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.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Day 2

Hans did fine through the first night of his chemo. The ICE combo includes: Ifosfomide, Carboplatin, and Etoposide. One of these chemos can be harmful to the bladder, so we are making sure that Hans gets lots of fluids and that his urine isn't very concentrated. He is also getting a drug called Mesna around the clock to protect his bladder. There is a lot of action and excitement in here, the chemos each run one hour, they are followed by a flush and they have to check his vitals frequently, like five times in an hour during the Etoposide, all over the middle of the night. That kind of excitement. He didn't get sick, he actually said, "This magic water isn't so bad!" We'll take it one day at a time and be thankful that today is a good day. He had one problem - - wasting glucose in the urine, which bought him finger sticks all day long. The worst of it was all the interruptions and having to pee all the time throughout the night. His glucose has been fine ever since. He is also at risk for a little more hearing loss:( In optimistic news, our onc has suggested we try a second stem cell harvest after this round.

As for me, I am keenly aware that I have a glorious job in loving this boy. Ever since Hans was a new born baby, each time I hold him, I think 'this is what my arms are for.' I am glad I have these two arms. I am glad I have this boy to love. Kevin has the job of providing for him and spoiling him rotten which he does expertly. Elle has the job of treating like a completely normal brother... a sibling mix of teases, competition, play and love. We've got it pretty good.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love your last paragraph, Lara. Prayers abound for you guys. This chemo sounds like induction--yuck. Sorry you've circled around to it again. Give Hans a hug and tonight's prayers will be that the magic water continues to be "not that bad!" for the duration.

love,
Sarah

Anonymous said...

All of you are extraordinary people...all my heroes!

I love you very much...glad the initial phases of treatment have been relatively smooth.

Hugs and smooches,
Aunt Susy

Kate said...

I just love Hans's comment that the magic water is "not that bad!" Bless his heart. I can't tell you how much we think of this sweet boy.....his spirit is just remarkable and we can all learn from him. I think that you are right about your arms.....what a beautiful thought and what a beautiful job for a strong momma.

Anonymous said...

Lara, you are the best, you inspire me to be a better, more patient mother. I love you sweetie. I'm envisioning healing for Hans.
xoxoJana

Halie Pigott said...

Continuously holding Hans up in prayer for God's healing, protection and Mercy.

Anonymous said...

Beautifully said, momma. You are all in my prayers. Hoping & praying that things continue to bring him back to health. Hugs from Washington ~ Wendi R

The Nusbaums said...

Sending prayers for comfort and healing for Hans during his ICE treatments. Lara, wishing my two arms were there to give you a giant hug!! Please give one to Hans from me :)

Love,
Sarah Nusbaum

Anonymous said...

We are thinking of you guys!! Praying for Hans to not have side effects with the chemo.
Hans is such a strong boy, he is always in my prayers.
Love,
Claire

Anonymous said...

We love you guys! And miss you too. Jacob, Joey and Kira talk about Hans often and they tell their new friends about him with pride. They've been keeping him in their nightly prayers, as we all are. Sending love and strength your way.

The Kowalski Clan