19 Months: The Invisible Consequences of Cancer

It's been just over a month since I've updated the blog. I suppose one would argue that no news is good news with respect to posting the results of Kavan's 18 month check-up from January. So, I'll fill in the "blank" and let you all know that Kavan's 18 month scans and bloodwork all came back clear-no recurrence of cancer! As I mentioned before, I always breathe a giant sigh of relief when Kavan receives this news. Knowing it is much different than hearing it from a trusted source.

Otherwise, life is good and Kavan and I are both well. We are both fighting the academic battle as Kavan is studying for his CPA designation and me for my PhD. I am so thankful for Kavan's
health as anything but would present great challenges for our current pursuits.

Though cancer is far from our thoughts most days, it still seems to have a significant grip on our lives. I think most people assume that when the medical battle is done and won, then life returns to normal. I can assure you that this is not the case. At the present time, Kavan looks physically well. One who is not aware of his battle with Ewing's Sarcoma, would likely not guess that he is a cancer survivor. Case and point the individual who suggested that Kavan should consider growing his hair out! He/She is lucky that Kavan is such an easy-going person, as this suggestion made him laugh more than anything. Situations like these make me think though. It must be difficult for Kavan and other young adults to be reminded of their cancer battles even after finishing treatment.

Apart from the physical challenges Kavan has faced post-treatment (lack of hair growth and mobility/range of motion in his affected ankle), there are some less obvious, more permanent life/financial implications. More specifically in relation to his ability to obtain life insurance, health insurance, mortgage insurance and so on.. I'm sure you get the point. His age and stage of life are obviously impacted differently than one diagnosed with cancer later in life who perhaps doesn't have to worry about these things in quite the same manner. So, what does this mean for us/Kavan/some other relatively young adult diagnosed with cancer? That we have to think especially carefully when buying a house/car or leaving a job and giving up health benefits. Having a previous diagnosis of cancer makes Kavan ineligible for many of these insurances OR if he is eligible, the premiums are exorbitant. As a couple, we often find ourselves discussing these largely invisible consequences of a cancer diagnosis. We must be strategic about our purchases or job choices to ensure we are adequately prepared should a future cancer diagnosis arise. We must mull over our choices just a little longer than our peers, something that is perhaps taken for granted by those who have faced a life-threatening illness at a young age.

A 'throwback' to June 2013 and Kavan's last chemotherapy session

Now, I do not intend for this blog to be taken as a means to gain sympathy for our personal situation. Because of our "mulling" and strategic decisions, Kavan and I are quite financially sound at the moment. I do, however, want this blog to serve as a reminder of the far-reaching effects of a cancer diagnosis and the potential long-term implications. Though life is good once one is in remission, cancer is never really that far from their thoughts. One simple trip to the bank or conversation with an insurance broker will remind us of that!