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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.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Unconfirmed

Hi,

So - we had a pretty rough appt with Dr. Russell today. At the time we saw her, she had contacted the Pathologist at the lab. At that point he had suspected NB at about a 90% confidence. He just hadn't confirmed it with a stain. We were to wait until 5pm for confirmation. I got off the phone with Dr. Russell a little while ago. She had received an email from the pathologist, saying that he was unable to confirm NB with a certain stain, but that he still suspected it, and would try again in the morning. The thing is - they are pretty sure that it is a cancer. The crazy thing it might be possible that Hans is suffering from something like Osteo Sarcoma or AML. If that is the case, Dr. Russell assured us we would treat with the intent to cure. Oh my goodness. What a rollercoaster. Don't even know what to pray for. That's it's all wrong - that somehow the "infiltrant" detected in Hans' Bone Marrow cannot, must not be a cancer.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers now. We are waiting. I don't know if we will be informed of anything tomorrow. It's not usually much of a communication day in clinic. We are trying to get Hans scheduled for a CT and a bone scan and a Bone Marrow Biopsy. The thinking is, if this is indeed disease (which they think it is now), and it is no longer MIBG avid, we don't know how many areas are involved.

13 comments:

Charon said...

Lara, Thanks for updating us all so quickly after what I imagine has been a long, exhausting day. Just know that so many people are thinking and praying for you all and still hoping for the best possible situation.

Love ya! Charon

Anonymous said...

Lara - get in touch with Donna Ludwinsk - Erik is non-MIBG avid and she can walk you through an approach. Praying the pathology is wrong. Neil & Margot.

Anonymous said...

Praying for you all and sending hugs and lots of love.
Aunt Holly and Uncle Michael

Anonymous said...

What a crap, crap, day. I have great faith in your medical team and I hope you get some answers tomorrow to begin to figure it all out and chart the course of action.

Thinking of you as always --
Erin

Anonymous said...

Oh Guys,
I am praying..praying..praying!!
Thanks for the updates.
Claire

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear all of this. And so sorry that nothing is clear. I will continue to pray and send good vibes your way. My thoughts are with you all.

Much Love,

Roxie

Anonymous said...

Always here for you guys--no matter what the results are. Still holding out hope that it is not ANY form of cancer. Please let us know what we can do to help. Keeping the prayers coming your way.
The Nolens

Anonymous said...

Lara,
I often think about Hans and what an amazing boy he his. I am so sorry to hear of the difficult time you are all having to endure right now. The waiting and the not knowing is just too much to bear sometimes. Your strength through Hans' journey has truly been an inspiration to me during our roller coaster rides with Mia. I send my love and prayers to your precious boy and your family.

Sarah Nusbaum

Mona said...

Hey Lara:

We are all thinking and praying for Hans and your family. I will put him on the prayer chain at my church.

Positive thoughts coming your way!

Mona

Anonymous said...

Oh...thank you for the update amidst all of the turmoil.

I hold you all in my heart and arms with love and prayers...firm in faith and hope.

Smooches,
Aunt Susy

Anonymous said...

Praying for it not to be cancer but knowing it will be cured if it is...
love and hope,
kim kow

Anonymous said...

Lara,
I follow your updates and always pray for the best reports and results possible. I know the roller coaster ride you are going on and pray for Hans as well as you and your family. Know that God is in control and never give up faith and hope.
Kathy German

Anonymous said...

GOD is ALWAYS there even in the midst of the most difficult times...HE is with all of you now as you journey through what must seem like endless days and nights. But His plans our bigger than ours and He will continue to carry you as He has been all this time. Keep your FAITH strong and TRUST in HIM!!