, swimming in the pool, and beating my butt in checkers!!!!!
He finished 32 treatments with only 8 more to go – yeah!!! His last reatment will be Aug 1st and we will return home with a couple weeks break and then return to Gville on the 19th for an MRI which will determine if more treatments will be needed.
Thank you so much for all of your love and prayers, and we miss all of you very much!!!!

We will miss you Pap Pap…………

0FFDUTY1 — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:50:53 +0000

Today was a very sad day for Tanner and I. Unfortunately Pap Pap began to make his journey back to Pennsylvania. It was a great blessing to have him here with us during our daily journeys, helping with the treatments, doctor appointments and keeping us company. Thank you so much for being here with us, and we will miss you….Love you Dad!!!!

IT’S FRIDAY………

0FFDUTY1 — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:30:31 +0000

We finished another week here in gville!!!! Tanner seems to be doing much better with his dives now. However due to some neurological issues that have occurred during this week, Tanner’s Oncologists have decided to continue the current high doses of steroids. Unfortunately there has been some delayed reflex issues in the feet, ankle area as well as in the lower extremeties causing continued and increased incontinence. Due to the steroids, he has currenty gained 12lbs since our stay here, which has caused more breathing issues as well as increased emotional outrages. However, he is still handsome and loving as ever.
Nana, Grandaddy, Dita and Ryan came to visit this Friday which made Tanner’s day!!!! He was very proud to show them how he dives as well as show them the Hope House where we are currently staying.
We recieved the news that our last dive here in gville will be this coming Monday with a doctors appointment Tuesday. We will then return home where we will continue another 20 dives at the Parrish Medical Center in Tittusville. The center is only 30 minutes from home which will allow us to return home daily after each treatment.
As always we greatly appreciate all your love and prayers