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Wednesday, September 27, 2006 11:04 PM CDT
This is from the Lance Armstrong Foundation's online newsletter. Chris Brewer wanted to bring ten survivors to ride with Lance in the LAF Ride For The Roses this October in Austin, Tx. They chose one...
From The Paceline:
I didn't kid myself, I knew that picking the cancer survivor to come to the 2006 Ride for the Roses weekend was going to be hard. I anticipated that all of the entries would be great and that I'd want all of them to be able to come - and I was right. So let me start off by thanking everyone for their time, effort, and support of Cb's Challenge, and I think when you read about the young man we selected I don't think you'll disagree with the choice…
Mason Swimmer is a high school senior in Charlotte, NC. More importantly, he's a true cancer survivor who recently battled osteosarcoma - bone cancer - just 2 years ago. After being diagnosed at the age of 15 he endured surgery to remove and replace his entire knee and a good portion of both his upper and lower leg coupled with a very tough regimen of chemotherapy to top it off.
It was during this time that Mason also displayed a level of character that according to friends and family is true to form for him, regardless of his cancer situation. He befriended a fellow cancer survivor going through similar treatments, and then mentored / helped him complete his schoolwork so that he could graduate high school on-time with his peers. Regrettably his friend's health situation was not so good, and he died from his cancer - one day shy of his graduation ceremony.
Mason was determined, though, that his friend would be represented at his graduation, and so he attended the ceremony for him, taking his place in the receiving line as he did indeed graduate with his friends…
Since then Mason continues to be a solid example of cancer survivorship as he has rebuilt his once cancer-riddled body back to the point that he's pitching again for his high school team. "The pride of a father for a child's accomplishments is deep and profound. When those accomplishments include never wavering from the conviction and determination of overcoming the odds and maintaining a completely positive, unselfish attitude while surviving a life- threatening adversary - that’s a gift that no words can describe," his father Scott wrote in his nomination letter. "Mason never claims to be victimized, paid close attention to the processes, has only appreciation for the people who he encountered during his ordeals and has taken to heart the challenges of others experiencing similar circumstances."
And so I think you'll agree that selecting Mason to come spend an amazing weekend in Austin in October was a very good decision indeed. I look forward to meeting him and of course we'll have a full report as to how his weekend went.
- Ciao for now - thanks for checking in! - Cb…
* You can write directly to Chris anytime at cb@thepaceline.com
Monday, July 10, 2006 1:23 AM EST Our dear friend, Charon Walker, 18, slipped away peacefully at home Tuesday, May 23, 2006 just before noon. His only regrets were that he would not have the opportunity to accomplish the work that he felt he was ‘meant’ to do; and that his friends and family "not be hurt" by his passing. So celebrate and cherish his memory. Friday, March 17, 2006 0:40 AM CST Stuff is blooming all around. It’s Spring in Charlotte and it’s beautiful!
Wednesday, January 11, 2006 11:40 AM CST Holidays are over and school (& birthdays) is happening. Mason attends school daily and will start training for the Varsity baseball team soon. He can’t run but he sure can pitch (long arms- mean curve). He’s had excellent health reports and keeps contact with Dr. McMahon and all the nurses who care for him. Toby continues to play winter lacrosse (loves the ‘contact’!) and works out a lot. He’s doing really well in school and is just a true pleasure to be around (unless you’re on the opposing team...).
Tuesday, September 27, 2005 10:32 AM CDT After a very nice summer with lots of great travel experiences life is in school mode (beats the heck out of ‘hospital mode’!). Wednesday, July 20, 2005 0:05 AM CDT Pretty nice summer so far... Mason is trying to finish all tests and exams from this past year and will advance to his junior year. Very optimistic. He’s also been hanging with friends and spent a week at the Silver Lining Foundation in Aspen (with Charon - who’s also doing really well). www.silverliningfoundation.org Wednesday, April 13, 2005 4:03 PM CDT Life is pretty normal ‘round here and normal is good... Friday, February 25, 2005 9:54 PM CST After an infection delayed the scheduled Methotrexate treatment earlier this week, Mas completed his last chemo cycle tonight. Done with that nasty stuff! He’s on the upswing and should be home next week. Happy? You betcha!!! Friday, February 25, 2005 9:17 PM CST After an infection delayed the scheduled Methotrexate treatment earlier this week, Mas completed his last chemo cycle tonight. Done with that nasty stuff! He’s on the upswing and should be home next week. Happy? You betcha!!! Saturday, January 8, 2005 0:32 AM CST Walking never looked (or felt) so good! Mason is getting around royally - unassisted. His leg is healing, his range of motion and strength are increasing and his flexibility is over 100 degrees. As good as it is to walk, driving is another thing altogether... he bought his first car this week. Mas will be sixteen on the 20th and he feels pretty darn good behind the wheel of his (black) 2002 Pathfinder. Wednesday, November 17, 2004 2:37 PM CST Mason’s walking! He set his crutches down Sunday and threw the football to Toby for an hour and walks short distances unassisted. Physical therapy is a slow, painful process but he is regaining strength and confidence (cockiness!). In and out of chemo treatments for the next several months - and then he’s cruisin!!! Friday, November 12, 2004 2:37 PM CST Mason’s walking! He set his crutches down Sunday and threw the football to Toby for an hour and walks short distances unassisted. Physical therapy is a slow, painful process but he is regaining strength and confidence (cockiness!). In and out of chemo treatments for the next several months - and then he’s cruisin!!! Wednesday, October 6, 2004 11:06 PM CDT So, the tumor was completely removed 9-16-2004 (along with 9 cm of tibia and 3 cm of femur) and Mas has some pretty high-tech components in his leg. Dr. Kneisl relocated some calf muscle and a skin graft (from thigh) to cover. Dr. McMahon seems pleased with the preliminary pathology reports. Needless to say, Mas is happy the tumor is gone and takes great pleasure in saying “I’m free of cancer”. Wednesday, October 6, 2004 11:06 PM CDT So, the tumor was completely removed 9-16-2004 (along with 9 cm of tibia and 3 cm of femur) and Mas has some pretty high-tech components in his leg. Dr. Kneisl relocated some calf muscle and a skin graft (from thigh) to cover. Dr. McMahon seems pleased with the preliminary pathology reports. Needless to say, Mas is happy the tumor is gone and takes great pleasure in saying “I’m free of cancer”.
Wednesday, October 6, 2004 11:06 PM CDT So, the tumor was completely removed 9-16-2004 (along with 9 cm of tibia and 3 cm of femur) and Mas has some pretty high-tech components in his leg. Dr. Kneisl relocated some calf muscle and a skin graft (from thigh) to cover. Dr. McMahon seems pleased with the preliminary pathology reports. Needless to say, Mas is happy the tumor is gone and takes great pleasure in saying “I’m free of cancer”. Friday, September 17, 2004 1:09 PM CDT What a team! With Mason as a superbly cooperative and good-natured patient; Dr. Jeffrey Kneisl, Dr. Josh Patt, Dr. Brent Holway, Mary Jane Walters and staff worked on him for 7.5 hours yesterday and successfully removed the tumor and reconstructed his knee. The complex procedure went exceptionally well and Mas is recovering quietly. He'll be in the hospital for about a week. We'll keep you posted as he progresses.
Tuesday, September 7, 2004 3:23 PM CDT Dear Friends & Family,
Tuesday, August 24, 2004 10:45 PM CDT Dear Friends & Family, Tuesday, August 10, 2004 1:26 AM CDT Dear Friends & Family,
Tuesday, August 10, 2004 0:49 AM CDT Dear Friends & Family, Wednesday, August 4, 2004 12:07 AM CDT Saturday, July 24, 2004 2:10 PM CDT Friends & Family,
Wednesday, July 14, 2004 0:45 AM CDT Dear Friends and Family,
Sunday, June 27, 2004 0:43 AM CDT Hello friends and family,
Thursday, June 24, 2004 11:42 PM CDT I'll be home for about 2 weeks.
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Even though cancer whittled away and ultimately consumed him, Charon stood tall and strong against his adversary and maintained his dignity, poise, work ethic and concern for others during his trials. He acknowledged his condition, and used it as an opportunity and a catalyst to dedicate himself to his own education and to serving humanity.
Charon was convinced that his calling here was to pursue a degree in psychology and counsel young people through adverse health and/or socioeconomic challenges. He was called to work on a higher plane but will always be with us.
Thanks to all the friends and family who have offered of themselves selflessly in support of Charon ...
Check out the pics of Mason on the “hill”! He came in to close for his Varsity baseball team’s game last week. Only got to throw 10 pitches though - 3 up, 3 down... He looked real good up there and made a lot of people happy/proud.
Toby is having a great lacrosse season and loving it; he’s the highest scorer on the team (possibly the league) to date, and he hits hard!
Our friend Charon is struggling with his condition. He’s undergoing Phase I clinical trials for the osteosarcoma that has metastasized to his lungs. We’ve been back and forth to the National Cancer Institute in D.C. to receive the treatments and he is cared for by a terrific staff. He now has his own Caring Bridge website which you can link to from here or use: www.caringbridge.org/visit/charonwalker. Please sign his GuestBook and wish him well - he digs it!
We are still so grateful (on so many levels) and count our blessings daily.
Love,
Mason, Toby, Carola & Scott
It’s a busy birthday month! Mason turns 17 on 1-20-06, Carola and Scott, Omi, Jessi, Jocie, Rick L., Mark D., Erika, Cathy Coo, Kirk, Rachel J., Sandy, The Cookie Man, Gina, Biggy, Margaret, Anne H., Harold, Tamala, Larry S., Bryan G., and many other (May love-babies) turn a year older and G.G. turned 90!!! God bless her. Turning/change is good; sometimes it hurts but if we prevail, ultimately there is benefit.
Our friend, Charon had a rough month. The tumors that had metastasized to his lungs were removed but he was in critical condition for the better part of the week after surgery. He’s home now and has a cell phone; thanks to the generous donations from Lori Gordon, Becky & Tom Giblin and Playmore Design Corp. Call him and wish him well (704) 770-6801.
Mason and Charon were recently interviewed for a new book "Voices of the Children" by Axel Dahlberg and Janice Love which will feature the words of young people who have experienced life-changing and disabling events. It will be a very positive research/sharing tool for many. Look for it this summer.
Sign the GuestBook and look at pics - they're fun.
We are still so grateful (on so many levels) and count our blessings daily.
Love,
Mason, Toby, Carola & Scott
Mason is a Junior and working hard. He managed to complete all of last year’s work the week before the first term began and passed with a solid ‘B’ average. Special thanks to Ian Kutner, Kathy Bard and Neely Gutierres who ‘coached’ Mas throughout the past year (Mas is thrilled to have Ian as his English teacher again this year).
Toby is a very good student in 9th grade and a monster football player. He’s on the JH team and is extremely versatile and active.
Work around the house and shop is consuming most of our time but we do get out for music once and a while. We saw Keller Williams and Adrian Belew recently. Got tickets to see the Rolling Stones in October (“I know, it’s only rock & roll, but I like it...”) and Cirque du Soleil in November; should be fun.
Our friend, Charon, is back in for treatments with some complications and could use your support; pray for him and if you want to do more, contact us at sswimmer@carolina.rr.com or zimmswimm@aol.com.
We are still so grateful (on so many levels) and count our blessings daily.
Love,
Mason, Toby, Carola & Scott
We drove up to Philly and NYC for the 4th and saw our wonderful cousins, aunts & unks and friends. Great visit with the Verrutos, heard some fresh music (cousin Jason, playing with Sammy & Jordon, are backing the lovely vocalist Domino), saw a couple of plays (Shakespeare in the Park & Lennon; The Musical - met Yoko) hung with Kurt & checked out some unusual galleries, went upstate with Simi & David and just had a real good time... Mason drove part way home (he took the wheel north of Newark and cruised the New Jersey Turnpike/Hwy 95 to south of Richmond).. and is feeling good.
We’re off to Germany this week to see Oma & Opa, more family & friends, cruise through Switzerland (thank you, Andreas!) and end up in Italy for a few days...
We’ll post Euro pics when we get back.
The Tour de France is coming to conclusion. There’s a lot of excitement in our family for Lance’s accomplishments and potential... We all wish him success and thank him for heightening cancer awareness and mounting such noble campaigns. Drink that (French) champagne Lance!
We are still so grateful (on so many levels) and count our blessings daily.
Love,
Mason, Toby, Carola & Scott
Toby’s playing lacrosse (full tilt!), Scott’s getting some work done and Carola has expunged the house of all medical supplies and apparatuses...
Mas is going to school full time & doing well, has a position on the varsity baseball team, taking physical therapy twice a week (the facility at Carolinas Sports Performance Center and his therapist, Wendy, are great), making music, growing hair, hanging and just being ... normal.
We are grateful (on so many levels) and count our blessings daily.
Love,
Mason, Toby, Carola & Scott
The staff at CMC is also happy (but sad) that Mas is done. Their “most fought over” patient (and friend) is whole again and going home. Without their care and compassion this whole experiance would have been a lot less bearable. We slept sounder knowing that they were on the case. (O.K., there’s very little sleep to be had in the hospital...but their level of concern and competence is commendable).
Coach Cerbie and Tim Henry (Mason’s catcher) want him to work out with the varsity baseball team. Practices started last week and he’ll do what he can with his team.
We’ve heard it loud and clear from all of you (and hope to continue to hear it) and again, we want you to hear it from us;
Go Mason! Live Strong!
With Love, Mason, Toby, Carola and Scott
Contacts:
Mason masinface@aol.com
Toby tdog1640@aol.com
Carola zimmswimm@aol.com
Scott sswimmer@carolina.rr.com
The staff at CMC is also happy (but sad) that Mas is done. Their “most fought over” patient (and friend) is whole again and going home. Without their care and compassion this whole experiance would have been a lot less bearable. We slept sounder knowing that they were on the case. (O.K., there’s very little sleep to be had in the hospital...but their level of concern and competence is commendable).
Coach Cerbie and Tim Henry (Mason’s catcher) want him to work out with the varsity baseball team. Practices started last week and he’ll do what he can with his team.
We’ve heard it loud and clear from all of you (and hope to continue to hear it) and again, we want you to hear it from us;
Go Mason! Live Strong!
With Love, Mason, Toby, Carola and Scott
Contacts:
Mason masinface@aol.com
Toby tdog1640@aol.com
Carola zimmswimm@aol.com
Scott sswimmer@carolina.rr.com
We’re counting down the chemo treatments; two more methotrexate, one more doxorubicin.. and then he’s cruisin!!!
Our friend, Charon Walker is recovering nicely from his surgery in December, and thanks to the concerns of many generous people, his seven siblings and mother, Jawaeun, enjoyed a beautiful Christmas.
It’s an uphill trek for these young men and requires Herculeon strentgh - we know that they’re up to the task.
Thank you for supporting us and positively contributing to the process with your love and prayers.
Best wishes for the new year, Mason, Toby, Carola & Scott
Contacts:
Mason masinface@aol.com
Toby tdog1640@aol.com
Carola zimmswimm@aol.com
Scott sswimmer@carolina.rr.com
There are many elements to this illness, treatment and healing process that have affected us. We’ve been privileged to meet many people - some who have helped immensely, and some who are in need. As we’ve acknowledged in these past journal postings; the medical staff, family & friends’ support and of course, prayer, have been paramount in Mason’s progress. We know prayer works. Whatever channels one employs to positively affect another - is ALL good - and we are blessed to have so many making this effort.
We’ve met a young man who is having a bit of a rough time with his osteosarcoma. Charon Walker is a good, quiet soul who has a tumor in his left, lower femur. He is scheduled for surgery (with the most trusted of surgeons, Dr. Jeffrey Kneisl, Mason’s surgeon) in December and has been in the competent care of Dr. Dan McMahon (also Mason’s oncologist).
Charon could use a lift. He doesn’t have a computer so please direct your correspondence and good wishes through me at: sswimmer@carolina.rr.com and I will print and deliver, or (snail)mail to: Charon Walker, 1773 Proposal Ave., Chester, S.C. 29706. (His 17th birthday is this week, 11-21-04!). And pray for his whole and complete recovery.
Check the photo section and also look at the photos in the homepages - they’re fun. Just copy and paste to your browser.
With Love, Mason, Toby, Carola & Scott
Contacts:
Mason masinface@aol.com
Toby tdog1640@aol.com
Carola zimmswimm@aol.com
Scott sswimmer@carolina.rr.com
There are many elements to this illness, treatment and healing process that have affected us. We’ve been privileged to meet many people - some who have helped immensely, and some who are in need. As we’ve acknowledged in these past journal postings; the medical staff, family & friends’ support and of course, prayer, have been paramount in Mason’s progress. We know prayer works. Whatever channels one employs to positively affect another - is ALL good - and we are blessed to have so many making this effort.
We’ve met a young man who is having a bit of a rough time with his osteosarcoma. Cheron Walker is a good, quiet soul who has a tumor in his left, lower femur. He is scheduled for surgery (with the most trusted of surgeons, Dr. Jeffrey Kneisl, Mason’s surgeon) in December and has been in the competent care of Dr. Dan McMahon (also Mason’s oncologist).
Cheron could use a lift. He doesn’t have a computer so please direct your correspondence and good wishes through me at: sswimmer@carolina.rr.com and I will print and deliver, or (snail)mail to: Cheron Walker, 1773 Proposal Ave., Chester, S.C. 29706. (His 17th birthday is next week, 11-21-04!). And pray for his whole and complete recovery.
Check the photo section and also look at the photos in the homepages - they’re fun. Just copy and paste to your browser.
With Love, Mason, Toby, Carola & Scott
Contacts:
Mason masinface@aol.com
Toby tdog1640@aol.com
Carola zimmswimm@aol.com
Scott sswimmer@carolina.rr.com
One week after surgery Mas decided it was time to heal at home. Dr. Kneisl is pleased with his progress - he has Mason bending his knee up to 50+ degrees and wants to see at least 90 in 3 weeks. He’s been home for 1.5 weeks managing pain (weaned himself from narcotic to Advil this past weekend) and mobility (still limited to a wheel chair). Physical therapy began yesterday and Mason wants to go back to school tomorrow. He’s been doing alot of ‘home’work.
A wonderfully special visit from Coach John Fox and his lovely wife, Robin, brightened our day on Sunday after Mas got home. Sincerely nice people!!
We got out this past Monday night to catch cousin Jason with Ben Kweller play at Verizon Pavilion and hung with the band after the show. Coach Flynn brought the Varsity Football team over for a visit last night (big team, small den...). Chemo resumes Monday, so (thanks to the Nole’s and their Suburban!) we’re gonna throw Mas in the truck and ‘head for the hills’ this weekend.
Keep the prayers and positive vibe flowing. We know it reinforces the medical and fortifies the spiritual… It's all good. Your love and kind words are much appreciated. Know that we feel the prayers and channel them to the work at hand.
Keep it up. We are.
With Love, Mason, Toby, Carola & Scott
Contacts:
Mason masinface@aol.com
Toby tdog1640@aol.com
Carola zimmswimm@aol.com
Scott sswimmer@carolina.rr.com
One week after surgery Mas decided it was time to heal at home. Dr. Kneisl is pleased with his progress - he has Mason bending his knee up to 50 degrees and wants to see at least 90 in 3 weeks. He’s been home for 1.5 weeks managing pain (weaned himself from narcotic to Advil this past weekend) and mobility (still limited to a wheel chair). Physical therapy began yesterday and Mason wants to go back to school tomorrow. He’s been doing alot of ‘home’work.
We got out Monday night to catch cousin Jason with Ben Kweller play at Verizon Pavilion and hung with the band after the show. Coach Flynn brought the Varsity Football team over for a visit last night (big team, small den...). Chemo resumes Monday, so (thanks to the Nole’s and their Suburban!) we’re gonna throw Mas in the truck and ‘head for the hills’ this weekend.
Keep the prayers and positive vibe flowing. We know it reinforces the medical and fortifies the spiritual… It's all good. Your love and kind words are much appreciated. Know that we feel the prayers and channel them to the work at hand.
Keep it up. We are.
With Love, Mason, Toby, Carola & Scott
Contacts:
Mason masinface@aol.com
Toby tdog1640@aol.com
Carola zimmswimm@aol.com
Scott sswimmer@carolina.rr.com
One week after surgery Mas decided it was time to heal at home. Dr. Kneisl is pleased with his progress - he has Mason bending his knee up to 50+ degrees and wants to see at least 90 in 3 weeks. He’s been home for 1.5 weeks managing pain (weaned himself from narcotic to Advil this past weekend) and mobility (still limited to a wheel chair). Physical therapy began yesterday and Mason wants to go back to school tomorrow. He’s been doing alot of ‘home’work.
We got out Monday night to catch cousin Jason with Ben Kweller play at Verizon Pavilion and hung with the band after the show. Coach Flynn brought the Varsity Football team over for a visit last night (big team, small den...). Chemo resumes Monday, so (thanks to the Zimmerman’s and their Suburban!) we’re gonna throw Mas in the truck and ‘head for the hills’ this weekend.
Keep the prayers and positive vibe flowing. We know it reinforces the medical and fortifies the spiritual… It's all good. Your love and kind words are much appreciated. Know that we feel the prayers and channel them to the work at hand.
Keep it up. We are.
With Love, Mason, Toby, Carola & Scott
Contacts:
Mason masinface@aol.com
Toby tdog1640@aol.com
Carola zimmswimm@aol.com
Scott sswimmer@carolina.rr.com
So, Mason's had an 'interesting' week. Friday evening, the extremely talented (and compassionate) artist, Peter Max, expressed his heartfelt concern for Mason and shared health advice with us while he was visiting Charlotte. At the Winston Salem Air Show on Sunday, Mason bravely and trustingly stood on the runway, where Auntie Stevie landed and parked his glider directly between his legs (from a 3,500 ft. altitude, beautifully executed aerobatic flight), and on Thursday, Mason bravely and trustingly allowed the medical staff at CMC to apply their skills in their first rate performance…
We're sorry for turning any of you good people away during surgery and recovery; we know that you mean well but we need to focus on the task of healing with little distraction. Keep the prayers and positive vibe flowing. We know it reinforces the medical and fortifies the spiritual… It's all good. Your love and kind words are much appreciated - sometimes overwhelming. Know that we feel the prayers and channel them to the work at hand.
Keep it up. We are.
With Love, Mason, Toby, Carola & Scott
Contacts:
Mason masinface@aol.com
Toby tdog1640@aol.com
Carola zimmswimm@aol.com
Scott sswimmer@carolina.rr.com
Round one is done & we're still standing! Mason has sucessfully endured the unpleasentries of his first chemo cycle and has been remarkably patient. We're learning alot about (and from) him.
The new scans show the tumor is retreating from the chemo, Mason's will, and the prayers... Surgery is scheduled for Sept. 16 and we've met with surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Kneisl and staff with whom we feel very confident.
Mas is going to school as he feels up to it and enjoys the company of his friends and phenominal staff at PDS. Hopefully, he'll be able to catch some football games and watch brother Toby play...
Auntie Stevie flys in an air show this weekend in Winston-Salem and we may go up to see him surf the 'wild blue yonder' and we're still looking forward to hearing cousin Jason & Ben Kweller open for Incubus in Charlotte next month... should be fun...
Your love and kind words are much appreciated - sometimes overwhelming. Know that we feel the prayers and channel them to the work at hand.
Keep it up. We are.
With Love, Mason, Toby, Carola & Scott
Contacts:
Mason masinface@aol.com
Toby tdog1640@aol.com
Carola zimmswimm@aol.com
Scott sswimmer@carolina.rr.com
Mason went to school for a while Monday; the first day of classes. It was good to see his friends and teachers. He went in for his second methotrexate treatment that afternoon and took it well (considering this s#*t kicks your butt!). He'll probably come home Thursday and hopes to go back to school Friday.
Next Monday he has his third methotrexate treatment. More scans next week. Surgery is scheduled for mid-September.
We may get to 'head for the hills' up in Ashe County one more time before summer ends, see some Panthers games (thanks to the Verrutos!), hear Cousin Jason & Ben Kweller who will open for Incubus in Charlotte soon...
Not a bad summer, all things considered. (And Lance won '6' !!!!!!)
Your love and kind words are much appreciated - sometimes overwhelming. Know that we feel the prayers and channel them to the work at hand.
Keep it up. We are.
With Love, Mason, Toby, Carola & Scott
Contacts:
Mason masinface@aol.com
Toby tdog1640@aol.com
Carola zimmswimm@aol.com
Scott sswimmer@carolina.rr.com
Mason's been home for a week after his 'toxic cocktail' (Adriamycin/Cisplatin with a Decadrone appetizer) and is feeling pretty good.
He's got a couple of weeks to chill; maybe go to the beach, maybe go see a Braves game and a Panthers game... Cousin Jason & Ben Kweller will open for Incubus in Charlotte soon and we're looking forward to seeing that gig.
Not a bad summer, all things considered. (And Lance won '6' !!!!!!)
Your love and kind words are much appreciated - sometimes overwhelming. Know that we feel the prayers and channel them to the work at hand.
Keep it up. We are.
With Love, Mason, Scott, Carola & Toby
Contacts:
Mason masinface@aol.com
Toby tdog1640@aol.com
Carola zimmswimm@aol.com
Scott sswimmer@carolina.rr.com
Mason's been home for a week after his 'toxic cocktail' (Adriamycin/Cisplatin with a Decadrone appetizer) and is feeling pretty good.
He's got a couple of weeks to chill; maybe go to the beach, maybe go see a Braves game and a Panthers game... Cousin Jason & Ben Kweller will open for Incubus in Charlotte soon and we're looking forward to seeing that gig.
Not a bad summer, all things considered. (And Lance won '6' !!!!!!)
Your love and kind words are much appreciated - sometimes overwhelming. Know that we feel the prayers and channel them to the work at hand.
Keep it up. We are.
Love, Mason, Scott, Carola & Toby
Contacts:
Mason masinface@aol.com
Toby tdog1640@aol.com
Carola zimmswimm@aol.com
Dear Friends & Family,
We had a nice week - Mason was feeling pretty good and put on a few pounds. We went up to the Appalacians for a couple of days, watched Grandma show her horse and tooled around Asheville.
The chemo schedule has shifted and Mas is getting his 'toxic cocktail' (adriamycin/cisplatin with a zinecard chaser) this week. We skipped the methotrexate because of his reactions. We should be home no latter than Thursday.
We feel the prayers! Keep it up. We are.
Love, Mason, Scott, Carola & Toby
Contacts:
Mason masinface@aol.com
Toby tdog1640@aol.com
Carola zimmswimm@aol.com
Scott swimrsync@aol.com or sswimmer@carolina.rr.com (preferred)
Well, We thought that Mas would get his second cycle of methotrexate this past Monday but, as we've come to realize, things don't always go as planned...
Mason got an infection that is being treated, has had to regain some weight and needed a break. The chemo schedule has shifted and will resume in a week or so.
Spirits are still high; Mason is being extremely patient (pun intended), attentive and appreciative of all of Dan McMahon and the CMC staff's efforts.
We feel the prayers! Keep it up. We are.
Love, Mason, Scott, Carola & Toby
Contacts:
Mason masinface@aol.com
Toby tdog1640@aol.com
Carola zimmswimm@aol.com
Scott swimrsync@aol.com or sswimmer@carolina.rr.com (preferred)
We are witnessing (Mason's experiencing) the trials and tribulations (and hopefully, the miracles) of modern medicine. He is finishing up 'round 2' (Methotrexate/Leucovorin) tomorrow. It's "not very pleasant" according to Mas but he's taking the treatments and dealing with the side effects in stride. Attitude is positive, spirit is high. There is great appreciation for all of the medical assistance from Dr. Dan McMahon and the CMC staff and ALL of your concern & good wishes . We feel the prayers! Keep it up. We are.
Love, Mason, Scott, Carola & Toby
Contacts:
Mason masinface@aol.com
Toby tdog1640@aol.com
Carola zimmswimm@aol.com
Scott swimrsync@aol.com or sswimmer@carolina.rr.com (preferred)
Some of you know what's going on with Mason's condition and we want to provide all with a simple way to communicate with him and check on his progress.
Mas was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) 6-16-2004 and went through his first session of chemo this week.
It is isolated in his upper right tibia (below his knee).
It's been estimated to take approx. 10 months of treatments & surgery (in September).
He'll be home for a couple of weeks, then more treatments.
The prayer vibe is strong and we know that it works.
Write him here to send laughter & cheer.
We know Mason will come through this like a champ.
Thank you for your concern & good wishes.
Love, Scott, Carola & Toby
Contacts:
Mason masinface@aol.com
Toby tdog1640@aol.com
Carola zimmswimm@aol.com
Scott swimrsync@aol.com or sswimmer@carolina.rr.com (preferred)
----End of History----
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