This is my first post, so please forgive me if I'm asking questions that have already been answered. Here goes:
My father has multiple myeloma. This week is his 4-year anniversary. I have been supportive of him and my mom throughout the past four years. My dad is a very strong, positive man who rarely complains. In fact, even though I know he is suffering greatly, he very rarely lets anyone outside of my mother see that side of this dreadful disease.
Recently, my mom shared how truly grave this situation has become. His - and her - quality of life are very poor - even though, on the outside, things look better than can be expected. The good news is that his care, meds, nutrition, etc. are keeping the multiple myeloma at bay. The bad news is that he is constantly in a tremendous amount of pain, is forgetful, easily confused and, becoming depressed. He was an athletic, sharp-minded, extremely positive person before myeloma, so his current state is very out-of-character.
I need to do something to help. I have significant resources, thankfully, and can afford to consider nearly any solution available that will help him reduce his suffering. Here's where I need help:
- Should we look into palliative care, and should we stay with our current hospital or seek a nationally known hospital, such as Memorial Sloan Kettering? (From my perspective, he receives very little pain management care outside of medications).
- Are there any at-home treatments that we can get that will help him? For example, I have been reading about Tens machines. Not sure if they will ease his pain, but it could be worth a shot.
- Are there any other methods that provide pain relief? For example, he has had good results with reflexology.
