Cancer-Did you Know?

Today is World Cancer Day. What does this mean? Well, it's a day created to attempt to dispel the myths and misconceptions about cancer.

According to the website, www.worldcancerday.org, below are the most common myths about cancer

Myth #1: Cancer is Just a Health Issue

Myth #2: Cancer is a disease of the wealthy, elderly and developed countries

Myth #3: Cancer is a Death Sentence

Myth #4: Cancer is My Fate

While I did not anticipate being so up close and personal with cancer at such a young age, I am thankful for the insight Kavan's experience over the past 8 months has afforded me. I know that Cancer is not a disease of the elderly, though he's missing his hair now and has an elderly-looking head, Kavan is far from elderly. Though many believe cancer is a death sentence, I know now that this is far from the truth. With modern medicine's advances in surgical techniques and chemotherapy regimens, I know that a great deal more people are surviving today than ever. I know that Kavan is so very fortunate to have received top-notch medical care and this has kept him happy and healthy throughout this process. Fingers crossed that in 5 months (or so..) Kavan will be declared a survivor in remission and we can dispel myth # 3 for good.

The last myth, cancer is my fate, is an interesting one. We now know that so many cancers are largely preventable such as those related to smoking. However, Kavan was a unique case as his cancer was from a genetic mutation. It sometime hurts me to see so many people around me abusing their bodies with absolutely no repercussions. I think it's human nature to play the "This isn't fair game" sometimes in moments of weakness, but really it's not fair! I sometimes feel like walking up to strangers on the street and asking if they know what they are doing to their body or those around them. It really is frustrating! Hopefully the day will come when such activities are completely banned..a very far stretch, I know.

Anyways, enough of my rant. The take home message is that today is World Cancer Day and we should all think about those in our lives with cancer and things we can be doing ourselves to prevent cancer.

Kavan and his Mom

Now, on to Kavan. He's been feeling well over the last little while. Happy as a clam! Last night we celebrated Kavan's mother's birthday and we had a great evening. The "kids" cooked for the "adults" and it turned out surprisingly well. Everyone pitched in and we had a fantastic meal.

The Candle Blowout....Note Kavan (the germ police) watching Patrick blow out the candles

Up for this week is an appointment with Dr.Chu on Wednesday. At the appointment he will have bloodwork and discuss the results of his MRI and CT scan from a few weeks ago. Hopefully all will be good and chemotherapy next week will be a go! 

Tonight Kavan and I are off to the Oiler's game. Go Oil Go!