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.

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Shucks - tried to upload a pic from my new phone, but it doesn't wanna work...

Sorry for the lack in updates. The good news: Hans has been great. He had two nights of mystery stomach and arm pain, and we almost went to the ER, but it resolved before we got checked in. We drove to Seattle in two days time. I was thrilled to be able to drive as an alternative to be always flying. It is two eight hour days with an over night in Yreka, CA. We managed to get Medco to approve home based Neulasta, and get it rerouted to my mom's address! We had labs in Seattle on Wednesday and they looked great. HGB a robust 14 from that last transfusion, ANC 18K from Neulasta, and plts okay at 119.

My grandpa was a really great guy. You could really learn all the lessons you ever needed to about life from him. By example, he taught three generations to: Work hard, put away for a rainy day, take care of your family...in sickness and in health, feed them well, go to church, support worthy causes, grow a garden, keep it simple, recycle, and sit back and enjoy the ball game! I am touched that my family has selected the CNCF for memorial contributions in his name. Both of my kids had a special relationship with him and we are all so blessed to have had him in our lives as long as we have. The truth is, everyone who knew him had a special relationship with him.

It was an emotional week in Seattle, but we had some nice times too. Hans bonded with everyone by "training" them all on how to play Angry Birds. I think he provided the 'free training session' to at least a dozen family members on this visit! We celebrated Hans' birthday, along with our little cousin Erin's bday (they are a week apart). We saw fireworks in Edmonds. We passed some time playing croquet in the yard, having picnics, going to dinner, and taking some nice walks at Green Lake and down at Edmonds beach... not bad! We were able to get together with Grandpa Oscar, Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Dale, uncle Quinn. I also squeezed in one night of a girls night out. Thanks for hooking up with me...Jana and Sunny!

We are waking up here in Yreka, CA... about to hit the road to reunite with Kev who has really had his hands full holding down the fort back at the house... all our animals, the DIY projects and unpacking are surely more than enough to deal with!

Lara

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

So wonderful to know that Hans is doing well, and that your visit home was filled with happy memories of Grandpa! He was a remarkable man who shared his gifts far and wide!

The bird game sounds a bit scary???! Think I will stick with the goofy wild turkey hen who has been lurking in the grasses between the house and the barn...she is a silly one!

Home...bet it will feel great!

Love and hugs,
Aunt Susy

Anonymous said...

I can relate to having grandparents like yours, Lara. I know how wealthy that makes you feel! That is truly a gift with infinite value!

Happy that you had a nice visit, and that Hans is doing so well!! SO sorry I missed seeing you while you were up here -- Friday evening just came and went too quickly for me to even run 2 blocks up the street to see you! Looking forward to seeing Elle next week, though! : )

Enjoy the drive home!

xo Shelley