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.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Curement, bald heads and such...

So - for an update...Hans is doing quite well so far. I reassured Kevin tonight, that they really did give him chemo last week. The nurse was very thorough and she showed me the label each time she hooked Hans up...

Hans took to calling all of these procedures his 'curement' (not treatment) the other day. He has only used the term once or twice, but I like the positive attitude it conveys. He has the confidence that his doctors are curing him of Neuroblastoma, even if they aren't quite sure about that themselves.

A funny little thing we've noticed lately... lots of people are asking us if we've shaved Hans' head. So far the sushi guys and pizza delivery guys have each asked us if we did that to him! I just say something like, "oh, it's his medicine."
There are a couple of other ways to broach the subject. One tactful neighbor saw Hans without hair the other day and she steadily asked if Hans was back in treatment. Another mom we met at a restaurant approached us to ask if our son was in treatment. I think this question is a good way to open the subject with a stranger. Our answer can be as detailed as we feel up to. That particular mom then shared with me that her son was also in treatment at TCH. Most people say nothing or ask nothing about Hans whatsoever. Some kids at the pool sort of seem to think Hans is a very large baby. It's kind of a trip. Most strangers are patient and kind with our baldie, and just give a wide smile.

Okay - just my two cents for tonight. Elle has had a fabulous time with Kev's mom and Kev's dad in Central Washington. She golfed nine holes yesterday! She worked at the public market this morning with Grandma Kathy and Aunt Holly, and she has now transitioned to my mom's in Edmonds, WA - near Seattle.

We'll post more later. Thanks for checking up on us.

Lara

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi, there!
I will pass on Hans' new medical term, "curement," to his Raton fans! They will smile and share it with other youngsters facing medical procedures!
STRAWS...straws always offer creative ways in which to draw the liquids up...and down...OR... down...then, up!!! Although, I am sure you have given this a go!
Somewhere, I have a picture of Kevin and Erin (in their early years) at the ranch drinking juice from glasses across the kitchen floor...thru a series of connected straws 6 feet long! So, get a box of them and see what happens!? Start a new trend!
Now that I have exposed THAT secret from their past, I will sign off before others come to mind....with love, hugs, and prayers for Hans' continued high spirits!
Aunt Susy

Anonymous said...

Hans has always displayed only the most positive thoughts throughout his treatment so his 'curement' is just in keeping with this attitude.

We have had the most wonderful time with Elle. And our little Texas gal has a very funny story about the Purity Soap booth at the market. She gave it the 'Purrty Soap' twist - as in ya'll have Purrty Soap! When she realized her error, we all had quite a laugh, including the vendor!

Can't wait to see Hans. Tell him the horses are waiting for him to come ride!

Love, Grandma Kathy & Grandpa Dale
XOXO

Anonymous said...

Sending my little baldie love and special "curement" vibes.

And to his wonderful parents Lara and Kevin. What can I say? You rock! And you deserve so much fun and serenity, I hope that comes soon. You two are always in my thoughts and prayers. You are graceful reminders that parents can go through their biggest living nightmares and still be generous and great people to know and love.


Roxie

Lisa said...

Roxie,
Your words about Keven and Lara...perfect. I couldn't have said it better. They truly amaze me on a regular basis. I repeat them here and think, 'Ditto that!'

"You are graceful reminders that parents can go through their biggest living nightmares and still be generous and great people to know and love."

Lisa Cronce