"Welcome 2012"

The calendar will flip to a new year tomorrow night and as a family we are looking VERY forward to 2012. Here are a few of our reasons why ...

- Jan 6 marks Dane's 3 year leukemia anniversary. Certainly not an event to celebrate on its own, however it is a very significant date because it marks 36 months down, a mere four to go of his treatment! In early 2009 it seemed like an eternity until we would get to this point and although it hasn't "blinked" by, it has passed pretty well

- Later in January we take off for a much anticipated family vacation to Florida that includes a four day Bahamas cruise. It's an early celebration trip and to say we are all excited would be an understatement!

- Ashley officially hits pre-teen status at the end of January when she turns 12. Wow - that is hard to believe!

- At the end of May (26th to be exact) we will be holding a HUGE celebration which includes a hockey game and social. All the proceeds will be donated to the CancerCare MB Foundation. Please watch the blog for further details ...

From our entire family to yours, our very best for a happy & HEALTHY 2012!

The Hantschers

"Double Digits!"

October 18, 2001 - Dane Owen Hantscher is born, a son for Janie & Dirk and a little brother for Ashley. Life is great - our family feels complete.

October 18, 2011 - Dane celebrates his double digits birthday with his family and friends, including the newest member that wasn't really in the "plans" all those years ago. As the attached pictures indicate, he had a great milestone b-day. He thanked us for all we did to make it special and he really seemed to appreciate the significance of celebrating the final birthday while he is still undergoing treatment. Next year will be so great!!!

He is doing really well and the countdown is definitely on. In just over a week we will hit the six month mark until he is finished (May 8, 2012) and plans are underway for the big celebration. His counts continue to be pretty good. I'm preparing myself they might be a little low his next appt in early November because they were hovering on the edge at his last clinic visit.

His hockey is going great. His team went 3-1 in a pre-season tourney and he looks really good. He loves his teammates which for us is the most satisfying part of the hockey experience. He's also busy with all things sport at school, including playing on the grade 6 v-ball team (he's only in grade 5)!

Ashley & Clare are doing well. Ashley made the "A" ringette team and plays her first game later today. Like all things in her life, she works very hard and we are really proud of her efforts. Clare is nearly two and a half. She talks in full & multiple sentences, is nearly out of diapers (yeah!!!) and has some attitude! We can't imagine where she gets that from.

We hope fall has been good to you - Janie & Dirk

"We Remember - Sept 29, 1998"

Thirteen years ago tomorrow we welcomed our first child, Cole Andrew. Although we will never truly understand why his physical time with us was so short, we are thankful he came into our world because he will remain in our hearts forever. As we have done every year since 1999, we will visit his place tomorrow and reflect on our special little son and brother. We miss him dearly but are so thankful to be surrounded by his three siblings. They truly do have a guardian angel and we are counting on him to keep them all safe, particularly Dane as he nears the finish line of his journey.

All is well on the medical and home front. Dane's counts are excellent, school has resumed without a hiccup for both kids, Ashley is knee-deep in ringette, Clare is awesome and Dane's extra effort at hockey tryouts last week donned a huge reward - he was successful in his attempt at 10 A1. For those who have been following his story since the beginning, this marks his third season playing higher level hockey while battling the effects of his ongoing treatment. We are thrilled for him but more importantly look so forward to this time next year when he hits the ice "like every other kid". No leukemia, no drugs, no side effects - just pure Dane! That will be an amazing feeling - for all of us.

Take care - Janie & Dirk

We have been on vacation!

Wow, I knew it had been a long time since I posted but didn't realize mid-June was my last blog. Time sure does fly by when it's sunny and warm in Winnipeg. Here's a quick update on Dane's journey the past little while ...

The countdown to the end is kicking into high gear. We are now less than nine months until his treatments are finished. One real positive of such a gap in between posts is the time seems to tick away quicker. We are down to one more birthday, one more school year and one more hockey season until he is finished chemo hopefully forever. The planning for the big celebration is really going to have to ramp up come the fall. We will be busy but it's an event we can't wait to have because it will signal the end of his 3.5 year cancer treatment.

Dane has been feeling really well the past six weeks. We had a "rough" patch in late-June early July when a virus hit him and combined with his chemotherapy obliterated his infection fighting neutrophil cells. The upside for him was he felt good because his daily chemo meds were suspended until the counts rebounded in mid-July. The downside was he was living with a mom & dad (particularly mom) who was very stressed out for several weeks. Although intuitively I knew his leukemia wasn't back, it didn't take away the panic when I saw blood cell counts that were as low as they had ever been, even compared to the very early days of his diagnosis. We generally only go to the clinic every 28 days, but because of the counts were there every week for five weeks straight. It was brutal and on one visit when told his neutrophils were so low they could only be read manually, I lost it - tears and all. I was reassured by the head pediatric oncologist he was "ok", however I didn't "de-stress" until his numbers rebounded. They are much better now and tomorrow is his monthly chemo. We had it moved a few days this week because he and Ashley are both in hockey camps and we didn't want him to get "whacked" with drugs that sap his energy.

Aside from this health blip, the summer has been fantastic! Ashley and I did our mother/daughter trip in early July with friends and it was excellent. We have been spending a lot of time at the cottage in Ontario and the kids have been having a great time with friends, tubing and particularly water-skiing. Last week we were off work but in Winnipeg and very involved in the annual Believe in the Goal golf tourney & hockey game. It was tiring but rewarding and a ton of fun. We wrapped up our vacation with a couple of days at Lake Wpg - Grand & Victoria Beach. The kids don't experience "beach" life too often so it was great.

We are prepping for the return to fall and the busy days & nights of hockey and ringette. Dirk and I are heading back to Las Vegas for a few days in September - we are looking forward to that "R&R" time. Clare is fantastic - so full of personality. She talks all the time - can't imagine where she inherited that trait from!?!? I've attached a picture of the three of them taken by a photog in June.

We hope all is well with you and your family. Until next time - take care, Janie & Dirk

Another (Exiting) Month Behind Us

It's mid-June and with the passing of another month we are that little bit closer to the end of Dane's treatment. Although we are not wishing time away, we are relieved that with every passing month we are that much closer to the finish line of Dane's journey.

We continue to be busy with regular programming. The kids various spring activities are in wind-down mode. Both of them are looking forward to the end of the school year and their much-deserved two month break.
Dane is feeling well. He returns to CCMB June 21 for his next treatment. When we think back to two years ago and all he had to endure, we are so relieved long-term maintenance is a much easier walk. The summer of 2009 was so very hard - a new baby, a struggling sibling and a young boy spending way too much time at the Clinic undergoing tests and receiving meds. That year it was such a struggle to escape Wpg for any length of time because of all his appointments. This year I'm not sure how to manage their schedules. Between camps and trips to the lake, it's going to be busy!

The girls are doing great. Ashley has really matured the past year and as you can imagine, that comes with its pluses/minuses! Seriously, she is a lovely young lady. She has developed a great deal of confidence the past few months and now realizes she can accomplish pretty much anything she sets her mind to. It's wonderful to see. Clare is a ton of fun - talking more than you can imagine. We are in that "danger" zone time though because she repeats pretty much all she hears. With two much older siblings, that can be scary some days!

As you would likely guess, there has been a lot of hockey on our TV the past two months. Dane's interest has waned now, ever since those darn Canucks knocked his Sharks out in the third round. However the end of the season still ended on a high note. On the May long weekend I surprised Dane & Dirk with tickets to Game 4 of the SJ vs. Van series. In a matter of 24 hours, we confirmed tickets, booked flights and a hotel and they and a good friend of Dirk's were off. They had an amazing four days in Cali. Lots of sun, relaxing by the pool, two hockey games (they picked up last-minute tickets to Game 3 as well) and a SF Giants b-ball game. Although the Sharks only won one game, it was a trip of a lifetime and a father-son experience that will be cherished forever. When I think of it nearly a month later I still get "goosebumps". Ash was of course a tad disappointed she and I were not making the trip so I promised her a mother-daughter weekend. As luck would have it, there is a concert in Minni in early July that she is dying to see. So we are heading there with good friends and sans hubbies, brothers and a little sister, we are going to "shop til we drop"!

We hope you are enjoying spring and looking forward to summer. Until our next entry, take care - Janie & Dirk

"MAY 8!!!"

Yes, that's right, we said MAY 8!!! Why are we so excited? Because we are now in official "kick-butt" leukemia countdown. Today is Dane's anniversary date so to speak and this day next year he will be DONE, DONE, DONE this long and winding journey. If you are keeping track, he's completed 28/40 months of treatment in pretty fine form. He had just turned seven a couple of months before his diagnosis and now he is 9 1/2. He has grown likely a head since then and developed in more ways than we can count. Aside from his condition and all that accompanies it, he is a very typical boy who lives for sports, friends and fun and that makes the days much easier for his mom & dad. The planning will soon begin for the BIG, BIG celebration next May. Please watch future blogs for details.

Since my last post we've been very busy with many spring activities. Dane continues to hit the ice multiple times a week with two teams plus he just started flag football last week. Ashley's spring ringette finished just in time for the beginning of the soccer season - a sport she hasn't played in a few years. Her track experience and good conditioning is helping her as she eases back into the game. She can sure chase the ball, now she just needs to get her kicking form back. Both kids are prepping for their school's upcoming track & field meet. They really enjoy sports days and they were out in the field today practicing their sprinting in prep!

Clare's activities are just what most two year olds are into - talking, running, playing and the "odd" temper tantrum. She celebrates her second birthday this coming Wednesday. It's hard to believe she is hitting this milestone already - we all remember well the weekend she was born. It was Mother's Day two years ago and she arrived fifteen minutes after midnight. Although we are biased just a bit, she really is adorable and we love her to bits.
Dane had his last treatment on April 26. For the first time in I don't know how long Dirk took him instead of me. It was a three month appointment so it was a spinal tap as well as IV chemo. I went to bed the night before thinking I would be going as is usually the case, however a very bad case of pink-eye (passed along courtesy of little Clare) kept me away. All went off without a hitch, blood counts were very good and he was back on the ice a couple of days later, albeit a little slower than other times in the month. His next appointment is May 24 so we are the "great zone" right now in terms of energy ... and of course attitude!

Too all you mothers, Happy Mom's Day! We hope you had a special day - my family treated me very well and I'm grateful to have three very wonderful children. one special angel and a great hubby!

Until next time, take care - Janie & Dirk

"Ski Bums"

Good morning,

It's hard to believe it's mid-April already. The snow is almost gone from Winnipeg yards and not a day too soon. We remember how warm it was this time last year, however April sunshine was replaced by the May deluge so perhaps a slower start isn't all bad. Looking very forward to +15 later today!

Although I don't want to remind folks about snow, it's been a while since I posted any pics and couldn't pass up these few from mid-late March. The first was Clare's one and only venture on our rink on bob-skates. She did amazingly well - no tears and was very keen on putting that hockey stick in her hand. The debate is already on in our house - will it be hockey or ringette? We have a few years to decide and for her to show her interest - one thing is for sure though - she is a bona fide "rink rat"!

The other two shots are from our Spring Break trip to Big Sky, Montana. We had an excellent time - the kids only needed about two runs on the first morning to get the feel of it back and then they were off! They skied trails, the bush, jumps and moguls - Dirk & I can't keep up with some of their antics. I'm absent from the outdoor pool shot - somebody has to take the pics, right?? This was our first skiing adventure since spring 2008 and it was a wonderful feeling to know we could all handle it, especially Dane. He never missed a beat and had no stamina issues. They are both "naturals" - all the skating really helps when it comes time to don the skis.

Everyone is pretty healthy in our house right now. Dane had a treatment the day after we got back from the trip and he weathered it very well. April 26 is his next spinal tap and he's decided no more sedation is required - he's going to do all his SPs at the clinic on the same day as his 28 day chemo treatments. What a trooper! It's starting to feel more like the "seventh inning" stretch every day - I will post more on that in my next update.

Ash and Dane are busy with spring sports now - no sooner had the regular season finished before we hit the ice again for 3x3 ringette and hockey and Dane's new spring team. Ash is also playing outdoor soccer for the first time in a few years and that gets going in early May. There are not many free nights or days but that's the way we tend to like it!

Clare is nearing her second birthday. We continue to adore her to bits - although we really good do without the "terrible 2" tantrums. Anybody got a cure for those??

Hope all is good in your worlds. Take care - Janie & Dirk

"Procrastination ..."

Honestly, I've never been a big procrastinator (ok, the odd task gets pushed to the back burner) but this is really bad! It's been six weeks since I last "blogged" - even I didn't realize it had been soooo long. The good news is nobody has emailed asking me if my delinquency means something is wrong. The great news is Dane is doing excellent and with all of life's business, I just haven't sat down to type.

The news ...

Dane started another cycle in early February and his treatment was another milestone in his journey. He was scheduled for two appts that week - his regular monthly check-up on Tuesday and his every three month spinal tap on Wednesday. The problem ... he had a track meet on the Wed and he qualified for several events - even one in an older grade - and there wasn't a hope he was missing out. The appt couldn't be rescheduled but he could have the spinal done in the Clinic on the Tuesday, however with no sedation (a first). He thought about it - but really not for that long - and declared "I will NOT miss the track meet so I'll do the spinal without being put to sleep." There was no changing his mind and although I was nervous (so was he a bit), we proceeded and it went off without a hitch. He lay there so still, the small area on his back frozen and the doctor did her thing. He never moved and afterward said he didn't feel much at all, especially no pain. It was great and now there is likely no turning back. It seemed to make his recovery time shorter because he didn't have to contend with the effects of the sedation. That kid is one tough bugger!!!

An indication of how far I am behind with my writing is we go back to clinic this coming Tuesday for his next monthly checkup. The timing is good as he has no games during the week so he should be well rested by the next weekend for playoffs. It's also steroid time again so we've got that to look forward to - NOT! That said, the past couple of months have definitely been better and we are all thankful that's the case. It's hard to believe we've been at this for over two years. Some days we are both "fed up to here" with leukemia, pills and Dane's fatigue but what can we do? We walk a fine line with him still because when he doesn't show much energy or interest we don't know if it's the meds or Dane just being Dane. We look forward to the day when we know it's just his attitude because at least it will be obvious.

Tons of hockey & ringette still being played. Dane's team just finished the regular season and a tourney - they played 7 games last week and Dane held his own. They start playoffs tomorrow night and then get a week's reprieve. Ashley's playoff journey began today on a winning note and they are back at it this Monday night. After playoffs it's one final year end tourney for both and then we are done for a week or so before spring season starts!

We are heading out on a family ski trip to Montana in March and are very excited! We have not skied since 2008, the spring before Dane got sick and little Ms. Clare arrived. We are heading to Big Sky - a hill I grew up at but haven't been too in about 25 years. Should be lots of fun.

Clare is great! She is nearly 22 months old, getting tall and talking a lot. And not to jinx it but FINALLY sleeping better. We moved her into a bed about a month ago and after a hard transition, she seems to love it and most nights she sleeps through. You can't even imagine how wonderful it is not to feel sleep deprived most of the time - that goes for both Dirk & I. It's amazing how you function so much better with some decent shut-eye!

Well, I've crammed a lot into this blog because I'm mindful it might be a bit until I "post" again. I'll have to put a big, bright sticky note on my face to remind myself! Until next time, take care and hope life is good for all.

Janie & Dirk

"24 down, 16 to go"

Two years ago this week. Life turned upside down. Three and a half years of treatment ahead of us. Such a long, long road. How will we survive the journey that accompanies childhood cancer?

Fast forward to January 2011. Consider ourselves in the "home stretch". 24 months behind us ... 16 more to go. With the start of another calendar year, May 2012 doesn't seem so far away. Oncologist echoes this milestone is good news. Dane continues to stare leukemia in the face and win! Please continue to believe in miracles and no relapses.

Life as of late ...

Enjoyed a nice holiday season with the kids, family and friends. Whipped down to Minni for a few days to watch a Sharks v. Wild NHL game. Dane's hero "Big Joe" was on the losing end but his new and good friend Cam Barker was a wonderful host and victorious. Great shopping and minus getting stuck in Fargo for an extra night because of a crazy blizzard and brutal driving conditions, it was a good trip.

Hockey & ringette are in full swing again. Both kids' teams continue to do pretty well. Ashley's team is 8-1-1 but need to pick it up a bit b/c other teams are really catching up. Dane's 9A1 gang had a great first half finishing near the top of the leader board. Between regular season, tourneys and playoffs, the next three months will be hectic.

Clare is 20 months old. Talking up a storm and really a little character. We love her to bits but really need the "sleep doctor" to pay a visit to our place. She continues to keep us up many nights and this is tough on two working parents.

Medical news ...

Dane had his monthly IV chemo this past Tuesday. All was good. Neutrophils still high enough to stay at 100% chemo dosages. Steroids finished yesterday - yeah! A much better cycle though, really no mood issues which is a welcome relief. He has lots of zip and it showed in his skating this weekend. That's always uplifting.

Hope all is good in your world. Thanks for staying tuned into our ongoing journey.

Janie & Dirk