Doug had his monthly Denver myeloma specialist visit last week. The cancer numbers - Lambda light chains in Doug's case - are starting to rise a bit faster. But the Kappa light chains are also rising, so the Kappa/Lambda ratio is within normal limits for now. As long as the ratio is okay, Dr. M doesn't want to start the new chemo yet. Sounds good to us!
The peripheral neuropathy in his feet is still present, but Doug is able to cope with it. Dr. M says we have the option of trying Cymbalta, but we decided against it for now. Better not to add another drug to his system unless he really needs it.
Summer is in full swing here, with the usual influx of summer people. Traffic is busy by our small town standards, and our only grocery store is swamped. Best not to complain too much since the tourists spend a lot and that helps our tax base.
We have started geocaching again after several years of Doug not being able to do it. Fun way to get outside and be more active.
Love to all.
Friday, June 26, 2015
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Cold/cough; Eye Infection
We had to cancel our trip to Nebraska again. Last month we cancelled due to Doug getting the flu.
This time he developed a cold with cough and a slight fever. And green mucus in both eyes.
We called our local clinic but couldn't get in yesterday. Today is Saturday and the clinic is closed. We had two choices - go to Salida to the ER, or drive up to Leadville to the urgent care clinic. We opted for Leadville. Doug was seen by a young PA who was very good. He took an excellent history and did a brief physical. He prescribed an antibiotic eye ointment and said to do warm compresses on the eyes every four hours. The cold is most likely a viral infection. He refilled a codeine cough syrup that has worked for Doug in the past, and considering Doug's compromised immune system, prescribed an antibiotic to prevent further secondary infection. We were very happy with the level of care at this clinic.
Doug's blood pressure is low at 101/67 but he's not dizzy. We're going to keep checking the BP.
We are counting our blessings, especially that all this came on before we left home on our trip. So much better to be home when not feeling well!
Love to all.
This time he developed a cold with cough and a slight fever. And green mucus in both eyes.
We called our local clinic but couldn't get in yesterday. Today is Saturday and the clinic is closed. We had two choices - go to Salida to the ER, or drive up to Leadville to the urgent care clinic. We opted for Leadville. Doug was seen by a young PA who was very good. He took an excellent history and did a brief physical. He prescribed an antibiotic eye ointment and said to do warm compresses on the eyes every four hours. The cold is most likely a viral infection. He refilled a codeine cough syrup that has worked for Doug in the past, and considering Doug's compromised immune system, prescribed an antibiotic to prevent further secondary infection. We were very happy with the level of care at this clinic.
Doug's blood pressure is low at 101/67 but he's not dizzy. We're going to keep checking the BP.
We are counting our blessings, especially that all this came on before we left home on our trip. So much better to be home when not feeling well!
Love to all.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Off Gabapentin; Kidneys doing good
Doug has weaned off the gabapentin, with the doc's approval. The increased dose wasn't helping the peripheral neuropathy, and it was making him very drowsy. So he decided to quit it since we have an upcoming trip to Nebraska.
Doug has finished his physical therapy; it has helped him. His gait is still off, but better than before, and his balance is quite a bit better.
Yesterday we went to the nephrologist in Salida. He says Doug's kidneys are doing pretty good now. Just lay off the salt! He never tells anyone "no salt" since he knows they won't do it, but reduce salt. The doc is putting Doug on a small dose of Lisninopril. It's a blood pressure drug; Doug's BP is already on the low side, but the kidney specialist says Lisinopril helps protect kidneys from the myeloma protein. So as long as Doug's pressure doesn't drop too low he wants him on it.
We have an appointment with the myeloma specialist June 19. For now, we are doing well, and enjoying the warmer weather. We started up geocaching again - haven't done that for some time. Doug can't do climbing or actual hiking, but there are quite a few easy caches to find. Fun way to get outside.
Blessings to all.
Doug has finished his physical therapy; it has helped him. His gait is still off, but better than before, and his balance is quite a bit better.
Yesterday we went to the nephrologist in Salida. He says Doug's kidneys are doing pretty good now. Just lay off the salt! He never tells anyone "no salt" since he knows they won't do it, but reduce salt. The doc is putting Doug on a small dose of Lisninopril. It's a blood pressure drug; Doug's BP is already on the low side, but the kidney specialist says Lisinopril helps protect kidneys from the myeloma protein. So as long as Doug's pressure doesn't drop too low he wants him on it.
We have an appointment with the myeloma specialist June 19. For now, we are doing well, and enjoying the warmer weather. We started up geocaching again - haven't done that for some time. Doug can't do climbing or actual hiking, but there are quite a few easy caches to find. Fun way to get outside.
Blessings to all.
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