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, May 15, 2008

Hans got his port

Hi -
Yesterday Hans finally got his port - it was officially yesterday, but just barely. He didn't get called down to the OR til 9:30 pm for his 4pm time slot. They took him back at 10:30, and called us to get him at midnight. We finally made it back to the room after 1 am! The little guy was such a trooper. They were giving him IV fluids with glucose and potassium, so I really think that took the edge off of his hunger. He was a great sport! He didn't get to eat or drink at all yesterday:( But, the other good news was that Kevin wrapped up in Oklahoma and made it back here to escort Hans to the OR! At the end of the day - I think we all just felt fortunate that they were able to actually get it done and that Hans handled the day so well. We felt honored by Dr. Nuchtern's commitment to Hans - he wouldn't let anyone else touch him. Dr. Nuchtern was flying out of town this morning at 5:30 am and we know he rode home from the hospital on his bicycle after midnight last night. I got the sense that things did not go smoothly with the case before Hans... But, I hope the little child is recovering well today.
So - with the very late start with the port we didn't start Chemo last night. Kevin and I realized that maybe it was just for the best. Hans is expected to be a little sore after surgery. They went ahead and did a bone marrow aspiration as well - so he is sore in both his hips and his chest. They should start Chemo this morning. As for Radiation - I still haven't heard from Methodist Hospital, where they do the radiation, so I'm predicting that'll be starting on Monday...
We shouldn't hear the bone marrow biopsy results til Monday or Tuesday, so we'll be praying for Negative. Dr. Russell said it doesn't matter for treatment, but it'd be nice to hear.
Elle is being well taken care of by my friend Anne, and having lots of fun with her friend Kira... Kevin is glad to be home. Hans is glad to have the IV out. I'm not sure if he understands that we'll be here 5 or 6 more days, but we're trying to explain to him that he needs to be here to get the "magic water" (chemo), so that it can eat up the boo boo in his arm. I borrowed that term from an incredibly proactive group of parents that has created a foundation for fast-tracking innovative NB research. Check it out at www.magicwater.org
By the way... We did hear last night that both Erin and Chloe aslo got the scary news of tumor progression and relapse. So many kiddos to pray for! Colby's scans are coming up next -so they better be good. you can check out his site, and order one of his mom/Tracy's cool shirts - just $10 - www.caringbridge.org/visit/colbyash

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sending all our love and prayers. I'm sure that Grandpa will be sending his TCH e-cards today!

Love, Grandpa Dale & Grandma Kathy

Anonymous said...

Glad Kevin made it back and that this part of the process is done. Will keep you all in my prayers.
Love Aunt Holly

Anonymous said...

La and all - keep strong - we are all thinking of you. love, pl

Anonymous said...

Onward and forward!

I am so pleased that all plans having been moving forward smoothly!

Kevin's presence, undoubtedly, was reassuring.

My love and prayers are for you!

Hugs,
Aunt Susy

Anonymous said...

Hi- I am praying for this treatment to work and completely get this ugly cancer out of Hans' body. I'm so glad Kevin was able to make it back home. I'm thinking of you and praying for you all. Hi to Elle! Much love, Cindy

Anonymous said...

Dear Family,

We are thinking of you.
I'm glad Han's Daddy is with you.

Lara I will stay in touch through your Mom.

Ellie, your the best big sister ever!

Dear Han's I'm glad your Mommy, Daddy and your big sister is with YOU!

Love,

Pat & Shinichi

Anonymous said...

Thinking about you all often and praying daily. Keep up your fight, Hans!!!!
The Habermans