Mason's Chemo Begins

At the beginning of today, Mason had an ultrasound on his tumored eye tissue so the Dr.'s could get a look at the tumor.  There was some debating as to whether to biopsy the tissue, or immediately treat with chemo.  The 2 debates were both valid.

From an oncology standpoint, it's important to know what kind of tumor you are fighting, so you can know best how to treat it.  But from the retinoblastoma point of view - you don't dare risk taking a biopsy for fear of rupturing the tumor and causing seeding elsewhere.  After reviewing all the tests, it was decided that everything points to this tumor as Rb.  In which case, it wouldn't be wise to biopsy it at this stage.  He was started almost immediately on chemo.

Nobody wants to hear their child is going to need chemotherapy.  But, for most of us, we don't ever have to face that reality.  We hear about it, we see commercials of children with cancer, we know someone with cancer, and I think most of the time we think we have compassion for those individuals. My eyes and heart have been opened.  The reality of your child needing chemotherapy has got to be gut wrenching beyond what I can comprehend for a parent.  I was there today as an 'aunt' and my stomach was nauseated.

The nurse walked in to prep the IV bags, dressed from head to toe in protective gear to protect herself from accidental exposure.  And to know that's about to be administered to the baby in your arms...

I can't focus on it, it's too much for me.  No child should have cancer.

Mason is doing alright.  The medicine administered is not pleasant.  It causes stomach cramping and nausea.  Yes, there are pain drugs and anti nausea medicines, to help combat this, but they don't take away the discomfort completely.  Sweet Mason is being such a good sport, but you can tell he is uncomfortable and tired beyond sleep.

Leslie and Richard are doing remarkably well.  It isn't easy for them.  Watching Leslie with tear stained cheeks holding and kissing and trying to console Mason was...hard to describe.  On the one hand, I wished I could do anything to help ease her pain - it was difficult to watch.  But on the other hand, I don't know if I've witnessed motherly love like that ever before.  It was beautiful in its own way.

There was a very tender, sweet, peaceful feeling in our room today.  Cynthia, Leslie and I all cried together as the feelings were so strong and we felt heaven nearby.

Mason not feeling so hot, cuddling with mom.

Luke had an EUA today (amidst all the Mason chemo) and thankfully, no new tumors were found today.

Handsome Luke before his EUA 

Thomas was a good sport and hardly made a fuss all day.  He had fun flirting with all the nice nurses at Sick Kids.