About Me

My photo
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, November 19, 2011

4

Bear with me and my variables for one more post. x is = to almost one and y came in at 1.35, so z is just about 4! We'll take it. I remember 4 was the goal for our first collection back in TX. Back then we doubled it, but this time we just made it.

As for the value of a, that's a little unclear. It depends on what therapy we may try. 4 is enough for basically one or two rescues. One if it is a particularly harsh trial, two if it is something like, lower dose MIBG... If that makes any sense. It puts one or two big treatment options back on the table. Hans did it! It was tough, but he did it. I've been emotional about this - because it is such a big draining ordeal. I think Hans did better than I did! But I'm also emotional about the larger mystery of it all. Here we landed in the lap of this new oncologist with progressing disease. She has rolled up her sleeves and gone to work as if she's been caring for him from day 1. She said that this stem cell harvest might not work, but that she had a good feeling about it. She wanted to try. It is an incredible feeling to have someone stick their neck out there for your boy. I'm wiped out, but am feeling so very good and grateful about it all.

The rest of our weekend by the numbers:
Hans and his dad are sure to select at least 4 Lego kits as a reward for the "4" banked cells.
2 - 3 the number of 'playoff' soccer games Elle has over the next 2 days.
40 - the number of hours we get to enjoy at home before returning to LA for a
3- day 2/3rds dose of ICE. We expect to get discharged Wednesday!

Hans is looking forward to helping Kev cook the turkey. He reminded me the other day, as we are in the middle of stem cell harvest all hooked up in the Day Hospital, "Mom, we need to get the turkey by Saturday. It has to thaw for five days." He actually remembered that from previous years and was planning it out in his head. I told him I would have had to Google that. He and Kev are going to go pick it out today.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yay! I can't imagine how good home looks to you two.....have fun, stay as healthy as you can and get ready for a goooooood turkey day! We love you all, pl

Anonymous said...

That 4 is the answer to 4,000,000 prayers!
and Keep on Praying!

Love and 0X0X,
G'ma Stephanie

Anonymous said...

5-The number of days it would take for a 20-25 pound turkey to thaw! Good job Hans! I am impressed!!

Love you all!
Sunny

Anonymous said...

And I found a Ninja lego man that will take Hans 44 sec to do!
From Yokohama,
Pat K

Anonymous said...

Glad this went well! Thankful that you both made it through! Love and hugs, Aunt Holly and Uncle Michael

The Nusbaums said...

Just wonderful news about the counts! So many prayers are covering Hans and your family. Enjoy your time at home- I love hearing about the turkey plans :)

Sarah Nusbaum

Anonymous said...

slyinPraise God for that 4! So glad you get to spend some time at home! Hans- you are so amazing! Love & hugs to you all. Cindy

Anonymous said...

Good morning!

WHOO HOO and congratulations! Hans' oncologist is just as special as Hans and his family! She is a true scientist and compassionate doctor!

'Tis a world of numbers we live in...AND Hans has his turkey numbers correct! I vote for his expertise in the kitchen!

May your hours at home be delightful...and restful!

Love and hugs,
Aunt Susy

Unknown said...

so glad the stem cell harvest went well! Hans is a BAMF

have a great thanksgiving at home together

Clay