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.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Things are looking up!

Hi all-

Hans had his x-ray of his right arm on Wednesday and his MIBG (full-body scan) yesterday. So far..so good!! Dr. Russell said she couldn't see anything on the MIBG! That means that compared to a month ago (when Hans's arm 'lit-up' with tumor on the scan), the treatment he's been getting seems to be doing the trick. The x-ray still shows that the arm is still fractured, but it seems to be healing. We knew the arm was getting better because he has started using it again. Six weeks ago he would not move his shoulder 1 inch away from his body. Getting him dressed was very difficult because of the pain. He would pull his right hand with his left hand to get the arm through the sleeve. Now he can raise his arm above his head and basically put his arm through the sleeve like normal. There is still a little range-of-motion issue, but it's much better.

Hans seems to be feeling great! The first couple of days after he finishes his chemo he gets a little run down, but he rolls with the punches pretty well. I wish all of you could just spend a couple of days alone with him as he does his treatments. He's so cool and says the most optimistic things. Yesterday when we told him that his arm was getting better from the magic water (chemo) and pictures (radiation), he said "Yep..the doctors got the boo-boo out of my arm and I pooped it out!!". Fine, you're right... the magic water worked and you pooped the boo-boo out of your arm. Whatever works for him, works for us.

We are just super relieved that the treatment we and Dr. Russell have chosen for Hans seems to be working. When he first relapsed, there were dozens of options to choose from and we had to weigh how aggressive we wanted to be while weighing the potential side-effects and survival outcomes. It was the most stressful time we have experienced during his disease because with regard to relapse the 'right answer' isn't well known. Now we know that we can continue this treatment protocal for 3 more rounds and go from there. We don't have to think about other options, at different hospitals, around the country.

All is good for now. Keep the prayers, crossed-fingers, rain dances, etc. coming our way.

Love Kevin, Lara, Ellie, Hans

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

WHOO HOO, YEAH-HOORAY!!!!! Fantastic news! I am all for the magic water imagery...Hans has always been exceptional...right from the start!

My love and hugs to all of you...I am doing the "Happy Dance" right now!

Aunt Susy

Anonymous said...

That's WONDERFUL news!!!! I'm thrilled and I believe that Hans will continue to get great scan results!!! God is good.

Love & Prayers,
Theresa Williams

Anonymous said...

Sooo glad to hear the treatment is working for Hans. I love his outlook on the whole thing, what a cutie!!! Love, Cindy

Anonymous said...

FANTASTIC NEWS!!! YAHOO! Go..... Team Hans! Love to all!
Colleen, Critter and Erin

Anonymous said...

Awesome news! Hans is such a good little teacher of how a positive, happy outlook and lots of prayers can work miracles. Love, hugs and lots of prayers,
Aunt Holly and Uncle Michael

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!!! Good news. I am praying. Hugs and prayers. Carolyn Wing grandma to Laura Stage IV neuroblastoma carepages.com page name LauraVDB
carolyn_wing@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Joyous news, and a prayer of thanks!
Love you all,
G'ma Stephanie

The Alexander's said...

FABULOUS news!!!!

Anonymous said...

God answers prayers!!! There were many of us praying for this treatment to work! Keep it up Hans!!! What a trooper he is!
The Nolens

Anonymous said...

Wonderful News we are so excited for yall!!!!!! It was great to see Hans so active the other night and so full of life. Congrat on you news
Tracy Ash

Anonymous said...

Such great news!!! So glad to hear/read this.

Love always,
Chris and Kyle

Claire Rider said...

Wow!! Great news I am soooooo thankful this treatment is getting Hans "boo-boo" out of his arm! He is such a special little guy! You all are always in our prayers!
Claire

Anonymous said...

Great to hear Hans is "pooping his boo boos" out of his body. What a strong spirit he has. I see his battle hasn't slowed up the potty talk, which tells me he's acting like most 4 year olds.

Continued thoughts and prayers..

The Burgharts

Anonymous said...

"T" - riffic! We are so relieved that all is going well! Love to you all. pl