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 02, 2010

Long Day in a Nutshell

So, Round 16 hasn't been very good to us! This morning when I asked Hans how he felt, he said "all better!" I took him into clinic with the hopes of hearing "looks great!" But, come to find out - ALL Hans' counts tanked. His HGB was 8.0, his platelets had dropped down to 59, and his ANC is stuck at 60:( Shoot. We got a slot for a blood transfusion in the clinic.
I always have a very grateful feeling as the mother when I see the bag of blood coming. Some stranger gave up a couple hours of their time, their life, their blood to save my boy! They don't even get a high five, a pat on the back, or a toothless 7-year-old smile. Thanks to all the donors out there who keep Hans and so many others tickin'.
We had a hiccup of a few hives towards the end of the transfusion. We pulled the plug 3/4 way through the bag. It was enough to give his HGB a good little boost. He got more Benadryl and some fluids. The hives started to melt away. Wow - we haven't had a transfusion since July (???), and we haven't had a reaction to a transfusion since 2006!!!
It has been a rough couple of weeks for Hans. We are reaquaniting ourselves with this emergency managment lifestyle. It has been pretty boring and pleasant for most of the Fall!

I was going to catch a flight to Seattle tonight to see my grandpa for the weekend. I'm postponing that trip to keep an eye on my little dude.

The good news: Dr. Russell says Hans' mouth sores are all better. AND, my pal Claire, Patrick's mom, was able to drop in and say hi. It's always good to see her.

Peace, Love and Cure,
Lara

ps - Check out Angel Max's site. Max's dad Andy has created an awesome cheatsheet Christmas Shopping shopping in support of pedi cancer.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lara,
Seattle totally understands your need to be with Hans just now...glad to hear he was up and eating right away today! We will miss your visit though. Papa seems to have a little more energy each day, and is spending some time out of bed, which is delighting all of us!
I will be there this weekend and hope to start making those Christmas cookies you had planned on baking!
Enjoy a restful weekend watching the tree lights twinkle with H, E and K...

Love,
Mom

Anonymous said...

Oh, the ups and downs!

The great UP is that Hans feels better!

Grandpa, too!

AND...Grandma is coming...FUN!

Thinking of you with love...and polar bear hugs,

Aunt Susy