Mason Arik: A disturbance in the force

Saturday, January 8, 2011

A disturbance in the force

My eyes are still opening. We were excited to use our free night stay at Aloft in Leawood. The boys were thrilled for a night out at a fancy hotel. But all it took was a dip in the pool to fast forward to reality once more. Mason lasted 2 minutes in the arms of dad, the water was deep, and swimming not so easy. At least that is what we intpret from tears. Maverick ran along splashing, cannibals, and flipping every which way, but it wasn't the same for any of us. We watched t.v. the rest of the night. Mason woke up around 12, moaning and crying, a headache and who knows what else. Breathing at times being difficult and not being able to understand how he feels. Do we ask too many questions? He uses a communication device to type certain words, it is frustrating to realize you can't do it on your own! The steroids have seem to make him feel more sensitive and he easily upsets. After seeing him stumble last night again and not be able to sit up this morning........there is a disturbance in the force. (Star Wars clone wars is blaring in the back) But there is a disturbance in the force that's all I can say.....

6 comments:

Unknown said...: I wish so hard that I could make him feel better. I am sending all my love and hugs your way. I pray he is feeling better after last night. Please call if you need anything, even just to get away for a few minutes to talk or vent. What ever you may need, I am here. Love you all so much! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as always.; January 8, 2011 at 9:18 AM
Anonymous said...: you are stronger than you know, and that safety net is the best thing in the world for Mason. you are in my thoughts today (and every day).; January 8, 2011 at 10:15 AM
Anonymous said...: I Know is very difficult. send my love to all of you and prayer be strong xxxx Belen's mum; January 8, 2011 at 2:48 PM
Anonymous said...: This has to be so difficult. Your strength is amazing to me. I hope Mason's feeling better than he was yesterday.; January 9, 2011 at 8:38 AM
Anonymous said...: Is he on any kind of pain medicatiion?; January 9, 2011 at 9:59 AM
Melinda said...: HOpe today was better for you guys.....thinking of you always

Melinda; January 9, 2011 at 7:14 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)