Mason Arik: Bingo Night

Monday, May 3, 2010

Bingo Night

What a fun night! We ended our appointments earlier than expected and played Bingo tonight. Mason was excited to win a lego set and Trouble game and Ally won a tea set and Spiderman cards. It was a great evening. Tomorrow is our first day of treatments, both chemo and radiation. We start at 9 and end by 3 p.m. Then he wants to visit Harbortown and go rock hunting. It's a park close to the Mississipi river. It was wonderful seeing him smile tonight after a sad lunch today. Mason just wants to go home and stay home. It's hard keeping his mind occupied during the doctor's visits. His DS and the playrooms are boring. I have to share Mason is finding humor in all the boredom. To my surprise, while visiting the Chaplain (of all people), he mumbled, "we are from Kansas where we taze buffalo in their butt." I am so glad he did not hear him say that!! And then he came out of the bathroom today with wet hair and said, "I just got a swirly." He knows how to make us smile. And he deserves nothing but smiles.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...: Hi Guys
Even as you go through this terrible ordeal your blogs are so funny. I read them to my husband and we both laugh. From the title ($50.00 popsicle is my favorite so far) to the content (Mason won me over the I'm from Kansas where we taz animals in the butt). You guys are SO full of life and fun, even in this dark time in your lives. Very inspirational!

Love to all
Carrie; May 3, 2010 at 9:30 PM
Anonymous said...: With all the joy people bring, all the toys, and prayers, and well wishes, it sure is hard to believe there is actually bad in this world, huh? Keep up the positive attitude. It is infectious-to everyone, including your kids! You all are making the best of not being home-and creating all these mini-adventures to keep your mind in the positive direction! Continue on! And we'll continue to send our prayers and love!; May 3, 2010 at 9:43 PM
Unknown said...: I bet Ally loved the combination of Spiderman cards and a tea set! ;) Mason's outlook is amazing, his humor also! Have fun rock hunting. I bet he is looking forward to it! :); May 4, 2010 at 6:10 AM
Unknown said...: Just got to thinking about what Mason said to the chaplain - any clue where he gets this type of information - ?DAD? It is always the young that give us a great perspective on things.
God Bless you and as always you all are in our prayers. Love you; May 4, 2010 at 9:35 AM
Anonymous said...: Hi Guys,
I don't know if you realize it or not, but this blog not only keeps us up to date, but give us a daily dose of chuckles. Be strong.

Love Ya! Aunt Gail; May 4, 2010 at 1:41 PM
Anonymous said...: Please tell Mason that Joe and I cracked up at the Buffalo tazing crack that he made! We are thinking of you....Liz, Joe and family....; May 6, 2010 at 8:03 PM
Anonymous said...: I hope that you all have a good weekend. Hope that it is nice then for. Ti is cold and rairing here in N.Y. You are all in my heart and Prayers love you aunt kim; May 7, 2010 at 9:45 PM

Seasons of Wishes

About Mason Arik

To continue Mason's dream and his memory, we dedicate this blog to him. He has been diagnosed with Diffuse Pontine Glioma (Brain Tumor) (04/22/10). He courageously battled his cancer for 11 1/2 months. On March 29th, 2011, it was snowing in Heaven. He is and will be missed forever. We will continue to write and share the strength and courage that Mason has taught us as well as the many other lives he has touched, near and far. Links are listed below to provide additional information regarding DIPG.

Discovery of Tumor-Dx April 22, 2010

Beginning in March of 2010, Mason complained of severe headaches, mostly at night. 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- Thanks to the school nurse, we scheduled an appointment that day with Sabates eye care. After his eye was dilated they noticed his eyes were shifting. An immediate MRI was scheduled.

After the most agonizing MRI, 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)