The need of prayer for Mason. Updates: 25.5.

2012

We are all at the hospital. Found out this Friday morning my son Mason has a collapsed lung. Here's a copy of what I sent my sister in law who is an RN:

"There is a huge tumor almost the size of an adults fist that blocked the entry way to the left lung. That is why it collapsed (that is my understanding). It appears to be on the outside of the lung. They are amazed by the size of the thing and are trying to decide how to proceed. They said they can't just remove the tumor because it might be an over enlarged lymph node. Mason is currently out of ICU and is now on the 11th floor Pediatric unit of Carillion Hospital awaiting surgery. I'm in the "Teenager Room" using the computer. Wilma is with Mason and did not go to work today. They have a lot of Doctors involved in all this. He seems to be getting very good care. Will keep you posted."

Please keep my son in your prayers.

God bless,

Luis 26.5.12 Mason got transferred to UVA Hospital in Charlottesville, VA (we were previously at Carillion Hospital in Roanoke, VA). The x-ray or CAT scanned showed the tumor has spread around the opening to the lung, which could create complications when removed. They measured the tumor and found it to be about the size of a golf ball... which is still pretty big for a little 5 year old kid. This new hospital has all the resources to deal with this problem. Since his condition is stable, they are carefully studying the situation to determine the best plan of attack and also determine any problems that might arise and have contingencies in place for them. They have to remove the tumor, reinflate his left lung, and then determine whether or not that tumor is cancerous.

Thank you for your prayers. Please tell everyone who is praying for us that I deeply appreciate it. May God bless them for their kindness! I'm using the

computer in the family lounge here at the hospital, and I'll try to keep you posted as things develop.

God bless,

Luis 27.05.12

We just found out a few hours ago that Mason has malignant cancer. A portion of the mass sits on top of the trachea and also went into the left bronchial air passage leading into his left lung, which caused it to collapse. It also pushies on his thorasic arteris and is adding pressure to the top of the heart. He had a six hour surgery yesterday and was for a while in critical condition- loosing two pints of blood, but now he is stable. We won't know exactly what type of cancer this is until Tuesday afternoon; however chemo is in his future. The doctors say chemo therapy works much better on kids than on adults. There is hope. But I'm resolved in my mind... 'let the Lord do what seems good to Him'. Will keep you posted. Thanks to you and all those who are praying for my little boy!! May God bless you all for your kindness and your prayers.

Here is a link to my Facebook page for anyone who wants to see what he looks like:

http://www.facebook.com/luis.ranzolin

God bless,

Luis

1.6.12

Thank you for those words of encouragement from Pastor Richard in Kenya. What a blessing it is to have God's dear people praying for us from all over the world!

As you know, Mason has "Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma". The good news is that he is ALK Positive, so he has a 70-80% chance of recovering from this. He started Chemo Therapy yesterday afternoon and we are hoping that after 3-4 weeks of treatment the tumor surrounding his left bronchial tube will be reduced enough so the poor little guy can breath out of it again. Right now the tumor is completely surrounding it and has basically "choked" his left bronchial valve shut.

Today was a relatively uneventful day, something we all needed considering the last five days or so. Please tell everyone who is praying for us that we are very appreciative of it. I will continue to keep you posted as we learn anything new.

Kind regards,

Luis 04.06.12 I have some good news to share with you and all those who are praying for my son Mason: They pulled about a 3 inch long strand of mucus about the width of a pencil out of Mason's lung this Sunday afternoon, along with some other large chunks of mucus, and since then his left lung has started to reinflate. I saw the x-ray with my own eyes... it really is amazing. I'm guessing, but maybe 10% now has air circulating through it. At this rate, he might have the respirator out of his mouth in a few days and my wife and I could have our adorable little 'chatter box' back to doing what he does best... talking our heads off! Please tell all the brothers and sisters who are praying for us that I said thank you! The peace of Christ be with all of God's dear children, Luis 07.06.12

I have some more good news to share with those who are praying for Mason:

Mason had his breathing tube removed today, as well as the feeding tube going into his nose. He also had another Chemo treatment. Things are moving along nicely... the doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists are pleased with his progress. There has not been any more improvement with his left lung reinflating, but we are still hopeful this will change over the coming days or weeks. His throat is very sore from having the respirator in his mouth, so he's not saying a whole lot, but that too will change real soon! Thank you again to all those who are praying for Mason. May God bless them for their kindness! We are very touched by the outpouring of love and support from family, friends, neighbors and even strangers.

The peace of Christ be with you,

Luis 07.06.12

I have some really good news to share. We just saw this mornings x-ray and it showed his lung has really started to reinflate... at least 50%, if not more! The doctors yesterday were already calling him a miracle boy! I'm starting to believe it! Mason should be out of the ICU sometime over the next 24-36 hours. The Oncologist told us it might even be possible for us to go home by the end of next week, if all continues to go well (and continue the chemo on an outpatient basis).

Praise the Lord! Luis