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.