Mason diagnosed with Retinoblastoma (child cancer of the eye)
Hearing Mason has cancer has been shocking and overwhelming to say the least and we take one day at a time, but he is STRONG!.
Manawatu / Whanganui
Mason had a white reflection in his eye, it wouldn't show all the time but progressively showed more often. To our shock we were told the (white reflection) is Leukocoria, and that he has RETINOBLASTOMA which is a rare cancer of one or both eyes, usually occurring in children younger than 5. He has a tumour in the retina, the area of the eye containing nerves that control vision. At this stage if there is any good news it is unilateral Retinoblastoma (one affected eye) but he will be watched very closely all his life to hopefully prevent this in the other eye. Mason, his mummy and lovey (nanna) are in Ronald McDonald House with him and he spent 2 days having general anaesthetic, for his initial EUA (eye exam under anaesthesia) and next day MRI and spinal tap.
Genetic testing will also tell if this is inherited or has occurred randomly. If he has inherited Retinoblastoma and has a gene mutation then he could pass this on to his children but specialists have said possibly as he has a single tumour, chances are that this has occurred randomly.
Unfortunately this week Mason will be having surgery to remove his eye (enucleation). During this procedure he will have a temporary implant which will be placed in the orbit to maintain the shape of the eye and 6 - 8 weeks fitted with a prosthetic eye. After his eye is removed and examined and we know the full spinal tap results if the tumour has extended to the optic nerve he may then need 6 rounds of chemotherapy over a 6 month period.
Sheralee Mitchell's involvement (page creator)
I am Mason's nanna (called Lovey), his mum Amberley is my daughter
Use of funds
Money will help pay some bills that mount up while Mason's mummy is unable to work due to looking after him the 24/7 he is going to need to help his recovery, or it may let Mason and mummy have a couple more deserving treats to help with the journey ahead.
Latest update
Friday 8th April 8 April 2022
💛🧡🌈 MASON 🧡💛🌈
This little boy received great news this week from the testing we were awaiting and the meetings/examinations this week.
His right eye enucleation showed no invasion into the optic nerve, a portion of his optic nerve was taken when they removed his eye so that resection margin showed free of tumour. He will be under surveillance for next 2 years for any signs of secondary cancer, with his next MRI in three months, then 3 months again, then 6 months etc. Also he does not have RB gene and the risk of this occurring in his left eye is low but he will have another EUA (examination under anaesthetic) again in 6 months and so on through his life, but MRI and the EUA he just had shows it as healthy. Also not having the gene means low risk of passing this to his children.
All of this news is a great outcome, the weight this carried was huge to bear, and the days have been a lot brighter. 🌞
To my dearest Mason,
You never meant to inspire me, but you did
You never meant to show me the true meaning of courage, but you have
You never meant to be my biggest strength, but you are
You show me on the daily how spirited and gutsy and determined you are
So, every day I vow to tell you I love you at least 10 times a day
I vow to stop and watch the sunset with you, see rainbows, smell the flowers, walk the gardens, see the trees ...
But most of all I promise to give you 1000 kisses without you saying "yuck yuck" 😂 and show you how much your inspiration, courageousness and determination has shaped my heart. ❤️ 🌈
Latest donations
Thank you so much for your donations , we are so appreciative of the support
Thank you shirley we appreciate your donation
Thank you for your donation , much appreciated
Thank you hun , appreciate your love and support xx love to you and the boys
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