About Me

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Bakersfield, CA, United States
Hans was a busy, happy, sweet and fearless three year old when he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. He fought his disease like a "gladiator" for nearly 6 years. Hans was an animal lover to his core. He was 'guarded' at home by his three cats, Black, Orange and Cotton. He also had his Golden Retriever, Honey, to keep him company. Hans enjoyed swimming, biking, gardening, grilling (he had his very own grill!), horseback riding, playing video games, building Legos, and flipping between Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and Animal Planet. Hans loved all members of his family and he was a loyal friend. He had to go through a lot of treatment in his life. But Hans powered through it. His attitude was let's get this done! His motivation was always to get back home, to his family, pets, favorite foods and pool.

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Round Three Complete!

Hello!
We made it home today from a very successful Round Three of Chemo on "Nine West Tower" - our floor and building at Texas Children's Hospital. Hans handled this round very well. He ate the entire time and even picked up some new dance moves right there in his hospital bed. He's working on a move called the bear where he shakes his two hands out front like paws. It's pretty cute. We were just pleased that he didn't let the chemo get him down. The highlights of this round were visits from three ballerinas from the Houston Ballet Nutcracker, various visits and toys from Santa, two groups of Christmas Carollers, one of which was the real live FBI. They gave Hans and Grandpa Dean matching black FBI hats. Grandpa Dean got in yesterday and is here through Saturday. He and Kevin are hoping to get a round of golf in during our current 70 degree weather (sorry Holly! - it was in the 30's here for all but her first day).

Elle went back up to Seattle with Aunt Holly for a whirlwind tour with family and friends and a gig as a Flower Girl for my cousin Linnea's wedding. Next, she's flying as an unaccompanied minor to Phoenix to spend time with Kev's uncle Mark, Aunt Debi and their two girls, Jessa and Kalene, before returning to us in time for Christmas. Elle is having quite a time already. Our friend Shelley took her the play High School Musical with her first ever friend, Greta, and Cousins Colleen and Erin took her to the Aquarium yesterday and it's to the zoo tomorrow. Luckily she had some down time with my grandpa today, baking cookies and reading. Aunt Holly and Uncle Michael got her a cell phone for her solo flight! We miss her, but we've instructed everyone not to spoil her.

The first thing Hans did after getting home was bike to the park with Grandpa Dean. So, he is in great spirits! His blood counts should still get very low over this weekend though, so we should limit his exposure through Monday. The news is that Monday is the day for his next CT scan. They are going to take a look at the shrinkage to see about surgery. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!
With love, Lara

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Everything sounds great, Lara. Hans must have had so much fun with all of the visitors and it sounds like Elle is having a BLAST! We will be praying that the CT scan goes well. Have a Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

What wonderful news on how Hans is doing so phenomenally well. Kids are so resilient - and we all can learn from them from time to time.

Glad to hear that Elle is having such a thrilling vacation - she deserves it for being the great sister she has been for Hans during this tough time.

We'll give you guys a buzz to catch up. Count on us to keep the novenas going!

Anonymous said...

Yesterday I had the honor and pleasure of seeing Hans' new little dance in person. It was too cute. He had his entire body into it, including his little tongue sticking out moving to the groove. He was in a really great mood. Way to go Hansie!
Love,
Carmen and the rest of the Smileys

Anonymous said...

HiLara,Kevin,Elle and Hans-
I got your Christmas card today and am still in shock. Please know that Hans and all of you will be in our hearts and prayers. I will never forget how you have been there for our family through our biggest tragedy. I know we are far away but if there is anything we can do please just say the word. Give Hans a big hug and kiss for us. Ashley wanted to tell Elle "Hi" also! I am gald to see your recent post as it looks like Hans is responding well. I will send you a Chrsitmas card with our new information on it soon. Please know how much we love you all and we will be praying for you.
Always,
The Brown Family
Tony, Jen, Ashley and Ryan
baybay112@msn.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Lara!

Just wanted to let you know that the folks up here in Minnesota are still thinking of you and keeping Hans in our prayers. We'll say another big round of prayers that the CT Scan goes well.

Love from the Frozen North!
The Chaska Prayer Group