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!!