Stuff I wrote but didn't get posted - old news.

MondayApril 20th 2009
Stuff
Hi,
We’re still in the hospital.
Since Doug’s K and Mg levels continue to remain below normal a kidney doc was called in.
K & Mg affect heart and muscle.
Doug’s heart continues to do strange things……irregular heart beat, a different regular rhythm each time it recovers, his pulse races sometimes and drops down into the 30s sometimes.
The kidney docs don’t seem to think there is anything wrong with his kidneys, but they put him on a med that is supposed to “spare” potassium, K….and have taken him off of all K supplements oral & IV….to see what happens???
I got a reply from the Myeloma support group and he said it sounds like the docs are throwing a lot of “stuff” against the wall to see what sticks.
Doug is OK today. A little tired, a little nausea….but he is eating and walking and reading and doing his exercises with the 2 and 3 pound weights.
The myeloma support group also recommended I switch to the Medical City docs.
But when we were discussing making the move to bigger hospital, things started picking up here……
The specific myeloma tests were ordered….we don’t have the results yet as it is not a quick test.
The kidney doc started his tests and tweaking of meds.
So we decided to wait and see what results we get.
One of the kidney docs actually said well as far as he was concerned we could go home Tuesday…..not going to happen…..we know we have to wait for the latest withholding supplemental K results…..plus they took Doug off a drug , Florinef, which is one that really perks him up….he is having trouble remembering things today and the master nurse said that’s probably because he is off the Florinef?????
He was taken off the Florinef because it might have been causing the K troubles……

OK now it is Tuesday May 5th, 2009
Doug is back on the Florinef.
We have been home since last Tuesday but I haven’t had time to write.
Since Doug’s electrolytes seem to be stabilized the docs decided to release him to my care L
We still have clinic appointments Mon. & Thur. and chemo on Thur.
Add to that physical therapy on Tues, Wed, & Fri. and I don’t get a day off.
Had the first physical therapy session today.
Doug needs to learn how to walk again….his hips are the weakest points according to the therapist.
I got Doug one of the 4 wheel walkers with a seat for resting.
He didn’t want one but now that he has used it he agrees it is much easier than the old 2 wheel walker.
We got two handicap hang tags for the trucks.
The nurse told me to go to the DMV…..but after waiting about one hour there I was told you have to go to the tax office.
No problem.
Doug stayed in the truck listening to sports.
Got the Tags and used one immediately at Skaggs.
Doug wanted to get fresh produce so he shopped with me.
I got wine.
Doug got tomatoes, bell pepper and cucumber for salads.
The Doc says the myeloma is under control?
The “M” protein spike is down and the free light chain test is “normal”
So now we are dealing with the effects of chemo on his kidneys and the weakness from being hospitalized so long.
He has an MRI scheduled for his spine, Monday the 11th to check for bone involvement.
We are still planning on consulting for a second opinion at Medical City….but that is a chore for me in addition to all the other medical insurance phone calls I make every day…..how do folks who don’t have someone to handle all the other stuff survive?????

Now in other news:
I got my sewing machine out and stitched reflective tape to a hunting vest so I can go walking after dark.
I actually remember how to use the Bernina machine I bought in ’77.
Tufa the “new” kitty is at home with us now.
I can actually rub his tummy without losing my hand.
He really likes Doug and shares various afgans with him…..Little Kitty tolerates Tufa…..Tufa is keeping the 15 year old active…it just has not been cold enough in the house for Little Kitty to WARM up to Tufa….but summer is on the way…and the thermostat wars are already on….
I had the thermostat set on 75…..went shopping and got home to a humid 79 degrees.
Doug would be happy with 100 degrees all the time…..I think we need a balance just to keep the humidity down.

That’s all for now.


Ok now it’s Saturday May 9th.
I’ve been getting messages about not updating the blog.
Today Doug is sleeping all day. He had Chemo, Velcade and Dexamethasone Thursday so he was really hyper-up Thursday afternoon & Friday….now he will sleep all weekend.
We are babysitting Choco our across the street neighbors “baby” black lab.
Viki & Larry are doing their civic duty and manning the voting at town hall.
Choco was very hyper at first but now she is comfortable….Tufa has been ignoring the fact that there is a very large black dog invading his space.
The first time Tufa met Choco we thought Tufa was going to attack….he was in full panther on the prowl mode…..
They are not friends yet.
Choco was great friends with Kitty Three.

Ok that is all for now.
I hope I’ve caught up.
Thanks for the reminders to keep on writing.
At the clinic I found a poetry book by Jewel Kilcher….you know Jewel the singer….maybe I should start wowing y’all with poetry…..
Love,
Nancy