Week 47-Chemo Week

On Friday, Kavan had even more blood work to see if he would be fit for chemotherapy this week. He managed to JUST squeak by and was given the go-ahead for his second LAST chemotherapy treatment!

On the weekend we headed a few hours north to Lac La Biche with Kavan's nephew, Patrick. We had a fantastic, but extremely tiring weekend. It seems we never stopped as Patrick is a typical five year old! I think we both needed a long rest afterwards!

Patrick & Kavan @ The Cabin

So, this week marks Kavan's second LAST chemotherapy treatment. Hard to believe we're already 47 weeks in! So far he's feeling well, keep your fingers crossed that his last few weeks go just as smoothly!

I was thinking back to last year, and how it was almost exactly one year ago that Kavan was diagnosed. In fact, his initial MRI was taken May 24, 2012. What a year it's been!

Below are Kavan's initial MRI scans. I thought people may want to see it. Having the MRI scans made me think of the movie 50/50 (a must see if you haven't already seen it). It is about a guy in his early 20's that is diagnosed with cancer. In the movie Joseph Gordon Levitt's character is diagnosed with cancer and the following is dialogue between him and his best friend:

Kyle: Do you have a picture of it at least? Can I see it?
Adam: Why would I have a picture of it?
Kyle: It's common practice to... get pictures of s*** now! I don't know!
Adam: It doesn't look like anything. It's just a lump! That's what it...it doesn't...it's not a picture of anything.
Kyle: Well, are you gonna be okay?
Adam: I think so.

I can relate to the friend character as it was exactly how I felt when Kavan was diagnosed. It can be so hard to believe that there is something wrong internally with someone when, outwardly, they look and feel completely healthy. So here they are, for all those who were curious:

Kavan's initial MRI

Kavan's initial MRI

And, when you have the chance watch 50/50. It is a humorous look at a guy with cancer in his 20's. I, for one, are very happy to say that Kavan has been able to see the humor throughout the year. It's made an unbearable situation much more tolerable!

Free!

It was good news today as I received word around noon that Kavan was being discharged from the hospital. I think he was the most excited as his roommate for the last few days hadn't been too welcoming.

Kavan's neutrophil level went from 0.2 to 1.2 in 4 days! Great news! He still has his nagging cough but is in good spirits!

Up next, a pre-chemo check up on Friday!

Day Pass

Kavan remained in hospital overnight at the University Hospital and this morning he was transferred to familiar territory, the Cross Cancer Institute. His bloodwork drawn this morning showed a slight improvement, which is a great indication that his body is fighting back. His neutrophils are still on the low side and need to improve before he will be released from hospital.

I think the toughest thing for Kavan during this hospital admission is the fact that he really doesn't feel that sick. I don't think there is anything worse than being stuck in a hospital when you really don't feel that ill.

As they are much more familiar with Kavan's type at the Cross Cancer institute, the rules are much more relaxed. Kavan was able to leave the hospital from 5-11:00pm and enjoy dinner at home. Much better than that lousy hospital food!


Though it made me sad to have to drop Kavan off this evening, it is reassuring to see him in such good spirits.

Happy Victoria Day!

Max comforting Kavan