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.

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

RSV


Our boy, yesterday

The goofballs in the family

Elle, Hans and me - snapped by our nurse, Dameka, yesterday

Hi again,
I have been waiting to re-post until they came up with a plan. It took a couple of days, but we found out that Hans was positive for RSV - a respiratory virus common in the winter time among infants and small children. They were a little puzzled as to why it would turn up in Hans at almost age 5 in July in Houston! The last positive test they've had in all of the TCH system was May - but oh well. The infectious disease team has been working with Hemonc to decide whether to treat him -and for several reasons, they have decided not to. I guess mostly 'cause the treatment is unpleasant (a big tent in his room with meds that are hard to metabolize), when he'd just probably get over it on his own in about the same number of days. But I think they are going to keep us here for a bit until his white counts come up - who knows, maybe even today or tomorrow! I'll keep you posted.

In the mean time, Hans is doing pretty well. He has a rough cough that only seems to bother him occasionally in those rough bouts. Elle and I have been trading off with Kevin, so he's got all of his family around him in shifts. They kids seem to do pretty well down here provided I keep them in arts and crafts (fuzzy poster boards, puzzles, etc.) Since Elle has the same cough, they all have to keep out of the family room. Anyway, his fever is down now for almost 48 hours!!!

On a heartbreaking note - our little buddy Ryan AKA Batman was admitted last night. He is experiencing some serious pain related to his relapsed NB and he and his family could use an extra prayer now. Another little TCH guy, Blaine, has also had some problems with his treatment for the relapsed NB and could use an extra prayer...

Thanks, Lara

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good morning!

Wow! Your million dollars smiles say volumes! I am glad the doctors have pinpointed Hans' infection and that he is in their safe care!

Hans has his own cheering squad in Raton...we will add Ryan and Blain to the list pronto...as well as all of the other sweet kiddos!

Elle...take great care, too!

Love to all,
Aunt Susy

Anonymous said...

Thinking about you all. I'm glad it isn't a line infection. Hans looks happy regardless!

xoxo

Roxie

Anonymous said...

Hansie, I love the tatto on top of your head and your smiles too!

Love, Grandma Kathy

suzanne said...

Hi Laura!
Glad it's "only" RSV! Those pictures are great. Hans looks really good, even if his counts are low.

Elizabeth has had RSV 3 times, at least. She seems to be very susceptible to viral stuff. But she does seem to get it during the winter, not now.

I think all the kids love that rocking horse!

Hugs,

Melanie said...

Hi Kevin and Lara, you have such a beautiful family. I love this photo of Hans, what a cutie! Elle looks like such a proud sister. Kathy often talks about Elle, my Madisyn is always asking about her. I hope they get to see each other someday! I just wanted to post and let you know I visit your blog so often and pray for you all. You are an amazing family!!
I'm sorry to hear of your friends you have lost. My heart not only breaks for those families, but for your family who becomes part of this larger family. Best wishes. I'll keep checking your blog. -Melanie Miller (Gma Kathy's friend, Cindys daughter) hee hee

Will's Dad said...

Glad to hear Hans is out of isolation...I was just catching up on Hans and had to 'laugh' that in your famiy photo I noticed that you had a syringe with medicine in your left hand....

Hoping Hans continues to rebound and that this combo also continues its wonderful work.