Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Week 47-Chemo Week

On Friday, Kavan had even more blood work to see if he would be fit for chemotherapy this week. He managed to JUST squeak by and was given the go-ahead for his second LAST chemotherapy treatment!




On the weekend we headed a few hours north to Lac La Biche with Kavan's nephew, Patrick. We had a fantastic, but extremely tiring weekend. It seems we never stopped as Patrick is a typical five year old! I think we both needed a long rest afterwards!



Patrick & Kavan @ The Cabin
So, this week marks Kavan's second LAST chemotherapy treatment. Hard to believe we're already 47 weeks in! So far he's feeling well, keep your fingers crossed that his last few weeks go just as smoothly!


I was thinking back to last year, and how it was almost exactly one year ago that Kavan was diagnosed. In fact, his initial MRI was taken May 24, 2012. What a year it's been!

Below are Kavan's initial MRI scans. I thought people may want to see it. Having the MRI scans made me think of the movie 50/50 (a must see if you haven't already seen it). It is about a guy in his early 20's that is diagnosed with cancer. In the movie Joseph Gordon Levitt's character is diagnosed with cancer and the following is dialogue between him and his best friend:

Kyle: Do you have a picture of it at least? Can I see it?
Adam: Why would I have a picture of it?
Kyle: It's common practice to... get pictures of s*** now! I don't know!
Adam: It doesn't look like anything. It's just a lump! That's what it...it doesn't...it's not a picture of anything.
Kyle: Well, are you gonna be okay?
Adam: I think so.

I can relate to the friend character as it was exactly how I felt when Kavan was diagnosed. It can be so hard to believe that there is something wrong internally with someone when, outwardly, they look and feel completely healthy. So here they are, for all those who were curious:


Kavan's initial MRI

Kavan's initial MRI
And, when you have the chance watch 50/50. It is a humorous look at a guy with cancer in his 20's. I, for one, are very happy to say that Kavan has been able to see the humor throughout the year. It's made an unbearable situation much more tolerable!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Free!

It was good news today as I received word around noon that Kavan was being discharged from the hospital. I think he was the most excited as his roommate for the last few days hadn't been too welcoming.

Kavan's neutrophil level went from 0.2 to 1.2 in 4 days! Great news! He still has his nagging cough but is in good spirits!

Up next, a pre-chemo check up on Friday!



Monday, May 20, 2013

Day Pass

Kavan remained in hospital overnight at the University Hospital and this morning he was transferred to familiar territory, the Cross Cancer Institute. His bloodwork drawn this morning showed a slight improvement, which is a great indication that his body is fighting back. His neutrophils are still on the low side and need to improve before he will be released from hospital.

I think the toughest thing for Kavan during this hospital admission is the fact that he really doesn't feel that sick. I don't think there is anything worse than being stuck in a hospital when you really don't feel that ill.

As they are much more familiar with Kavan's type at the Cross Cancer institute, the rules are much more relaxed. Kavan was able to leave the hospital from 5-11:00pm and enjoy dinner at home. Much better than that lousy hospital food!


Though it made me sad to have to drop Kavan off this evening, it is reassuring to see him in such good spirits.

Happy Victoria Day!
Max comforting Kavan

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Hello from the....hospital

It's been awhile since I've updated everyone on Kavan's progress. I have to confess....I've been quite overwhelmed lately and sometimes I pretend that Kavan is well and this all over. It really is amazing how something purely emotional can make one feel so physically exhausted. I think all of Kavan's family share the same thoughts.

Dinner with my Grandpa and Betty last week!
Me, Grandpa and Betty
Kavan finished chemotherapy on Friday, May 10. That marked the end of his 5 day treatments. Yaaaayyyy! It seems that the last few cycles of chemotherapy have really taken a toll on Kavan. I'm sure his body is exhausted. Last weekend he spent him time in bed as seemed to have a bout of gastro. He slowly recovered by Tuesday until he was hit with a respiratory virus. His temperature was quite labile throughout the week and we thought he was in the clear. Then, this morning he woke quite early to discover his temperature was 39.6! Yikes. That bought him a one-way ticket to the University hospital emergency room.

All smiles in the hospital...note the eyebrows and mustache!
Good thing he packed an overnight bag because it looks like this is his new home for the next few days. After the usual blood work it was revealed that Kavan's white blood cells (neutrophils) were at a dangerously low level. This means that at the moment he has virtually NO immune system. We're not yet completely sure he has an infection, but he needs to remain in hospital receiving antibiotics to ensure he will not become critically ill.

Though he's in the hospital, he remains in good spirits. Please send all your positive thoughts and well-wishes in Kavan's direction!

Kavan and his iPad at the hospital

Sunday, May 5, 2013

New shoes, new stache, new week

It's been awhile since I've posted. Like all involved (I'm sure), I am starting to feel quite tired of this cancer thing. I can't remember what Kavan looks like without hair and am anxiously awaiting the day when Kavan goes from "having cancer" to survivor.




Kavan's first pair of shoes!
We're now onto week 44. Another 6 weeks and kavan will be finished! He's been given the tentative completion date of June 17. I think we're all counting down the days!
Last week was a bit stressful. Kavan was sick with a cold and I thought he might be headed to the hospital for another week long admission. He managed to get some good rest and is now on the mend. I'll be happy to throw that thermometer in the garbage and not have to think about fevers. On Friday he had his pre-chemo meeting with his oncologist,Dr. Chu. I think we were all surprised to hear the good news that Kavan's white blood cells were at a fantastic level and his hemoglobin had jumped from 85 to 127. This was great news because he is now out of the range of requiring a blood transfusion. I think even Dr. Chu was surprised to see such results! I'm thankful kavan has been so resilient through all of this.
Since kavan has stopped receiving doxorubicin as part of his one day chemotherapy cycle, his hair has started growing back.
However, not on his head like I had hoped! He is now growing a moustache that I can only liken to that of a thirteen year old boy. He's even got the same pride!
This week it's on to another cycle of chemotherapy. Kavan will receive five days straight for this cycle and this will be the last five day cycle!!! Hopefully all will be good this week and kavan will be well enough to enjoy our lovely spring weather!!








Have a nice week!!
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