Mason Arik: We are home

Sunday, July 25, 2010

We are home

We are home! Arriving home in style! We had the most magical adventure of a lifetime. And truly the most relaxed, care free, FUN vacation!!! Give the Kids the World was fabulous, we have memories to treasure in our hearts forever. Sea World and Universal Studios were our top favorites, but it was all so magical. Ally loved seeing Barney and Little Einsteins. Maverick loved the roller coasters and Tower of Terror and Mason loved the water rides, Simpsons Ride, Mickey Mouse and collecting souvenir pennies. I could go on and on......... We will post pictures on FB. It's amazing how quickly reality hits us back in the face. We are having Orlando withdraws. The Chemo has started, being on vacation and having ice cream for breakfast and after dinner each night sure made it easier! He has to take it with 6 oz. of plain water, but this morning after swallowing 3, I let him drink fruit punch, anything so he does not vomit. We had one night where he could not do it. Last night,with no magic in the air, nightmares and tears returned. I am hoping it is just a meltdown from the overwhelming "FUN" trip. And after viewing vacation photos, seeing his hair loss hit him hard. Reality hurts. We have to remember that Disney motto, Celebrate Today!! We thank Make a Wish for the magic and memories!!!!!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...: Looks like your trip was "outta this world". Your villa looks like something out of a cartoon strip. I saw some tired eyes in the pictures, so rest up. Hope Mason continues to have strength and determination to swallow those chemo pills. Prayers have never stopped! Welcome Home.; July 25, 2010 at 10:36 AM
Unknown said...: Welcome home!; July 25, 2010 at 3:32 PM
Anonymous said...: Seems like a fabulous trip. Thanks for the pics on FB. Love having you home again.Our prayers are with you every day.; July 26, 2010 at 6:42 AM

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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)