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, March 14, 2012

0.00

"Just because we were licked a hundred years before we ever started, doesn't mean we shouldn't try to win." Atticus Finch
Hans and I listened to To Kill a Mockingbird on audiobook (as read by Sissy Spacek) en route to SF. This was my favorite quote that popped out. It obviously applies to Hans' crazy journey! I've meant to post it ever since I heard it on the drive up.

We are still scraping the bottom of the barrel on counts. ANC is still 0.00:( Plts dropped back to 15 and HGB is hanging in there at 11. We are pretty much sequestered here. Good thing Hans is such a backyard boy. We put in a little salsa garden for Hans... Tomoatoes, peppers, jalapenos, onions, etc. We just need to find some garlic starts. We'll see how it grows. 50% of the country's produce comes from right here in the San Joaquin Valley - we ought to be able to produce a bushel or two:) Hans will stay out of school until that ANC comes up to about 500 or more. His teachers are coming to us each day so he continues to make progress. Our NP reminded me that stem cells aren't supposed to start kicking in until Day 9 - 11, which is actually Today-Friday. Hopefully we'll start seeing him turn around by Monday's labs.

I completely forgot to mention our little thrill last week. My friend Diana from grad school called in a favor and got us a celeb hook up! I mentioned on here that Finding Bigfoot is one of Hans' new shows. Well, Diana is neighbors with FB's Ranae Holland. Diana told Ranae about Hans and she asked for our number. She called right away to check on Hans! It was super sweet! She's going to send a postcard signed by Bobo and all of the guys on the show. I'll have to find a little frame for it...pretty cool stuff! Thanks Diana! I love it when people are moved to use their celebrity for the little dudes.

While Hans is here in relative isolation, life goes on. Elle was all signed up to do track, and had started try outs, but then was pulled in another direction. She started training with a new soccer team for a summer tournament! Yay for spring soccer. This team will travel to Tennessee in the summer to play for one hot, humid week. It'll be a pretty excellent adventure for our girl. She was willing to do track, but soccer trumps track in her book, especially the "Nationals" team!

I am trying to commit to getting up early and going out for a walk/jog each day. It's the one way I can guarantee getting my exercise in! Of course, just when you start a habit like that - Daylight Saving Time rolls around an throws a ring in the works.

Kevin is on dude spring break! He took off with his pal Sam to Scottsdale for Spring Training baseball. They're staying with his Aunt Holly and Uncle Michael, seeing his grandma, golfing, etc! He would have waited to go when we could all join him, but the games would be over when our kids get break in 3 weeks, and Sam is here in CA from Alaska for a conference, so he could only extend his stay for a couple days. I'm glad Kev is getting in some fun family and guy time! We might just have to go back for another visit for family spring break.

That's our scoop for right now. Thanks Pat K! Kendo Cole has finally made his way into Hans' hands! It was a long journey for that Ninjago!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hope those counts come up quick so Hans can get back to school! Enjoying having Kevin and Sam here and looking forward to seeing ALL of you in a few weeks!
Was really fun to see you guys over the phone last night...love all of the smiles and giggles :)
Hugs,
Aunt Holly and Uncle Michael

Anonymous said...

WHOO HOO, Elle! The new soccer goals and adventures sound super!

WOW...a salsa garden in your backyard, Hans! Do you attend Farmer's Markets? You might want to check Facebook for your local markets! I am sure they would enjoy hearing from you!

Gosh, it would be interesting to keep a photo record of your garden, as well as growth charts for each type of plant. You could also begin a watercolor journal. My third grade students favor the botany studies most of all (Preparing and eating our projects is great fun!).

Keep us posted!

Have fun in Scottsdale, Kevin! Grandma is excited about your visit!

Mornings are always a wonderful time to walk, Lara! I will think of you as I venture out, too!

Enjoy the pleasures of home!

Love and hugs,
Aunt Susy