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The parents of a southern Minnesota teenager
who once fled the state to avoid chemotherapy went before a judge
Monday and asked for the court's role in the case to end, saying
they are following the advice of doctors and making sure their son
gets the best medical care.

      Daniel Hauser, 13, is undergoing radiation treatments for
childhood Hodgkin's lymphoma. He finished chemotherapy in early
September, and his father said there is no sign of cancer.

      "In all reality, he's been in remission for quite some time
already," Anthony Hauser said in a telephone interview Monday. "I
hope he stays in remission - that's No. 1. And hopefully we can
live our lives normally again."


      During a hearing in Brown County District Court, Judge John
Rodenberg said that as long as no new issues arise, he would close
the case after Daniel completes his 12 recommended sessions of
radiation - which are expected to end Nov. 6, according to Joseph
Rymanowski, an attorney for the parents.

      "It's time to let these people be. They've been through
enough," said Rymanowski, who was at Monday's hearing in New Ulm.

      Daniel, of Sleepy Eye, was diagnosed with childhood Hodgkin's
lymphoma in January and stopped chemotherapy after one round
because it made him sick. He said it was poison, and his family
opted instead for alternative treatments inspired by American
Indian traditions. The issue ended up in court as a medical neglect
case because doctors said Daniel's type of cancer is highly curable
with chemotherapy.

      A judge ordered in May that Daniel see an oncologist and follow
the recommended treatment. Daniel and his mother fled Minnesota and
became subject of a search that extended into Mexico. They returned
after about a week and said they would follow the court's order.

      Daniel resumed chemotherapy and the family also used alternative
therapies, such as massage, herbs and other remedies, to complement
the medical treatment, according to court documents. His tumor
responded well and he finished chemo earlier than expected.

      Doctors wanted Daniel to start radiation in the beginning of
October, but the family postponed it to seek additional medical
opinions. The Hausers had expressed fear that radiation would
"melt" Daniel's thyroid or cause thyroid cancer.


      The family spoke with three more doctors, including two
pediatric oncologists who agreed radiation was the best course.

      "We did initially oppose radiation because of the concerns of
the long term effects we sought second opinions to ensure Danny
receive the best medical care," Colleen Hauser wrote in a court
affidavit. "We never opposed radiation on moral, ethical or
religious grounds."


      She said the family will continue to follow doctors'
recommendations.

      "What we will not do, is blindly follow one particular doctor's
advice ... without research and ... second opinions," Colleen
Hauser wrote.

      Brown County Attorney James Olson said before Monday's hearing
that he sees no reason to keep the case open once Daniel finishes
radiation. Phone messages left with a court-appointed attorney for
Daniel and with attorneys for the guardian ad litem were not
immediately returned.

      Daniel has gained some weight but is skinnier than he was before
he started chemo, his father said. His hair is growing back and he
seems to be tolerating his daily radiation treatments. One change:
Daniel now needs eyeglasses, which his dad attributes to effects of
chemo.

      "He's more upbeat. When it's over he's going to really feel a
lot better," Anthony Hauser said.


      When the radiation is done, Daniel plans to celebrate by going
deer hunting.
      

Gallery

Daniel Hauser done with chemotherapy

Judge: Hauser to continue chemotherapy treatments

Daniel Hauser's parents agree to chemotherapy

Health

Minnesota News

Greater Minnesota

Amy Forliti, Associated Press

Author

The parents of a Minnesota teenager who once
fled the state to avoid chemotherapy are now asking a judge to end
the court's role in the case.

Judge will close Hauser case if no new issues arise

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