Back to the Hospital - January 30, 2008

Mason and Jade went back to Regina today for Mason's second treatment. They didn't have a room for them at the Pasqua when they first arrived, so they had to spend some time at the Allan Blair Cancer Centre until a room was ready. There was a lot of time spent today trying to get Mason very hydrated before he started the medication. The medication he received today is different from the two he received last time. (The delay since the last treatment was to allow Mason's white blood cell count to replenish.) This new medication is called Methotrexate, and Mason is once again receiving a high dose. This drug can be very dehydrating and tough on the liver and kidneys. It is therefore very important that they keep giving Mason lots of fluids. The Methotrexate was delivered intravenously starting at 6:00 tonight, and by 9:45 Mason was beginning to feel nauseated a bit. They are anticipating that Mason will be in the hospital for five days, then home for two, then back to the hospital again.

Mason has lost almost all of his hair now, but Justin let Mason shave his head too, so he's not alone. (I hear there are several others planning to join them, although Mason has now let his mom off the hook.) Justin and Kale were able to visit with Mason in Regina tonight after they finished work/school. Jade is thankful to be able to stay with Mason in his room, although her bed is a blue pad/mattress under the window, which is not particularly comfortable and has a bit of a draft. Jade says that Mason seems to be doing well and is putting up with all the tests and treatments like a champ. There are apparently lots of activities to keep Mason busy throughout the days in hospital - books, handheld games, puzzles, movies, colouring, etc., so he hasn't been feeling bored too much. Mason's doctor introduced them today to another family from a small town in Saskatchewan whose 15-year-old daughter is battling the same type of cancer as Mason. Jade said it was kind of nice to meet someone who is going through the same things as them, and to know that they are not alone in the fight.

Our little Mason is also becoming somewhat of a celebrity in the Friendly City, even being featured recently in the local paper. For any of you who do not receive the Moose Jaw Times Herald, click here to read the story that ran about Mason on January 17th: http://www.mjtimes.sk.ca/index.cfm?sid=99058&sc=15

There are limited tickets remaining for the steak nights at the Park Hotel on February 15 & 16. There were 600 tickets in total, and very few left. If you have not purchased your tickets yet, you may want to get them soon before they are gone. To everyone who has already purchased tickets - thank you for your support! When I spoke with Jade tonight, I asked if there were any messages she would like to pass along. She said she is struggling to find a way to express how grateful they are for all the support they have received - they are overwhelmed by the care and kindness they have received from everyone.

I would personally like to say a very big THANK YOU to Alysha Brentnell for keeping the blog updated while I have been away the past couple of weeks. Alysha, you have been such a great friend to Jade, and your generosity and support are appreciated.

I will be delivering a book full of email messages to Mason in the hospital sometime in the next week. The email address again is messages4mason@gmail.com. Please keep the messages coming - it's great for Mason and his family to hear how much everyone is thinking of them. Jade tells me that they have all been checking in on the blog, and Mason is enjoying reading all the comments that have been left here for him as well.

I will post another update once we hear how Mason is doing on the new medicine, hopefully in a couple of days.

Mason, we know you're being so brave. Keep it up - we're all rooting for you!!

Mason soon goes back to Regina

Hi everyone! Well, Jade and Justin just found out yesterday that Mason will return to Regina for treatment on Wed.Jan.30. He will start chemo again in the morning and have treatment for 4-5 days. His hearing test went well on Monday however his bloodcount was low, but it is back up now and he is doing really well. He is starting to lose his hair now but Mason being Mason has found the humour in his situation..................he started to lose chunks of his hair yesterday and surprise surprise he was chasing Jade around the house trying to freak her out with his hair in his hands..............what a boy.........so Mason though isn't it?!?!? It's absolutely amazing that he kept his sense of humour in this, what a fantastic job you've done Jade and Justin, its truly incredible..........laughter is such a huge part of healing. Mason has been getting caught up with his school work since he's had sometime at home, he spent the afternoon yesterday with a buddy doing some homework. All in all the Clewis family has been hangin' in there pretty good, they are still overwhelmed with the kindness that everyone still continues to show, thanks everyone it means so much to them.

finally a few days of rest

Well, the Clewis family has finally been able to have a few days of rest in the comfort of there own home. They've all been able to spend sometime together, and with friends and family. However, Jade and Justin are quickly learning to become nurses. Mason has daily GCSF injections, which they administer at home at the sametime, this injection stimulates the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells. Mason also has many other things he takes daily such as an antinausea med., magnesium, and on weekends he gets antibiotics to prevent pnemonia. He also takes a natural product called "GOJI" juice which helps build immunity which inturn builds more white blood cells. When they are home Mason has to go for regular bloodwork, he had it on Friday and everything looked good. They go tommorow to Regina for a hearing test because losing hearing is one of the side effects of the chemo so they need to do regular testing. Jade and Justin are absolutely overwhelmed and extremely greatful to have all the support. They cannot believe how wonderful everyone is being and so blessed to have such special people in their lives. Mason is loving the messages he is receiving and it sure lifts his spirits................thanks to all and they truly are blessed to have such amazing friends and family.

fundraiser/trustfund

Hi everyone, just thought I'd let you know that there will be a Steaknight for the Clewis's on Feb.15 and 16 at the Park Hotel, there are 2 place sittings for both nights (5-7 and 7-9) if you are interested and would like tickets please contact Alysha@691-0794, Mandy@694-5696, Holly@694-6489, or Deb@692-3123 there will be an auction, great door prizes and be prepared to shave your head!! Also, the wonderful ladies that Jade works with at St. Michaels school have started a trustfund for Mason if you are interested in making a donation send it to:
St.Michaels School Developmental Center
Attn: Dawnette Brett (DC Director)
1111 Brown Str.
MJ, SK. S6H 4L2
or call 693-6363 to make arrangements
cheques are payable to the Clewis Family

thanks everyone for helping to make this all a success, the Clewis's are very lucky and grateful to have such special people rooting for them!

some sleep is in sight!

well, Mason got to go home last.......yeah!!!.......and the first request was "I want a steak!".....what a kid you are Mas!! They don't know how long they are able to stay at home but for now they are going to enjoy sleeping in their own beds and being in the comfort of familiarity! They have to go for regular bloodwork at the hospital in MJ and if bloodcount is low or if he has a fever they have to go back sooner than scheduled, so they do always have a bag packed and are ready to go........so lets keep our fingers crossed that they can spend some time at home together as a family.........we'll let you know when they are back in Regina.

the battle has begun - Jan.13 '07

The battle has begun for our little Mason. He started Chemo on Friday night at 7:00pm, he is receiving 2 kinds of medicine at this time. But in total will be getting 6 different medications. He then had it again Saturday night at the same time (it having to be 24 hours apart) It is not painful for him while its happening. He has a central line in his chest that will remain there for up to a year. It is under his skin and it gets plugged into the intervenus (which chemo is administered). This prevents him from being poked and prodded everytime he has chemo. He also gets other medications through this as well such as antinausea, nutrients, antibiotics, etc. Both Friday and Saturday night Mason really struggled with being severely naseated. This seemed to subside later on in the afternoon almost time for it to start again unfortunately. Of coarse its never possible to get any sleep in the hospital anyways, but hopefully there nights will get better because as we all know sleep is half the battle in healing. Mason may possibly be able to go home tomorrow or Tuesday but he has to be eating and drinking and of coarse its so hard when you feeling sick.......so lets keep our fingers crossed. They are trying a few different meds. to help with the nausea but haven't found the right one yet, hopefully soon. Mason still tries to be tough and is fighting this every step of the way, he's amazing. Jade is holding up well but very exhausted and would give anything to have some good nights. When they go back for there next round, I believe they will do the chemo in the am, which will eliminate being up all night! Justin and Kale were at a hockey tournament in Saskatoon, which was difficult for them to be away from Mason, especially it just starting but as they say " the show must go on". On a good note, Kale's team brought home the gold.......for Mason, congrats Kale. They are all amazingly strong and are very grateful to have all of your support...thanks everyone!

January 11, 2008 - Chemo Begins

I spoke with Jade late last night and it sounds as though Mason's surgery went well. He had been given morphine following the surgery and so remained a bit dopey for a while after. There was a big wait following the surgery before Jade and Justin could see Mason, and they eventually had to ask to have him brought to them. By the time I talked to Jade around 11:00pm, Mason was feeling a bit better and had been eating and drinking again. The surgery site where the Hickman was inserted was a bit sore if touched, but it sounded as though Mason wasn't suffering too much discomfort. Mason has been transferred from the General Hospital to the Pasqua where the Allan Blair Cancer Centre is.

Mason is now scheduled to begin his chemo treatments today, so I will touch base with Jade this evening to find out how he made out.

January 10, 2008 - Hickman Surgery

We will all be thinking of Mason and his family as he begins treatment today. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mason – he has been so brave.

Today Mason is scheduled for a hearing test at 10:30. Sometimes chemotherapy medicines can affect a child’s hearing. An audiogram or hearing test is carried out before and after a course of medicine. The hearing test is painless and doesn't take very long.

Mason’s surgery is scheduled for 2:00. Because blood tests are necessary during chemotherapy, a Hickman or Portacath line is needed. This small tube will be put into Mason’s chest so blood samples can be taken, and medicine and other fluids can be given easily. It can stay in place for a long period of time, and be removed once Mason’s treatment is complete.

The commencement of Mason’s chemo treatments will depend largely on how well he is doing following his surgery today. I will post again once I am able to talk to Jade and find out how things went today.

January 8, 2008 - Meeting with Dr. Saczik

Jade and Justin met with the surgeon, Dr. Saczik, today. He will be performing the surgery to insert a central line in Mason’s chest for delivery of the chemotherapy. The procedure will be done on an outpatient basis at the Regina General Hospital on January 10. He will later be transferred to Allan Blair where he will begin chemo either late Thursday or early Friday.

December 31, 2007 - Meeting with Dr. Haq

Today, Jade, Justin and the boys met with the paediatric oncologist, Dr. Haq, in Regina. They reviewed the oncologist’s plan for treatment, so they now have a better idea what to expect in the coming months. Mason will be receiving treatment intravenously, which means that the doctor wants to put in a central line to avoid Mason having to be poked repeatedly. In order to put in a central line, Mason will have to be put under general anaesthetic. There will be a bit of a wait now while the doctor lines up an operating room for the procedure.

There was good news at the meeting too. It had been mentioned previously that the chemo would take about 12 weeks. The understanding was that Mason (and Jade) would have to be at the hospital in Regina for the entire 12 week stretch. They found out today though that Mason will be able to go home for short periods of time between treatments. This is obviously a huge relief to everyone.

Mason is receiving his treatment at the Allan Blair Cancer Centre in Regina. For more information about the facility, please visit: http://www.saskcancer.ca/Default.aspx?DN=a9576f90-46da-410d-9772-8899b89f9ca7

Please note that the Allan Blair Cancer Centre has a strict policy regarding visitors. They ask that a patient have no more than two visitors at a time. As well, anyone that is feeling even slightly ill with a cold, flu or any other type of illness should not visit the facility for the protection of all patients receiving treatment. Patients undergoing chemotherapy can be extremely susceptible to germs and viruses, so your cooperation in this regard is greatly appreciated.

A big thank you to Chris and Alysha Brentnell for hosting a New Year’s party at their house tonight for Jade, Justin, Kale and Mason to catch up with family and friends before starting Mason’s treatment.

Mason's Story

Mason heading to ER for biopsy!

For those of you who may not know Mason’s story to date, I will fill you in. Near the end of November Mason began to notice some discomfort in his left forearm. He couldn’t think of anything he had done to injure it, so his parents began keeping an eye on it to see if it would bruise. Instead, it swelled. Mason saw the paediatrician in Moose Jaw, Dr. De Leon, who sent him for an x-ray, thinking he may have broken a small bone and not been aware. Jade soon received a phone call from Dr. De Leon stating that the x-ray had been “inconclusive” and that he wanted Mason to have an MRI. He didn’t want to say what it might be, but eventually said the unthinkable - that there was some concern about a tumour. Mason immediately saw a paediatrician, Dr. Talukdar, in Regina, who scheduled him for an MRI. Mason was admitted to the Regina General Hospital for a bone scan on his arm and a CAT scan, followed by a full body bone scan. Thankfully, these tests indicated that there is no presence of cancer cells anywhere else in Mason’s body – the cancer has not metastasized. From there, Mason was sent to Edmonton for a biopsy of the growth on his arm. He had the biopsy on December 20, then there was more waiting. They had to wait 7-10 days to see what would grow. This test would definitively determine if Mason had cancer, and if so, what kind. During this time, the family was able to return to Moose Jaw and spend Christmas at home. Jade and Justin received the news shortly after Christmas that Mason had been diagnosed with Osteosarcoma.

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer. It usually develops from osteoblasts (the cells that make growing bone), and so it is common for it to appear during periods of rapid bone growth. The good news is that with the proper diagnosis and treatment, most kids with osteosarcoma make a full recovery.

If you would like to learn more about Osteosarcoma, please visit the following link: www.kidshealth.org/parent/medical/cancer/cancer_osteosarcoma.html

Welcome to Mason's Blog

As a means to keeping friends and family informed as to Mason’s progress, I will be working with Jade and Justin to keep this blog updated regularly with news on Mason’s treatment. Please check back as often as you would like for updates.

If you would like to send a message to Mason or anyone in the Clewis family, you can email messages4mason@gmail.com. These messages will be a nice reminder for Mason when the going gets tough that we are all cheering him on.