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.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Round Five -

is complete, in fact we have finished up all of Hans' scheduled Topo/Cytox treatment. I think it's been hitting me this past week - what a summer! We are simply stunned and amazed and grateful that Hans has had such an incredible response to this treatment. Hans has done great. He and Kev did inpatient clinic duty on Saturday. We were all really impressed with how smoothly it went - they were home by 7pm! Hans is doing really well right now. He was very excited to get his tubes out on Saturday - so first thing Sunday morning he dressed in his swim suit and was just waiting for the pools to open. One thing he likes about Texas in comparison to Washington is the temperature of the pools! He was dancing some really great moves last night. In Kev's assessment it was a Michael Jackson/Diana Ross combo with some Tai Chi thrown in there. Thanks, C,C,& E for the Alvin and the Chimpunks Soundtrack, it's a HIT! So -Hans is doing GREAT! I will take him into the clinic today for a shot of Nulasta (like GCSF - a blood cell growth stimulating factor to help his counts recover from the chemo more quickly). We have also been busy buying school supplies! Hans has a Kung Fu Panda back pack (thanks, G&G Web)filled to the top for PreK 4 at Glen Loch. I just have to turn his registration paperwork in!

Elle is home and we are all very happy to have her back. She had a blast and can't wait to get back "home" for another visit.

We have scans that are supposed to be scheduled for next week. MIBG and CT. The pressure and intensity around scans is the same as ever - but I am only thinking positive thoughts around this set of scans...

Thanks for checking up on us and for your prayers and good vibes that have helped get us through this tough summer.

Lara
PS - Thanks also, to Marianne for a yummy meal the day we got back, as well as the impromptu filling of a grocery list when we knew we weren't getting home from the clinic before 7:30 pm on Tuesday. That was incredible!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, yeah for Hans AND Elle!

School is coming right up, and I know you have two young scholars ready to meet the challenges!
The first days of school are always so exciting!

I, too, have marveled at the ease Hans has shown and continued to show as he has completed his chemo therapies over the summer months!

As all of you move forward you remain in my thoughts and heart in love!

Hugs,
Aunt Susy

Anonymous said...

YAY! So glad your five rounds are over--I just know scans are going to go smoothly. Hans looks great! We'll be praying for awesome scan results this week.

Sarah Thweatt

Anonymous said...

It was such a treat to have all of you here for a visit.
Your next visit has got to be sooner!
It was very special to see both Hans and Elle make batches of raspberry jam with Papa, and see them brave the NW temps in the pool.
Elle and I had a wonderful time in Victoria and just hangin out in Seattle.
Love and prayers every single day,
G'ma Stephanie

Anonymous said...

It was awesome to see you, the highlight of our summer. Hans is such and angel, he has such an amazing sense of humor! I can't believe our girls are "tweens" Ack! Love ya,
Sasha

Claire Rider said...

Hi Guys!
So glad to hear Hans is doing so well! What a blessing. I can't wait to hear how much fun pre k will be too! You all are always in our prayers.
Love, Claire