Admitted

Well, it really was inevitable. We all knew the day would come that Kavan would catch a bug and end up admitted to the hospital. I am very sad to report that last night Kavan spiked a fever of around 39 degrees Celsius and needed to be taken to the emergency room. At the start of this whole ordeal, Kavan was given strict instruction to go to ER if his temperature reached 38 degrees.

So, off he went in the middle of the night. He had a chest x-ray, and blood taken. Kavan's father told me the chest x-ray was clear. His blood work, however, was outside of normal ranges and this necessitated admittance to the hospital. A side effect of Kavan's chemotherapy is a reduction of immunity via a lowering of the cells that fight infection, White Blood Cells. A specific type of white blood cells, neutrophils, were extremely low for Kavan. This is very dangerous and means he is susceptible to infection. After these results were received, it was decided that Kavan would remain in the hospital for a few days for close monitoring and administration of antibiotics. As of right now, Kavan may remain in hospital for three to four days.

Though this was somewhat expected, it certainly did not make it easy for any of us. I know Kavan is exhausted from the events of the last 24 hours. He looks tired and really just wants to be left alone to rest. I know I was quite upset when I heard the news that Kavan was to be admitted for several days. It is difficult to see someone you love so much sick. It's even more troubling to know that there is really nothing you may do for them. As someone who is so accustomed to nurturing/healing others, my inability to help Kavan in this situation has been difficult.

Mark & Kavan
Thanks for the visit Mark!

Again I was amazed at Kavan's attitude throughout all of this. Though he's quite tired, he is in good spirits. He remains just as positive as ever. In fact, he was so positive this evening that he gave glowing reviews to the hospital food he received at supper time. I think this may be the first time I've ever heard someone give hospital food the thumbs up. He was especially excited that he received 2 cups of ice cream. I really do need to take a page from Kavan's book and look at the bright side of life.


So, please send your thoughts and prayers Kavan's way. Let's will his white blood cells to increase. I know he will be hoping for the same thing all night tonight. More to come...