Week 35 Chemo Day

Another week gone! Now to catch everyone up from last week. On Friday Kavan met with his oncologist for his pre-chemotherapy check up. As per usual he had his blood levels checked which followed by a meeting with Dr.Chu. His white blood cells were within an appropriate level to proceed with chemotherapy and his hemoglobin was 113. His hemoglobin is on the lowish side and he's charting into possible transfusion territory. No transfusion date set as of yet, but it is a distinct possibility in the future. Hopefully he can bounce back after this latest round of chemotherapy.

Friday night Kavan spent some much-needed guy's video game time with a couple of his friends. I was able to catch up on the mountain of school work I had and the next day we were able to attend a matinee with Kavan's nephew, Patrick. For me the best part of the whole afternoon was watching Patrick so thoroughly enjoying his popcorn and the movie.

Today Kavan received another round of chemotherapy. I think everyone was prepared for another long day at the Cross Cancer Institute, however, when Kavan arrived this morning he received some much welcome news. The protocol for one of his chemotherapy agents, doxyrubicin, had changed. Instead of being given over a period of four hours, it was now to be given slow IV push over approximately 15 minutes. That meant that Kavan was done at 11:00am rather than 4:30pm! What a difference! As a result, we were able to go out for a nice lunch with my dad who was teaching at the university today. A nice surprise!

Kavan also received word that he's reached his lifetime maximum of doxyrubicin. So, no more doxy. While this is exciting news as well, it also serves as a reminder of how truly toxic these medications can be. Doxyrubicin is notorious for damaging the heart's ability to function and so I'm thankful he's done with it! Now, on Kavan's one day treatments, he will receive the two medications-vinecristine and ifophosphamide, rather than the usual three. Shouldn't be too many more treatments though!

I know Kavan's feeling a bit lousy tonight, so please send good thoughts his way!

Fall 2009-One of my fav photos of Kavan & Patrick

Have a good week!