A big accomplishment

Today we finish out last round of high dose chemo/stem cell rescue. The next step will be an MRI in two weeks and then send films to NY and Boston to make final decisions about radiation. We will do 7 months of low dose chemo no matter what happens. We are relieved this hurdle has been passed and we can move on to the next step.

This round went well. Mason did fine. He actually had to have an x-ray of his foot from all his activity with his cousins and friends. All is fine, just a bruised foot from his kamikaze stair jumping.

A wonderful hospital story: Mason was coming back from x-ray and he got sick in the hallway. He had thrown up in a towel and we were waiting for the nurseto bring a bucket. A little African American girl, around age 8 name Kwanje, came out and said " Here Mason, here's a bucket. Don't worry it happens to all of us." She rubbed his shoulder while we cleaned him up. Angels comes in all shapes in sizes. She is a cancer patient here who Mason has played with a few times. What an act of kindness.

Thanksgiving- A big break

It was wonderful to be able to go to NY for the holidays. It was a much needed respite from the treatment process and the boys had a wonderful time with their family.

We visited their cousin Evan's class for a Thanksgiving party and parade, had some great pizza, and played alot at Aunt Noel's house. the boys suggested we live closer to them because it was so much fun. For Thanksgiving, we had dinner at Danielle's sister's house and all the cousins played despite the torrential rain that day.Mason felt good most of the week and was determined to stay up as long as he could to enjoy his time away from DC. It led to many late nights.

We stayed at Danielle's Uncle Joe's and Aunt Karen's house and enjoyed his wonderful cooking. We got very spoiled. Mason and Mateo loved playing with their dog Lucca.

We will begin Mason's last round of high dose chemo tomm. More details to follow!

Out of hospital

It took four nights, but Mason was able to get out of the hospital yesterday morning after the fever broke and his blood counts stabilized. He is fine, running around with his brother. We were able to depart on schedule to see family for Thanksgiving.

Back in the hospital

Mason got a fever last night, so he is back in the hospital until Thursday or Friday receiving some antibiotics. The direct number to his room is 202-884-4394. The phone receives calls until 8PM EST.

Video from Bobby Boswell visit

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70trvYJ0D_A

Latest round of chemo over

Mason finished his 5th round of chemo on Thursday. The chemo went well. Just one more to go, the week after Thanksgiving.

Mason and Mateo had a special treat on Wednesday when Bobby Boswell, the young all-star defender for the MLS soccer team DC United paid a special visit to Mason for about an hour. Since both boys love soccer so much they were very excited. Bobby brought Mason a soccer ball signed by all the DC United soccer players, along with a bunch of other DC United paraphernalia. Bobby showed the boys some card tricks and some tricks with the soccer ball. They were very excited, and we appreciated this nice young man taking the time to visit Mason.

A Great Halloween!!

We had a wonderful time yesterday. Mason went to school. They have a big parade through the neighborhood. Although Mom and Francisca wound up carrying him most of the way....he loved it. Mateo of course loved it as well. A good community event.

We then had pizza with our neighbors in the night before trick and treating. Our neighborhood has great nightime trick or treating. Mason pooped out early and helped us give out candy at the door.He answered the door with all our diffrent scary masks from the dress up box.

We are off to the clinic tomm for his pre-chemo checkup. He will go in on Nov.6 for his next round.