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.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Waking Up

I wanted to share that our big week of treatment is over. Hans received 5 days of radiation and 5 days of Irinotecan/Temodor. You can already SEE the results! The bump on the top of Hans' head is almost FLAT!

His vision is improved (his eyes are less crossed and he is tracking the doctor's finger tests better), but he still says he is seeing double.

Hans pretty much spent last week asleep and not eating at all. He would actually throw up several times a day, after each of his little meds. He already looks better, awake to watch Saturday morning cartoons at least, but the appetite may take a day or two to come back.

He has only had one complaint of a headache (no more back pain) all week, so we have been weaning him down and off the IV Methadone. He should be on an oral pain med by Sunday or Monday. I am hoping the back pain doesn't come back once he is off the Methadone. He is also being weaned off the Decadron and will go back to his Hydrocortisone tomorrow.

Hans has his MRI of the spine on Monday morning (with Sedation). We must be inpatient to get that slot! Sooo... we will have a mellow hospital weekend. Today and tomorrow will be his first two days that Hans won't have to have any treatment or tests in TEN STRAIGHT DAYS, so we will look forward to it, and hope to be fetching food requests far and wide as his appetite returns.

My mom is going to go ahead and go home for now. Her BFF Pat flew down to make the road trip back up with her. Thanks, Pat!

This week Elle got registered for school, and she is trying out with a couple of different soccer teams. Kevin was able to take three days off this week and has been knocking out our major DIY flooring project and spending time between CHLA and Bakersfield. This is a crazy time, for sure!!!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy theres improvement-I have an ongoing vision in my head of a healthy Hans- saying prayers and sending you guys love.
xojana

Anonymous said...

Glad that Hans is more awake & hope that his appetite returns with avengance! Sorry that you have had a rough patch & hope that things calm down soon. Love to you all :)

Anonymous said...

Good news on positive progress! Keeping up the prayers and healing thoughts. Love and hugs to all,
Aunt Holly and Uncle Michael

Anonymous said...

Thank you Hans & Ellie for sharing your pets and house! We have just stopped for lunch and are back on i5. Hans... Don't forget about the kissing bug:)
Pat k

Anonymous said...

So pleased to learn Hans is awake, feeling better, and the NB is diminishing!!! Now, as medications are lightened up may the appetite kick in...I am visualizing Hans eating pizza and grapes...green!!!

May all of you rest knowing the prayers for health, love, and joy are ongoing far and wide!

Have fun as school and soccer begin, Elle! School officially begins here on Monday!

Gosh, Kevin...may the flooring project progress smoothly!

Thank you for the updates amidst all that you have championed, Lara!

Big love and hugs,
Aunt Susy

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear there has been improvement! Hans, you're a warrior! You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
xoxo
The Mead's

Halie Pigott said...

Oh, Lara, I am so happy to hear that Hans is responding well to the treatment plan. You are all in our prayers daily!
Jenn