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, August 22, 2008

Layin' Low

Hi -
I don't have much news, but it has been a couple of days since I posted... Hans had a clinic visit yesterday and he went ahead and got platelets since he was at 22 going into the weekend. We brought our babysitter, family friend, and future pediatric oncologist, Courtney, along for the day - that was sweet! Hans' ANC is only at 280, so he has to lay low and stay out of public for a few days. We go back into clinic on Monday to re-check counts. It has really felt incredibly relaxing to be able to be home with both kids for a few days this week! I guess I could do this for a few more weeks.

We got some big news on the school front. After meeting with the school principal, vp, nurse and counselor, we've actually decided to give Hans a shot in the Kindergarten program. He will go when he can, and will do an unofficial half day, to see what he can build up to. We're just worried about his stamina at this point. It's pretty exciting! I have a feeling he might just rise to the occasion, but it'll be interesting - that's for sure, especially for the school nurse and administration up at Glen Loch. They've assigned him Mrs. Nussbaum.

When we were up in Ellensburg, Kathy showed me how to make beaded lanyards (or ID badge holders) for the nurses. Hans made one and gave it to Nurse Natalie. It's darling. We are going to be making them and selling them at our next bake sale. We've been passing out a few starters to our friends and other NB families as well. I think they'll be a hit at the sale.

We are looking forward to a family visit this weekend. Kevin's aunt and uncle Mark and Debi, and cousin Kalene are coming through town from Scottsdale after dropping cousin Jessa off for her first year at Baylor! We're looking forward to have them.

That's about all that's new. Hans will miss Day 1 at Glen Loch due to ???? count status. Maybe we'll hit Day 2. He has scans on August 27 and August 28th - a CT and an MIBG. Let's pray for clear pretty scans so that we will be able to move full speed ahead to the next phase.
Lara

8 comments:

Vickie said...

We'll be there on the 28th, too. Sam and Will have scans then too, so there needs to be coast-to-coast praying. I hope we don't crash the grid.

VB
erinbuenger.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

WHOO HOO for our official kindergarten student! Congratulations, Hans!

Prayers will go out to all the boys.

Love and hugs,
Aunt Susy

Anonymous said...

Prayers for the extended NB family that scans hold encouraging news.

Yahoo Hans - you are going to be the cutest little Glen Loch Gator there ever was!

Have fun with the family. I know they are all excited to see you and KK will have tons of fun with Hans and Elle.

More lanyard supplies will be on there way to you next week.


Love, G.Kathy, G.Dale XOXOXO

Anonymous said...

The lanyards will be a HOT item at the sale. The nurses LOVE the lanyard Hans made me and want one for themselves. Can't believe Hans will be in Kindergarten already. He is growing up so fast! Miss you guys. Hope to see ya soon.

Natalie

Kirk and Jerilyn said...

Hi Kevin, Lara, Elle and Hans!

We think about you all often and are praying for a speedy recovery for brave Mr. Hans! We have missed you guys!

Jerilyn and Kirk

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited to have Hans start Kindergarten! Take lots of pictures on his first day of school!

Good luck tomorrow.

Love to all of you,

Roxie

Anonymous said...

That's so cool that Hans is going into Kindergarten! Good luck to both Ellie and Hans on their first days.

I'm totally in for buying a lanyard if you're willing to do mail order. I have to wear them at work, and would love something as special as a handmade one by you guys!
xo Shelley

the Thomas team said...

As a kindergarten teacher for 9 years, I hope the sweetie will have a wonderful kindergarten experience; he deserves that and so MUCH MUCH more! Thank you for your kind email as I approached Christi's classmates and not Christi in my class today. I made it and it's thanks to caring folks like you! Thanks and I am shaking my pom poms and saying my prayer sfo rall of you!!!