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.

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

Holiday Low Counts Fun

Hans is not letting his lack of ANC beat his Holiday spirit down.
We've been pretty cheerful around here. Hans is looking a little low energy, but he has enjoyed decorating the tree, making a gingerbread house, and baking our first batch of sugar cookies! Hans says "I know everything about baking." He is getting really good at placing the cookie cutters right next to each other to maximize the number of cookies we can get. He doesn't use sprinkles sparingly, so it's good we have a lot. We hope to bake many more batches of cookies around here in the next couple of weeks. I have a 'beat the fever' attitude right now. If we can do it - let's do it today! Let's get it done (while we can! right now!) It's fun. Of course, since I can't take Hans into any stores with me, things get a little tricky... But I keep flashing back to 2009 and 2008. In early Dec '09 we were just relapsing for the second time, living in the RMH for a couple weeks, trying to find a new trial... and back in early Dec '08 we were recovering from MIBG plus Irinotecan and Vincristine. That keeps it all in perspective. Life is Good.
Hans should go in for a counts recheck tomorrow morning. Today is Day One of not making counts to start Round 17. We'll just see how long it takes. We hope not too long. We hate to leave the NB untreated.
We stay pretty busy around here. Kevin is coaching Elle and three other girls, "Goalbusters" on an all day 3 v 3 soccer tournament Saturday. Should be fun. Elle has also started Volleyball again , we've got a couple of Holiday parties, (none of which Hans will probably be able to make) and a band concert coming up. Elle did make first alternate in the district's honor band, but I'm not really sure what that means yet!
I'll keep you informed on tomorrow's counts, and I'll try to keep taking pictures, mom!
Lara

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Santa's "helper" is SOOO handsome...send him my way!

YUM! Gingerbread cookies made by a master baker!

Elle is one busy young lady! Ball games...and honor band...WOW!

May the fun go on...and on!

Love and hugs,
Aunt Susy

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear about Hans' counts. But hey, he looks good as Santa! Glad to hear you are busy with holiday cheer. Missing you guys so much this holiday season.

Sending my love,

Roxie

Anonymous said...

I just love Santa's helper - such a big smile! Prayers that counts improve quickly :)

Love, Aunt Holly and Uncle Michael

Anonymous said...

Love seeing Hans' smiling face in all of these pictures (as opposed to his hands!). Hans must get his cooking skills from his Dad and Uncle Quinn - they are both excellent cooks too!

Bet Elle is thrilled to have Kev coaching her again. We'll be cheering them on!

Love, G.Kathy & G.Dale xoxo

Anonymous said...

La and all - Life is good! Today all Papa wanted to do was get out of that "darn bed"!!! And then, after breakfast he decided it was "cookie time" so he was looking for the recipes to start giving Michelle directions.......hmmm. Love to all of you. pl