"Cause you got the right line to make it through these times. I got a line on you babe" Spirit
No I don't. Not anymore. The nurse pulled my PICC line. My Peripherally Inserted Central Line is history. But what a history. Served me up a second chance at life and saved me a thousand cuts or at least jabs. It didn't want to give up easily. My vein spasmed in a vain or should I say vein attempt to hold onto its buddy. A painful tug, and my old friend was medical waste.
Today I have one less link with my transplant. My sticky connection with my month in hospital is losing its hold on my mind and body, and the visible reminders are being stripped away. The mask, the hair or lack there of, and now the PICC line. It also foretells of just a touch more freedom. In a few days, I can shower without my vinyl sleeve and can even go swimming. Surfing will have to wait.
I am sure I will miss it next time I need a blood test. I have forgotten that special sting.
Good bye, my faithful friend.
Dr. Forman thinks my welt might indeed be an infected bite, but only wants to treat it with heat and topical antibiotics. It might come to head and drain, which means my white cells are doing a fine job of damage control.
Next month I get a follow-up CT scan and BMB about 90 days after my last ones.
This week I wait for my flow cytometry (cancer check) and engraftment results, both of course taken from my peripheral blood today for the last time through the PICC.
Tomorrow I will post about the herpes zoster paper I reviewed and why it is important to the CLL and transplant community.
Finally I ask you to continue to please pray with me for more good news on my blood test and those of my friends in similar battles.
posted by Brian Koffman at
9:37 PM
3 Comments:
I am so very happy that you got rid of another reminder. You are almost there! Free at last, free at last.
Fantastic news........one less reminder of the last couple of years. Pretty soon, you'll be wondering what CLL is all about.....we can only pray. AND please know that you are in so many peoples prayers all over the country. Our prayer team reaches out to the great beyond and you are on it.....
Now could you do me a favor? Please pray that my stupid ducks get back on track. I leave for a couple days and they fall apart. Hockey is so frustrating.....but faithfull I remain.
Blessings to you and your family.
J
Brian,
I read your post everyday now. I know you are an inspiration and a source of knowledge to me and to many others through your writings. Your intensity, precision and genius come across with every word.
I will never forget how you took such good care of me when I was terribly sick - and pregnant with Brian – years ago during a
4th of July party at your home. Brian was born three days later on July 7th. You would be proud of Brian now (your namesake).
You are very much on my mind and in my heart these days. I wish you well.
NB
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