Welcome to the Bennett family
Hans is sick
Hans has pre-Beta Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia [ALL]
Hi all. Happy New Year!Now that Hans is in maintenance and things are becoming more consistent, we are taking time to follow-up on and dig deeper into some of the other things that have been bothering Hans. We've been working on his bone pain recently and we got some good news from Hans's bone doctor. Hans's bone scan from December showed that he has normal bone mineral density and won't be needing pamidronate treatment as was thought. We were surprised because the doctor seemed so certain that Hans's test would show he has low bone density.
We also found out that the doctor expects Hans to need his brace for 3-6 months. By then, he expects the fracture to heal and the pain to resolve. I was thinking it might be longer, so that is a relief.
The staff at Hans's school has been really cooperative with accommodating his fracture. He sits on a therapy ball in class instead of one of those little plastic chairs. His classmates carry the ball around to library, music, and PE for him. His teacher is letting him keep a second set of books at home so he doesn't have to carry a heavy backpack. The physical therapist at school is working with the PE teacher to find some alternative exercises for Hans.
We are waiting to hear back from the pain team at Children's. We want to talk to them about pain control for Hans. He is still having back pain in the evenings and at night, and oxycodone isn't helping. One of the alternatives we are interested in is acupuncture.
Hans is also having leg pains this week. It could be from the chemotherapy.
Hans managed to have a run-in with a piano on Wednesday at his Cub Scout meeting. He got 2 stitches.
So, maybe we're not having a great week, but at least he didn't shove a crystal up his nose (like another ALL patient we know did last month).
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Guestbook
Please post a message for Hans or his family.
Cheri Taylor wrote
I was so sorry to hear about Hans's illness. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. A neighbor boy struggled with leukemia when he was about Hans's age. When I saw him two years ago, he was a big strapping man. Keep the faith.
Posted September 08, 2008
Mrs. Sally Krise wrote
Hans,
We are SO happy that you are in our class this year! We are here behind you 100% of the way at battling this cancer! Thank you for your bravery today when you spoke to our class about your disease. You are a sweet, sweet boy and I'm glad you are in MY class! :)
Love,
Mrs. Krise
Posted September 04, 2008
Mrs. Tinker wrote
Hans, I hope you had a great first day of school! Good luck in 3rd grade!
Posted September 04, 2008
Shane Baller Family wrote
That is sooo exciting. We can't wait to see you all at the reunion!
Posted July 31, 2008
Shane wrote
We can't wait to see you at the reunion. We hope you are feeling good enough to come!
Posted July 20, 2008
Spataro Family wrote
Hans, it was so great to see you at Church today. We're happy to hear that you are in remission and will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers.
Posted July 06, 2008
Shane wrote
That is soooo good to hear about Han's progress. That is a GREAT birthday present. We wish you all the best.
Posted July 04, 2008
Betty Mak wrote
Hi, Rebecca,
Hans and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers. I sincerely pray for Hans' full recovery. Hang in there!
Betty
Posted June 30, 2008
Uncle Adam, Aunt Sarah, and little Jacob wrote
Yay! You are home after experiencing the awful pain of kidney stones. Aunt Sarah had them when she was pregnant with Jacob so she completely feels your pain! We are so happy that the chemo has been doing its job! We pray for you continually throughout the day! We love you! Oh, and congrats on making it into the Merlin program! Yippee!!!!!!!!!!
Posted June 25, 2008
Jayson, Kenna, Jayna, Bryce, Lillian and Makayla wrote
Hans, we are thinking of you every day. I am so proud of you for being so brave! You are in our thoughts and prayers! We send our love!
Posted June 24, 2008
