Phase One is Complete!!!

Well, I am happy to report that Mason is finished this first round of chemo treatments - way to go, Mason!! Mason did very well his last two treatments. He wasn't too sick and got lots of sleep, as the drugs made him sleepy. He even had a good appetite and was able to play hockedy with a friend he has made in the hospital. The drugs have been making him a bit irritable too, but it usually passes quickly (and who can blame him?).

For now, Mason and Kale are looking forward to Easter and are excited about their upcoming trip to see the Calgary Flames play on March 29. Mason's MRI has been scheduled for April 1 in Edmonton, with his surgery to follow on April 7. In between, Jade and Mason will be staying with Justin's Aunt Bev, Uncle Rick and cousin Darren in Calgary. Justin and Kale are going to head home for the week of school before returning to Edmonton for the surgery on the 7th. We will make sure we set up some sort of system so that we can get regular updates on teh blog during surgery to let everyone know how Mason is making out. He has been such a trooper up until now - we know he'll do just fine.

Mason is also looking forward to enjoying birthdays with his Dad and brother at the end of the month. Happy birthday to Justin on March 23rd and Kale on March 26th. We hope you Clewis's are able to spend some family time for Easter and birthdays this month. We're thinking of you every day!

Only two treatments left

Mason returned to the hospital in Regina on March 5 to resume treatments, his second last before surgery. First he and his parents had a meeting with the paedeactric oncologist, Dr. Haq to discuss how treatment is progressing and what will happen next. Jade & Justin also received a call from Dr. McIvor, the surgeon in Edmonton who will be performing Mason's surgery. The surgery will likely be sometime in the last week of March, but that has not been confirmed yet. I haven't been able to hook up with Jade by phone in the last couple of days, but will keep trying so that I can post a more detailed update on how Mason's chemo is going this round.

The population of bald people in Moose Jaw is ever-growing. On February 14, Clewis family friend Troy Rusu shaved his head to raise money for Mason. For a picture of the shaving, click here: http://www.prairiesouth.ca/johnchisholm/content/view/24/

During the last couple of weeks at home, Mason got to see several of his hockey buddies shave their heads to raise money for him too. 21 Moose Jaw Minor Hockey players from various teams and age groups shaved their heads to raise money for Mason and show their support for their friend. First up was big brother Kale, who was featured in the Times Herald going bald with help from Mason. Here is a link to the story: http://72.14.205.104/search?q=cache:t1W4rVPGovUJ:www.mjtimes.sk.ca/index.cfm+mason+clewis&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=4&gl=ca

Global Television also aired a story about Hockey Hair for cancer. Here are some photos from the big event:

Mason shaving Kale's head

Mason's buddies facing the clippers

Mason with all his hockey friends at the Hockey Hair for Cancer Event

Mason with his autographed Dion Phaneuf jersey

Thank you to all of you who organized the Hockey Hair for Cancer event - your support is appreciated so much.

I will post again once I get an update from Jade on how Mason is doing.