Monday, July 30, 2012

First day.

Today was Kavan's first day of work. Like a proud parent, I had to snap a photo as we were out the door this morning.




I'm so proud of him. He will be training at scotiabank downtown for a few months and then later moved to another branch. I know that he will succeed at this job because he has an infectious personality and people seem to gravitate to him. He had a good day overall and just seems tired this evening.

Tonight marked another day of crazy Edmonton summer weather. Never a dull moment!




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Location:103 Ave NW,Edmonton,Canada

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Good Weekend!

Another great weekend. Kavan has been feeling very well.

Yesterday we attended the wedding of Katie & Brian Curley. Kavan and Katie went to high school together. What a beautiful wedding! We had a fantastic time at both the ceremony and reception. Katie and Brian got married at the oldest Catholic church in Edmonton. Their ceremony was short and sweet, perfect! It was close to my apartment downtown, so Kavan and I were able to walk. It's great that Kavan has been feeling well enough for a little physical activity. After the ceremony, we hit the patio at a close bar across the street. It was great for Kavan to catch up with all of his friends.

Kavan & Katie


Megan & Kavan
Kavan & I



At the reception, Kavan was able to enjoy some drinks and had nearly his full appetite. I think his eyes are still bigger than his stomach! We had a blast dancing the night away. Kavan has been having some pretty undesirable side effects from his anti-nauseant medications. He has been having insomnia and feeling like he is gaining weight. Yesterday, he decided to have a trial without the medications. SUCCESS! He was not nauseous!! Great news. Throughout this journey, Kavan and I have had several conversations about the fact that so much of fighting and beating cancer is in the mind. I think this is a good example of this.


The Baldies- Kavan & Jamie
Jessica, Kavan & I

Today will be a lazy sunday! I have a bridal shower to attend but I believe Kavan will laze about and enjoy the olympics. Tomorrow is a big day for Kavan. He starts his new job at ScotiaBank. How exciting!


Friday, July 27, 2012

DONE!!

Today Kavan finished his second round of chemotherapy! Overall, I feel this cycle has gone pretty well. Physically, Kavan has experienced some fairly minor side effects. He is occasionally nauseous and dizzy which has not impacted his daily activities that strongly. Like his last cycle of chemotherapy, he is taking two anti nauseant medications daily which are zofran and decadron. I think he has been experiencing the most side effects from the decadron as he is complaining it keeps him up at night. I've heard this is a common side effect. Hopefully life will return to semi-normal now that he is no longer using the medications for the next couple of weeks.

We have a busy weekend ahead of us. Kavan's good friend is tying the knot tomorrow! I hope he will be in the mood for some dancing!

Currently, Kavan and Evan has assumed the video game position on my couch. I am happy that Kavan is well enough to enjoy even the simplest pleasures.




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Location:109 St NW,Edmonton,Canada

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Day 4 Chemotherapy

Wow, another day down! That means we're 80% finished with chemotherapy cycle 2. Hard to believe it's almost been two months since this whole ordeal began. I hope that time flies this quickly for the rest of the year.

Kavan in his recliner at the Cross Cancer Institute
I am happy to report Kavan felt well again today. It seems that the nasty side effects he experienced with the last cycle of chemotherapy are not appearing with this cycle. Again, something I never thought I'd be thankful for. He occasionally feels some nausea and "haziness" but these seem to be both fleeting feelings.

Today we managed to go swimming after Kavan's chemotherapy finished for the day. At the moment I can barely keep my eyes open, I truly do not know how he does it. We brought along Kavan's nephew, Patrick. I adore Patrick and the energy he CONSTANTLY has. He makes an activity such as swimming seem so fresh and exciting. I think Patrick's energy is a positive for Kavan as it's hard to feel down with such a bright soul around.

Tomorrow will mark the end of cycle 2. I cannot wait! We have a busy weekend planned and next week Kavan starts his new job! I want to thank everyone who has been following our blog, I know Kavan appreciates your support immensely. Please continue to comment and share his story with others as I know the support motivates him. More to follow....

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Day 3 chemotherapy

Today Kavan completed his third of five days of chemotherapy. That means he's over half done!
Kavan is feeling well again today, tired but well. He had a long nap today during his infusion. Boy, was I jealous.

He also managed a swim again today. He has been advised that physical activity can greatly reduce the chemotherapy associated fatigue.

Tonight we headed over for a family dinner at my parents house in Sherwood park. Nonna (my Italian grandmother) was in town to cook Kavan his favorite Italian meal. I think he had a ball with her as it is always an entertaining evening with Nonna. Kavan was also surprised to see that my dad and brother had shaved their heads in honor of his fight with ewings sarcoma. I was told yesterday they had been to the hairdressers and it brought tears to my eyes when I saw the photo. It's amazing how displays of support can motivate you to stay positive. Though I thought my dad and brother looked great bald, I am sorry Kavan but I won't be doing that myself.

Hopefully the next few days will be as happy and as uneventful as today. Please share this blog and spread Kavan's fight with ewings sarcoma.



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Location:Baseline Rd,Sherwood Park,Canada

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Day 2 Chemotherapy

Today was Kavan's second day of five days of chemotherapy. I am happy to report he is feeling well. He says he feels tired, but I would feel tired if I had to remain in the same spot for eight straight hours. No nausea or vomiting which is fantastic news.
Kavan resting comfortably in his bed @ Cross Cancer Institute

I managed to sneak a visit in during my lunch hour. It is very convenient that I am just across the street at the Stollery. Isn't it funny how I moved jobs and hospitals before all of this started. It's almost as if there was a larger reason for my move. In all honesty, it makes me feel better to see Kavan and know that he is doing well.


Kavan & I during our lunch time meeting
Amazingly, Kavan was feeling healthy enough to go swimming after he finished his treatment for the day. I'm not sure how he has so much energy as most days I feel like sitting on the couch after work. His determination to maintain his physical health is very impressive. Since he began his treatment his attitude and actions have never ceased to amaze me. If only I was a little more like Kavan. This is truly a lesson to all of us.

I am happy to report that at this moment Kavan is busy playing video games with his best friend, Evan. I never thought I would utter those words...HAHA. More to come.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Tornado watch Monday

Today marked the start of Kavans's second round of chemotherapy. The great news is we already have one month underneath our belts. Currently,
We are in the midst of a crazy summer storm. As I am writing there is a tremendous amount of hail and rain falling.



According to the oncologist this round is not quite as harsh and does not have so many terrible side effects. He is receiving two drugs this time: etoposide and ifosfamide. Though they are less terrible, they do not come without side effects. They can be extremely irritating to the bladder and so Kavan has to drink lots and pee lots! As well, just like the prior cycle, it can effect his white blood cells and therefore his ability to mount an immune response. We will all have to be extra diligent with our hand washing.

Kavan's day at the cross cancer lasted about 8 hours. It was a nice surprise as we expected him to be there much longer. I am happy to report that there were no allergic reactions today and I think Kavan felt quite well overall. He has plans to go swimming tonight, what a strong guy!

He will have the same chemotherapy each day this week. I only hope he feels as well as he did today, everyday.


All smiles at the end of a long day.

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Location:98 Ave NW,Edmonton,Canada

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Hair Mutiny

Well, we knew it was going to happen. It doesn't make it any easier though. Kavan started losing his hair today. I think this was very traumatic for him. Rather than let the cancer take his hair slowly, Kavan chose to have it buzzed this afternoon. Take that cancer! I have to say, he looks fantastic.




Before



During




After


In other news, today is our 4th anniversary. Kavan, I love you and am so happy to be sharing our lives together. I feel that this experience has only deepened my love and admiration for you. You are truly my best friend.
Here's to many more years and memories together. XOXOXO











Thanks to Matthew Clark for recently photographing Kavan and I recently. He is an extremely talented photographer and fantastic friend. Please stayed tuned for his blog address!

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Location:Unnamed Rd,Edmonton,Canada

Friday, July 20, 2012

Float on

Today was a GREAT day. Kavan started off his day with some blood work at the hospital. This was not so great. I have to say I'm quite impressed with the way he handles the bloodwork/needles now. Much better than myself, and I'm the nurse. Anyway, after the bloodwork Kavan had a meeting with his oncologist, dr. Chu. These pow wows will happen each month from now on and basically it's just a meeting to review his progress. We also find out if Kavan is well enough to proceed with the next treatment as planned. Good news! He is well enough! His white blood cells are at a perfectly normal level. His pricey, painful neulasta shots have been doing their duty! This is such a relief because it means we are another week closer to being finished with treatment.
Perhaps the greatest news came next. Kavan had both an MRI and PET scan this week. They are BOTH COMPLETELY CLEAR!!!! This is a HUGE relief as it means kavan's long term prognosis is much better. I feel like I can finally sleep!
In other exciting news, the details of kavan's new job are almost completely sorted out. He will be working with scotiabank as a small business accounts specialist. He is very excited about his new job which makes me happy. I think he will start next next week after his long stretch of chemotherapy.
Tonight we spent time with some great friends. It was Kavan's close friend, Mark's, birthday. He is a great guy and we had a wonderful time celebrating with him. We were able to take in a taste of Edmonton festival downtown. I love the festivals this city offers in the summertime.




















Tonight I will go to sleep feeling confident that Kavan is winning in his battle against ewings sarcoma. I remain impressed with his courage and ability to maintain such a positive attitude.
Please share this blog and encourage those you know to share in Kavan's journey!
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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Happy Tuesday

Today Kavan travelled to Calgary to visit the fertility clinic. As a man of childbearing age enduring chemotherapy it was vital that Kavan took precautions with his fertility. Though it is not certain that fertility will be an issue for Kavan, I think this has been one of his biggest struggles since his Ewing's Sarcoma diagnosis. It is strange to think about fertility when one has just begun his "adult" life. I am hoping that he will never has to use the services of such a clinic. One can never be too careful.
On a happier note, Kavan received some very exciting news today! He has a JOB! He interviewed with Scotiabank last Friday and was notified today he is hired!! Kavan nailed his interview and is so fortunate to find an employer so sympathetic and understanding of his illness. This job will provide an excellent escape from this cancer and allow him to utilize all of his business knowledge. I am so proud of him. I know that his future co-workers will love him as much as I do. We are now waiting to hear which branch he will be working at. Thanks to a family member for connecting Kavan with Scotiabank. I know I appreciate it....I've been so jealous lately of Kavan's leisurely lifestyle...




Kavan at the Mauna Kea Observatory





Our winter trek on Lac La Biche





Tomorrow Kavan will have a PET scan. (PET=Positron Emission Tomography). This is a specialized imaging test that will involve injecting Kavan with radioactive substance that will attach to Kavan's cells. This substance looks and acts like glucose and can be taken up by cancer cells that use glucose to grow. The imaging will show those cells that have taken up this special substance and therefore the oncologist will be able to ascertain if Kavan's cancer has metastasized. Let's all pray this is not the case. Kavan has been feeling pretty well and has been able to keep active and so I'm feeling optimistic.



Thanks to Kavan's friend-Anthony for sending this photo



Sunday, July 15, 2012

Rain Out

Today we travelled back from Lac La Biche after a fantastic weekend. The weather was wonderful yesterday, however today the rain moved in. A nice reprieve from the heat.




I am happy to report Kavan is feeling very well. He managed to stay up much later than I both nights at the cabin.







Anyways, this week looks quite busy. Kavan has a follow up MRI tomorrow to ensure there is no regrowth of the tumor at its original site. Tuesday it's off to Calgary and then a PET scan on Wednesday. Friday he will have his second meeting with his oncologist, Dr. Chu. Let's all hope for only good news this week! More to come!


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Location:E.L.Smith Rd NW,Edmonton,Canada

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Lake day

I haven't written for a few days. It's not because I haven't had time, it's just that I have nothing much to report. Kavan has been feeling fantastic this week. What a relief! His only roadblock was edmonton's rare week of summer heat.


Kavan has had an exciting week with the prospect of new employment. I think with any illness it is imperative that one maintain some sense of normalcy and continue with daily routine. I also believe it will be fantastic for kavan to work his brain rather than video game fingers! Kavan seems very excited at the idea of this job. This would be his first "adult" job. I am thrilled for him.








After work today kavan and I made the trek to lac la biche. Though it is a little far from the city,I think we have both come to realize this is our happy place. Kavan has really embraced the laid back lake Lifestyle. We have a full house this weekend as there is a fundraiser for a local women's shelter. What a great evening with perfect weather and excellent company.


Right now kavan is engaged in a vicious card game. It is so great to hear him laughing and having fun. I am off to bed! More from the lake tomorrow.



Monday, July 9, 2012

Hot Hot Heat

Another scorcher in Edmonton today. I heard that it reached 40 degrees Celsius with the humidex. Crazy to think how we bounce between such extremes in this city.

Kavan is still battling to stay cool. A thing that can be very difficult in the Hyde household where it is balmy all year round :) Much to his dismay he has succumbed to sleeping with a fan, a habit of mine that he thoroughly dislikes. I think all of us had a little trouble sleeping last night and for Kavan this was especially true.

Kavan was feeling quite well today.  During each day of his chemotherapy and for two days following he the anti-nausea medications Zofran and Dexamethasone. He says that these drugs have really helped him survive the days following his chemo. The nice thing about today and this week is that Kavan is free of both pills and the hospital. A summer vacation of sorts!

Anyways, despite the heat, Kavan managed to go for a short bike ride today. I am so proud of him. Even on my best days I can barely get my butt off the couch! Hearing him talk about his beloved bike and the joy the short ride brought him brought tears to my eyes. Another reminder of how the simplest things can bring one happiness in the face of adversity. He is truly an inspiration.


Today a friend of Kavan's sister, Kerri-Ann, messaged me a picture that she had made. I know Kavan finds it comforting to think of the many people that are rooting for him. Thanks to Melissa Buller for the photo! Everyone please wear a Livestrong bracelet in honor of Kavan. If you don't already have one they can be purchased at SportChek for a dollar. Plus, all of the proceeds go to cancer research!
Livestrong-Thanks to Melissa Buller

Kavan & I on a recent trip to Hawaii
Mauna Kea Observatory

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Lazy Summer Day

Today we hid from the heat.  As a lifelong Edmontonian, I am most accustomed to complaining about the cold. However, today I complained about the heat. My car said it was 32 degrees Celsius. Unbearable, especially when you live in a high rise apartment building.
Kavan escaping the heat

One of the side effects we've noticed since Kavan began his chemotherapy a few days ago is flushing and heat intolerance. I had read this was a possibility and started to notice it yesterday morning. One of Kavan's friend actually commented yesterday that Kavan looked very tanned. I guess this may not be such a bad thing at all, HAHA. In all seriousness, I think he found today's heat very difficult to handle. Our outings today were limited to a short hike to the grocery store and quick car rise home.




Liquid Gold
Today I gave Kavan his first injection of Neulasta. This is the super expensive medication that acts on bone marrow to start producing more white blood cells. One of the most serious side effects of chemotherapy is the dangerous lowering of white blood cells, or neutropenia. White blood cells are the cells responsible for our immune response or ability to effectively fight infection. Hopefully this medication will counteract the effects of the chemotherapy and Kavan will be able to maintain some immune system. This little gem costs about $2700.00 per injection and he requires it every three weeks. Do the math on that one! We are so fortunate that this medication is covered!











Thankfully, I was able to give Kavan the injection at home and he didn't need to make another trip to the hospital. I never thought my nursing skills would come in handy. I also changed Kavan's IVAD dressing. I have to say, it's looking fantastic, healing very well!

IVAD looking good!













Tonight we enjoyed a Hyde family dinner. This is a Sunday night tradition and it is something that I have come to enjoy very much. Tonight was even more special as we were celebrating a birthday, Kavan's step-Grandmother, Sheila. Happy birthday Sheila!




Kavan & his nephew, Patrick
Anyways, I hope with each passing day this week Kavan will feel better. I am sorry this is the week that we have a most unusual heat wave in Edmonton.

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Good Day

Today was a good day.

Following his first chemotherapy treatment yesterday, Kavan was extremely tired and felt quite nauseous. Thankfully, he was able to manage his nauseousness with some medication and several small meals. He was able to get a full night's rest last night and woke up this morning feeling well. He was still in bed when I showed up at his house this morning!

Wee Kavan. Funny how he looks exactly the same.

Kavan and Little Patrick



Kristin, Kavan & Evan
Today he was a brand new man. We were able to enjoy the summer sunshine without even thinking about the craziness of the last month. We hit the mall for a little shopping, thank goodness for air conditioning! Tonight we enjoyed our evening with Kavan's best friend Evan and his girlfriend, Kristin. These boys have been best friends since about the age of five, and even today when you hear them joke it's as if they haven't aged one day. We walked around downtown eventually ending up at the Street Performer's Festival. Kavan enjoyed some mini donuts.


Kavan & I @ Street Performer's Festival-No we were not performing.
I am so thankful Kavan was well today and we achieved some sense of normalcy. I only can hope we have more of these magical days in the near future.