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 08, 2008

Still waiting

Hey -
The good news at this point is that we got into a cancelled MIBG appointment yesterday and today - we were able to push it up from what would have been a one week wait! I was really happy about that. Less waiting.
So - right now we're waiting until that gets read tomorrow. The MIBG would confirm or rule out ? the NB. What a wait! We had a pretty special morning. My friend and neighbor, Michelle, organized for Deacon Sid Sandiford to come over and say some special prayers for Hans. Carmen was able to join us for that. Deacon Sid baptized Hans in 2003, so it really meant a lot to me. He also blessed the Rosary bracelet that I finally made myself and have been "burnin' up" as Claire says. Michelle also brought us dinner on Tuesday and Carol, another neighbor brought us dinner tonight. The meals are so helpful and appreciated!

In the mean time, The Bake Sale must go on! It's such a nice feeling to have my friends and neighbors, and their neighbors and friends bake for this thing. I was a little off today - I thought I'd be at home all day. So, all I did was 2 batches of rice krispie treats! Ah well - some of you did A LOT!!! Thanks to Anne and Amy - who were baking fiends with lots of loaves, Ginger, Vickie, and Debbie dropped by tonight! I know that Michelle, Carmen, Shirley, Donna and Dana are dropping by in the morning. They've all been baking their buns off. So, too, has the Midnight Baker, a nurse up at the Cancer Center has made a special offer to take preorders for tomorrow, and she's donating 100% of the proceeds to Lunch for Life! How cool is that??? It's going to be really nice - a lot of the TCH moms are joining us up there. Charon has been collecting lots of baked goods, and Shannon, Athena, Tracy and Sarah will be down there. Erin B. is sending down brownies from college station. It's pretty cool - we'll see how we do.

A few other NB kiddos had big days today - Ryan aka batman, and little Chloe P. both had MIBG's today - along with Hans. Chloe P. is going through the exact same relapse scare as Hans is right now. UGH! Dr. Russell is a busy lady. She has really been there for us this week. It was pretty rough on Tuesday. She came and found me in the CT waiting area just to calm me down I think! She also had that impromptu meeting after the bone scan. She was really ultimately available to us when we needed her worst, and she has already sent us her top ten list to look over. Sweet, sweet little Chloe C. has been in pretty serious pain. Her mom is doing an amazing job taking care of her at home. Erin B. also has some symptoms - we're totally hoping for a virus! Also, it should have been Carlie's 7th birthday today.

So - that's a little peak into our TCH world tonight. A lot of action. Too much action in fact. The good news is that Conquer Childhood Cancer Act has finally enough votes to get off the floor! And - it seems that a doc in Philly identified a chromosal link to NB. One step closer to figuring out how to get rid of it. For everyday that these kiddos survive their NB, we are just that much closer to finding the cure. Thank you for your kind support during this difficult time for us.

Love, Lara and gang

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's always comforting to those of us that can't be near to you all to know that Hans has such wonderful care. Dr. Russell and the staff at TCH are the best. They truly want the very best for all of their little patients.

Enjoy the bake sale and thanks to all of the wonderful bakers and buyers!!

Hope your having lots of fun with your new dog. Is she learning any tricks?

Love, Grandma Kathy & Grandpa Dale

Kim Tyler said...

Thinking of you all every day, and praying that Hans will survive and thrive, along with all the other beautiful children at TCH. Your writing is so inspiring and beautifully sums up what's going on. Hope you know that you all are loved and supported even by those of us far away as you go through these difficult days.
Love,
Kim

suzanne said...

Hi Hans & Lara,

Hope # 1 on the top 10 list works well and quickly! Hans, you are looking good!

I just found your blog, and have been catching up. I think Hans' hair is longer than Elizabeth's.

She finally got to start attending K'garten April 10 - she still has missed a lot, but loves it. She'll be in summer school to try to get caught up for first grade.

Her year anniversary was 2 days after Hans', they are doing the BMB & LP etc. next week. She's doing pretty well, although we just can't seem to break away from weekly clinic visits. She's also doing PT/OT and that's helping.

her caringbridge.org page is listed as elizabethstoltz if you want to see recent photos.

K said...

Continuing to pray and run for Hans!