KC Zoo Tiger Donation

To help fulfill Mason's dream and help the Tigers:
KC Zoo Attn Laura Berger "In Memory of Mason Kempf" 6800 Zoo Dr Kansas City, MO 64132

For the beauty of Snow and Magic on Christmas :
Elves of Christmas Present PO Box 3535
Olathe, KS 66063

Friday, October 15, 2010

Radiation Necrosis of the Brain

Necrosis, a new vocabulary word; it basically is the destruction of healthy tissue.
Mason's headaches and balance issues: necrosis. Apparently after visiting the local doctor, finding out the full report; necrosis was present at the September MRI. We were not shared this information. The point is now we know, this was a risk that can occur any time after radiation, 2 weeks to 10 years. It does add extra concerns, but it was not progression of the tumor. Steroid medication was recommended, only 35% of patients get relief. Mason is strongly against returning on steroid medication, we are up in the air. He does not want to be puffy ever again, I know he would rather fight the headaches. Mason had a GREAT day yesterday, but he also had a relaxing carefree day. Mason is ready to return to school on Monday; we will have a 3-day weekend to evaluate(no school on Friday due to in services) Mason wants to go to school and be with his friends. It is a bumpy road we are on, I will always be on guard about the slightest issue of pain. It was unbearable to see him with evening headaches again. As the slightest pain breaks my heart. He has had 2 days headache free. As far as the stomach pain, he will start Zantac. I know there will be good days and bad days, here's praying for a lot of good days in the months ahead.
Wish I would have taken pictures of the boys jumping in the leaves yesterday afternoon, it was great to hear their laughter. It was a beautiful Fall afternoon. The pictures below are from October 2003.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing with all of us who check your blog everyday. Stay strong for Mason, I can tell he is a very smart boy. God bless you to stay strong for your family. I hope those headaches go away.

Anonymous said...

knowledge is power and I'm sure you must feel some relief knowing that the problem isn't the tumor itself. I think you are wise to let Mason help determine the path to take.

Tiffany said...

Solutions will come your way! maybe add some wellness doctors to you call list - chiropractors, acupuncturists, herbalists may open a few more options for you - i'd give a shout to maybe the wellness connection on 75th street - they're very full service. We pray strength for all of you!!!

Anonymous said...

I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. You are an amazing family.Liz

pannellfamily said...

So they DID end up jumping in them. I asked them and they said that they were going to pick them up, no jumping:) So glad they decided to have some fun with the leaves. I'm glad you had a great day. So happy to see that it is a side effect and not anything else. It was nice seeing you smile, though you usually are smiling anyway:) Love you all!

Unknown said...

Miss seeing you guys every day! Our new school is just not the same with out you in it! You all are always in our thoughts and prayers. Love you guys!!

Anonymous said...

Did Mason make it to school today? Thank you for keeping everyone informed with your post, it's the first thing I read every morning and the last thing I pray about every evening. God bless...

Anonymous said...

hello
Our 10 yer old daughter brittany has radiation necrosis of the brain after recieving radiotherapy as a toddler.We can totally relate what you and your family are going through and wish mason all the best.God bless.