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.

Thursday, November 05, 2009

Tentative New Plan



Here are Hans' Picture Day Pics - Kindergarten Fall 2009, Age 6
His smile isn't super big - but I won't be takin' a gamble on retake day. I think they're great! If you click on the picture you can see it better and you can really see the pretty color of his eyes!

So - we have a rough new plan:

Recheck counts tomorrow (Hans' liver panel was a bit High last week, and it needs to be rechecked before he can do the next step. If that rings a bell, it was high back in February 2009 when Rotovirus really wiped him out!)

If he clears counts check, he'll go back on ABT 751 for a Round or Two, and then his next scans at CHOP will be pushed up just a little bit.

If his liver panel is still high, we don't have a plan! We'll be back to winging it.

While it is wonderful to have two competent Oncology Teams reviewing your child's case - I do think it introduces some Gridlock. It takes longer for info to be shared and to get answers. This has been about the longest diagnostic process we have been through - and we are just sort of moving on for the moment. Pretty scary big decisions that we are making. It's a little intense, so it's been hard for me to focus on anything else. The good news: Hans' arm is pretty great. We think it still bothers him a bit, but we think it's much better. We are now only giving him one pain pill at night.

We are enjoying some gorgeous weather here in TX. Nice break from heat, heat, heat!

Lara

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a handsome young man - I love the picture! Glad to hear his arm is feeling better.
I think you're all doing an awesome job with these tough decisions and all of the waiting. Trust yourselves, you're doing great.

Love, prayers and hugs,
Aunt Holly and Uncle Michael

Carla Cruz (Lisbon, Portugal) said...

I am from Portugal (Lisbon). I want to send a lot of good energy for this gorgeous little boy. He is a Warrior now, but he will get the victory! Kisses!

Carla Cruz

Anonymous said...

What a great pic - Hans has the coolest hair ever!!

As Holly says, with my modification, Y'ALL are doing an awesome job with the waiting and tough decisions. His arm feeling better says good things to me, and we'll just know that the delay while Texas and Philadelphia discuss ultimately leads to the best course of action.

Love ye
Erin

Anonymous said...

OOOH...Hans is, indeed, a handsome dude! The guy with the eyes that say it all!

As Aunt Holly and Cousin Erin said, "Awesome job...BIG LOVE! The choices and decisions you have made and continue to face head-on are overwhelming, and you and Kevin continue to meet Hans' challenges with extraordinary consideration for all aspects involved.

Bless Hans, Elle, Kevin, You, and all of the family and friends who have been right there!

I love you,
Aunt Susy

Vickie said...

I'll stand in line behind that great loving family you have, but if there is just one leftover school pic for my "friend's door," I'd sure love to add Hansy to my rogue's gallery!

Anonymous said...

What a precious kindergarden picture! So glad to hear his arm is feeling better!
Claire

Anonymous said...

That's my beautiful boy!

What a knock out.

Love you guys!

Roxie