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 16, 2010

Round 17 Underway...


Hans mixing cocoa in class this morning.


Elle and Hans with Santa's helpers Debbie and Phil.

We got some news. I guess it just took a day or so to get all the right info exchanged.
Hans started Round 17 of MLN8237 last night. He is at the same full dose, 60 mg per day, 7 days on, 14 days off. Hans will now get one shot of Neulasta in the clinic on Day 8 or Day 9 of each cycle. The Neulasta will help boost his white count so that the ANC isn't sooo low for so long. I think this is a good thing and I'm very pleased about it!
We have been keeping busy as usual! Elle had a band concert last night, and then we got a surprise phone call. I guess Hans was 'adopted' by some of Santa's helpers at HP (thru Candlelighters, Houston)! We got a visit from a really nice couple - Phil and Debbie. They dropped off an embarrassment of riches. Hans was outfitted with a totally new bedroom set - Transformers. Supercool.
And then, as Mrs. Parker and I have been plotting (well, I was actually doubtful his counts would rebound), Hans made his first visit to the classroom this morning. We were able to join the class this morning for hot cocoa making and watching Polar Express. Sweet. Hans' classmates won me over by their care and concern. They were genuinely sweet and pleased and excited to meet this Hans they had heard so much about. It was darling to me that the other students, boys and girls both, wanted to come and just say hi and pat him or give him a hug. They got to choose where they wanted to sit and Hans was quite surrounded by a sea of pretty little girls during the movie. He stayed through the whole thing. Sooo cute!

Hans is working with his teacher Ms. Yoakum right now. My mom will be coming for Christmas. All is good. Those few sorta rough times of Round 16 are happily behind us and it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Peace, Love and Cure,
Lara

5 comments:

The Alexander's said...

Great news!!! Merry Christmas.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a really fun day at school and a really nice visit from the helpers...bless them! Glad things are going well :)

Love, Aunt Holly and Uncle Michael

Anonymous said...

Simply GREAT news!

Hans...so glad you were able to spend time with your classmates!!! I know just how special it was for them, too!

Have fun with Grandma Stephanie!

Enjoy the many sweet pleasures of the season!

Love and hugs,
Aunt Susy

Anonymous said...

What a great post! I'm so glad Hans had a fun day at school and you've got an attack plan for low counts this next round. Plus an entire Transformers bedroom set? Fantastic! Christmas sounds merry indeed!!
love,
The Thweatts

Anonymous said...

So glad he's back on treatment! I bet those sweet little girls couldn't get enough of Hansie...he's quite the ladies man!

Roxie