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 22, 2008

Operation XRT







Pictures: Hans, about to go into radiation. Hans fishing at the lake near our house, Hans with nurse friends, Mercy and Randa, and then Natalie, Hans sealing his eyes and mouth shut with stickers, and Elle and Honey at our Mother's Day lunch out at the bagel shop.
Hey guys -
So, sorry I haven't posted and have left ya hangin' - but we've been out of the hosp. since about 7:30 pm on Tuesday nite. Things went about pretty uneventfully for a hospital stay. Hans started Radiation Therapy (they call it XRT) on Monday.
I have to say that Hans is very proud of himself, and he should be. He is doing the XRT wide awake and last time he had to be sedated. He knows it is going to make him better and he will do whatever it takes. He has THE BEST attitude about this! He actually says that his arm feels better already. Kevin and I notice that he still isn't moving it much at the shoulder, but he does move it at the elbow and wrist. He is really into the Power Rangers right now and he thinks their "Operation Overdrive" is pretty cool - I think he's quite the little Power Ranger Powering thru Operation XRT. Our neighbors Jack and Josh thought Hans needed a prize for doing so great with radiation and they dropped off a care package that included the green and black rangers on motorcycles. (Thanks, guys!) They got to stay with him in the radiation room while I had to step out! That was pretty cool:)
So - for now - Hans is going in daily for radiation - he also has counts, dental and endocrine appointments. He may need transfusions - we'll see, he gets counts tomorrow.
But, just so you know - he's feeling pretty good. We actually hit two fishing holes tonight! We didn't catch anything, but did see a black snake with red stripes in one pond. Hans keeps saying "I'm so happy to be home." And, he loves the puppy, Honey, who is doing well with our family and she's coming along with the housetraining!!! Hans also keeps saying "We don't have to give this doggie back!"
Thanks to the Sweebe family for a really delicious and nutritious salmon dinner tonight. Elle is heading into a pretty busy weekend - but I don't have time to go into it right now. I just hope she'll post some pictures of her adventures!
We got some happy news today - Elle's school, Glen Loch Elementary says that they will have a spot for Hans at school - no matter what we choose - Pre K, even K, or a home-based K program. I feel great relief that it is there, even if we choose not to use it. At least Hans will have the option to go to school in the Fall! I really wanted him to be at the same school as his sissy - and Kevin and I and Dr. Russell realized he needed to be in a public school with a full time RN.
Oh - one more thing. Hans finally grew! He sprouted up 2 cm since his April 10th visit. This was pretty incredible to me after he pretty much flatlined on growth for 18 consecutive months...
Finally, on a really heart-breaking note, our dear sweet little friend Chloe C. was admitted to the 9th floor on Tuesday. This is a wonderful, loving family that could use your prayers.
Thank you.
Lara

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

HI Guys! I love the photo of Hans at "the fishin' hole" he sure is something! What A strong guy! I'm on my way to the hospital here-Mel had to have an emergency appendectomy at 11 PM last night. That crazy guy, anything to see those cute nurses!!! We hope this clears up his intestanal problems. Tell Hans he is a much braver patient then Mel!!!! By the way your dog is beautiful, what fun. I hope Elle has a fantastic weekend. Love, Cindy