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.

Monday, November 15, 2010

We're Off


Were off to Philadelphia this evening. We'll get the MIBG Injection tomorrow and the scan on Wednesday and we'll be back on a plane to Houston Wednesday night. One of my friends pointed out that I've never explained what this injection is all about, so here ya go:
(adapted from this site)
An MIBG scan is an imaging test that uses a substance (called a tracer) and a special scanner to find or confirm the presence of Neuroblastoma, a tumor of specific type of nervous tissue. A radioisotope (MIBG iodine-131 meta-iodobenzyguanidine) is injected into Hans' port. The compound attaches to Neuroblastoma cells. The next day, Hans lies under the arm of a scanner. The whole body is scanned in a test that takes about an hour. Hans is literally taped down to the table so that he doesn't move and the image is clear. The scan is later read by Radiologists to determine Hans' disease status. Hans is given SSKI drops for five days, starting the day before the injection, to minimize the effect of the radioisotope on Hans' thyroid. I haven't officially been keeping track, but at a bare minimum this will be Hans' 21st MIBG scan of his young life. There is a DVD player in the Scan room, kids can watch and listen to a movie while they scan. For the past two years straight Hans has chosen to watch the movie The Incredible Hulk as he scans. Nothing else.

Six weeks ago we scanned and learned that Hans' tumor is getting smaller. We are hoping to get similar or better news. It seems like every NB kid I know of starts complaining of pain the week before scans. This week, Hans is pointing at his back and shoulders saying we better get them checked out because they are sore. Kevin and I attribute this soreness to Wii's JUST DANCE, which we just purchased over the weekend and it has turned our place into a dance-a-thon! But, only the MIBG will tell us for sure that there isn't new disease cropping up.

Ah, we had such a very busy weekend around here that in some ways Philly will be a place to catch our breath. Crazy, huh? Elle really had back to back activities including a party, Honor Band Try-Outs, a soccer game, a sleepover, a girl scout meeting where we planned next weekend's campout, and a babysitting gig. Kevin had a golf tournament with some of our buds and we managed to do one 'training' bike ride (21 miles). Taxiing and cheerleading fell to me and Hans.

I'm really thinking about and praying for some of our NB cohorts right now, especially Patrick, Lily and Elijah. And of course, I cant stop thinking about my grandpa - who is holding his own, and my uncle - who is recovering quite nicely.

Peace, Love and Cure,
Lara

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, Hans is also pretty incredible!
I hope Macy's will be all decorated when you go to mail your letters to Santa!
Lots of prayers going out!
Mom

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful photo of Elle, Hans, and sweet Honey!

Oh, My...Hans you are amazing! May the trip and scans be free of worries! As I think about you watching "The Hulk" I can't help but visualize you and The Hulk dancing...AND dancing!

Enjoy your travels...love and prayers go with you!

Hugs,
Aunt Susy

Mickey martinez said...

Hans i know you have been through alot and I am glad that you are doing great. Hans you have grown and you look better from the times I have seen you in the hospital.I hope that your visits to Philadelphia are all good news. I will be praying for you every single day. Mickey Martinez Leukemia ALL TCH