Mason's Favorites

O.k. because people want to know...
Mason loves collecting rocks,keychains,Bakugan and pencils. 5 is his favorite gum.
We currently are loving Blockbuster because the room has a DVD player.

Black Eyed Peas CD or any rock music, he gets to listen to music during his treatments. If I can think of anything else I'll let you know.

He is feeling much better this evening knowing he gets 2 days of rest, he is ready to start treatments and start the countdown. He may get a port on
Monday so he won't have to be poked so many times, he is fine with being sedated anytime he gets a shot. Happy Friday!

Banana Split Sundae

Mason is currently in the MRI (1 hr 30 min) He wanted to be sedated so he did not have to see the IV. I wanted to see if he wanted to go over multiplication problems, and he said I did all that work for nothing! Today was the day he was suppose to have a banana split for knowing all his multiplication from 1's to 12's. So we promised him the biggest sundae we can get after his ordeal today. His biggest fear right now is the radiation mask he has to wear during treatment, he says it suffocates him. I tell him how strong he is. Ally is occupied by all the toys in the waiting rooms. The zoo is only 3 miles from here, free admission so we will hopefully get a chance to stop by, Mason's favorite animal is the Tiger.

Just have to share

Yesterday we were walking through the hospital and Mason said "I would rather be on American Idol and be voted off early" He has an incredible outlook on things. I just wish he did not have such a fear of needles.

Day 2

Mason is growing up too fast. Today was a day of anger and a realization of all that is to come. He told us, "I now understand when you say enjoy being a kid" And that is all I have to say today, straight from Mason. I am so proud of him, and we are getting lots of help here.

Tons of Information and Tests

There is a lot of information to sink in with yesterday's and today's visits. Mason did a great job during his practice radiation and MRI scans today. Radiation starts Tuesday. This afternoon we plan on researching the events that Mason wants to do this weekend. If you want to send letters, you can send them to:

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Patient Services ATTN: Mason Kempf
262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN 38105-3678

This address may change when we get relocated to the Ronald McDonald House.

Arrival

I am going to keep this short this evening. We all have had a VERY long day. But we wanted to let everyone know that we arrived safely and started all the paperwork and testing. Everyone is sleeping and getting in some good rest. We will be sure to explain a lot more over the next couple of days. I have read all of our e-mail and facebook comments and the prayers and thoughts are wonderful. We really appreciate what everyone has, is, and will be doing for us during this time. There is not enough thanks. Please keep us in your prayers and thoughts.

Our Bags are Packed!

We have been so blessed to be accepted at St. Jude Hospital in Memphis. We will be there for 6 weeks. We get to stay there the entire time. Eddie is driving with our 3 year old daughter, Ally. And Mason and I get to fly out of KC tomorrow morning. Mason's first airplane trip!! He felt wonderful this afternoon. We are still in awe at all the support. Mason was surprised today by Brookside Science and Toy, they brought rocks for him to go through, it was the most amazing time. Thanks to our neighbor Carolyn for organizing his awesome surprise. There are so many kind hearts everywhere and we thank everyone for all the outpouring of love. I am speechless. Can't wait for our arrival in Memphis. We will miss our son Maverick, but he is thrilled to be with grandma and will enjoy some one-on-one time, and play dates.
Keep the prayers coming.

Medication and Symptoms

Mason was told he could go to school and resume normal activity, but the steroid medication has caused extreme tiredness and mood changes. He also has just dropped his head unexpectedly, fallen, and walks very drowsy. A couple times we've wondered if he lost conscious. He seems to be in a state of confusion at times, or just extremely drowsy. We were told drugs could do this but are also scared of his condition. He wakes up and requests to do something and then eyes roll and shut.

He knows he has a cancerous tumor so he has begun the questioning. We remain positive of the upcoming radiation and chemo treatments to shrink the tumor. We've been told it lasts 6 weeks (Monday thru Friday) This evening he was alert and we had a great dinner and some laughs. It's amazing how quickly this came upon us. We did notice the week before how incredibly difficult it was for him roller skating. Now we cherish every laugh and every smile and try not to show the excruciation pain inside our hearts. Please pray for our Mason. He is the sweetest most loving son and we are the luckiest mom and dad.

Our first appointment is Thursday, we will be told more details of treatment at the KC Cancer Center in Overland Park.

Discovery of a tumor

Mason Arik was born 6/21/2001 at 7:04 p.m to the most excited parents ever! We are so blessed to become parents from the love of adoption. A gift we are forever grateful.

Beginning in March of 2010, Mason complained of severe headaches, mostly at night. We started documenting wondering if they were just end of the day stress headaches. Then the headaches went from 2-3 times a month (over a 2 month period) to every night and more severe, by the 3rd night I contacted his pediatrician. I was told to give him Excedrin Migraine.

But by the next day we were walking to school and he had double vision- everything he saw was double (side by side) After questioning the school nurse she mentioned we need to see an eye doctor. Fortunately, we were able to get an appointment that day with Sabates eye care. After his eye was dilated she noticed his eyes were shifting. An immediate MRI was scheduled.

After the most agonizing MRI, mom and dad stood by his side while he shook in fear for 40 minutes, we went home awaiting the results. That's when we were told it was a tumor (pontine glioma) We waited to visit the doctor before researching the internet. So imagine the shock to hear this is the worst locations to find a tumor, inside the brain stem. (inoperable and unfortunately very serious) We have found the St. Jude website to be very informative about his condition. But also very disheartening, we now pray for a miracle cure.