Royal Pain in the Butt

Literally, melanoma has become a royal pain in Brian's butt. His left hip hurts so badly, and he complains often of his rear end hurting. This pain is likely from the bedsore on his right buttocks that is at the point of his tailbone, and has practically broken through to the bone. We cover it with foam, which will help it heal, but hasn't helped it feel better. He also has no rear, seriously; which is a real problem for him, considering he is on his backside so much and there is no padding. The recent scan also showed numerous subcutaneous masses actually located in the buttocks, mostly on the left side, which probably are also pushing on nerves.

This morning was rough for Brian. He was in excruciating pain, rating it well above a 10. He basically shrieked in pain when we got him dressed and moved him to the wheelchair, even with the best precautions. Every bump between here and St. Joe caused him to wince in pain. He was nauseated in the parking lot at the hospital, and it was really becoming more than he could handle. I had done all that I could, so I just kept telling him I loved him, and that I would try to help him stay strong. I had already given all the pain meds scheduled, and then some extra, and nothing was working.

We got in fairly quickly, and everyone was great. The benefit to Brian's extreme pain was that everyone we came in contact with (receptionist, nurses and the doctor) could visible see and hear how bad it was. I think they would have believed us, but it was easier for them to really see. We decided to do a temporary epidural, in which the cassette can be changed with pain medication and infused through a pump. If this comes out, we will do something permanent in surgery with what is like the port he has in his chest for other i.v. infusions. Hopefully, this will be all he needs. The pain meds will have to gradually be adjusted until we find the right level. I had hoped this would be total lack of feeling, but he is still in some pain. But by the time we were half way home, he was saying he was feeling a little better. He slept all evening (typical when pain is finally under some control, as pain just exhausts the body), and now tonight, he is saying his pain is around a 6. We still have some work to do, but we're seeing some relief and some progress. Hospice has checked in, and will again tomorrow and Sunday to report to the doctor and make necessary adjustments to keep Brian comfortable. We will have our first official visit from Hospice on Monday.

As far as the leg, I won't give you the really gory details, just to say it is still spewing puss and some blood (gross), and his temp was 102 tonight. His leg is not red or hot, so I continue to pray that the antibiotics are keeping this fever under control.

Todd, Jamie, and Trace will come tomorrow, along with Phillip...tomorrow is his birthday. We are looking forward to their visit.

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13