Blood counts, outings and spasms, Oh MY!

Sorry for the delay, I went back to work this week and got a little behind on the posts. Dad doesn't like this....he likes to make sure everyone knows how he is doing.

Wednesday Dad returned to the boutique for more blood work. This was to follow up on his dropping platelet count. The good news is that it was up. He went by the showroom---much to their surprise and was a regular man about town. The physical therapist really worked him hard....warned him he would be sore and tired and he was. Wednesday night some friends were over and everyone had a great time.

Thursday they ran some more errands. They were able to get his temporary parking permit and get some other items accomplished. All the while checking his emails, making calls for work and arranging meetings with Frank and John. Thursday he received a wonderful package from Corporate with cards, prayers and books---all from people who are keeping up with him and praying for him daily. He really was overcome with emotion when he saw this and wanted to take the opportunity to say THANK YOU! You don't know how blessed you are with all the people you have come in contact with or made an impression on until now. He was sad to hear of some others battling cancer, but also resolved to fight hard to kick this thing in the butt. I know he is planning to thank all of you personally---but we just wanted to say WOW! Thursday night Chris and I went over with Jacob (AKA the grandbaby) to have dinner with Dad. Mom had an outing with some of the girls- a much needed respite for her. She hasn't had the opportunity just to have girl talk and girl time. So she went out for a couple of hours while we had dinner. Chris grilled up some great steaks and we had veggies and roasted potatoes. Limited portions of course, but great nonetheless. Dad's sugar was good---at least until night time fell, then it was on the low side but more on that later. His blood pressure was low. I held his evening dose and we got his dosing straightened out today.
Thursday night was restless for dad. His blood sugar was on the low side, so they were checking it every few hours. Finally mom had to give him some juice and a Zinger- Dad's favorite sugary twinkie thing to get it back to normal. Now that he is off the dex, we aren't sure he still needs the insulin. The only problem is the doctors office didn't clarify this and so he is still be treated when he probably doesn't need it. Not only was the night restless because of the sugars, it was also restless because of the spasms. The physical therapist really worked him hard earlier in the week and dad was continuing to do his exercises as directed. Thursday night he spent a good amount of time standing and then sitting at the dinner table. He probably over did it and tired his overworked back too much.

Friday morning we returned to the boutique to get more labs. His platelet counts are once again lower than previously. They were contemplating adding another blood thinner since the chemo can cause clots, but since his platelets are low they aren't. His weight is good and the albumin or measure of nutrition in his blood is getting better and better. What isn't getting better is the swelling in his legs. They are really swollen, well they have been, but today they are more swollen than they ever have been. The swelling isn't just confined to the ankle, it also progresses up his legs to his thighs. This is concerning for all of us, especially Dr. Kazhdan. She ordered an ultrasound of his legs to make sure there aren't any blood clots that developed and could be causing this swelling. We also got him off his scheduled insulin, since he doesn't need it and will just check his sugars before meals and before bed. This new regimen only has him treating the high sugars. Hopefully this new regimen will avoid restless nights for mom and Dad- at least until the diabetic specialist can evaluate him and clarify everything.

This weekend should be a good one. We have family coming into town, the Longhorns are playing and the weather is beautiful.