Donation protected
Mighty Mason's fight continues...
Heather and Kevin found out that the two spots in Mason's lungs that the last trial was following both doubled in size, with one of them almost being as large as the mass in his pelvis. The other spots that were there have increased as well and there are two additional new spots. The pelvic mass has increased slightly.
As a result, they have decided to enroll Mason in a Phase I clinical trial for relapsed solid tumors that have an EGFR mutation. Mason's tumor tested positive for this mutation, along with the other genomic findings we have mentioned in previous updates. Mason will be ONLY the fourth child in the United States to enroll in this trial.
This treatment is called CAR T-cell therapy. The blood they took out during the apheresis process is being separated into T-cells and then engineered in a lab to recognize and attack this EGFR mutation on the surface of the tumor.
When the T-cells are ready, the Garvey family will travel back to Seattle and be out there for at least 30 days. Mason will get pre-treatment scans and then receive four days of chemotherapy that is intended to deplete his lymphocytes. He will have clinic visits scheduled every few days to check blood, vitals, and to just monitor him in general over the next 28 days. The hope is that the cells will go and attack the EGFR mutation and stop the cancer from continuing to grow.
Up to this point, Mason has sailed through most of his treatment. Unfortunately, this disease is aggressive and ruthless and is starting to take a toll on him. Mason's pelvic pain has increased to a point where it is affecting his mobility. He needs assistance getting up out of a chair and walking is very painful for him.
I am asking for your support, if you're able to give, to help the Garvey's cover the costs of their trip to Seattle. Our donations will help cover housing, a rental car, food, and other miscellaneous items to ease their burden to the extent possible. The funding may also be used to cover airfare, but they are working with an organization to secure a donor to provide that. Thank you for your consideration and your continued prayers for a family that has become very near and dear to our hearts.
Heather and Kevin found out that the two spots in Mason's lungs that the last trial was following both doubled in size, with one of them almost being as large as the mass in his pelvis. The other spots that were there have increased as well and there are two additional new spots. The pelvic mass has increased slightly.
As a result, they have decided to enroll Mason in a Phase I clinical trial for relapsed solid tumors that have an EGFR mutation. Mason's tumor tested positive for this mutation, along with the other genomic findings we have mentioned in previous updates. Mason will be ONLY the fourth child in the United States to enroll in this trial.
This treatment is called CAR T-cell therapy. The blood they took out during the apheresis process is being separated into T-cells and then engineered in a lab to recognize and attack this EGFR mutation on the surface of the tumor.
When the T-cells are ready, the Garvey family will travel back to Seattle and be out there for at least 30 days. Mason will get pre-treatment scans and then receive four days of chemotherapy that is intended to deplete his lymphocytes. He will have clinic visits scheduled every few days to check blood, vitals, and to just monitor him in general over the next 28 days. The hope is that the cells will go and attack the EGFR mutation and stop the cancer from continuing to grow.
Up to this point, Mason has sailed through most of his treatment. Unfortunately, this disease is aggressive and ruthless and is starting to take a toll on him. Mason's pelvic pain has increased to a point where it is affecting his mobility. He needs assistance getting up out of a chair and walking is very painful for him.
I am asking for your support, if you're able to give, to help the Garvey's cover the costs of their trip to Seattle. Our donations will help cover housing, a rental car, food, and other miscellaneous items to ease their burden to the extent possible. The funding may also be used to cover airfare, but they are working with an organization to secure a donor to provide that. Thank you for your consideration and your continued prayers for a family that has become very near and dear to our hearts.
Organizer
Carla Seamster Harris
Organizer
Bargersville, IN