PICC Poke: June 16, 2010

It has been another medical marathon day. I left home at 7:45 AM this morning and returned at 6:45 PM. I received my tenth IV infusion of the antifungal today. That is going apparently well, with a bit of nausea and diarrhea attributed to the drug. We are puzzled as my cough continues as does a low grade temperature despite all of these antimicrobials.

Kevin took a vacation day to assist me today. After going for my IV this morning, we drove to Indianapolis and I arrived at the hospital around 1:30 PM. The care was excellent and the PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) line insertion procedure went well. It is always difficult to consent to one procedure that has the potential to benefit me yet also has the risk to harm me. This very PICC line could cause an infection in my bloodstream. Please keep this concern as a top matter of prayer over the next two to three weeks.

Since I have experienced all of the drug and contrast dye reactions, I requested that I receive no sedation and no dye for the PICC insertion (just call me stupid, I know). I was taken into the catheter lab and 2 ultrasound technicians, a PICC technician and the radiologist were in attendance. I was placed on a table with an ultrasound device over my chest and an ultrasound wand to the side of the table.

It is at these moments, that I am so thankful that I know a Comforting Father to Whom I can cry out - the loneliness of a procedure room; the fully awake knowledge that a painful procedure is about to occur; the concerns about risks of the procedure ...... all of these thoughts flashed upon the flatscreen of my mind. Immediately, I took a deep breath and began praying. Two Scriptures I repeated over and over:

Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God........

Hebrews 13:6
So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

The technicians quickly located a very suitable, deep vein (the Basilic vein) in the bicep of my arm. Unfortunately, they told me that the access to the superior vena cava (the large vein that carries blood from the head, neck, arms, and chest to the heart) would be best from my right side. I say unfortunately because I am right handed dominate and I must sleep on my right side (due to my enlarged spleen on the left side) - now very difficult to accomplish with this PICC line running up my right bicep.

With the strength and peace of my Father and no sedation, they made an incision into my bicep and threaded the PICC line/catheter up that vein, through the clavicle area (shoulder blade) and down the vein into my chest to the superior vena cava. This was somewhat uncomfortable and just as the catheter threaded into my chest, my heart must have been displeased and I had some fluttering of my heart and a very strange sensation. I was about to voice my concerns when the radiologist told me that it was in place. They used ultrasound to verify placement and when I looked up to view the screens (just call me curious but I like to see and know what is going on), I could see the fine line transversing through those veins and at the top of every screen, a crystal clear image of my cross was imprinted. It was one of those nice, God-moments that I believe He allowed me to see on that ultrasound view, the PICC line with my cross pictured right above it, as a sign of His reassurance and presence in that room.

Next, the doctor told me that they would begin stitching the PICC line in place with 3-4 stitches. However, they had difficulty with stopping the bleeding. He discussed my platelet issues with me (I have low platelets from the leukemia and platelets clot blood). It took three attempts at pressure before they stopped the bleeding and were able to stitch the line in place. It was dressed (in a nice knit A-line ..... just making sure you were still reading or just scanning this update) .......... and bandaged. I will apply heat to it 3-4 times daily for the next 3 days to help prevent blood clots from forming and we will be meticulous with keeping it clean and dry. It should be ready to use in the morning for my next IV.

Labs will be checked tomorrow, so I am eager to know if improvements have occurred with those. I appreciate your continued prayers. I could sense that many were praying for me this afternoon as I received the PICC line. Thank you for your faithfulness to pray for me, help me and to encourage me.

PS - I really would be a wimp without God on my team!