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.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

"Day plus one"

Hans is still holding up alright one day after transplant. From here on out they refer to his time line as day plus...however many. I guess tomorrow is the mark of the start of the "worst" of the side effects. His ANC was 5 today. It still feels as if we are somehow skating through this and bypassing the worst of the worst. Today Hans is very quiet and solemn. He isn't drinking or eating at all, but they did start him on TPN last night and said that he could stay on that for up to six weeks.

Dr. Krance took a look at him and said his mouth sores are looking a little worse. Hans was looking at him very intensely with his crossed legs, and the doctor said, "he's going to be a philosopher." His Oncologist, Dr. Russell, dropped by to check on him today. We were also touched that two special nurses from the 9th floor have dropped by as well - Natalie and Randa.

Hans perked up a bit when Grandma Stephanie brought over Tyrone, a cute little Robotic i-puppy with remote control. He seems to prefer Christmas movies, so we're watching lots of Elf and The Grinch. He is enjoying the present-a-day program Roxie has him on. It seems about all he can do to get one little gift open, you know, a deck of cards, or package of stickers, then he's kind of wiped out.

It was so sweet, last night he had fallen asleep before we had said our nightly "I'm thankful for..." prayer. He woke up at about 4am, and looked at me and gasped, "We forgot to say our prayer!" Hans is usually thankful for very sweet things like his capri suns and his cocoa puffs, but then he'll occasionally knock me out by saying something like, "my mommy and daddy are so proud of me for getting all better," or, "mommy takes such good care of me."

His favorite book these days is Curious George Goes to the Hospital. We read it at least once a day! (Thanks, Megan and Phil!)

That's the update for today. We're just hanging in there on the 8th floor!

Thanks, everyone, for all your thoughts and prayers.

Lara

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Lara and Kevin,
After reading today's blog I can hardly see to reply...our little guy is, indeed, extraordinary!
Oh, how I wish him well ASAP!
Give him our love...I love you all dearly!
Love and hugs,
Aunt Susy, John, Buzzy, and Leo the Lion!

Anonymous said...

You guys are amazing and Hans is such an amazing little guy. Keep up the great work, Hans--we are all praying for you LOTS. You are always in our thoughts and I am still so glad that I could see you last week. What a treat for me and Matthew!
God bless you all!
Bernie

Anonymous said...

Lara,

Thank you for taking the time (and thought) to update us all. Hans is such an amazingly brave and strong little boy and we pray that he will continue to "skate" by the very worst of everything...Hang on in there - hopefully you will all be home in a few weeks....

Love,
Shirley, Joe & the boys

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful gift that little boy is! Hang in there through this time--I just can't believe that Hans is just crusing through his treatment plan! You will be home soon! We will keep the prayers coming.
The Nolens

Anonymous said...

Hi Hans! I hear you like Curious George books, when you are able to come to Ellensburg I will take all my George books to Grandma Kathys' for you. I'm so happy you are getting better, you are so strong!Keep up the good work of getting better. Love to you all, Cindy

Anonymous said...

Hey Hans,
Will is keeping you in his prayers every night. The hard part will be over soon and you will be on your way to feeling better before you know it! You have so many people praying for you constantly!! You are so brave and so are your parents!
Love,
Will and The Jordan Family(Little Saints)

Anonymous said...

Dear Lara and Kevin,
I was at Texas Children's for only 40 days with my second daughter and it seemed like an eternity. I pray every day for strength and peace for you guys and can't wait to hear that you are home for good. Hans can't lose with all these prayers,they make all the difference in the world! Take care and know that we are thinking about you every day!
Love,
Wendy Jordan