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, October 31, 2009

Happy Halloween

Hello! Happy Halloween. As for us, we've had our share of scares this month! In fact, I think I'm a little overdosed on the whole Halloween gore decor. When we were first diagnosed in 2006, Hans hit TCH Oct 21st and was diagnosed the
25th with Stage IV High Risk NB. Halloween decor was everywhere throughout the backdrop of that experience. It was a little like the Twilight Zone to be back in it all over again - the same exact week, just three years later. When you are inpatient, you get wheeled everywhere for your scans by transport. We've had our fave transport guy "smooth ride" Sonny, hauling us through back alleys of the hospital, with the same spooky Halloween decor popping out at us in the hallways...'prepare for a scare', the signs say. No thanks, I'm preparing to be pleasantly surprised by our next findings! I'm ready for the skeletons to come down and the pilgrims and turkeys to go up.

Nonetheless, we are going trick or treating! Hans was rarin' to go to our local community shopping center last night, and he is going to hit the 'hood tonight. He is dressed up as Bumblebee (the transformer) and I was surprised that he was wearing his mask the whole time. He walked the whole night - which was more of a physical effort than he's been up for in a while, and he actually kept trying to hold his candy bag in his right hand. I had to keep correcting him. Elle, at 11, is totally into it. I'm pleasantly surprised by that. Both my kids are very discriminating candy eaters. I'll be able to pilfer quite a bit, and we can always bring the remainder to clinic.

Our friend Kelly lost her long hard battle with Breast Cancer this morning. I was able to visit with her and pray the rosary with her earlier in the week. I so admired her strength and determination. I have known her for at least four years, and she had been fighting her cancer longer than that. She didn't let treatment or diagnosis get in the way of her agenda. She has Homeschooled her boys Taylor, 10 and Blaze, 6 throughout her cancer experience. I'm praying for those boys right now as they transition into the next phase of their lives. Praying for Kelly, and her family, may she rest in peace.

Lara

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

So pleased to hear that things are more upbeat, and that Halloween ended on an upbeat note for Hans and Elle.

My thoughts and prayers are with Kelly's family.

Love and hugs,
Aunt Susy

Anonymous said...

RIP Kelly. You will be missed, but your spirit will live on.

Happy to hear about Halloween happenings.

xoxo

Roxie

Anonymous said...

Thinking positive thoughts and praying healing prayers for Hans and prayers that angels surround and uplift you all in this topsy-turvy time. So sorry to hear about your friend. Hugs - Wendi

The Adkins Family said...

I'm sorry to hear about your friend, Kelly. I know she's watching over those kids.

Hope you hear something soon about Hans!

BTW, Ehren was Bumblebee also!

The Adkins Family said...

I'm sorry to hear about your friend, Kelly. I know she's watching over those kids.

Hope you hear something soon about Hans!

BTW, Ehren was Bumblebee also!