Postponement

This morning Kavan had his check-up with his oncologist, Dr. Chu. The good news was that his blood counts were within normal limits. The bad news is that his chemotherapy, originally scheduled for Monday, will be postponed due to his foot. Dr.Chu is worried that giving Kavan chemo on Monday would lower his ability to fight infection, leaving the door WIDE open for an infection in the open sore on his foot.

Ouch! Kavan's VERY swollen foot & leg

While I am upset that this will delay treatment ANOTHER week, I recognize the need to be careful with Kavan's fragile body. It's best to ensure that he is well enough before subjecting him to another round of chemotherapy.

Kavan's also been started on an oral antibiotic, Keflex, to ensure no infection develops in his foot. Though I feel that it is slowly starting to improve, there remains significant risk of infection. Better to be safe than sorry because Kavan's sorry could involve a week in the hospital.

Let the healing begin....more blisters and a bad sunburn

Kavan will also have home care nurses visit him to tend to his wound. I am relieved to hear this as the responsibility is off me to make sure things are not getting worse. Better to have the experts deal with this!

As I was curious, Kavan also spoke with his oncologist about when the next scans would occur. Right now, because of the large amount of swelling in his ankle, a scan would not be that useful. It would show lots of activity in his ankle because of the swelling and you would not necessarily be able to see if there were cancerous cells present. Dr.Chu told Kavan that he will have another MRI and PET scan in about 6-9 weeks when the area is completely healed. I am hoping it doesn't take that long!

So with that, Kavan is off to work. Despite my recommendations that he stay home, he wants to go to work. What resilience!


And now, on to the weekend!

Our small but beautiful christmas tree

Week 21, Day 3

Kavan remains in considerable pain. He says that his foot is extremely swollen and the sore on the back of his ankle remains open and oozing. He continues to have difficulties in mobilizing and just really wants to sit and elevate his foot. Ouch!

Despite all of this, he gets up and goes to work each day. I actually told him this weekend that maybe he should consider staying home this week. He felt that he wanted to go because he didn't want to let his employer and clients down. If that isn't a prime example of perseverance, then I don't know what is. Words cannot fully express how proud I am of him. He's truly a model for all of us.

Today Kavan and I had a conversation about how he's been doing lately. Of course, as per usual, Kavan said he was doing well, "I'm good". I said back to him, "you know it's ok to say that you're not doing well, right?".  He replied that he thought he was good so that is what he would tell people. While I am happy that he is "good", I think that some people forget the gravity of Kavan's situation. At the end of the day, he is fighting a life-threatening cancer and it is alright to not be "good" each day. I appreciate his positive nature and will to proceed with normal life but hope that he asks those around him for help when needed. I know that this past month and a half of radiation treatments has really taken a toll on him. Kavan is an active individual who so much enjoys sport and exercise. He really hasn't been able to engage in any of those activities since the start of radiation and I believe it's been really hard on him. He might not say so outright, but I can see it. So, let's all hope that these next few weeks pass quickly, his ankle heals, and he may resume the activities he so loves.

I guess this is one of the perks of radiation....a scooter at Wal-Mart

Congratulations....you've won a walker!

So, finally some good news. Kavan's foot is NOT infected. He zipped off to the Cross Cancer this morning and had an opportunity to meet with his radiation oncologist. Despite the stinky smell, she's confirmed that he does not have an infection. I was overjoyed to hear this news as the nurse in me had my mind going wild and thinking about widespread sepsis.

Kavan was given an anti-biotic cream to put directly on his ankle to prevent any infection but the doctor , right now, is happy with the way things are healing. In other news, Kavan has received a walker to help him get around. True to Kavan fashion, one of the first things he did upon telling me was crack a joke. Gotta love the positive attitude. Kavan remarked that when using the walker outside the Cross that some seniors had been extra nice him and even stopped to wish him a good day. I never knew what power a walker really had. It's nice to see him bonding with those who he now shares some commonality.

Kavan was also given the prized disabled sticker for his car. This is something that he's been needing for quite a while now. It's been hard seeing him struggle while mobilizing through snow-filled, icy parking lots. Just yesterday, he almost wiped out on the ice as his cane slipped. Eeeek!

There's the good news for the day. I, myself, must now get back to my final paper of the semester.

Kavan and I at his graduation

Mixed Bag

Mr. Fat Foot is back again

Kavan has FINALLY finished radiation. Twenty-eight days of radiation complete. While I'm so glad that this awful stage in Kavan's treatment is now complete, I have fear of the pain he will endure in the coming weeks and even permanently, in the future. Kavan's radiation oncologist has informed him to expect his pain to worsen in the coming weeks, as his body attempts to recuperate. I have to say, he was in quite a bit of pain this weekend, back to around the same levels he experienced following his initial surgery. It's difficult to see someone you love so much in pain and not be able to do anything about it.

Ouch!

Looking at Kavan's ankle in photos or even in person, it is evident how damaging the radiation has actually been. His ankle is covered in several bruises, painful to even the lightest touch. He has also developed a sort of blister on the back of his ankle. It has now popped and is weeping fluid continuously. My fear today is that he may have developed an infection. It's starting to have that certain kind of smell. Hopefully, Kavan's radiation oncologist will be able to see him tomorrow to ensure he is healing as needed. The last thing he needs right now is to develop an infection when his immunity is so low.


Now, on to this weekend's events. Friday night Kavan was experiencing tremendous pain. He was not even able to leave the house that evening. He had such high hopes of celebrating the completion of his radiation but could not even endure walking from house to car. This made me extremely sad. Saturday night we celebrated Kavan's older sister's, Kerri-Ann's, 30th birthday! We had dinner at an excellent Lebanese restaurant and I even dared to try some new food.

Patrick, Kerri and Kavan

Tonight we had a birthday dinner for Kerri during the traditional Sunday night dinner at the Hyde's. It was so nice to be able to celebrate Kerri's birthday.


Keep your fingers crossed for Kavan. Have a good week!

Patrick decorating the Christmas Tree

Kavan looking happy as always

TWO DAYS LEFT!

WOW. Kavan has two more treatments in his radiation therapy. I'm so glad this is almost over. I think this has been the hardest, most painful thing Kavan has dealt with besides the initial surgery. To me, it seems that he has been the most down during the past 25 treatments of radiation. It has impacted him physically more than the chemotherapy has up to this point. It's really restricted him from engaging in his favorite activities such as swimming or working out.

So, this friday we will break out the champagne and celebrate. This is one more thing we can check of the list and hope to never EVER encounter again. I'm thankful that Kavan does not require radiation of his brain or torso. As much as this has been a terrible experience, I am thankful it is his leg and not his head that is receiving the zaps.

One of my favorite photos of Kavan...enjoying some time @ the lake

I have to say once again how impressed I am with Kavan. I think I might complain more about this than he does. Though he does seem a bit down at times, he's largely his happy old self.

A recent photo of Kavan's ankle-Ouch!

Today Kavan FINALLY had a consult with a physiotherapist. This is something that should have been done months and months ago. It sounds like he will receive quite intensive physiotherapy possibly up until a year and a half from now. When Kavan's tumor was removed back in June, they took some of the muscle with the tumor to ensure every last bit of the tumor would be gone. Now, I'm far removed from my nursing anatomy courses so I couldn't tell you which muscles exactly were effected. The physiotherapist noted a significant difference in range of motion between Kavan's feet/legs. I am thankful he will now have an expert monitoring his progress and ensuring he is doing everything he can to get back to normal.


Let's cross our fingers the next two days go well so we may all kiss this radiation good-bye. Not even good-bye, more like good riddance!

Kavan and I this summer at a wedding

Week 20

Wow, this week already marks Kavan's 20th week of treatment for Ewing's sarcoma. On one hand it feels like this has all moved pretty quickly, but it also feels like a never-ending nightmare that we just can't wake up from.

Kavan has been having quite a bit of pain around his radiation site. He needs to use a cane to walk and requires very loose fitting shoes. Today he was back to work after being away for a week. I think he was glad to be back but found it difficult to get around the office.

The foot bath-Kavan's new best friend

Kavan had another radiation treatment today and so after today's treatment he only has FOUR days left. Thank goodness it's almost over. I can't wait to see him get back to his old self and the activities that he loves.

Let's hope this is a quick week!

Weekend

Thank god it's the weekend and another week of chemotherapy and radiation is over. Kavan's now had 23 days of radiation, that's over 80% done. He will finish his course of radiation this upcoming Friday and I think it will be time to break out the champagne and celebrate!

Wigging Out: Patrick and Uncle Kavan

Of everything Kavan's been through this far, I think he's finding the radiation most difficult. Much of this weekend has been spent in a laying position with alternate ice and heat on his ankle. Lately, he's been finding it increasingly difficult to walk and reports almost constant pain on the area. He's even been taking some Advil and aleeve. You know it must be bad for Kavan to actually take a pain killer, he's usually to stubborn and resistant to do such a thing.

Kavan in his winter wear

So, hopefully the pain will cease once the radiation is complete. Kavan has a consultation with a physiotherapist near the end of the week and I am hopeful they may provide him with some exercises to regain his strength and flexibility in his ankle.

Chemotherapy went well this week. Kavan is now an old pro. His days are quite regimented and he seems to follow the same pattern every day.

• Arrive at Chemo @ 8:15am
• Chemo starts @ 8:30am, Does the nurse looking after him count down before sticking him with the IVAD needle? (Seriously, everyday I hear about this!)
• Nap from 8:30-12:30pm
• Eat Lunch
• Play on iPad or gameboy
• Nap some more
• Done Chemotherapy @ 3:30pm

He seemed to tolerate this week of chemotherapy and I couldn't be happier. Now, it's back to work with a break from chemo until December 3rd!!

Kavan and his best friend Evan
Evan has visited Kavan @ the Cross Cancer Institute for almost every cycle of chemotherapy

Kavan and I celebrating Evan and Kristin's birthdays

Week 19 Day 2

Today was a better day. The swelling on Kavan's ankle has gone down and he is feeling less pain. He had radiation today following his chemotherapy, so I am hoping that things do not worsen once again.

Kavan's sore ankle. The darkened area is a very sore bruise!

Kavan's incision with radiation sticker.

I have never felt such an appreciation for those who use canes/crutches. This activity is especially precarious in the winter time and I can't imagine feeling safe while walking with a cane on ice. Kavan now has a beautiful new pair of winter boots to wear as he had no suitable footwear and the pain in his foot was making it difficult to wear just any pair of shoes.

Kavan's chemotherapy went well today. He was again in good spirits and did not seem bothered by the whole thing. He's so positive about it all and really looks on the bright side of things. For instance, I think today he was most happy about taking a three hour nap whilst in his lazy boy during chemotherapy. This serves an important reminder to us all to find the beauty in even the simplest things.

So now it's eight days left of radiation and another three days in this chemotherapy cycle. Let the countdown begin.

Kavan sitting comfortably in his lazyboy @Cross Cancer Institute

Week 19, Day 1

Another week down in Kavan's fight against Ewing's sarcoma. As we said goodbye to week 18, week 19 started and with it another five days of chemotherapy. Unlike the majority of Canadians, Kavan did not receive a statutory holiday from chemotherapy. Bright and early this morning he was at the Cross Cancer Institute to begin another round of chemo.

So, first the good news. Kavan's chemotherapy went well today and besides feeling tired, he had no other symptoms.

Now, the bad news. The effects of radiation are starting to influence his everyday activities. He's finding it very difficult and painful to move around without some sort of assistance. This is likely related to the fact the radiation is targeting the area around his Achilles tendon. On the back of his foot he now has a very inflammed, sore-looking bruise. This area has become so sensitive to touch that Kavan even hates foot rubs now. Even though we were warned of the possible side effects of the radiation and this should be no real surprise, it's distressing to see Kavan unable to mobilize without his cane. I just want it to be over! Only nine days left, let's hope these days pass quickly. With Kavan receiving chemotherapy this week hopefully he'll be able to relax in bed and rest his foot.

Goofing around with Patrick this weekend

Another blustery Day

Well, winter has arrived with a vengeance. Here in the Edmonton region we've received over 31 centimeters of snow in the last few days. EEEK!

Another week has come to an end which signals the end of another five days of radiation for Kavan. Only nine days remaining! He had a meeting with the oncologist today to check his blood levels ahead of his next scheduled round of chemo commencing Monday. Good news, he's well enough to proceed and all his levels were within normal ranges. He's a real champ these days. So brave. Doesn't even complain when he needs to have blood taken. I am a wimp with any kind of needles (ironic, isn't it?) and couldn't imagine if that was a weekly prospect for me. Kav, I'm so proud of you!!

Now it's the weekend and we can both get in some rest and relaxation. Kavan is headed to watch his nephew, Patrick's, hockey game tomorrow morning. Hopefully the snow will stop and we can enjoy our new winter wonderland.

Have a good weekend all!

My view from the train today...Brrrrrrr

And on a warmer note...Kavan enjoying summer at the lake

Joys of living in Canada

Today marks the 124th day since Kavan commenced treatment for Ewing's sarcoma. That's 10, 713, 600 seconds and 4 months and 1 day. It seems unbearably long yet has passed in the blink of an eye. He's now had 17 out of 28 treatments of radiation. Over half way done and counting down the days until November 23. Kavan's been coping remarkably well, reporting few side effects. He's managed to go to work each day and attend radiation afterwards. All I can say is, WOW!

On Friday Kavan will have another follow up appointment with his oncologist, Dr.Chu. He will have his blood levels checked in preparation for another five days of chemotherapy starting on Monday. Chemotherapy does not take the statutory holiday unfortunately. Let's all cross our fingers that everything is alright to proceed on Monday.

Today served as a good reminder of the fury of Mother Nature. We received between 15-25cm of snow today which left much of Edmonton at a standstill. I, myself, was lucky as I did not have to leave the house and could watch the snow falling from the comforts of my warm apartment. I know that Kavan had a few choice words to describe his commute home from the Cross Cancer Institute this evening.

Safe travels to all in Edmonton.

Week 18

It's been a few days since I've blogged last. With the end of November signalling the end of the term in my master's program, I've been finding that the workload is once again ramping up. On a more positive note, the end of this term will mean that I am 1/4 done my program. Woo Hoo!

Anyways, back to Kavan. Today marks the start of Kavan's 18th week of treatment. Another 6 weeks and he will be half way through! He is now half-way done his radiation therapy. This is a fact that I am sure he is more than thrilled about. He's been having some pain in his foot lately. Not in the foot in which he had surgery, but in the right foot. He may have started to compensate for some discomfort on his left foot by walking awkwardly (and painfully) on his right foot. He even resurrected the cane yesterday. He's been finding that soaking his feet and doing stretches has really been helping with the pain. November 23 cannot come soon enough!

Kavan's new look. It kind of suits him

Kavan's Halloween pumpkin is now grimacing due to warm weather

Otherwise, things have been going really
well. Kavan is feeling great and has been able to enjoy a reasonably normal lifestyle. He remains his pleasant and jovial self.