Brittle Nails

I think that if you asked Kavan what the worst side effect through all his treatment was, he'd say his brittle nails. Since he's started treatment, his nails have taken on a wavy appearance, with lines similar to those you'd see on a tree trunk. They are also extremely fragile and as a result tend to catch and rip easily. He's now carrying a nail file around with him! I know he says it's extremely painful when a nail catches on something and rips just like paper. Side effects that they never warn you about with chemo!

Sorry for the delay in blog posts. The last week has been busy with me finishing up my semester and Kavan's family visiting from England. So now to catch up on the last week!

We spent Saturday night in the ER in Sherwood Park because Kavan had a very inflamed thumb and a slight fever. We waited for over three hours to be sent home with antibiotics. I strategically chose to take Kavan to Sherwood Park because I knew that if another hospital checked his bloodwork, he would likely be admitted to the hospital. It was exactly at the point where his neutrophil count would be at its lowest and he didn't want to risk being admitted!

Good news...thumb is almost good as new!

A most unwelcome sight!

This week Kavan only worked a few days. He had LOADS of appointments. Monday he saw his physiotherapist and she continues to be impressed with his progress! He is making strides with his range of motion and flexibility in his ankle. Tuesday and Wednesday Kavan went to work. On Thursday Kavan saw Dr.Chu for another pre-chemo check-up. His labwork was within normal limits and he is able to start his next round of chemotherapy as planned. Friday Kavan saw his radiation oncologist and had a bone scan. More good news from the radiation oncologist who said she was impressed with the way Kavan's ankle had healed. It's hard to believe it looks as good as it does after it was so swollen and infected! Thank goodness! Fingers crossed that Kavan's bone scan comes back clear! I'm always anxious to hear his test results!

Preparing for hair re-growth!

On Monday evening Kavan's family arrived for a visit from England. They had been travelling the US for a wedding and decided to pop into Edmonton on their way back home. It was a great week (aside from the weather) and nice to see the family together. They are amazing, they only see each every few years, but when they're together it's as if they've never been apart.

Lizzie, Madoc, Kavan and Patrick

So...now on to chemotherapy tomorrow! It's only a half day this time since Kavan has reached his lifetime maximum of doxyrubicin. He will have more scans tomorrow afternoon. I'm not sure if it's a chest CT or heart scan.  Send your positive thoughts Kavan's way!