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.

Monday, September 05, 2011

Labor Day





Got some pics finally posted. Thanks to our pals old and new who helped me celebrate last weekend.

Well, we were fortunate enough to chalk up a perfectly pleasant Labor Day Weekend! We have been happy to have three nice long days at home! We all got to go to Elle's soccer game, had friends visit (thx for driving up A and A!), neighbors over, we swam, we played, we ate, we BBQ'd - Exactly what you're supposed to do this weekend. I actually got to ride the entire bike path with Kev here in town over the past 2 days. Bakersfield actually boasts a 25 mile uninterrupted bike trail along the Kern River here. It's great -- I've heard so much about it from Kev, and finally I got to join him for a ride out and back in each direction this weekend.

Hans goes back in for his two last sessions of radiation on Tuesday and Wednesday. We are planning to go back and forth since radiation appointments are so quick. We don't have any appointments or scans on the books for the next two weeks as of yet.
Hans will likely do a PET/CT or an MIBG scan next week. Results will help direct our next course of action. There are a couple trials we've got an eye on. We hope the timing for the opening of one immunotherapy trial will work out just right for Hans. We'll keep you posted. We may do 1 - 3 more rounds of this chemo combo, but I honestly just don't know. We've consulted with Dr. Maris, and we continue to be amazingly satisfied with our new onc here. I'm sure we'll have a good plan soon. Hans is sure in a different boat than he was in 3 -4 weeks ago. He's such a miracle fighter boy. We just keep looking at him shaking our heads in joy and relief.

SEPTEMBER is National Childhood Cancer awareness month. Last year I tried to do a good job of highlighting different things going on around the country...but this year I'm a slacker. But I want to share this: fellow TX NB mamas Charon and Jennifer are keeping the bake sale alive at Texas Childrens! The Back to School Bake Sale is set for September 16th. Thanks so much ladies, I love that the Bake Sale lives on:) I'm sure you'll put your stamp on it and make it even more special! Thanks to all the bakers and workers too.

Happy Labor Day.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

La - and all - It's so nice to hear relief in your voice and it is soooo nice to hear that you had such a super weekend. We had a little party at your mom's yesterday afternoon. We love you guys! pl

Anonymous said...

you guys look great! What is with Kevin, he got all skinny? Tell him I said it looks like hes bringing sexy back. So glad you all got to have some fun and relaxation. Keeping Hans in my prayers and thoughts.
love you guys,
Jana

Anonymous said...

Elle told Aunt Debbie and I that Kevin had lost a lot of weight but he was still kind of lumpy...hahaha. Aunt Debbie explained that we all get a little lumpy as we get older. It looks like he's lost more weight, though...need an update from Elle on the lumps :)
Glad you all had a great weekend! Thanks for posting the pics too!
Love, hugs and prayers,
Aunt Holly and Uncle Michael

Anonymous said...

So glad you had a wonderful, restful weekend! And we don't expect anything less than "a miracle fighter" out of Hans--he has always been a responder and is a champion for fighting so hard!! We will keep the prayers coming for a smooth transition into the next treatment plan. Wish we were there to hug you guys. So good to see pics!
Love, The Nolens

Anonymous said...

LUMPS...WHAT LUMPS?????! Debbie has a delightful way of adding humor...it IS her job! EVERYONE, family and friends, looks fantabulous!!!

So glad that Labor Day weekends was one of fun and feasts!

Loving you from afar...hugs,
Aunt Susy

Halie Pigott said...

So happy you were able to have some time at home relaxing and enjoying your family and friends! Praying for you guys always!!!
Jenn Pigott