About Me

My photo
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.

Monday, January 29, 2007

Rough Weekend

On Friday afternoon things were going great. Both Hans' Oncologist and his surgeon had just popped in to check on him, and the plan was to go ahead with Chemo over the weekend. But then we checked Hans' temp at 7 pm and he was running a fever of 103.4. Poor baby! As per protocol, they did blood cultures, just 6 hours later they came back positive for an infection is Hans' central line (the IV tubes placed in his chest). He was immediately started on three antibiotics. He had a rough time when the antibiotics started going in and fighting off the bacteria. He had to be moved to the ICU on Saturday morning, so that he could be closely watched. He needed doses of Norepinephrine and Dopamine to help him regulate his blood pressure. Luckily, everything they did for him started working pretty quickly and he was over the worst of it by Saturday afternoon. Since we had Elle with us we went ahead and splurged on a room at the Mariott right across the street. That way she could be with us and we swtiched off being with her and being with Hans yet still be close. It was truly a luxury to take turns sleeping in the cozy bed at the Mariott. Elle isn't old enough to be a visitor at the ICU and only 2 people are allowed in at a time.
Hans was well enough to be moved back up the 9th floor yesterday by 1pm. We are now in room 926 and are hoping that the anitbiotics will completely take care of the infection in the line. Now it's a waiting game to see how soon he's well enough for chemo. The poor guy has been through so much since his surgery. The good news is that we found out the Pneumonia is cleared up. Thank goodness. We are hoping for no more surprises, no more nights in the ICU and that Chemo can start relatively soon and we can get back home!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

So glad everything is looking a little better. Poor guy, he has been through so much, you all have.Hans will be one strong guy when he gets through with this. You all are always on our minds. LOve, Cindy

Anonymous said...

It's common to get the infections in the CVC line. Stinks to deal with it but the infection will clear up and he'll be on his way soon. God just wasn't ready for him to start the next round. It'll happen at the right time. Stay strong - our love is with you.

Let me know when you need to stay at the marriott again (hopefully not!) We know the manager up here and he can get you a friends and family rate.

Anonymous said...

Forgot to tell you it was me Kelly on the last post.......

Anonymous said...

Just wanted you all to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love and miss you all so very much, if there is anything that you need from us, let us know. If you need someone to come down at any time, let us know. Hans is a strong cookie, you all are.

Love you, Anna

Anonymous said...

Hi there, just wanted to say that you are continually in my thoughts and prayers - especially now at this hard juncture. Words are so lacking at these moments, so hugs, kisses and love from London.

Stay STRONG Hans!!

Love, Cousin Andrew

Anonymous said...

You're still in our prayers in Minnesota. We think of you often, and can't wait to meet you this summer when we're down in Texas visiting our Aunt Bermie. You're an amazing little boy, and we hope you feel all the love from the little Tierney children flowing down to Texas!