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.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Day 3

"Listen to the Mustn'ts,child,
Listen to the Don'ts
Listen to the Shouldn'ts
The Impossibles, the Won'ts
Listen to the Never Haves,
Then listen close to me --
Anything can happen, child,
Anything can be.."
- Shel Silverstein

I'm thankful to my parents not only for teaching me how to love unconditionally, but for keeping me in Shel Silverstein poems throughout my childhood. I'm sure these poems are partially responsible for parts of my personality and my outlook on life. This is a poem I am thinking of often and fondly as I try not to gaze too frequently at Hans' bulging lymph nodes. It appears the left side is improving, the right side, not so much. We will give it time.

Happy to say that last night Hans did even better than the night before. We were prepared for the number of potty wake-ups, and that was the big deal. Dr. Marachelian is giving Hans a whopping dose of decadron that not only covers his adrenal insufficiency but protects him against nausea. Hans says that it's smart to run it over night so he doesn't get sick during the day.

Our cup runneth over with visitors and love. Grandma Kathy flew home this week - thanks for coming! And Roxie has been here. I'm going to have to get her a cute driving cap and gloves for all her chauffeuring. She has been taking on the Popeye's and Taco Bell runs that are usually Aimee's domain, and she's fetching the grandmas to and from the airports of LA. Tonight we'll have my mom and Uncle Dean join us, and Kevin, Elle and Claire will come down from Bakersfield. It's hopping. We're planning for a field trip to Disneyland tomorrow, just not sure how many are going. Hans is okay with missing out on the outing. He's holding out for the Nick Hotel in Orlando. Do I have the only kid who could pass on Disney??

5 comments:

rherbert said...

Thinking of your family and hoping that the new treatment does wonders for Hans!!! I am so inspired by your amazing attitude and grace under pressure...Hans is so lucky to have you for his mom! :)

Anonymous said...

If you make it to Hotel Nick in Orlando you can have your own personal PNP look after Hans as I have moved down here :) shari

Anonymous said...

Shel Silverstein's sage advice IS timeless and priceless...as are all of you!

Hans...your upbeat attitude is inspiring! I am so pleased the treatments are manageable!

Good to know that family and friends surround you with love, smiles, and helping hands!

Love and hugs,
Aunt Susy

Anonymous said...

Hans is such a trooper! Glad you've got lots of family and friends to help pass the time. Keeping the prayers going that you see more progress soon!

Love and hugs,
Aunt Holly and Uncle Michael

Anonymous said...

We continue to be inspired by Hans and the entire Weberling family--what a blessing you ALL have been to us. We are sending all kinds of prayers and love your way--GO ICE GO!!! Hans has always been a responder to treatment and I KNOW you will see those lymph nodes shrink soon!!!
The Nolens