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.

Monday, June 04, 2012

Radiation=Xrt


Thank the Lord, we have begun to treat these new tumors today! I will from here on refer to radiation as Xrt. It is a commonly used abbreviation, I like it, it is easier to type, so I'll use it:)
Today was a loooong day! Thankfully, Kevin was smart enough to VETO the scheduled audiogram for today! We'll do that later.
This is what Hans had to do today:
Get fitted into a body mold for xrt.
Get a new CT of the spine in that body mold.
Get xrt simulation for xrt to spine.
Receive first dose of IV Carboplatin along with prehydration and premeds.
Receive first dose of oral Etoposide.
Receive first xrt treatment to spine.

Gotta give it up to Kev for knowing that an audiogram at 1:30, or at any point in the day today was not a good idea:) This all took 5 hours down stairs. Hans was pretty wiped out after being up and about all of that time. Tomorrow we will pretty much repeat what we did to the spine today to the skull. Dr. Wong is waiting for Hans' chart from TX to determine just how much treatment Hans will get. We are anticipating doing this therapy from 12 to 18 or 20 days in total! Then, Hans will get stem cells, then we will scan then we will look for another therapy. Just to be clear, the antibody therapy has been stopped for the time being.  It isn't necessarily ruled out for some point in the future, however.

Oh, how I hope and pray that Hans will respond to this stuff like he always always has. Dr. Araz says she feels like we are in about the same boat we were in last summer. Last summer was a scary boat, but he pulled out of it okay. No one knows what is going to happen, no one has a crystal ball. All we know is that we are all in this fight for Hans. His doctor is in it, his NP is in it. Kev and Elle and I are in it. It is the primary organizing factor of our lives. We are fighting for our boy. All of you are too. We know that last year we were in a pretty scary/terrifying situation. He pulled out of that nose dive! We are praying to hit replay on that miracle!

Thanks to: Our sweet girl, Elle for being here with us almost every single night here.  Every day is just so much more fun and wonderful with our girl around! Thanks to: Roxie for driving (6 hrs) down from Santa Cruz to be with us! Thanks to Holly and Michael for driving in from your trip to Palm Spring to visit Hansie. Thanks to Sally for the cookies and for taking Elle for a very special Laguna Beach outing! Thanks to G'ma Kathy and Aunt Debi for coming in tomorrow. Thanks PL for the Lego, and thanks to the Tennesons for the special delivery! Thanks to the Toths and the Mars for animal care (Kevin has been here about half of the nights so our pets have needed care!) Thanks to the Hendersons for your generous gift! Thanks, people. My goodness. 

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Glad treatment is getting started and praying Hans responds quickly. Glad you have help coming in tonight...I could see how hard it is to be the only adult there. Let me know if you want me to come over again to stay longer and help out.
Love, hugs and prayers
Aunt Holly and Uncle Michael

Charon said...

Sending many good thoughts and prayers for your entire family your way! I know how hard it is to see your child go through this tough treatment so my heart goes out to you all. Our hopes continue to be high for Hans to pull through this once again...he is such a trooper! Elle is such an awesome big sister!

Much love, Charon

Kate said...

Praying for miracle #18 for Hans! He is an amazing fighter and an amazing spirit. This is so hard and my heart goes out to him and your entire family. You've got this Hans!

Anonymous said...

I just know Hans will win this battle. I continue to pray that he wins the war.

rherbert said...

Hans, I am praying for you as always. Hang in there. :) I also pray that the rest of your family is carried through this with continued strength and hope.

Unknown said...

Sending Positive Thoughts that Hans once again can BEAST THE BEAST he has strength and courage beyond words and a wonderful family (and friends) supporting him Best Wishes today and always for a better tomorrow!

Anonymous said...

Praying and hoping and wishing for Hans to have a quick recovery. He is a true fighter. I wish you all the luck and hope in the world I can give and can't wait for you to post some great news like you usually do. We love you guys

Kerry, Sean, Madison

Anonymous said...

What a day for Hans and The Team! May this new treatment work swiftly, and provide Hans with newfound wellness!

Loving and lifting spirits up from afar...BEAR hugs,

Aunt Susy

P. S. Hans, I ran into a young bear while walking this morning...and, later, saw an impressive "senior" member of his clan in the distance!

Anonymous said...

What a day for Hans and The Team! May this new treatment work swiftly, and provide Hans with newfound wellness!

Loving you BIG and lifting spirits up from afar...BEAR hugs,

Aunt Susy

P. S. Hans, I ran into a young bear while walking this morning...and, later, saw an impressive "senior" member of his clan in the distance!

Anonymous said...

I'm thanful for all the people in your family's world!

Pat K.

The Alexander's said...

I know there is nothing anyone can say to make this go away or make this time easier for you and your family, but please know that SO MANY HEARTS go out to you and SO MANY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS go out to you as well. Thank you for keeping all of your readers informed. Lots of hugs coming your way.