Pray for Mason

On Sunday, Richard was inspecting Mason's eye and noticed that the pupil was oddly shaped along the bottom. Being a doctor, he began to investigate. We called an ophthalmologist in our ward who suggested we take a picture of his eye to see the red reflex (you know how when you take a picture with the flash, the eyes come back red). Well, we took the picture and Mason's right eye came back red, but his left eye came back white. So we booked an appointment with our pediatrician on Tuesday.

The pediatrician took a look at his eye and referred us to the on-call ophthalmologist. So we went to the Hospital and saw a Dr. there. He said that he definitely saw something going on with the eye, but he wasn't sure what so he referred us to the retnal ophthalmologist clinic.

We went there this morning. They dilated Mason's eye and opened it up with a speculum. He said something was going on so he took us to the ultrasound room and took an ultrasound. Turns out he found a small calcium deposit in the retna, which means he most likely has retinoblastoma (eye cancer).

When Richard first noticed Mason's eye on Sunday, this was the first thought that came to mind and was his biggest worry. Basically, this is the worst case scenario. The odd part of this all is that the odd shape of the pupil is a coloboma (not necessarily related to a blastoma), so we were VERY blessed that Richard began to investigate.

So we are headed back tomorrow to get some more scans done on Mason. They will be sending the images to a Dr in Toronto who specializes in children with retinoblastomas. Not sure when, but we will be going to Toronto for treatment. Tomorrow they will also look at Thomas and Luke. I don't know how all this works, but if Mason has the hereditary type of blastoma, there is a chance they could have it too (especially because we don't know if the triplets are identical or not). They even said we may eventually need to get Benson's eyes tested.
 

We really don't know much about the prognosis. Technology to treat this cancer is always improving. In the past, they used to have to remove the eye, but I think treatment has improved so much that it may not be necessary. We will continue to update our blog and keep you all posted.

We are trying to stay strong and are receiving a lot of love an support from family. But we could use all the prayers we can get. So please pray for us. Especially pray for Mason, and please pray that Thomas and Luke do not have it also.
 

We are trying to stay positive. As tough as this is, I know Heavenly Father is watching over us. I can see so many tender mercies. Here are some I have been thinking about today and trying to focus on.

Sometimes the thought creeps into my head -why?! Haven't we been through enough this last year? But the thought quickly goes away as know that Heavenly Father is right by our side. He blessed me to be able to carry the triplets to 34 weeks, and for them to be so healthy at birth. They have been growing so well, and have been so healthy. I am so thankful he blessed Richard to notice the eye and begin investigating. Anyways, here are the tender mercies. 

My freezer full of breast milk (in case we have to go to Toronto)

Richard noticing it so quickly

Getting into edmonton for residency

Free health care

Rich being on family med block and being able to take time off if necessary

Having empty nester parents who are available and willing to help

Having siblings willing to help

Jen, my nanny (I know she loves and cares about my kids)

Living in this day of age when cancer is curable

Having lots of guardian angels in heaven (we lost 4 grandparents in the last year, I am certain they are doing all they can on the other side of the veil)

Ability to travel to Toronto to get treated be a world renowned Dr

Being able to carry mason to 34 weeks so he is bigger and healthier for treatment

This is what mason's eye looks like when you take it with the flash. His left eye has the blastoma.