Today was Doug's 12th infusion. His blood counts were ok. But he weighed only 147 pounds. That's the lowest so far. Two weeks ago he was 151.5 so that's a big difference. He had to get a liter of extra fluids today.
I think dehydration is playing a part in his weight loss. He is eating reasonably well, but small amounts, with snacks between meals. Doug is good about taking his water jug with him and keeping it by his recliner at home. But - he forgets to actually drink from it! I have asked him to drink 8 oz of water every morning before his coffee to start the day.
I am trying to encourage, remind him to drink, etc because I am concerned. However that can easily turn into nagging and that's not good! However, if I don't say anything he forgets to drink. The latest scheme is for him to set his phone timer to go off every 20 minutes; then he needs to take a big swig from his water bottle. I'm hoping this will work.
Dehydration can cause so many problems including low blood pressure, dizziness, etc. And it can increase fatigue.
Two weeks ago the oncologist prescribed oral fluconazole for Doug's skin infections. He took it for three days and had to stop because he got very dizzy and nauseated. Even those three days seemed to make an improvement. So far Doug has seen our family NP, a foot specialist, and the oncologist has also checked his skin. Next week he has an appointment with a dermatologist. She is making room in her schedule for Doug, which is a blessing; otherwise he would have to wait a month.
I had the laser procedure on my eyes last week and my sight is better. I'm relieved about that.
Tomorrow I will see our optometrist - bet I can read the eye chart now! And I will get new lenses.
Doug says he is giving up driving for good, except for the three blocks to our church. So my eyes need to work well.
I went with a good friend a few days ago to get a pedicure; silly, but having pretty toes lifted my spirits. Our weather is finally feeling like spring, so it's sandal time. The sunshine is very welcome.
Love to all. Hug someone today!
Today's verse:
"Fix your eyes on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8
Thursday, May 30, 2019
Saturday, May 18, 2019
Infusion #11, fluconazole started
This has been a busy week, so this is three day old news!
Doug had his infusion on Thursday. His weight was 151, up a pound from two weeks ago. As long as he can stay in that range I think it will be okay.
Wednesday, the day before infusion, Doug had an appointment with the nephrologist (kidney doc). Myeloma can affect the kidneys, and Doug had kidney disease several years ago. He recovered from that with 70% kidney function but the nephrologist has been seeing him once a year. This time he said Doug doesn't need to see him unless something happens. That's good news.
Doug's lab numbers were good enough for infusion, which went well. We were in clinic about six hours - the lab was slow getting results back.
Doug was scheduled for the regular monthly oncologist visit in clinic. Sadly, the oncologist we have gotten to know and like is out with serious illness. She's in the hospital in Colorado Springs and we all are praying for her. So we saw a "locum" (temporary) doc.
We mentioned that Doug's skin infections are not improving despite continued use of a prescription cream. So the doc gave Doug a prescription for an oral anti-fungal drug. He said it's only a two week supply, then he will reevaluate. He said it has side effects (what doesn't?) and probably best to use for a short time. Sure hope it works!
In addition to the myeloma, Doug has low immunoglobulins which is compounding the problem.
The doc said sometimes if a patient continues to have persistent infections, they give infusions of I.V.I.G but that's usually for sinus or respiratory infections.
Things are going along as well as can be expected here. Doug is managing his fatigue. He has started to drive again, but only short trips in town. This is encouraging.
We went to Colorado Springs twice this week; once to take our car to the dealership for recall work, then again yesterday to pick the car up. Meanwhile they provided a loaner for us to use. I enjoyed driving the 2019 Subaru Outback with all the new features. It had a large media/backup screen and a large digital speedometer display, plus lane departure warnings and cruise control that senses if the car is too close to one ahead - it slows you down automatically. Nice.
I'm tired from the highway driving but so thankful that I can do it.
Guess it's my turn for eye problems. My left eye vision has gotten much worse. Next Friday I have to go to a specialist in Colorado Springs to have a laser procedure done. Praying that God will keep me able to drive. Our wonderful neighbor has kindly offered to drive us on Friday. We are blessed!
Love to all.
Today's verse:
I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them and honor them. Psalm 91:14-15
Doug had his infusion on Thursday. His weight was 151, up a pound from two weeks ago. As long as he can stay in that range I think it will be okay.
Wednesday, the day before infusion, Doug had an appointment with the nephrologist (kidney doc). Myeloma can affect the kidneys, and Doug had kidney disease several years ago. He recovered from that with 70% kidney function but the nephrologist has been seeing him once a year. This time he said Doug doesn't need to see him unless something happens. That's good news.
Doug's lab numbers were good enough for infusion, which went well. We were in clinic about six hours - the lab was slow getting results back.
Doug was scheduled for the regular monthly oncologist visit in clinic. Sadly, the oncologist we have gotten to know and like is out with serious illness. She's in the hospital in Colorado Springs and we all are praying for her. So we saw a "locum" (temporary) doc.
We mentioned that Doug's skin infections are not improving despite continued use of a prescription cream. So the doc gave Doug a prescription for an oral anti-fungal drug. He said it's only a two week supply, then he will reevaluate. He said it has side effects (what doesn't?) and probably best to use for a short time. Sure hope it works!
In addition to the myeloma, Doug has low immunoglobulins which is compounding the problem.
The doc said sometimes if a patient continues to have persistent infections, they give infusions of I.V.I.G but that's usually for sinus or respiratory infections.
Things are going along as well as can be expected here. Doug is managing his fatigue. He has started to drive again, but only short trips in town. This is encouraging.
We went to Colorado Springs twice this week; once to take our car to the dealership for recall work, then again yesterday to pick the car up. Meanwhile they provided a loaner for us to use. I enjoyed driving the 2019 Subaru Outback with all the new features. It had a large media/backup screen and a large digital speedometer display, plus lane departure warnings and cruise control that senses if the car is too close to one ahead - it slows you down automatically. Nice.
I'm tired from the highway driving but so thankful that I can do it.
Guess it's my turn for eye problems. My left eye vision has gotten much worse. Next Friday I have to go to a specialist in Colorado Springs to have a laser procedure done. Praying that God will keep me able to drive. Our wonderful neighbor has kindly offered to drive us on Friday. We are blessed!
Love to all.
Today's verse:
I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them and honor them. Psalm 91:14-15
Friday, May 3, 2019
Dara Infusion #10
Yesterday Doug had his dara infusion. Cycle 3, day 15.
His lab numbers were good enough to 'qualify' for infusion.
WBC 3.0
HGB 12.1
PLT 134
ANC 1.6
Blood pressure 123/62.
Labs are a little low, but not bad for a chemo patient.
He also had a blood draw for a myeloma panel. This is the test that shows the cancer indicators. Fingers crossed for that result.
His weight was 150, down from 151 last time. He weighed 161 in January when the chemo combo started. He is eating, and I'm encouraging between meal snacks. We have a couple different kinds of "Boost" type supplements but he prefers real food. Nuts are good.
It was an uneventful five hours in infusion clinic. It's hard for Doug to sit in the infusion chair for that long stretch; he could ask for a relaxing drug but he doesn't want to feel "drugged".
He didn't like what was on the menu, so he requested a cheeseburger. He said it was good.
Doug's athlete's foot is no better. We went to the foot specialist for a recheck and he said this might not go away while Doug is on these drugs. I treat his feet twice a day with two different kinds of cream. At least he doesn't feel any itching. Especially because of he diabetes, I keep a careful watch.
Our 'normal' keeps changing. Thank you Jesus for keeping us strong.
Love to all.
His lab numbers were good enough to 'qualify' for infusion.
WBC 3.0
HGB 12.1
PLT 134
ANC 1.6
Blood pressure 123/62.
Labs are a little low, but not bad for a chemo patient.
He also had a blood draw for a myeloma panel. This is the test that shows the cancer indicators. Fingers crossed for that result.
His weight was 150, down from 151 last time. He weighed 161 in January when the chemo combo started. He is eating, and I'm encouraging between meal snacks. We have a couple different kinds of "Boost" type supplements but he prefers real food. Nuts are good.
It was an uneventful five hours in infusion clinic. It's hard for Doug to sit in the infusion chair for that long stretch; he could ask for a relaxing drug but he doesn't want to feel "drugged".
He didn't like what was on the menu, so he requested a cheeseburger. He said it was good.
Doug's athlete's foot is no better. We went to the foot specialist for a recheck and he said this might not go away while Doug is on these drugs. I treat his feet twice a day with two different kinds of cream. At least he doesn't feel any itching. Especially because of he diabetes, I keep a careful watch.
Our 'normal' keeps changing. Thank you Jesus for keeping us strong.
Love to all.
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