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, December 17, 2009

Cruising Along

Hi,
I just realized I hadn't posted in a bunch of days and some of you are probably wondering how Hans is fairing on his new med, MLN8237 or Millenium... So far so good. Hans is fine. His counts have been good. We've been to clinic twice this week and Hans' counts are great so far:
Monday/Wednesday app:
HGB 13.2/12.5
Platelets 288/258
ANC 2200/3200

He still has hair, but it is supposed to fall out by the end of this round.

Did I tell you this is an oral chemo that he'll take for 7 days (two capsules once a day) and then get 14 days off? We'll actually scan again in Philly before we start Round 2. So I just booked flights for scans 12/29 and 12/30. At least we are home for Christmas. We've all been chipping away at the to do list related to Christmas...we're getting there! I just need to order that Christmas Card. I guess it's good they do make the New Years Card for slackers like me!

Today Kevin got to go to Elle's science class and teach about rock types, fossils, etc. I actually got to see it this time. Kinda fun! It's been a joy having my mom here to help out...go to clinic, stay with Hans while I run around, run around while I stay with Hans. They went out on a cute little date - treated to lunch at Chili's by the teachers at her school. Thanks for the nice card, guys! Hans and my mom are cute together - today they made cookies for Santa and decorated a gingerbread house and are building a lego set together, too.

Sooo... that's about it. Elle finally got all of her projects completed and books read in time to make teacher gifts tonight - she wanted to make everybody Chocolate Covered Pretzels. She also made her famous green wreath cookies to take to the all-day class party tomorrow. I think I wrapped a 30 gifts today and made up little candy bags to have something to hand out to all the lovely ladies who take such good care of Hans up at clinic next week.

My mom and I got to go to Mom's Night Out with my group o' girlfriends plus Carmen's mom last night. I also had a pre-baby day of fun with Michelle for lunch and pedicures on Monday. Michelle's baby is due the 2nd (Kevin's birthday), but they usually come early, so we went out while we could. So, we really are doing okay!

Thanks for checking up on us!

Lara

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Life is busy in your world!

So glad Hans is doing well and enjoying the festivities of the season!

I am thinking of ALL of you...

Love and hugs,
Aunt Susy

Anonymous said...

Glad that Hans is handling the new chemo...so far, so good. We are having fun & enjoying the holiday festivies too! If Hans needs some "boy time" next week, just call. Sean, Michael & I are home all week & no plans yet....just fun holiday stuff & playing lots :)
Love, Shannon

Kim Tyler said...

You are a whirlwind! I'd think nobody would mind if you let a few things fall through the cracks re. making a perfect holiday, considering everything else that you're juggling. Sending love and holiday greetings to all your family and, as always, praying for your best outcome and for a big miracle for a little boy. xoxoxo

Vickie Riley said...

hi,iam nana to Katie stage 4 NB diagnosed May 09 and she is treated at TCH. She just finished her BMT and is home now. I was wondering when you started going to PA and if Hans did antibody tx... and if so did he do it at CHOP? You may email me at vickiej57@hotmail.com. Thanks and praying for a good response from Hans and a wonderful holiday season for you all. God bless. Vickie Riley