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.