Melphalan --
I am going to move on without the definition or pronunciation of Melphalan. I know about this drug and we were educated about it. So, I will just tell you about our days' experience with it.We had a fun day. Started with us getting one of our favorites RNs, Steve. He has taken care of us many times before and has been in the myeloma clinic for over eight years. He is an instructor for teaching patients and caregivers on how to read labs and he can answer any question. He tells everyone he makes me cry whenever I see him. Which is just about true.
He and Karen took care of us one Sunday just before Poppy went into the hospital in August. It was a slow day and the two of them were doing a little quiet karaoke on the computer. Poppy and I smiled as we listened. I don't think they were practicing as a duet, I just think they were bored.
As time passed and we were there much of the day, Steve finally asked if we had a request. We both ask them about "Lean on Me" by Bill Withers. We explained it was our favorite song when we started our relationship in 1986. So, they turned the volume up and began. The more they sang, the harder I cried. I couldn't control myself. When they finished Steve came over and put his arm around me and asked, "Was I that bad?" I just explained it was the song and that Poppy was just not doing well.
He saw me another time later that week and I was standing in the hallway up against the wall sobbing again. He hugged me again and told me everything would be okay. Anytime after that he laughs and tells everyone I cry when I see him coming.
He came to check on us last Sunday and I was crying... He smiled... Then I told him about Bill Goodness passing.... It was a sad day for all in Infusion.
Sooooooo, today when he came into the room to begin the Melphalan I was rubbing my eye as it's been tearing a lot. He laughed and said, "Here we go again. EVERY TIME you see me coming, you start crying!" We love our nurses.
Okay... ONWARD! Strict instructions were given for Poppy to eat ice and popsicles 30 minutes before and during the IV. He needed to do it an hour afterward, too. This would prevent the Melphalan from burning an causing blisters in his mouth. Sooooooo, they waited until he did that and they took labs. He explained they would order the drug as soon as they were certain his mouth was totally cold. When they ordered it, it had to be given immediately as it would be a count down on it being "Hot"... Not really "hot" heat, but active...
He did very well. Soooo, well that I dropped him off at his office. Yes, he ironed his clothes again today, but he didn't mention driving. Before he got out of the truck I told him he needed to use a Kleenex to rub the strawberry coloring off his lips and teeth from the popsicles! Y'all know how vain he is!!! LOL Since I had already taken the day of myself, I did a little shopping and took time to see someone special. I got home around 3:30 p.m. and he called wanting me to retrieve him.
When he got in my vehicle, he looked great with those rosy, puffed up cheeks, but he acted like he was collapsing in the seat as he exclaimed, "AHHHHHHH, I made it! I got so much done, but I'm exhausted!" We laughed...
His counts are still dropping slowly. They are doing what they should. His weight is down 4 lb. from yesterday. So no fluids or Lasix today. By this time next week he will be neutrapenic (low immune system). He will probably be that way for a week. He will continue labs every morning from Friday to Tuesday and then no more labs until Monday, November 2.
Tomorrow is the BIG DAY! He should be going into labor around 9:30 a.m. SIX MILLION babies! Can you believe it? Since he will be in a room alone and he will be heavily monitored, I am going on in to work until around noon. He will be a lot different when I pick him up. He will have a different smell. A lot of patients and nurses call it a "roasted corn" smell. It smells like scolded water to me.
His first transplant in 2008, we had to change his deodorant, cologne and other things he wore with a scent. His whole body chemistry changed. His skin is the same as it was then, too. Perfectly smoothe like a baby's. Although he hasn't had to shave in a few weeks, he did shave a little this morning. But, that will change again very soon. He is even gonna be smoother.
He did the dishes tonight as the kids and I came upstairs for prepare for bed. He came up and couldn't find me. Asked me what I was doing and I told him I was plucking my eyebrows. He says, "I would pluck mine, but then I wouldn't have any!" He never loses his sense of humor....and still doesn't complain.
He has had the chemo taste in his mouth tonight. His BP is kinda low and I'm keeping a check on his temp. He hasn't had Dex since yesterday, so maybe he will get some sleep tonight. But, he still has a huge appetite. The tops of his hands are bruising (a side effect). He went to the restroom today and pricked a small needle sized hole on his little finger. There was blood coming out heavily. He always has a band aid in his wallet. When his platelets get below 30,000 they will stop the Lovenox (blood thinner stomach shots).
We sat in the garage tonight as his smoked one of his little cigars. He took a deep breath and said he'd be glad when this is over. I reminded him, we have all next week and then he needs to recover. He knows that...so he reminded me we are five days in. Almost half way through. He did agree he was glad he hasn't driven this week.
Pray for us tomorrow!!!!!
Good Night and Love -- Pepper
No comments:
Post a Comment