About Me

My photo
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.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Didn't make Counts x2 :(

As much as I'd like to be reporting otherwise, Hans didn't make counts again today.
His ANC rose only 20 points to 220 - a far cry from the req'd 1000 to start Round 5 of Millennium. Platelets came up to 119, but HGB is at 9.8, on the low side for Hans, but well above the transfusion mark of 8.0.

I have to say I'm sad about this! We got an email from Dr. Maris explaining that he has seen a few cases of late ANC drop on this med, so he attributes it to a side effect of the med, plus/minus a possible virus.

We'll check counts again on Monday.

In the meantime, I'm cancelling tentative plans left and right...no crawfish boil with friends on Saturday night, no Hans' first sleepover with Alex, no bowling party on Monday, Hans and I will possibly stay home while Kev Shaves for Seany... (But it is an outdoor event, we may try to make an appearance). It's kinda sucky. The kids are starting spring break tonight. It's not the typical cheerful buzz in which you head into a vacation.

BUT...oh my goodness, we have him, he is fine. He actually looks great and is relatively full of energy. The weather is perfect for park and outdoor outings. It's a catch 22 on this med. What are you gonna do? It's killing the tumor according to the last two scans, but it's beating Hans up a little bit too.

One last pitch for Saint Baldricks. It's happening Sunday at 4:30 at the Goose's Acre in The Woodlands. Feel free to come on out and hang out (there is no entry fee, just show up and order what you'd like), or go online and chip in a few bucks, www.stbaldricks.org (Click on Find Participant, enter Kevin Weberling, then check Shavee) Kevin's going to go skinhead along with 3 TCH docs, at least 3 mamas, and a handful of dads and neighbors. (Not me - I don't think I could quite pull the look off!) Elle just decided to grow hers out again, we got her hair cut tonight. They straightened it too and she looks toooooo grown up!

I'm sure we'll be fine - but it's an adjustment. I have been crunching some numbers the last couple of days. This next round of Millennium will be Hans' 33rd Round of Chemo he has endured in his young life. That's not even including his 6 rounds of Accutane. What can you say about that???

Lara

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hoping Hans makes counts on Monday - sending some extra prayers his way. Glad to hear he's doing fine otherwise :)

Looking forward to pictures of the new haircuts, Elle and Kev!

Love. hugs and prayers,
Aunt Holly and Uncle Michael

Anonymous said...

Hans, you, your Mom, Dad, and Big Sissy are an AMAZING FORTRESS of STRENGTH and LOVE!
You rock!!!

Love and Prayers,
G'ma Stephanie
0X0X

Our Family said...

I hope that Hans' couns are better by Monday. Still praying for you all and your amazing family!

Love,
Bernie

Anonymous said...

What CAN be said is...Hans is a remarkable model for resilience, bravery, and love...as is his family! Absolutely no one top him in my book!

Oh, gosh...let us all pray that the counts rise to acceptable levels by Monday!

It is wonderful to know that in spite of count reports our guy looks well and is feeling frisky!

Sending love and hugs,
Aunt Susy...who may be SNOWED IN by tomorrow morning! WHOO HOO!

Dawn said...

Sending prayers.. Elijah had trouble with counts a few times as well. His hair is finally starting to peek through and make an appearance and things are more stable with counts. Hoping the lovely weather continues for you guys and you can enjoy lots of outside time.