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, October 11, 2011

Admitted once again

The surgeon surprised us. We thought we'd be hearing yes/no to a possible biopsy and perhaps yes/no to a possible additional removal of affected lymph. BUT no, when Dr. Stein examined Hans he thought it was more suspicious for an infectious process than a tumor! I guess he thought it has just changed too quickly and is too painful and sensitive to be tumor. He mentioned a few tests he'd request. He and Dr. Marachelian consulted and he recommended we get admitted right away for IV antibiotics. Hans has rec'd the first dose of his thrice daily antibiotics. Infectious disease team has been summoned, but we've not seen them yet. How could this happen? Well, the PET and the CT showed something...the MIBG did not. Perhaps the something was an infection misinterpreted as tumor? Or, perhaps there is some necrotic tumor that has become infected???
I guess the plan is to see what happens with a day or two of antibiotics on board. He's not had fever and has had normal blood counts (still waiting on todays labs)... Dr. Marachelian said "I'm not ruling anything out!"
We shall see. I'm hoping it's the most treatable of the options. Elle freaks me out watching Myserty Diagnosis and I know there are some infections you wouldn't be wishing for.
Meanwhile, I'm glad I packed for days for a surgery consult!

Thanks for checking up on us. I'm hoping to be putting another entry into Hans' miracle chart.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Lara--
Hoping for the same with you! So sorry you're inpatient again, but I'll keep my fingers crossed and prayers going that after a few rounds of antibiotics his pain is gone and he's feeling much better. We're thinking about you guys all the time--hang in there.
Love,
Sarah

Kate said...

Wow, sorry about being admitted for sweet Hans, but how wonderful to find that his swollen lymph nodes may be due to infection!!! Praying for just that!!!

Anonymous said...

Praying that antibiotics clear things up quickly and Hans pain eases up just as quickly.

Love Aunt Holly and Uncle Michael

Anonymous said...

Praying that antibiotics are the answer. All of you have shown such amazing strength through the last five years. Keep it up. Prayers being sent your way.
Lillie Harwood (Little Saints)

Anonymous said...

Oh, such a roller coaster ride for Hans and his family!

May the antibiotics work their miracles quickly and provide relief and Hans' ticket home!

Grandma Kathy will be on her way today!

Love and prayers,
Aunt Susy

Ashton Blackman said...

Always checking on you guys. Hans is such a mystery with a twistery! I am looking forward to hearing the good news that the antibiotic cleared things up and you are on your way to antibody or whatever is the perfect next step for Hans! Keep your energy high and way to prepare for the unknown!
Love, Ashton