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.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Hans is Cancer Free! - No Evidence of Disease!



Wow - we got the good news in an email from our doctor last night. Hansie is Disease free!!!! Yesterday's Bone Scan and Friday's Bone Marrow Biopsy came back "lovely". I was so thrilled last night when I got the news that I found myself running into the back yard to tell Kevin. It was the news we have expected to hear, but to actually hear it was such sweet relief. Whoo hoo, yipee and hallelujah!



As we are learning though, Hans keeps us on our toes. Yesterday Kevin saved him with his hpyervigilance. Hans was extra sleepy waking up - and I just took advantage of the opportunity to unload the dishwasher and get the day going. Kevin, though, realized that Hans wasn't quite"with it". Hans was fully awake and conscious, but really on the verge - a bit cold and clammy and nodding off. Normally, he wakes up raring to go/hungry in the mornings. So, I took his blood sugar and, sure enough, it was very low at 26 (normal is 80 - 120). We did everything we were instructed to do and luckily he was awake enough to drink and eat and cooperate. We got the fellow-on-call on the phone and once again reached Dr. Rainusso! Kevin gave Hans his emergency injection of solu-cortef, and Dr. Rainusso instructed us to come right in. This time at least it wasn't in an ambulance! And, at least we were already planning to be there for the Bone Scan. We both went in, I rode in the back seat next to Hans encouraging him to drink juice and suck on a lollipop the whole way down so he'd stay with us.

They kept their eye on Hans all AM and he seemed to have stabilized. He sugars went up to 201, and then came down to a more normal 130. We were able to complete the Bone Scan, and head home. Hans had been coming down with the slightest symptoms of a cold this week. The doctor revised our "action plan" for Hans, as it was, we were to triple his dose of hydrocortisone in case of fever, vomiting or other severe symptoms. Now we're learning that we need to lower our threshold and increase his dose even with more innocuous symptoms, like the sniffles and a nose that's running clear. We'll be giving him triple his steroid dose for 72 hours. Hopefully, in the future we'll be able to prevent another dip in his sugars! Live and learn, I guess...

Patrick also found out yesterday that he is Cancer Free! Colby had relapsed a while back, and he found that his tumor is stable. From what I understand, stable is good, but I'm praying for that tumor to do a disappearing act. Carlie will complete scans after a family vacation. We're praying for SHRINKAGE!

You can see from the picture above that Hans' hair is coming in. He loved the cool shades he got from his auntie Anna and Uncle Matt for his Bday- he also loves the Shrek the Third soundtrack. It was perfect - Kevin and I got him a boom box for his room. He's back into "shakin' it" and dancing the bear!
Lara




15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wonderful Wonderful news about the being disease FREE...Cool beans all around. We hope to visit with Elle today. Looking forward to it and I hopefully with all this good news we will be able to see HANS up here in Seattle sometime soon and of course the rest of you. Can't wait! We miss you all..

Kerry and Madison

Anonymous said...

Hans,
That is awesome new!! Uncle Matt and I are very happy that you liked your b-day gift. Love you bud, and give your mom and dad some loven too. Love Auntie Anna

Anonymous said...

yipee!!!!!!!!!

I love the cool shades!

This is such fabulous news. You all deserve a break from all of the difficulties that the last 10 months have brought. I hope this is the news that you continue to hear.

Sending all of my good vibes and love to you in Texas and to Elle up in WA.

I'm "shakin" it" right now in celebration. Dance parties all around!!!

Roxie

Anonymous said...

Great News! I just saw Elle at the farmers market this weekend - she's so grown up I can hardly believe it! How proud you must be of her!

We hope to see you all up for a visit soon - hugs all around.

Jill Arango (&Clay) & kids

Anonymous said...

This is sooooooo great! Your mom called me the minute she hung up from you to tell me. Prayers DO work. Elle and your mom stopped by to say "hi" on their way back from N. Bend. EP and Elle had fun swimming. They sure have fun together. Well Hansie, keep up the good work. The hair looks really red coming in, is it? Love to y'all. pl

Anonymous said...

Seattle is OVERJOYED with the news we all prayed to hear! Papa, Dean, Shelly, PL, Tom, Colleen, Erin, Critter, Joe and Tommy all send their love!!

and of course Elle and G'ma Stephanie!
Hans you look very cool!

Kim Tyler said...

Hallelujah! Such great news!!!

Anonymous said...

Woo! Hoo! Prayers have been answered. We are so happy for all of you!

Emily says: "Emily loves Hans and likes Hans and says prayers for Hans. I am glad that he is feeling better! I want to see him again."

Anonymous said...

Yahoo Hans!! You've been a such a fighter - we're soooo proud of you (and Elle, Mom and Dad too)!

Love you all. xoxo

Anonymous said...

WHOOPEEE!!! We are so happy to hear the great news! I am sending BIG thank-yous to God for having His hand on Hans. Hansie you look cool in the shades, they definately make you look like the star that you are! Love, Cindy

Anonymous said...

Excellent news! Disease free AND that fabulous hair is on its way back!

- Tom and Erica Lapen

Anonymous said...

Congrats to Little Hans and the Weberling family for making it through your journey. Here's to continued health for Hans and your family.

The Burgharts

Anonymous said...

Way to go Hans! You look really cool in those shades. With the hair and the sunglasses, Elle won't recognize you!

Kevin and Lara - you guys are awesome! So much to learn and deal with, such awesome parents.

Continued prayers for all of you.
Love Aunt Holly and Uncle Michael

Anonymous said...

There are no words to describe how wonderful this is! I am elated! I knew Hans would kick butt! Don't forget about us on 9WT and come visit when you get the chance. We'd love to see you guys!
Natalie

K said...

Praise God! I just love those shades, Hans!