A Special Letter from Jason

Hello Everyone, 

My name is Jason Shook and I am glad to say that I have been in remission for twenty two years. I am grateful to have the opportunity to share some of my life’s experiences with you all today. 

In January of 1991 at age eleven I was diagnosed with medulloblastoma by the Hematology-Oncology staff at Children’s National Medical Center. The first step to recovery entailed the resection of the tumor. Dr. Johnson painstakingly performed a nine hour surgery to remove the tumor growth. 

The post-operative recovery time spanned the better part of two weeks. After this recovery, I began a radiation therapy regimen. Five days a week for six weeks I went to George Washington hospital Center to receive radiation of the brain and spine from Dr. Yinch.  When I finished Radiation therapy I was again allowed a two week recovery period before starting Chemotherapy. 

The weekly clinical exam at Children’s Hematology-Oncology ward occurred once a week followed by chemotherapy. The treatment schedule called for an inpatient stay for three days on the first week of every month, but often lasted five days due to complications.  The three weeks following, I went to clinical exams once a week, followed by an outpatient chemotherapy treatment. The course of treatment along with uncountable labs continued for eighteen (18) weeks.  The chemotherapy medications included; CCNU, Cisplatin, and Vincristine.

Throughout all of my treatments every person I came across; hospital staff, friends, and family were always by my side to help walk down that hard road. With help from charitable organizations I have had some amazingly fun times in my life. I met Bill Clinton, and ran up and down his helicopter Marine 1, gone to several major sporting events of all types, played with a lion cub, to mention a few. By far my most cherished memories were made at camp.  

A few years after treatment was over, I got my first job as a grocery store clerk, and worked there until I graduated high school. I was very involved in Demolay, a fraternal organization similar to the Masons. I have several gear head friends with whom I spent a lot of Friday nights with at Maryland International Raceway. After graduating high school, I began to take classes at the local community college where earned a associates degree in general studies, then moved to Naples, Florida.

When I came to Naples, I began working as a maintenance technician for Hilton Grand Vacations. After working for Hilton a few years, I went back to school and earned my associates degree in science specializing in respiratory care. I sat for both certified respiratory therapist, and registered respiratory therapist state board exams. The RRT license being to higher of the two was the license I practiced under. In time, working for two different hospitals, and beginning training for hyperbaric therapy I had realized this profession was no longer suited for me. I returned to Hilton were I have been for eleven years. I like fish and explore some of the lesser known areas of southwest Florida. I have also become fond of several types shooting sports.

Over the course of my remission I have come across some latent effects of the various treatments I have received. I continue to see a neurologist and my primary care physician on a regular basis. I feel post treatment care is essential to longevity. Remaining active and social benefits everyone.  I have been through a lot, and it takes a lot to keep myself healthy, and enjoying as much of a normal lifestyle as possible. I have been working with a physical therapist to correct balance and gait issues that stem from the type and location of my tumor. Working together we have reached good results. 

I hope that this letter has helped you take another step in your journey of life. 

Sincerely, 

Jason