Passing Chemo Camp Time

Today marks the end of my 9th treatment...I only have 13 more! I'm feeling pretty good this week so far! My aunt Anni took me to chemo today and we had some fun trying on different wigs that are available for me to have if I need them. It definitely gave us all a laugh! I may have been slightly too rowdy in the infusion room today! Thank you Anni for being my chemo camp friend today! Needless to say, I didn't take any wigs home! I don't know, should I have? Which one is your favorite? Hehe. Only bald people get to do this!

So for your viewing pleasure...

Turning Point

I didn't really plan to blog today and I don't really know what I am going to talk about but I just felt like writing something. I think I've reached a turning point. No more poor Kelly. I am making a conscious effort to push onward not because I have to but because I can. I am going to do this (of course not alone but I am not powerless)! I am taking initiative to make the next 6 weeks more positive.

I have two stories to share with you today.

Number One
I don't know how many of you got the opportunity to watch 20/20 last night but a special on Robin Roberts from Good Morning America was aired. I didn't know that this was coming on but I was excited to see that it had. This program literally changed my battle. She is incredibly inspiring and The Lord was shining through her. Cancer has done nothing to Robin but bring depth and strength to her life. She displayed her struggles and heartbreak with grace and exemplified joy in her circumstances. I am not alone. There are millions if not billions of people across the world that experience something like this. There are millions of opportunities for us to change our lives and to glorify Christ. You don't have to have cancer to make a difference. All of us have a story...we just have to be willing to share it. Thank you Robin for your love of Christ, your strength, and your story. You are changing lives.

Number Two
After arching this program on tv last night, I was on YouTube looking for other stories from cancer survivors, particularly ovarian cancer. Well, I came across Shannon Miller. I don't know how many of you know her, but in 1996 my 13-year-old self was glued to the tv watching her represent the United States in women's gymnastics. I can remember watching the US women's gymnastics team and wanting to be just like them. She inspired me then and she has inspired me now. Shannon Miller is a germ cell tumor, ovarian cancer survivor. She had my exact tumor and received the same chemotherapy that I am getting. She has made her story known and is now an advocate for ovarian cancer. She has also written a book that discussed her outlook when she was faced with cancer and treatment and talks about survivorship. She discusses taking control of your health and wellness during chemo. You can check her out online at shannonmillerlifestyle.com.

Thank you Lord for the stories of these two women. I hope that my story will impact someone too. We are not alone here. He gave us hands, feet, and mouths to go to the ends of the earth proclaiming his promises and to encourage each other. Don't waste the gift of fellowship.

Love you all. I pray to be here for you as each of you have been here for me. God bless you!

Here is beautiful Costa Rica!

Cycle One

Well, today marks the end of cycle one! I am officially 1/3 of the way through chemotherapy! These past three weeks have been tough physically, mentally, and spiritually but nonetheless encouraging. I have made it through my first cycle of chemo without being overly sick or discouraged. I am extremely blessed that I have had minimal nausea and fatigue and that for the past two weeks I've been very well! Hopefully, this trend sill continue! as far as my physical appearance goes, I am almost completely bald. I really haven't cared about my lack of hair, other than the process of it falling out is somewhat painful! I don't know the science behind this, but my hair hurts around the places that it is actively falling out?! I have had the opportunity to try out the latest bald trends...scarves, messenger hats, etc. :)

Throughout the past three weeks I have learned a lot about faith. I have also learned a lot about the vastness of God. I really only have the faith of a mustard seed most of the time. I will pray to God for healing, comfort, peace, etc. for myself and for others but I still worry and I still feel like I need to perform for His approval. I yearn to be bold with my prayers, knowing that if I ask something from Him, as long as it follows His plan, He will deliver. Not only does He listen and answer prayer, He is able to do ALL things. Things that aren't explained by science or rationale. He is capable to bring peace, healing and understanding. I pray for my faith to increase. His truths are revealed in His word and I pray for the faith to believe this when I can't see. During this process, I have felt like a hypocrite a lot. I write about faith and peace and I don't have that much of the time. I try. I am willing. I am learning and wouldn't trade my life for anything. Granted my life is a little more complicated than I would like, but He is at work. Transform me into your image Lord, teach me Your ways, and direct me to Your truths!

My devotional this morning focused on faith and Matthew Henry from "Streams in the Desert" had this to say, "Active faith gives thanks for a promise even though it is not yet performed, knowing that God's contracts are as good as cash." So thank you Lord for all you have in store.

"Commit your way to The Lord; trust in Him and he will do this." Psalm 37:5

Here is a picture of today's hairstyle...playing with photo booth on the iPad.

Taking Control

Well....the past few days have been quite adventure filled for me. Monday I had chemo camp where I received Bleomycin only. My good friend Mandy took me and stayed for the whole experience (yay Mandy)! Anyone else that would like to experience chemo just let me know...I'm always needing a ride! :) After chemo, my mom and I went to a class that The American Cancer Society does called, "Look Good, Feel Better" ( I think I have mentioned this before). It's a class that goes over skin and nail care, as well as, teaching you pointers on how to alter your make-up to disguise the lovely effects of chemotherapy....dark circles, dry skin, loss of eyebrows and lashes, and blemishes/skin discoloration. This class was extremely helpful and I got to keep an extremely large amount of make-up all donated from the major cosmetic brands! So cool. Not to mention all of the incredible people I had the opportunity to meet that are dealing with the cancer diagnosis. There were actually two women there really close to my age. It was extremely inspiring to see strength and courage in all of these women. It was even better to see The Lord glorified in the lives of women living with cancer.

When I went to get my wig from The American Cancer Society right after my surgery, before chemo even started, they signed me up for this class. At the time, we had no idea what my chemo schedule would look like or anything. Amazingly, and only by the hands of The Lord, would this class also fall on the same day that I began significantly losing my hair. Not only did He bring me to the class, but His light was shining in several of the women there, who filled me with strength and encouragement. One women in particular had just lost her hair and gave me her story about her fear in losing her hair and was quite honest in how hard it was to shave her head. But with a smile on her face, her story was full of grace and healing. She definitely encouraged me to take the plunge and take control of this part of my story. I freely give Christ control of my life, but Satan will not control the emotions surrounding my hair loss. I was not going to let it fall out in clumps and hold onto the fear of waking up with hair on my pillow. I was going to let it go, and let God show me mercy.

So when I got home, I waited for Jason to get there knowing that it had to go! Mom had pulled out of the driveway after dropping me off at home and turned around and came back. She just couldn't miss the opportunity to see her daughter bald headed! (Apparently I was bald until I was 2, 3, 4, or when I started kindergarten...the story keeps changing). Jason got home and it didn't take five minutes until they sat me in the bathtub and got out the scissors and razor. Jason had full intentions of "playing" with various hairstyles before the final shave. I had a mullet and a Mohawk before it was over with. Jason had even bought a razor off of Amazon just for the occasion...he was really enjoying himself. I was kind of worried about my poor husband having to do this. As a woman and a wife, you want to be beautiful for your husband. Even if I looked hideous, he didn't show it. He was incredibly supportive and I thank him for making me feel beautiful. Mom was there to document the occasion. I am thankful for her presence as well because I know she loves me anyway. It was not that bad. A lot less scary than I had imagined and it was liberating. I was free of that fear. I imagine if I gave Jesus more of my worry and burden that this is how that feels. Free.

So my poor head looks awful....partly because of all the bald spots that I already have and partly due to user error (it was Jason's first head shaving experience). I am so relieved to have this step over its though. I'm actually excited for all of my hair to fall out because right now I look like I have the mange. :)

I have a ton of pictures that document this occasion but I will chose a few to post. Be ready, my head will knock your socks off. Hello world, I am bald and ready to face cancer looking like a soldier. A little less than 7 weeks to go in this first part of my journey, God use this time for your good!

Long Overdue

Hi everyone! I hope all of you are having a great Saturday! I want to begin this blog by apologizing for being non-existent over the past week or so. I don't know why I haven't wanted to write...it's not like I don't have the time and I actually have the energy. I feel like I haven't had anything really important to say. With that thought, I realize that I have placed way too much pressure on my own words. This blog isn't intended to be about me or for me in any way (other than a source of therapy), it is for Him. It is to make Him known through this trial, which I have the opportunity to do at every moment in this. So, I am sorry for "wasting my cancer". I have let this time pass by without using it. I keep praying for the next seven weeks to pass but that does nothing if I just sit idly by. Everyday we are called to follow Him, to patiently wait. I don't think God has intended for us to sit and wait and do nothing. We should be actively waiting for his goodness, not feeling sorry for ourselves and our troubles.

Jason and I have friends that are very dear to us that have recently moved to Kenya to join the mission field. We have to opportunity to communicate with this via e-mail, Facebook, etc, occasionally since they left and they definitely been more of a source of encouragement to us than we have been to them since they left. Our friend, Aaron, had written Jason an e-mail when they found out about my diagnosis. One resource that Aaron had mentioned for us to use is "Don't Waste Your Cancer" by John Piper. This is an online resource that anyone can access and read and I highly recommend it. I read this article pretty early on and it has been an incredible resource for my mind and heart. It goes through ten ways you can waste your cancer and not use your pain for His good. Because this article has meant so much to me, I thought I would spend some time sharing it with you guys. Thank you Jones family. You continue to effect the spiritual lives of Jason and I all the way from Kenya! We love and miss you.

Each of the next few paragraphs are my thoughts after reading "Don't Waste Your Cancer" by John Piper. I won't talk about each of his points specifically and I am doing my best to not recreate his ideas. This is really just my heart's response to his words.

Basically, this ovarian cancer diagnosis was chosen for me specifically. This obstacle was placed in this particular point in my life long before I existed. My Maker allowed it. He chose THIS to refine my heart and soul, to make me more like His image. Cancer is not the enemy, Satan is. Satan attempts to destroy my spirit through this trial. Satan attempts to poison my heart and bring me down. My God can use this cancer as a gift for me and for those effected by this disease.

It does nothing for me to dwell over my odds of survival or to know every bit of information regarding ovarian cancer. Don't get me wrong, it is quite important to know what you are fighting by the world's standards. However, God is the ultimate Physician, capable of miracles and healing, not explained my medicine or science. My heart, soul, and mind should be focused on His promises and His plan in this. My efforts should be placed on that active patience that I mentioned earlier and trusting His plan for my future. My odds are determined by The Lord and not scientific studies. He makes the call.

Cancer is humbling. It places the length of your life into focus. At 29, you do not think about your mortality. To be quite honest, the thought of death and eternity is slightly overwhelming. I can't wait to meet Jesus and spend eternity with Him, but being human, eternity is not something I can fathom. I am also a child of consistency and I do not like change. I have only know life in earth so anything else is a little daunting. I have had to face this. I think the bottom line is that I trust Him. If I trust Him here, I will trust Him in the transition outta here. I am thankful that I was forced here. I will no longer waste this life.

"Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." -James 4:14

"An unexamined life is not worth living." -Socrates

Sometimes I also feel that the victory is in beating cancer. Unfortunately, I have pitied those that have died from this disease because they lost the fight. Victory isn't being healed from this disease. The victory is bringing The Lord glory. The victory is resting in Him and his goodness. He is the prize of a fight well fought. Whether you sit at his feet or continue this life at the end of the battle, we win when He is made known and we are transformed into his likeness.

So there you have it. I have learned a ton about life, cancer, myself, and His love for me and for all of us through this article. I hope you guys take the time to read through it as well or give it to someone you may know that is effected by this disease. Cancer is not the enemy. Cancer is the tool that will be used to refine us, mold us, and change us for His glory. Life will never be the same. Life will have more meaning, more value, and more promise. Life will be gift is was always meant to be.

I leave you with a monster underneath the bed... :)

Chemo Week Two

Hi everyone! I am one day away from completing week number two of chemo! I only had one actual day of chemo this week. Monday I went in for about 5 hours to receive one drug, Bleomycin. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday I will have to go in to receive Neulasta, which is a shot that will aid in maintaining my white blood cell count to prevent infection. I will also have my PICC line dressing changed and blood drawn on Thursday to monitor my cell counts and electrolyte levels.

This week is drastically different from last in terms of the way I feel and my energy level. By the end of last week and into the weekend, I was just about at a breaking point. Thankfully, I got a break this week. I thought I'd do my best and describe how chemo has made me feel for the past few weeks. Know that my experience with chemo will not be the same as someone else's.

Week One: I was scared. This whole week was a first for everything and with that, there was quite a bit of fear. I think the majority of my suffering in this week was related to anxiety. I spent most of the week sitting in a hospital-grade recliner hooked up to an IV. I was at chemo for at least 6 hours a day during the week and started to get pretty bored by the end of the week. For those of you who know me, I rarely sit down with my job. As a pediatric physical therapist, I spend most of my day running, jumping, skipping, chasing children, and rolling around in the floor. So as nice as a recliner seems at the end of long day, it's not so nice after 6 hours at one time. By the end of the week, I was in desperate need of a deep tissue massage and thoracic mobilizations. Other than back pain, I felt pretty groggy due to all of the medicines that I have been given to reduce chemo side effects and to prevent allergic reactions. By the end of each day, I had received more variety in medications than I had previously taken in the past year. I'd have to say though, I wasn't feeling horrible. If I had to give my main physical complaint, I think I would have to say indigestion/nausea. Then lack of appetite and fatigue. I really do not like being tired after trying to do something as simple as getting ready in the morning.

Weekend One: I thought the weekend was going to be a nice break after going to chemo everyday for 5 days straight. Jason and I had a rough weekend. I was feeling quite a bit worse that I had been during the week. I was pretty nauseated and had indigestion most of Saturday. I was quite weak and fatigued and feeling pretty sorry for myself. Eight more week of feeling like this, seriously!!?? Sunday did not bring much relief until early afternoon. I wasn't really able to get going until about lunchtime each day and typically started feeling better throughout the afternoon. Sunday was much better. I was able to get outside and enjoy the weather and walk around a little with Jason and Allie. I think I may have even ran in the yard for about 30 seconds before getting tired...HAHA. Hard to believe after I just ran for 5 hours in November. Thankfully, the weekend has been the worst I have felt.

Week Two: So this week has been completely different than last week. I have had increased energy and have not been in a fog. I have a pretty good appetite, have not been nauseated, and have not had any heartburn. I have had a sore throat this week and some headaches but that is pretty much it. Oh, and a rash. Let me tell you about that! After Bleomycin this past Monday, my shoulders began to itch a little bit. It went away after Monday and I did not think much about it. On Tuesday, while I was driving to the oncologist to get my Neulasta shot, I decided to open the sunroof in my car and enjoy the sunshine. By the time I got to the doctor, my shoulders were burning and I was quite uncomfortable. Apparently, I was having a chemo-induced skin reaction and I got sunburned! Sunburned in February, in overcast, 40 degree weather! This morning, I was already peeling! Looks like my skin will not see the sun for sometime!

So that is where when have been and where we are physically. It's hard telling where I will be tomorrow. That is something that I have definitely learned about chemo, things change. Things change quickly. I am planning on blogging about the roller coaster of emotions since this chemo stuff started next so get ready for that one!

I can't write about all of this without realizing that this medicine is making me better. This medicine is saving my life. When I want to feel sorry for myself, which unfortunately can happen often, I have to remember that. Also, this will only last for the next 7 weeks. I can do this. This medicine will give me the best chance to live a nice, long, healthy life. I have that in the balance, I just have to get through the next 7 weeks!

I also can't write about all my complaint without praising God for how much that I have been spared from! I did not think chemo would be this hard, but I did not think it would be this easy either. From reading all of the side effects, I think I am doing quite well. I hope and pray that this will continue. Hey, if I wasn't about to lose my hair, you may not be able to tell I was getting chemo. Let's hope that stays the same!

If you are reading this and you pray, please pray for me. Please pray for me and my family as we continue this journey. Pray that I tolerate this medication without difficulty and give my treatment team wisdom for my care. I have not made it this far without prayer. I cannot do this without prayer and without the strength of The Lord. I have failed myself so many time over the past week and have lost faith but He is sufficient. He is all I need.

See you all soon!

Blessings Part 2

Hello again. I am sitting here in what my brother calls "Chemo Camp" for the third day in a row. I haven't received my Benadryl via IV yet so I am cognizant enough to blog a little bit! :) I have a few things that are on my mind to blog about and I thought I'd start off with the blessings in my life. To be honest, this morning has been my worst yet. I have not been sick, per say, but I feel kind of run down. I woke up a little nauseated and didn't have much of an appetite. I really did not want to go back to "Chemo Camp" today and the thought of nine weeks of this was making me more nauseated. I know how much my attitude can play into the way I feel physically so I was trying not to let this get to me! While we were waiting for chemo to start, my brother had me think about all the good things in my life. And here is a synopsis of these things: I am a child of God, I have lots of people who love me, I have a nice warm home to go to after chemo camp, I have awesome sitters, I am educated, I have a supportive husband and circle of family/friends, I live in a country where chemo and correct diagnosis are possible, and I have hope in my Lord that this is just a season that will pass. I also feel like all of this negative attitude is holding me back for focusing on Him.

Other than all of the blessings in my life, I thought I'd mention of few of the other goodies I have received. I would hate to leave anyone out! I don't think those of you that have given me gifts would care either way, but I thought I'd represent the things that have lifted my spirit. I am very appreciative of all the support and love that you have provided me. I feel all of the prayers and I know that He is before me, beside me, and behind me. I cannot express what each and everyone on you mean to me and my family. I pray that God blesses your life and provides you with the same love and support that I have received throughout your lives. He is capable of all things!

"For nothing is impossible with God" Luke 1:37

Chemo Day Uno

Well, we made it! Day one is done and over with and I now kind of know what to expect. I guess I'll start by saying that I had a supernatural peace most of the day yesterday. Jason and I both were resting in His security and promises. We even had several moments of laughter that had us in tears (and isn't that good for the soul?)! He delivers. He is faithful. He brought us through an expected terrifying day.

So this is kind of a breakdown of what happened. We got to the infusion center at about 8 am and left at about 5:30 pm. Needless to say, it was a long day.

8 am: When we got here, my chemo nurse addressed what would happen for the day and he different medicines I would be receiving. Besides the 3 chemo drugs, here is a list of the other medicines I was given: Tylenol, Decadron, Pepcid, Amend, an anti-nausea medication, Lasix, magnesium, potassium, and lots and lots of fluids. Fun stuff, huh? I am not one to take many medications other than a occasional Ibuprofen, so this is a lot.

8:45 am: We started fluids and premeds prior to starting chemo. I got 500 ml of fluids with potassium and sodium, as well as, Benadryl, Tylenol, Pepcid, and Decadron. This took about 2 hours total.

10:45 am: Chemo time. We started Bleomycin first, then Etoposide, and Cisplatin. They did a test run of Bleomycin first for 30 minutes to make sure that I tolerated it well. I did. All of the chemo took about 4-5 hours.

3:45 pm: We started follow-up fluids and they pushed Lasix into my IV to wash out these chemo drugs. We left at about 5:30 pm.

It was an okay day. I dislike sitting in a chair for 9.5 hours other than getting up out of the chair to pee about 15 times. Those fluids have me running back and forth to the bathroom. I am thankful for my helpers here because I have to carry my IV pole back and forth. I miss running around playing with my kiddos at work. I miss running. But that's okay. It's only 9 short weeks!

The only issue I really had today was my blood pressure dropping a little bit following Bleoycin and Etoposide. I think it's lowest was about 90/48. I didn't really have any symptoms of this though. Lasix, on the other hand is not my friend. Poor Jason had to stop about 5 minutes after we left so I could go to the bathroom at the pharmacy. At the pharmacy, I got quite light headed and figured that the chemo side effects were hitting me. I may have been a little panicky too. I was pale, clammy, sweating, and nauseated all the way home. Jason seemed to think that my blood pressure had dropped so he told me to raise my feet on the dash and lay my chair back and drink lots of water. I did and felt quite a bit better.

At home, I didn't go straight to bed. My brother came to take Tuesday and Wednesday shifts because they request that I have a ride to and from chemo due to drowsiness. I did a load of laundry, walked to the mailbox, and visited with Andy. That's pretty good, right? I woke up and just felt a little flu-like but thats really the extent of it! MY PICC line isn't bothering me at this point either. I think I'm moving right along. :). It's all God though...don't let me fool you.

So that's BEP chemo. I hope this helps who may read this that is scared to death to start this regimen. You can do it. With God, there is no doubt. He has taken all of the burden of his illness,. He has taken this chemo. He has defeated the cross. I thank Him for this chemo. I thank Him for loving me like on one else does.

Chemo day two was a little shorter than day one. I didn't get Bleomycin today. I am actually sitting here writing this at the end of day two and it looks like we are going to get to leave at about 2:30 or 3. Woo-hoo! Feeling good today and my blood pressure did not drop as much. They have also already given me Lasix to monitor me after yesterday. They also reduced the dose by half.

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
"Praise be to The Lord, to God the Savior, who daily bears our burdens." Psalm 68:19

Here are a few pictures from chemo days one and two. Enjoy. Thanks for all the prayers and support. My family and I love you all!

Treatments 1 and 2 down, 19 to go!

Locks of Love

Hi again! Yesterday Jason and I went to my hair stylist in Johnson City to cut off my long hair. My wonderful friend Nicole and her husband, Blake, met us at the salon for support. I cut my hair with intentions to donate it to Locks of Love. I figured I was going to lose it regardless so I might as well share the wealth. I am very blessed to have been given a human hair wig absolutely free and would love to be apart of that process for someone else.

There are a couple of different charities where you can donate your hair. For anyone who may want to do this in the future, I know of Locks of Love and Pantene Beautiful Lengths. Locks of Love accepts color treated hair, whereas Pantene Beautiful Lengths does not. Locks of Love goes only to children's hairpieces and Pantene Beautiful Lengths provides wigs for all ages. You can get more information on their websites.

I had a great time doing this. Before we left home, I had Jason take a few before pictures. I was a little upset when we were headed to the salon but Jason quickly turned my mood around. He talked about how nice short hair would be and we talked about all of the blessings that we had received during this. :) I can't believe how much my hair means to me. It's not just my hair but my long hair. I never considered myself to be that vain or overly concerned with my looks but I am. Obviously. I definitely have a glimpse into the ways that the devil takes hold of our lives when we can't even see it. As believers, we are very used to being in this world. We easily get consumed with all the things that the world see as important. I pray that He continues to change me and others reading this regarding the idea of beauty and our sense of identity in this world.

After getting my hair chopped off, my hair stylist also cut my wig. That was scary because it doesn't grow back! She worked wonders and it looks just like many hairstyles I have had in the past! So I think we completed the next step in this journey yesterday. This hair loss thing is a work in progress. We are losing hair in small increments to hopefully reduce the change, shock, loss all at one time. Next, Jason is planning on shaving my head when we notice the first signs of hair loss. That way it will be done with, like ripping off a bandaid. :)

I am very thankful today. Thankful for the courage to begin the hair loss process. Thankful for my amazing, supportive husband who spent an hour at an estrogen-filled hair salon totting around his wife's wig. I am thankful for Jason's words of encouragement and his consistent love. I am thankful for friends and family who give their time and love to me.

He is the source of all of this. He provides my comfort, courage, and strength. He provides my family and friends with love to give. He fills your heart to pray for me and to give me comforting words. He is love. He does this in all of our lives, all of the time. You don't have to be faced with cancer, divorce, death, or heartbreak to have His presence. He knew us before we had breath, He is with us now, and He will hold us until we see His face. If you need Him, ask Him. He is there and He loves you!

"The word of The Lord came to me, saying, 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart, I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.'" Jeremiah 1:4-5



I leave you again with some good 'ol hair cuttin'. :)

PICC line fun!

Hi everyone! Thursday, January 31st was PICC line day and my sweet friend, Michelle's birthday! I think I'll remember that the 31st is her birthday only in the future! :)

My oncologist suggested that I get a PICC line for chemo infusions like I mentioned earlier. This is a procedure that is done in the hospital but does not require you to be sedated or wear a gown! The hospital has a PICC line team of nurses that perform this procedure all day long. It took about 30-45 minutes to do and I only felt a needle stick of Lidocaine to numb my arm. They use an ultrasound to find a large vein in your upper arm and feed a small catheter from your vein into your superior vena cava. After she inserted my PICC line, they took a chest radiograph to make sure it was where it needed to be. And we were off!

My aunt and cousin came along with me and I am grateful for that! That would have been hard to do alone. Thanks Anni and Sara! Oh, and I got to be apart of Sara's first trip to Pal's!

After the PICC line was in place we had to report back to the oncologist's office to learn about flushing out the line. So, in short, everyday we have to flush out the PICC line with saline. Anni also got some hands on experience with PICC line flushing!

Now for a little venting-

A PICC line hurts, is cumbersome, and time-consuming. I hope it stops hurting at some point, but I am only 2 days out from having a catheter jammed into a large vein in the middle of my upper arm. I am having a hard time wearing long sleeves because if you know me, I have incredibly bulging biceps and then you throw a PICC line in the mix. Just kidding. And lastly, wrapping my arm in Saran Wrap and then taping the edges down with electrical tape can take some time before showering. Did I mention that the Saran Wrap thing takes 2 people? So those of you with PICC lines or those that have had them in the past, my heart goes out to you.

Now that the venting is over, thank you God for this PICC line. Thank you for chemotherapy. Thank you for this country and the availability of medical care (exceptional medical care at that). Jason and I were talking about all we were thankful for in this process and he brought up the gift of living in America. After going to Haiti this past fall, both of our eyes were opened to how easy we have it here. This story would have been much different there. I am thankful for this temporary PICC line and all of the lovely things it brings because it will make the way for the medicine that will save my life. Well, my life on earth.

I have a few pictures from PICC line day. PICC lines are cool.