[Alan A]

It’s long. Aren’t they all.

80+ yo. Long term multiple myeloma patient. He’s been stable while treated - biweekly infusions.
Faculties are slightly diminished - memory issues.
Tested covid +ve two weeks ago.
Hospitalized 10 days ago - mostly dehydration, lack of appetite and weakness - he fell twice at home.
Found a PE in both lungs almost a week after admission.

Platelet count is 52 and dropping. He’s missed at least one of his cancer treatments and those don’t seem to be scheduled either. His historic numbers fluctuate between 45 and 60.

He’s had lovenox, but his doctors are refusing to treat the PE with blood thinners if his platelet numbers drop below 50 - despite published works saying heparin is beneficial at a reduced dose down as low as 25 for myeloma patients.

They’ve given no reason for the refusal. Wondering if there are contraindications they just aren’t communicating. I’m not his health proxy - my wife is - so can’t press them.