Mason Arik: Treatment Begins

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Treatment Begins

Today was first day of chemo. Mason swallowed the 3 tablets after lunch today, then 1 hour later his first radiation treatment. The chemo provides a boost for the radiation.
It was Ally's day to crack a smile, she is always bubbly and bouncing around. Tonight's dinner at the Grizzly House was provided by Pancho's restaurant in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Ally had ice cubes and made silly faces. Mason thought the dinner tasted funny-possibly a side effect. He was so looking forward to tacos. Mason was too tired for rock hunting, but we'll go on an adventure whenever he is ready.
I actually get a little queasy thinking of all the medications he is taking, 21 tablets a day!

We met a beautiful 7- year old girl today that is having radiation treatment too, please add her to your prayers, she has the same rare tumor as Mason. Thanks everyone.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...: Glad to see you all having goofy moments! Mallory and I stopped by for a quick visit with Maverick tonight. Hope to stop by and spend some time with him soon. I think he has grown a foot since the kids were playing in the snow on Superbowl Sunday. Keeping the entire family in our thoughts and will definitely add that young lady to our prayers as well. Has she been at St Jude's long? Hope the treatments don't take a toll on Mason, just eradicates the tumor. If we send a care pkg to your family is it best to send it to the hospital?
~Betsy; May 4, 2010 at 8:12 PM
Anonymous said...: I'm thinking of and praying for you daily. What's the name of the little girl?; May 4, 2010 at 8:13 PM
Anonymous said...: Thinking of you all and sending prayers constantly as well as extending the prayer request far and wide.

Kyle's mom - your neighbor from down the street, Kyle is Mason's friend and has Mason very much on his mind. Pls tell Mason Kyle said hi.; May 4, 2010 at 9:31 PM
Celeste said...: Hey Mason- My daughters wanted you to know they watch Madagascar 2 today. They watched the credits and found that the big hippo's voice is Will.I.Am Have you seen the movie?; May 4, 2010 at 9:36 PM
Anonymous said...: I Liked The pic and I cheek in every night. I keep you all in my prayer and thought. Tell Mason that I said hi and I love him love you all aunt kim; May 4, 2010 at 10:30 PM
The Harvey's said...: We think of you & your family every single day! Thanks for the updates - Tell Mason we said hello & if he really wants a pet chicken, we'll get him one! LOL!

The Harvey's; May 5, 2010 at 12:28 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)