Kavan 1 Cancer 0

Today officially marked the beginning of Kavan's chemotherapy cycles. The good news is that he is now one closer to the end of treatment. Boy was it a long day today for Kavan. I visited intermittently as I was working just across the street. Even in the face of the unknown, Kavan was all smiles this morning. His strength and courage amazes me more and more each day.

Kavan shows off his IVAD port

Today's chemotherapy cycle involved a "cocktail" of drugs. This cocktail included three "heavy-hitters"; cyclophosphamide, vinecristine and doxirubicin. Kavan had the infusions concurrently starting with the cyclophosphamide at 8:15 this morning. We finally left the Cross Cancer at about quarter to five this afternoon. Kavan kept busy with his new Nintendo 3Ds thanks to Paul and Marco. I even snuck in a game of Mario Kart. Thanks guys. The Cross Cancer also has wireless available to patients. I know Kavan has enjoyed checking the comments posted on this blog...so keep posting everyone! 

Kavan on his iPad. Probably on my most hated website: Hockey Buzz!

I'd say things went pretty well until this afternoon. On his last chemotherapy agent of the day, doxirubicin, Kavan experienced an allergic reaction. This involved hives on his face and chest. Just goes to remind one how truly toxic these drugs can be on the body. All was remedied with an infusion of Benadryl and the medication administration resumed. This is something we will have to watch very closely in future treatments. Though the Benadryl administration slowed delayed his infusions this afternoon, it afforded him a much needed luxury: A NAP! Boy was I jealous! He even had a bed!

Since his infusions have completed earlier in the day Kavan has been resting comfortably at home. He is tired but in good spirits. I think tonight will involve a pay per view movie and some much needed cuddling.

Kristin, Kavan & Evan. Kristin and Evan kept Kavan company today
along with Mrs. Hyde

Happy memories from last weekend-rocket launch

At the Beach!

Kavan and his sister Kerri-Ann

Kavan has what?!?

Wow. The last month has really been a whirlwind. It seems impossible that one's life can be seemingly care free and normal and the next minute it's been turned completely upside down. It all started with the discovery of a small lump, just larger than your average bug bite. At first I thought it might be some type of parasite that had burrowed its way in Kavan's leg, wanting to hitch a free ride back to Canada. Boy do I wish this had been the case. After an MRI and surgery we were informed a little over two weeks ago that it was an aggressive type of cancer called Ewings Sarcoma. As much as I despise using google to search medical diagnoses, this is exactly what I did as I, nor anyone I knew had heard of this type of cancer before. Ewings Sarcoma was first described by Dr. James Ewing in 1921. It can arise from a translocation between chromosomes 11 and 22. Basically, chromosome 22 contains the Ewing sarcoma gene and chromosome 11 is responsible for turning the genes on and off. A breakage and subsequent fusion of chromosomes 11 and 22 can result in Ewings sarcoma. Seems unbelievable right? Well it is....Kavan is three in one million adults this happens to. He's quite the rare find, literally.

Mr. Fat Foot. Kavan's foot following tumor removal

Kavan had surgery to remove the tumor June 1, 2012. His surgery and recovery went exceptionally well with the surgeon feeling confident the tumor had been resected completely. It was reported the tumor was approximately the size of a ping pong ball. We are so lucky that Kavan picked up on the lump SO early as the oncologist reported that these tumors can grow at an astonishing rate and even double their size in less than one week. The fact that his tumor was removed at such an early stage is a strong predictor of Kavan's successful treatment. Thank goodness for that!

So now what? Kavan has been prescribed an intensive 48 week treatment regimen. This includes chemotherapy cycles as well as localized radiation. Looking at the schedule is extremely overwhelming, but I have faith that Kavan will do just fine.  In fact, Kavan is the happiest person I know. In my four years I can't seem to recall one day where he was unhappy or stressed. I am often quite envious of this trait as I am very much the opposite. I guess what they say is true, opposites do attract.

Today:
After an already full week, Kavan had his IVAD port placed. Basically this port prevents Kavan from needing IV pokes each time he requires his chemotherapy. I was hoping for this port. Sick, I know. Knowing the alternatives, I felt this would be the most painless, least likely to clot and easiest to maintain a somewhat normal lifestyle with. That means he can swim, bike and skate while having his treatments. This has been of the utmost importance to him. Knowing that he can partake in some of the physical activity that makes him the happiest, makes me happy. The procedure went very well and Kavan was in good spirits afterwards. Much to his dismay they had to shave his chest. I think he was hoping for a few more weeks with his already sparse chest hairs.

Kavan after his IVAD insertion. Still looks handsome even after surgery!

Tomorrow his chemotherapy begins. The first week of 48. I find comfort in the fact he is starting so early and the earlier we start, the earlier we finish. Though I am aware of the potential side effects the chemotherapy may have, I am eager for him to start. He will alternate between 1 and 5 day cycles of chemotherapy. These cycles will be separated by about 2 weeks of recovery time in which he will have appointments with his oncologist and lab work.  As well, he will receive a pricey injection called neulasta which will act on his bone marrow to produce white blood cells. One of the major side effects of chemotherapy is neutropenia. This is a lowering of the white blood cell count. White blood cells are crucial in preventing/fighting infection. I will receive teaching on how to administer this medication tomorrow morning. I am sure he is dreading that I will be the one administering the medication....


Why Blog?

Kavan at his recent University graduation.

I find the process of sharing my thoughts to be very cathartic. This is not the first time I have blogged, however I think this is the most important. When I spoke with Kavan about the prospect of blogging about his Ewing's Sarcoma experience, he wholeheartedly agreed that it would a good idea. With his family being so spread out across the globe, blogging would be a good way to keep family members informed of his progress. It would also be an excellent forum for friends and family to share well-wishes. I also think of the other 2 out of the three in one million and how comforting it would be to know that there is someone else out there that can relate. Kavan and I have started the habit of each day telling each other what we are happiest about. I know for myself this experience has really enabled me to take a new lease on life. What I believed to be the most important before almost seems trivial now. So please family and friends share your well wishes. Kavan would love to hear from you!