"365 Days"

Today is the day. January 6, 2009 - Dane's oncologist confirms he has leukemia and our lives would never be the same again. As is the case with most traumatic events, I have been having "flashbacks" to this time last year. Although it has been 365 days, I can still vividly remember meetings, phone calls, procedures, needles, medical explanations, visits from family and friends, and lots and lots of tears. Fortunately I can also remember many tender moments shared with Dane and Ashley - lots of hugs and kisses and reassuring words. So in the spirit of the"glass half full (vs. empty) philosophy", I have compiled the first "top 10" list of Dane's blog. Here goes ...

Top 10 Highlights of the Past 365 Days (in no particular order because that would be way too difficult)

#10 - Dane's oncologist tells us that although Dane has leukemia, it's the "best" kind to get - very common (as common as childhood cancer is) and very treatable.

#9 - Children's Wish Foundation. Everything about this organization is fantastic and our entire family has been treated very well. As of earlier today it seems like some progress is occurring on Dane's request to meet Joe Thornton so we'll keep folks posted (Ashley is sooo looking forward to a warm trip this winter to make-up for cancelling Disney last year).

#8 - Ongoing and amazing support of our family and friends. People in our lives have been outstanding this past year and as we have said many times in this blog - thank you so very much!

#7 - After a mere two weeks of treatment, Dane's body kicks the leukemia's @#*# and he is declared an "Early Rapid Responder". This means he is in remission and his prognosis is even better than when first diagnosed.

#6 - After an eight month hiatus from the sport he loves, Dane steps back on the ice in September for camp. After a slow start, he gains speed, strength and stamina and is successful in his attempt to play 8A1 Hockey. Halfway through the season he is passionate about the game again and asking to go on our backyard outdoor rink on a daily basis.

#5 - CancerCare Manitoba. The doctors, nurses, child life therapists, pharmacists and Foundation staff are wonderful. Our family has been treated with nothing but care and compassion throughout this difficult journey and we are so grateful. We "give back" by agreeing to be the face of the Holiday Appeal campaign and this leads to many great things - CTV Sports Star and NHL Experience.

#4 - Dane's body puts up a very good fight and infection germs are kept at bay all year long. This results in zero re-hospitalizations in 2009 and that is great news for everyone.

#3 - Believe in the Goal Foundation. The surprise news on Christmas Eve that Dane has been chosen for the NHL Experience was an exciting day for our entire family. We are very grateful to Shawn Churchill (CTV), the Believe in the Goal Board and Bob & Barb Davison (Todd's parents).

#2 - The gem amongst the pokes, prods, nausea, blood transfusions, etc. of our visits to the Clinic are our new and dear friends. To the following kids and their families - Hayden, Jessie R., Jessie L., Nick, Zoe and of course our special Kendra - thank you for friendship and kindness.

#1 - May 11, 2009 - Clare Avery Hantscher is born healthy & very happy. Not much more to say about this event as it speaks for itself. It was a real highlight this past year and even though I said at the beginning that these are in no particular order, this one is hard to beat!

Here's to hoping the 2010 highlight reel is filled with many great moments, stories and memories.

Take care - Janie & Dirk

p.s. I just about forgot the darn medical stuff. Dane had his monthly IV chemo yesterday and all went well. His neutrophils are just high enough to stay at 100% of his pill dosages (they were .82 yesterday) and the doctor figures they are borderline because he is fighting yet another cold (he just can't seem to stay away from them right now). His hemoglobin is at 130 and that's great news for energy & attitude!