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. :)