Return of the jokester

What a difference 48 hrs makes. Dad was put on strict bedrest until he gets his back brace. So no getting up out of bed to go to the bathroom or shower. We were able to get him shaved and cleaned up this morning, smelling good with his cologne and listening to Andrea Bocelli on DVD. Since they got the PICC line in he no longer needed his IV they started yesterday morning. His student nurse took it out this morning, held pressure briefly- but forgot he was on blood thinners and needed the pressure a lot longer. Let's just say there was a big mess involved.

So this morning his oncologist came to see him--her first question is always "So....how are you today?" He decided to freak her out by saying he was bleeding to death. She freaked out and started asking all sorts of questions. Dad was just giving his student nurse a hard time because of the IV incident. You know that when he starts joking with you he is feeling good.

We watched concerts all day- started with Andrea Bocelli, moved on to Willie Nelson, then MTV unplugged, Elvis and Texas Tornadoes. It made the day really great- Dad loves to listen to music and it made the day go by quicker.

Not as many doctors today. The neurologist- brain and nerve specialist came by and agreed with the neurosurgeon. He doesn't feel that Dad needs surgery. He also, doesn't think that Dad had bleeding around his spinal cord. He did a thorough exam on his nerves in his legs and lower extremities- everything seems good. He feels that they should aggressively treat his myeloma and get his bones really strong. He is worried that his bones are not strong enough to take the cement or the pins.

So far it doesn't look like there is an infection- that's great.

They advanced his diet. We got him a turkey sandwich today which he loved.

They are hoping to get his brace soon so that he can get up and walk. If everything looks good and there is no infection- he will get his special portacath- a port under his skin that will allow him to get his chemo and blood draws and then hopefully he will be released home this weekend.

Thanks again for all the prayers and support.