We found out last week that the surgeons were unable to get all of the cancer, leaving microscopic cells in Mason’s windpipe or bronchia. The surgeon removed the whole tumor and some surrounding tissue but the pathology report showed that the tumor was not completely dead and showed evidence that some microscopic cells were left behind. The surgeon said that he can go back in and take the whole left upper lobe which would include some more of the bronchia but he could not guarantee that he would get it all because of it being invisible to the human eye. Only a pathology report would be able to say whether or not there was a clear, cancer free margin. The surgeons have also told Jade and Justin that they would still be willing to take the remaining tumor in Mason’s right lung if so desired. Having already lost so much of his left lung, Jade and Justin are concerned about the benefits of yet another operation on his right lung at this time. The Clewis family is coming home to think upon this and other options before making any further decisions. There is no need for panic. They have met with a naturopath doctor twice and a doctor of Chinese medicine since being discharged from the hospital and have started Mason on a strong nutritional diet and supplement regimen. This will build his immune system back up. The family is researching many methods of treatment and nothing has been ruled out. Jade and Justin will be consulting with the Calgary Children’s Hospital as soon as possible in order to obtain additional direction.
Knowledge seems to be the key and there are thousands of success stories where natural or alternative treatments alone or in addition to conventional treatments have beaten cancer! The secret appears to be the immune system.
As of right now, the Clewis family is on their way back to Saskatchewan. They will be home sometime on Thursday. It’s not easy preparing food, researching treatment and living out of a motor home for an extended period of time.
No hope has been lost. More so, our new accumulated knowledge and our belief in a healthy and vivacious Mason is more powerful than ever! If any of you have seen, heard, lived through or otherwise come in contact with an alternative treatment cancer survivor, we would be very grateful for any feedback that you are willing to share. We have already talked with a number of survivors who are giving so willingly of their experiences.
A very special thank you to all of you wonderful people who worked so hard to make Mason's Rib and Ceasar Night and Mason's Miracle Cabaret such absolute miracles. And much appreciation to the wonderful friends and family who attended the events. And for those of you who could not attend and those who are so far away, your wonderful support has been like a light, pouring warmth throughout our entire family. How does one convey the feelings that are in our hearts? We are simply overwhelmed with the love and support that has been given to us. We will celebrate Mason's recovery, not a twig of doubt resides, and we would be so happy to have you all with us then, as you have been for us now. God love you and keep you.
We are also so grateful for your continued prayers and support at this time and as we move forward.
The following pictures were taken last weekend at Niagara Falls. The family had the opportunity to share in the beauty and majesty that is Niagara Falls........plus, Jade was desperate for a hot bath in a real tub rather than the inconsistency of the shower in the motor home since leaving Moose Jaw!!
As I prepare to post this update I am so excited to learn that the family has made great progress since leaving Thunder Bay this morning and they are determined to sleep in their own beds once again tonight!!!!!
3 comments:
I did not fully realize the situation you guys were in. I only just stumbled across this blog recently. I was chatting with Jordan a little bit via texts before my phone decided it didn't want to anymore... sorry Jordan, east coast phones don't like it when they're away from home I guess...
I just wanted to add my bit and experience and hopefully you can take something away from it.
You are going through a lot right now, but I have every confidence in the world that you have the tools to fight this and come out on top. Number one being support from family and friends. I know Mason is tough as nails to have gone through all this already but he will need you all more than ever to push forward. The thing about cancer is it is as much as the family's fight as it is the individual. You need to be strong for him.
The other thing is the positive attitude that you will get though this. When my sister was first diagnosed during her 2nd year of university, all she could think of was when can I get back to finish my degree, when can I get back onto the track, etc etc. Not for one second did she ever change that outlook. Her positive attitude was infectious. Yes there is a terrifying reality to everything that is going on, but I honestly believe that the power of positive thinking was one of the most powerful things she had going for her. It rubbed off on us and without a doubt was a contributing factor to her success.
I know you guys are all focused and worried on the now, and how can we get rid of these cells now, I want him to be healthy now, and such. You must be patient. The clouds will clear and things will get better. I am thrilled you have started looking into the alternative therapies and chinese medicine. I do strongly believe it does help. The problem with the chemo and various other treatments is that it does really break down the immune system. The chinese medicine is one of the ways we can bring it back and boost it. The one piece of advice I can offer here is stick to it! If I knew then what I know now I would have suggested she take it starting asap from the time her first surgeries were complete. We thought we were in the clear and a relapse was the last thing we expected... especially 5 years later. Some of it may be hard to take but what we found worked was mixing it with berries or yogurt or putting it in different soups. There are many ways to take it, just take it.
Don't get me wrong, this road is not easy, believe me I know. This is actually the most I've said or written about this ever since our unfortunate loss 15 months ago. I am certainly not writing this with dry eyes.
I think about you guys lots these days and I hope everything starts to turn up for you. Stay strong guys!
I am in Guelph these days so next time your down around Toronto we'll have to meet up.
Keep your heads up!
Paul
It may sound trite, but this poem has always given me a boost:
DON'T QUIT!
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
- Author unknown
Keeping you all in our ongoing prayers - hope this will be a time of rejuvenation and recovery.
On a more practical note: one treatment we hear good things about is shark cartilage, but I would certainly recommend caution. My Dad was Stage 4 Lung Cancer and so we decided to give it a try, but in his case it seemed to speed things up. Certainly, this is not a scientific test, just an anecdotal observation. Of course, Mason has youth on his side - and given the right support, there is every reason to believe in his recovery!
God bless you all!
Hi Mason!
As we get ready for our Friendship Party we think of you all the time. Here is a poem that someone found and I thought it would be appropriate.
If I could catch a rainbow
I would do it just for you,
And share with you its beauty
On the days you're feeling blue
If I could build a mountain
You could call your very own,
A place to find serenity,
A place to be alone
If I could take your troubles
I would toss them in the sea,
But all these things I'm finding
Are impossible for me
I cannot build a mountain,
Or catch a rainbow fair,
But let me be what I know best,
A friend who's always there
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