Two cutters that can't agree....

Thank you all that have sent cards, emails and posted prayers. It helps us all bolster our spirits and strength and Dad is so grateful to everyone.

Sorry for the brief post- I tried to hit the highlights before I passed out.

The back- two compression fractures at T12 and L2. This is right in his mid to lower back, right where his pain has been. He is still in pain, despite the pain medications and muscle relaxants. This is to be expected since he has two broken bones in his spine. The remaining bones are intact, but very weak from the myeloma. They can fix these bones by injecting a resin that turns into cement into the bone itself. Or that was the plan until today. But more on that later.

The infection: no more fever. So far, no cultures are showing any infection. He is still on two antibiotics plus an anti-fungal medication just in case. What his oncologist is thinking is that the fractures could have caused the fever and there might not be an infection. Still, just to be safe, he will stay on the antibiotics for now.

The lungs: he is still on oxygen. When he is off oxygen his oxygen levels in his blood are too low. This is because he has areas of his lung that are collapsed from not breathing deeply and lying in one position too long. He went for a CT scan today and it show these collapsed areas, but nothing else that was concerning. His lung specialist finally came last night at 10PM, mom and I had already left and Dad doesn't remember what he said with all the meds. Now he is on breathing treatments and some lung exercises by deep breathing every hour.

His appetite: He woke up this morning hungry. He no longer looks like he's 9 months pregnant and his belly is starting to talk again. He started with some broth and jello and is now on cream based soups and applesauce and puddings. Tomorrow he might be back up to a bland diet. He really wants a tuna sandwich from Earl of Sandwich, but will have to settle for pudding.

The new pain last night: As dad was trying to get up he noticed a new pain spring up in his leg and groin. This was a pain the back specialist had asked about, that sprung up as he was trying to get up. I spoke with his oncologist and she was very concerned that there might be some compression on his spinal cord causing him to have this pain and trouble going to the bathroom. This is very dangerous since this can cause severe nerve damage and even paralysis. He got steroids last night---which really helped. He was able to get up and walk to the bathroom. Today he went for another MRI and it did some bleeding that probably happened with the fracture. Since he is on blood thinners for his heart, this means that the bleeding just keeps getting worse and compresses his spinal cord. There was also a slight shift in the L2 vertebra into the spinal cord. This is where the two cutters can't agree. The back surgeon specialist says he can fix T12 with the resin/cement and for L2, he would need to make an incision and relieve the compression on the cord and fix the bone with the resin and reinforce it with a rod and pins. In order to do this he has to be off the Plavix so that there isn't any bleeding near his spinal cord. The plavix won't be out of his system until probably Tuesday of next week, maybe a little earlier or later depending on his labs. Now the new doctor, a neurosurgeon comes in to give his opinion. He specializes in surgery on the nerves, brain and spinal cord. He doesn't think dad needs surgery. He wants to just keep treating him with the muscle relaxant that don't work. This is the funny part, because you would think cutters (i.e. surgeons) recommend surgery and these two cutters are completely polar opposites in their recommendations. Tomorrow a new specialist on the brain and nerves will come and give his opinion. In the meantime, he will still get the steroids until something is decided. This means insulin again if needed.

Dad's anemia: Dad's pretty anemic now with all the blood draws, plus the bleeding from the fracture. Today he got a blood transfusion so he's nice and pink.


Dad's heart: Because dad's myeloma is so bad right now, they are thinking they may have to delay his bypass and start his aggressive treatment first. We still aren't sure about this, but it is looking like he won't have bypass next week.

How much longer: Dad will stay in the hospital probably until next week when they fix his back. They haven't said for sure one way or another, but they are watching his back very closely.

No more poking: I asked today about getting a special type of IV placed in Dad called a PICC line. This is a long catheter that stays much longer than his regular IVs. This line they will be able to draw blood from and give him several IV medications and blood transfusions all at once. This is good since, they had to restart his IV three times in the last two days and they haven't always been able to get it on the first stick.


Dad has become part of so many part of people's prayer circles. Thank you all. Will post more tomorrow.

Oh, in case you haven't keep count---Dad now has 14 different doctors. Crazy huh?

Dad's Hospital stay

Just a quick note to update you all. I will write more later, but I have been up at the hospital for 36 hrs + with work and Dad and I am really tired.

The MRI showed two compression fractures of his vertebrae---this is from the myeloma weakening his spine. His spine is in bad shape, very weak and very prone to breaking. There is also a weakening of another vertebra. These fractures are causing the back pain and spasms. Now we know the cause

Dad hasn't been drinking or eating. He is getting IV fluids to stay hydrated.

Dad woke with a fever this morning and had some vomiting. We think there might be an infection somewhere. They sent blood and urine to check for infection and started him on antibiotics.

Dad is also having a hard time breathing because of the pain and his belly is swollen making it difficult to breath. He is on oxygen to help keep his oxygen levels up in his blood.

It looks like he will be in the hospital for the next several days. He is on heavy pain medications and is snowed most of the time or in pain. He really can't talk much to anyone and hasn't been able to answer calls.

Lots of new doctors coming to look at him---a back specialist, infectious disease specialist, a new internal medicine doctor, lung specialist plus physical therapy.

I know everyone is anxious for more news. I promise I will write more tomorrow. Keep praying.

Willing to try anything and a visit to the hospital

Over the last several days Dad has been in a lot of back pain and spasming. The pain medications and muscle relaxants aren't working for him so he got to the point that he was willing to try anything, including acupuncture.

Dad had his first visit with the acupuncturist on Thursday. He wasn't impressed. She did place some needles in his back and his ear and used a technique called cupping to draw out the toxins from his muscles that were causing the back pains. The cupping caused lots of bruising and left marks on his back. He was actually laughing afterwards, saying his back felt good, but he might as well have seen a witch doctor for what he was going through. Friday he wasn't miraculously healed, which I think he was really hoping for. Friday was a bad day- busy at work and in a lot of pain. Saturday was the second session for acupuncture. So willing to give it a second chance, he went. Fortunately for him he had a muscle spasm on the table. A whole lot of pain and several more needles later he was still barely able to move. That put an end to his trial of acupuncture.

Saturday night was bad and Sunday morning wasn't any better. Still in so much pain and barely able to move, Dad talked with Dr. Kazhdan and agreed to go to the hospital to get some pain control so that he could have a repeat MRI. Luckily, it happened to be the hospital I was working at so I was able to see him briefly. The ER doctor and the doctor managing his care in the hospital are very concerned for an area of swelling on his back. It could be from the cupping or could be bleeding under the surface deep in the muscle from an acupuncture needle. Because he is on blood thinners, if a blood vessel were nicked- it could still be bleeding, compressing the adjacent nerve and causing muscle spasms. They finally got his pain under control- this way he can get the MRI tonight. The MRI will tell us if there is bleeding or if it is compression to the nerves from his weakened back bones. His bones are very weak --at least from what they could see on the XRay.

Every cloud has to have a silver lining right? On the brighter side, Dad's renal function tests are much better and his WBC count in back up to the low side of normal. I talked with Dr. Kazhdan today and she is very excited about this. It could have been the antiviral medication that was causing the problem with his kidneys. The worrisome part of this situation is what will happen when he has his intensive treatment after his bypass. Time will tell.

I know everyone is praying and keeping my Dad in their daily thoughts, but please say a prayer for him tonight. He will stay overnight in the hospital until they can figure out what is the matter with his back. Pray for strong bones, a strong heart and a strong will to beat this terrible disease.

No significant response

The last few days Dad has been into work to finish up year end operations. He travels in with his heating pad, stays as long as he can tolerate the discomfort. He has still been having back spasms at night making them restless and making his routine activities like reaching for something on the floor a challenge. He can't bend at the waist to reach, he has to get down on a knee. I keep telling him bending isn't good body mechanics, but I think the whole idea of kneeling still bothers him.

Today he met with Dr. Kazjdan. You can really tell that he has lost weight. Today his pants were really loose and baggy. Mom says he doesn't want to eat dinner, he just isn't hungry for anything. This is worrisome since he has to keep up his strength and energy to help his body best fight the cancer. Dr. Kazhdan thinks the reason his back is spasming because his cardiologist started him back on his cholesterol medication. That type of medication can cause muscle spasms and when he stopped taking it earlier his back spasms stopped. He restarted it on Friday of last week and Sunday his muscle spasms were back. So today he will stop taking it and see if it helps. If so then we know it is this that is causing the problem.

The kidney specialist felt that his kidney function tests were higher than normal not because of the myeloma but because of the antibiotic he was taking as a precaution to prevent infection while he was undergoing his velcade treatment.

What is disappointing is that the tests show that after the first round of treatment, there wasn't the dramatic response we were hoping for. His protein level is still elevated, although slightly better than before. Depending on who you talk to this may or may not be a problem for his bypass. Some feel his level is fine for surgery, others feel it is still too high. The question becomes do we wait for bypass until his labs look better and risk his heart, or do we go through with it. The answer is we go through with it. Once his heart is fixed we can really focus on this cancer therapy. And since he didn't have a great response to the initial round, his therapy will really need to be intensive. Depending on how he does after his bypass with the revlimid, they may change the therapy to something else.

What was also concerning was his white blood cell (WBC) count. Remember early I mentioned that chemo can suppress the formation of all of your blood cells, including those that help fight infection like white blood cells. Today Dad's WBCs were low, much lower than they had been. This is worrisome since he is at risk for infection. This may be due to the chemo that he had, although that was several weeks ago. The other thing that could be causing this is the antiviral medication can also cause his WBCs to fall as well. So today he will stop taking this medication as well.

As for the pain, Dad is to the point that he is willing to try anything, including acupuncture. He really wants to get an adjustment from a chiropracter, but that idea was nixed by Dr. Kazhdan. I have the name of an acupuncturist and we will see. Hopefully he won't come out looking like a soaker hose.

As for fluids, they were planning to start his bone strengthener today, which is given by IV. This medication can damage his kidneys, so he was suppose to get IV fluids today. Elizabeth tried, I'm not sure how many times and was not successful. Then she called upon me. I was really worried about this, I was hoping and praying that I wouldn't have to poke him again. I even told mom "please don't make me stick him." And just like I thought, it wasn't successful. I tried 3 times, but each time was no luck. Elizabeth tried again twice after this, but no luck. So Dr. Kazhdan opted not to start the medication until he gets his portacath which will be put in when he has surgery. This is an access port to his blood vessels that allow them to draw blood from and given medications and fluids through without having to poke him every time. Now we are just worried his vessels will be ready for the surgery.

Please keep praying, we were all hoping for a better response than what we got with this first round.

A rough few days

This weekend brought back the pain in Dad's back. Over the last week his back has been tiring towards the end of the day. Saturday he visited with my aunt and uncle, but Sunday started to bring back the muscle spasms. He napped for a while during the day while he could, but then his back started to become more and more uncomfortable. Sunday night, he had more muscle spasms making it a difficult night to sleep.

When we talked this morning he sounded tired and a little frustrated. We were all hoping his back problems were behind him (no pun intended). But now they seem to be starting again. So last night he ate pickles, took his pain medication and muscle relaxants and still had a difficult night.

Today he visited with the kidney specialist. They drew more blood work and told him they would call him with the results. He had a conference call this afternoon, which luckily he can do from home. It is becoming difficult for him to get comfortable and move. His next appointment is on Wednesday- so we will see what Dr. Kazhdan has to say.

Wednesday/Thursday and Friday

Wednesday was an ordinary day for Dad. We talked briefly, mainly about movies. Chris and I went to watch a movie for his birthday and I needed the professional opinion (AKA Dad).

Thursday he had an office visit with his cardiologist. This was a followup visit to see what medication regimen they wanted him to be on. Dr. Kazhdan took him off the cholesterol medication, thinking it was contributing to the muscle spasms. They are needing to check with the surgeon that will do his bypass to see which medications he is comfortable with him skipping. He tried to get into see the surgeon as well, but wasn't able to get squeezed in. He was suppose to see Dr. Kazhdan next week but since he was already missing work, decided to see if she could squeeze him in as well. His labs all look good, well stable anyway. The MRI they did a few weeks ago did show some weakening of his vertebrae, so she wasn't to repeat the MRI for verification. She also asked a nephrologist or kidney specialist to review his ultrasound of this kidneys and give her opinion. The only thing is that she failed to tell him about this before calling the office. So Dad gets a phone call from the nephrologist's office asking to set up an appointment, completely catching him off guard. The last time they did this they told him he had cancer, so needless to say he wasn't thrilled to be getting this call. When he asked Dr. Kazhdan, she apologized and just told him she wanted to get their opinion and approval for surgery in October. The only thing else that is pending is the results from his jaw XRays. Once they have those they will get him started on a medication to help strengthen his bones.

Friday morning was the same for Dad. He was already at work when I talked to him this morning. Said he was feeling okay---and said he wasn't fibbing! Will keep you all posted.

Monday and Tuesday

Dad's back has still be getting tired in the afternoon. Monday wasn't bad, just the usual late afternoon, been up all day soreness and stiffness. He was fairly busy at work, so I think that also made him a little tired.

Today Dad sounded good, but his back is still stiff at the end of the day and slightly tender. Now that he is healing, we can hopefully start some strength training exercises for his back. These will really help him, especially if the myeloma gets worse and attacks his vertebra (his back bones). Exercise is the best thing for him, it helps his bones stay strong which is what we are really wanting right now.

His replacement Rock Band guitar should be arriving this week....that should be fun and some exercise. For those of you who have never played....just spend a few minutes on the drums and see how your arms, legs and back feel! :)

ROCK ON!

Saturday and Sunday

So....apparently Dad has been a big fat liar! Well, sort of anyway. Since he has been good this week I didn't see him until today. He seemed a little stiff when trying to hold Jacob. Apparently his back has been hurting him since Wednesday of this week. He overexerted himself while playing drums on Rock Band and since then his back has been hurting. Plus he is a little tired from the week and the late night he had Friday. This doesn't make his back any better. He is taking his pain medication and muscle relaxants, but getting up out of bed is becoming tricky again. I guess this might put an end to his drumming days....or at least put them on hold while his back heals. He will just have to settle for playing guitar or singing instead.

He was able to visit with Grandma this week. She was in town while her nursing home was evacuated for Ike. He also saw his cousin this weekend too.....Just a regular family reunion. I did tell him that I would let you all know his back is bothering him. I don't think he really wanted me to, but just for you all to know to keep praying.

Thursday and Friday

Thursday turned out to be a lab draw appointment. The good news is that Dad's labs continue to look good and he got away without IV fluids again. Thursday was a long day for Dad. He had an early doctor's appointment followed by a long day at work. These days are tiring for him, so he had a long nap on Thursday when he got home.

Friday was also a great day for Dad. His back's not bothering him and he worked during the day. I spoke with him briefly this evening but had to go since I am at work.

His bypass is tentatively scheduled for October 10th- if all of his labs look good this will be the day. If not then they will delay it. Hopefully everything will look great and we fix his heart and then focus on the cancer.

For those along the gulf--stay safe, stay dry.

Wednesday

This morning when I spoke with dad I heard something I had not heard in a long time--joy and silliness. Dad was in such a good mood, partly because he has been at work all week, and also because his back is not bothering him. He did not have any twinges or spasms last night, so he actually getting to sleep.

Work has been great for Dad. They are getting ready to open a new store. The new location and promise for great business really helps him boost his morale as well. Where some people go to work for the sake of earning a living, Dad goes to work because he loves what he does. So when he can't be at work for reasons like doctors appointments or back pain he is truly miserable.

Tomorrow is Dad's next doctor's appointment, we are hoping all will be well, and hopefully he won't need any IV fluids. Keep the prayers coming. For those of the family who are down south in the path of Ike, we are praying for you. Please know if you need anything, or need a place to stay, you are always welcome. I will let you know how things go tomorrow.

Monday and Tuesday

Sorry for the delay, I have been at work the last few days and didn't get a chance to update the blog yesterday.

Thanks to all of you who were praying for no IV fluids
Sunday night was a great night for Dad. The muscle relaxants are working really well for him, he has small twinges and soreness, but no actual spasms.
Monday morning he had an early 6AM meeting at work, then on to the boutique for labs and possible fluids. The good news is that his kidney function looked good, or at least stable at what it was previously. This meant no IV fluids needed!!! Dad was able to go back to work and actually be productive. He did say that is was a long day since he started so early and that his back gets tired around mid afternoon, but no spasms. I did tease him that he forgot to take pickles and pickle juice with him to work.

He slept really well Monday night. Had his few twinges, but again, no spasms. He is now trying to recuperate and heal. Tuesday was also not that bad. He went to work again and is trying to be more productive every day while healing his back and resting as much as possible.

He is no longer has to take as many medications. He is no longer taking the allopurinol, in combination with his steroids and other chemo specific treatment. So this at least cuts his morning regimen down from 16 pills to 10 pills.

His next appointment is on Thursday, in the meantime he is working hard to stay hydrated. Keep praying, it is helping us all get through each day.

Day 13

Dad was able to sleep in today, after his late night with the longhorn game. They removed the box spring of the mattress, thinking it would make it easier to get in and out of bed. Good idea in theory....but instead of getting out of bed and already be standing, now when he gets out of bed he is on his knees and has to make it to standing. So I think this idea will be short lived.

The baclofan is working better for dad as a muscle relaxant. He said he only had one small spasm last night as he got up to go to the bathroom. The spasm did not last long though. He decided not to go to Church today since he was so wiped out from the lack of sleep over the last week.

Dad came over today for caldo and the Cowboy game. We had a great lunch, jammed on Rock Bank and saw some of the game. The whole time he was pushing fluids---all in hopes to avoid IV fluids tomorrow. Let's hope it worked.

Day 12

Last night was a slightly more restful night for Dad. The new muscle relaxant held him over until around 330 this morning, then his back started to spasm. He promptly ate a pickle, took his medicine and was able to go back to sleep until around 8 this morning. He was feeling good enough to go and grab some breakfast this morning and then came back home to relax. His back is very sore when he is not having any muscle spasms, but he is doing his best to stretch the muscles and keep hydrated.

The goal for this weekend to is to stay hydrated so that on Monday he doesn't need any more IV fluids. Our other goal is also to not have to go to the ER due to back pain.

The new muscle relaxant seems to be helping him more and more. We spent the afternoon visiting with him and he was moving and stretching most of the time. He tried to teach Jacob how to play guitar, but Jacob is only interested in making noise.

Dad was going to try and eat some halibut tonight, since it is high in magnesium as well as lima beans and black beans for potassium. In the meantime he keeps eating pickles and drinking pickle juice to keep his muscles from cramping.

Tomorrow he will go to Church, provided the night has been good. Have a great weekend- Dad's off for a nap before the Longhorn game. HOOK'EM!

Day 11

Today was Dad's last dose of velcade for this round. Unfortunately the night was horrible for him. His back spasmed around every 2 hrs last night causing his legs to shoot into the air. So needless to say, he didn't sleep last night and was not in the best of moods. I met them at the boutique this morning after I got off of work. Dad was already getting his blood drawn for labs and his vital signs.

0845: labs. Dad looks like a horrible pin cushion He has so many bruises on his hands and arms from all the IV attempts.

0900: In to see Dr. Kazhdan. She was very upset to hear about his night last night. She did get the chance to go to a lecture last night and meet with a myeloma specialist. His patients that have back or muscle spasms get better with dill pickles. So with a laugh she told him to try to pickles. I asked about a pain specialist to help deal with his back. She is consulting one to see what other suggestions they have. She is worried to have his back adjusted by a chiropractor because his bones are so fragile. She is looking into acupuncture- but since he is on blood thinners, we don't want him to come out looking like a soaker hose. She didn't lie him flat today, she learned her lesson last time when his back spasmed. His kidney function is still slightly elevated and his magnesium is low, which means double IV fluids and a magnesium bolus.

1000: In with Elizabeth to try for his IV. Mom and I are waiting outside and Dr. Kazhdan agreed after our discussion to also do an ultrasound of his kidneys and look at this back again as well. She is also going to run some tests on his urine to make sure his kidneys are not leaking too much sodium and potassium. Elizabeth tried 3 times to get his IV and was not successful. She came to the hall and asked me if I would try. I was okay with that and so was dad. So with a kiss for good measure, I got an IV in his left forearm on the first attempt. It flushed great and we got his IV fluids started. When I went to get mom in the hall she was breathing heavy and had tears in her eyes praying I would get it. I think it made dad proud knowing my education paid off---who would have thought though that I would everyhave to poke my dad.

1020: Dad's IV fluids are infusing. He gets two hours of fluids with some magnesium. I try to rest, since I worked a 24 hr shift and only got around 2 1/2 hrs of sleep. Dad has a snack, and takes a nap.

1120: Dad's back starts to spasm in the chair. He stands and sits up and is able to work out the pain.
1210: nausea medication in.
1220: velcade in
1230: Blood pressure done, looks great. We pull his IV and we are done for the day with the boutique

1245: Mom and Dad leave to grab some lunch before his next appointment
1430: Dad has his bone density scan done, while on the table his back spasms and it takes 25 minute for him to get upright. They have to do his kidney ultrasound sitting up--which is always done lying down. But Dad refused to lie down on another table and have that pain again.

1745: Talked with dad, his back is really bad. Dr. Kazhdan called in a new muscle relaxant, wants him to stop the flexoril and his advacor for this weekend. So now he will take valium and baclofan to see if this helps. In the meantime he is eating as many pickles as his stomach will allow.

2030: Dad had some pain medication and valium. Mom just got back with his new prescription. We are hoping this would help over the weekend. Just in case, Dr. Kazhdan gave dad her personal cell phone number to call if he is in pain over the weekend. Let's just hope and pray he doesn't have to use it.

Dad was going to try and sleep---he really needs it. My prayers are constant that he will be able to rest and that these muscle relaxants will work.

He has to go back on Monday for more labs--I warned Elizabeth before we left that he wouldn't need IV fluids. If so, he may have to come by Methodist where I will be at work to get his IV. :)

Day 10

Day 10 was almost a repeat of Day 9. As you know Dad had to go in for IV fluids yesterday, only they weren't able to get an IV in him. Elizabeth actually wanted to know if I was there so that I could start the IV. I was picking up Jacob and didn't know they were having such a difficult time.

So Dad had to return today for the second attempt to start and IV and get IV fluids. Elizabeth didn't try today. She was very upset about yesterday and "hurting" dad so she had one of the nurses from the adjoining clinics come in. They were able to start his IV and get him started with IV fluids. Dad also had labs, which still showed an elevated kidney function---not great for multiple myeloma. So rather than 2 hrs of IV fluids, Dad gets to sit there for 4 hrs of IV fluids. Mom brought him lunch and stayed with him. I talked with Dr. Kazhdan today about why his back is causing him such bad problems. I was wondering if the dex was causing him to lose too much potassium which is causing the spasms. A lot of patients with myeloma have this problem and seem to do better with potassium supplements. In talking with her about this, she felt his potassium was already high normal and thus didn't want to give him any added potassium. So I brought up the question of if the dex is masking an injury to his back. Dex is a very powerful anti-inflammatory medication. So if Dad injured his back, the dex he takes makes it better, then when he stops is when he realizes the pain he has. She agreed this was likely the case and was wondering the same thing today. Since yesterday was the last day of dex for a while she wants for his back to heal. Then the true test will be when he restarts the dex after his bypass.

Dad was in good spirits when I spoke with him. Of course you have to be if you are held captive getting IV fluids. I wonder if they gave him "happy juice" mixed in the IV fluids? :)
I will update this later today when I talk with him again. Tomorrow will be his last dose of velcade for a while. At least they are going to leave his IV in for tonight so they don't have to restart it tomorrow.

Day 9

Well, for a change Dad slept okay last night, except for having to get up 3 times in the night to go to the bathroom. That's what happens when you are loaded with IV fluids and drinking lots of water.

Dad had his labs drawn this morning, and they weren't great--which meant he would have to come back in the afternoon to get another round of IV fluids.

Dad made it to work, but it didn't last long. He made it until around lunch and then his back pain became too much to bear. He made it home to try and rest before his next round of fluids. The afternoon wasn't much better. They tried to 5 times to get an IV and were not successful. That put a hold on his IV fluids for today. He will have to go back tomorrow to try again.

When we talked this afternoon he was still in some pain. He was trying massage and heat, which helps some, but doesn't completely alleviate the pain.

Today is his only dose of dex for the week. Dr. Kazhdan is concerned that the dex is causing his back spasms. She cut his dose in half and rather than the 4 days he is only getting one dose. The studies have shown that this regimen is still effective, but not as effective as what he was getting before. The key is to manage his symptoms and find the happy medium between being effective and not causing any harm. The dex could be causing the harm right now with the higher dose he was getting.

Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. A successful IV day for Dad and better labs. Pray.

Day 8

Day 8- The second week of chemo. The night was rough again last night. Trying to keep morale and strength up is difficult when you have a restless night.
He started the day with a good breakfast- oatmeal and a banana.
0845: In for vital signs and labs.
0900: Waiting for the doc. Trying to stretch. He has an allergic reaction to something. His face, neck and chest are beet red and itching. He is not having any problems breathing or having a racing heart rate. Nonetheless, his reaction is concerning.
0920: In with Dr. Kazhdan- she likes his color, until she realizes it is from a reaction. Now she is worried. Although during the exam, his color returns to normal and is no longer itching. She is unhappy that his labs have changed. His kidney functions are slightly elevated- which she feels that he is a little dehydrated and will need double IV fluids today. According to the radiologist, there is nothing on his MRI that would cause any irritation to the nerves in his back. These spasms are either from the injury, compounded by dehydration which makes muscle spasms worse. She still wants for him to use heat, massage and tonic water to help with the pain. And so she goes to examine him, lay him flat to check him and in attempts to help him up, his back locks on him. So she gets to witness what he goes through daily. The massage helped a little, but it is still VERY tender.
1015: In with Elizabeth, the nurse for his IV. Took 2 attempts, so she is not happy.
1030: IV fluids started. He will get 2 hours of fluids today since he is dehydrated. I was hoping this time would be helpful for him to rest. The chairs they have have heat and massage which helps him relax and helps his back. He has a snack, answers a few emails and calls. Then I take away his phone and order him to sleep.
1130: Bag number 2 of IV fluids. Dad has been able to sleep for around 45 minutes and counting.
1230: Dad is now awake, getting restless for sitting in one place for too long. He answers a few more emails. His nausea medication is in.
1245: Velcade in.
1300: IV out and we are out the door.

Dad has to return tomorrow for more lab work- just a quick drop-in in the morning on his way to work. She wants to make sure his labs are improved.
1320: Dropped Dad off at home. Mom is with her family grabbing some lunch before they go to the airport. Dad is off to check his blood sugar, blood pressure and eat some lunch. He is hoping to get some work done in between Dr. appointments.

1545: Meeting with the metabolic doctor. His insulin dose will be adjusted since he is only getting half of the dexamethasone dose for tomorrow only. In the meantime, he will still check his sugar before meals and give himself insulin depending on the level.

1800: Dad is doing well. He took some Tylenol for his back. He plans on working tomorrow and is hoping to rest well.

Just so that you have an idea of what he has to take....In the morning, he takes 14 pills, not including any insulin shots he has to do. Then in the evening he has to take a few more. If his back hurts, he has to take some more pills. Thankfully, he is taking them without complaint- but just thought I would let you all know.

Day 7

Sorry for the late entry. Labor Day was laborious for Dad. His back is still bothering him, making it difficult to sleep and get up. The stretching is not helping him. The pain meds and muscle relaxants are not helping him either. Gentle massage, heat and the electrical impulse helps a little.

We spent the afternoon with Dad. He might have enjoyed the visit more had his back been in better shape.

He hasn't wanted to eat much the last few days, but his appetite is improving today. Tuesday starts his second round of chemo. Thank you all for your prayers.

Day 6

Dad had another rough night last night. His back is really hurting him again. It mainly affects him when he is lying down and attempts to get up. He spent a good portion of the day lying on the floor, trying to let the heating pad help, but then of course he tries to get up and his back locks on him. He did take the flexoril and his pain medication to try and help him loosen his back so he could get up and walk again.

I was concerned this would happen now that he is off his steroids. Dr. Kahzdan has been talking with the radiologist that reviewed Dad's MRIs to see if there is a bulging area that is pressing on the nerve. He might need another MRI this week when he goes in for chemo again.

This has been pretty frustrating for Dad- to be fine one minute, then try to do something as simple as get up to walk around or go to the bathroom and be hit with pain. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers. We really need for him to stay positive right now for his health, and this pain makes it difficult.