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.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Oxaliplatin



Well, I sure don't get around to posting much these days, do I?  Sorry - it has been harder to get to my laptop these days.

We were asked to arrive at CHLA Wednesday for a CT, and we were warned there may not be enough stem cells to proceed with our plan.  Long story short, there weren't. We needed 2.0 viable stem cells and we had a mere .8.   We got the CT.  It showed some more progression to the jaw and lung nodules and I think pelvis area:(  Counts are low low low.  This combination of bulky disease plus low counts doesn't give you a lot of really really great options.  But there are options!

Hans is having another concerning symptom of swelling in the feet and legs.  After reviewing the CT, an ultrasound was ordered.  They were concerned about clots.  Poor Hans powered through a two hour ultrasound to all the veins in his legs Wednesday night.  Ultrasound was negative for clots. An MRI was ordered to check for tumor pressing on a blood vessel, affecting blood return.  It never actually happened due to scheduling but it was ordered.  We waited inpatient all day Thursday.   I thought we were going to see the MRI and go from there.
We found out that it wouldn't happen Thursday and I was starting to get worried.  If we had to wait for Friday, what were the chances he could get any radiation on Friday afternoon to help the swelling.  I asked everyone who came through the door to call in a favor with radiology scheduling.  They all looked at me, like, sure Lara.  And then, Dr. Wong just walked through our door.  He announced that he knew where to radiate based on the CT alone.  We could forgo the MRI.  I thought, oh, this is what it feels like to have a hero!  Dr. Wong just opens the door, walks in and saves the day.  He is a really really good guy!  He is pictured above with part of his great XRT team... Anthony, Themonie, Debbie, Dr. Wong, and Alisha:)

Hans got two large doses of radiation to the pelvis on Thursday and Friday.  Friday afternoon our team decided to go ahead and start a new Chemotherapy - Oxaliplatin.  It's new for Hans and has something of a track record against NB. And, most importantly for us right now, it's not too hard on the counts. We were pleasantly surprised that they went with our suggestion of a quickie little chemo infusion and then a discharge on Friday night.  We are home now.  We need a home run with this one.  It has to be the magic bullet, knocking back bulky disease and at the same time allowing counts to come up.  We are on our knees.  Hoping and praying for our special boy.

Meanwhile, we've had a little company.  My friend Perla brought a meal and treat up to us at CHLA.  Uncle Mark, Aunt Debbie and Jessa and Kalene are in town this wknd doing a little spoiling!  And Elle's school is looking out for us.  The counselor, Ms. Antongiovanni, sent over the loveliest meal on Tuesday night.  It was perfect and now one of the other teachers at the school is setting up a Meal Train for us.  You can email me if you'd like Ms. Tiffin's information.  kevinandlara@hotmail.com.  It reminds me of the many fine meals we were treated to by the St. Anne's Society back in TX.




12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update Lara. I am hoping & praying for good response to the new chemo! Love to all of you....The Montemurno's

Anonymous said...

Praying that Oxaliplatin is the magic bullet!! What a strong medical Team Han's has! I hope you get "Family Time" for the four of you, along with this new plan.
Love to all of the Weberlings.
Pat K.

Anonymous said...

Hope...That is what this new plan is all about, Lara. We never give up the hope. Prayers that this will go well and help the little hero fight! Love, prayer to you all Weberlings. You are an amazing family! Love from Wendi - Eburg

Anonymous said...

Gosh - what a roller coaster.......prayers to all of you. Love, pl & Tom

Anonymous said...

Love, hugs and lots of prayers that the new chemo and xrt do the job!
Aunt Holly and Uncle Michael

Anonymous said...

Hoping with all of you that the oxaliplatin is the home run that Hans needs.

M.
Portland, Oregon

Anonymous said...

Sending out so much love and light to Hans and you, Kevin and Ellie. Thanks for keeping us updated!
Do we have to live there to participate in the meal program, or can we donate a meal from afar?

Anonymous said...

My 94 year old mom became an angel on the 8th. Asking her to ask "the big guy" to provide that magic bullet for a very deserving family. I see many angels protecting your family. Love and light.

Anonymous said...

Loves and prayers that all goes the way it is needed. Really and truly praying hard. We live you all so much. And Elle goud luck in soccer.
Love always, Uncle Matt, Auntie Anna, and Kidos.

Anonymous said...

Love, hope, faith, charity continues to accompany and hold up Hans, family, friends, medical teams, and strangers near and far!

I know Uncle Mark, Aunt Debbie, Jessa, and Kalene were the best of help and provided the best of the best in spoiling sweet Hans and his family!

May the comfort of home, love, and medical interventions find Hans feeling better pronto!

Love and hugs,
Aunt Susy

Anonymous said...

Always thinking of you all & sending Love & Light your way! Big Hugs & all the good energy we can muster <3
You all show such amazing strength.
I pray for some awesome news to be heading your way.
Love cousin Jenny & Jill

Anonymous said...

Hoping and praying you guys are hanging in there and the new chemo is doing the trick! Much love,
Sarah