Monday, February 25, 2013

Week 34-The Curse of the Mullet Shoes

After a busy weekend of marriage prep at Kavan's church, I'm back to school and Kavan is back to work. Lately we've both been feeling slightly overwhelmed with school/work and I know we're both looking forward to relaxing next weekend.

Overall, Kavan has been feeling quite well over the last week. Today he had another physiotherapy appointment at the Cross Cancer Institute. He informed me that the physiotherapist was thoroughly impressed with his progress and his range of motion in the left leg is nearly identical to his right. He still requires more physio and exercises but this is most welcome news. Later this week Kavan will have his bi-monthly meeting with Dr.Chu. He is scheduled to receive chemotherapy this upcoming Monday pending normal lab results. I believe this is now the sixth-last treatment. Hard to believe!

This somewhat relates to something that's been bothering me for quite some time....Kavan's mullet shoes. When Kavan was receiving radiation treatment, his left foot became so swollen that there was a period of time where he could not wear normal footwear. As a result, we made many a shopping trip to try and find something appropriate for work and otherwise. The resulting purchase were something I like to refer to as mullet shoes. That is, shoes that are 'business' in the front and party in the back. Exactly what one would imagine, closed in the front and open in the back. While this was the ideal solution in the radiation period and these shoes served Kavan well, they have outstayed their welcome. Even though the swelling in his left foot is nearly invisible and Kavan could most certainly fit his foot in normal shoes, he chooses not too. I frequently threaten Kavan with the prospect that one morning his beloved footwear might be missing.

Why do I hate these shoes soooo much? One answer: The SMELL! Backless shoes and winter weather most certainly do NOT mix. I think these shoes get wet easily with all the snow and slush and, as a result, start stinking! Lately, I think he's wearing these shoes just to annoy me. Not quite the methods we learned in marriage prep this weekend. Maybe I will have to retaliate with my own tactics. HAHA

I guess if Kavan's shoes are our biggest worry this week, life's not so bad!

Happy 87th birthday Gramps!

Fun with pirate Patrick...what a talented colorer!

Funny Faces



Have a good week and cross your fingers for good news on Friday!

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Week 32 Chemo Week

Today is Kavan's second day of chemotherapy. He will receive a total of five days of chemo this week for about 8 hours per day. This makes for an EXTREMELY LOOOOONG week!
Like usual, Kavan is in good spirits. I never hear him complaining and he always manages to look on the bright side of things. I'm thankful Kavan has the attitude he does, it seems to have kept him healthier.
Kavan's been feeling exceptionally "hazy" yesterday and today. He doesn't feel nauseous but feels like he is floating. I've never quite felt this way myself but he describes as he is moving slow motion while the rest of the world is moving quickly....gotta love those chemo drugs.
Hopefully the rest of the week goes well. I think Kavan might be planning on attending the Oilers game this evening.




Friday, February 8, 2013

More good news!

Kavan was at the cross cancer this week on Wednesday for another catch-up with his oncologist.

It was all good news this visit as Kavan's blood counts are within normal ranges and therefore he is able to start chemotherapy next week. It will be 5 days of chemo this week and I really hope the week goes quickly.

As well, Kavan received word that his most recent MRI and CT scan came back all clear. It is such a relief to know that the cancer has not spread and his foot is healing normally following the radiation.

So, now on to rest and relaxation this weekend. It's time to get out and enjoy our relatively mild winter weather. Have a good weekend!


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Location:Heffernan Dr NW,Edmonton,Canada

Monday, February 4, 2013

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!