PICC, PET, and a Palm

Having numerous flashbacks to this past summer when I had two broken elbows. With my new PICC line I am not allowed to carry anything over ten pounds or raise that right arm higher than my shoulder. But I’ve raised it four times already! Putting on a sweatshirt, putting my hair in a ponytail, and doing that normal morning stretch & yawn. Similar to this summer, my hubby has to help me get dressed, do my hair, carry things...basically be my slave boy. Poor guy. It is easier this time because I at least have one good arm and I can use both my hands. Thankful for those broken elbows that helped prepare us for this minor challenge. The most difficult part of the PICC Line (so far) is discomfort when I sleep, or when I TRY to sleep. I can’t sleep on my left side because it irritates my lump and now I can’t sleep on my right side with the PICC line in my upper arm. That leaves my back. Ugh! Last summer all over again. I am not good at sleeping on my back. Sleep only came in a few short bursts last night. Praying I become an excellent back sleeper...soon! Sleep is crucial for healing. It helps the lymph system flow more effectively allowing it to clean out toxins while I sleep. Also praying for no blood clots which can be a side effect.

PET machine

PET

Had to get out the door extra early today for my PET scan. Tried to get them to pump "Stick It to the Cancer Man" with radiation instead of me, but they didn't go for that. Results came back before noon. The good news is the major lump is still contained and not very aggressive. Praise God! Also, my other lumps are not cancerous…and it didn’t require another biopsy to make that determination. Woohoo! The surprise is that they found cancer on one of my vertebrae. It’s very early and we will need to tweak my care plan a little since it is in the bone, but the doctor was still very optimistic. And God knew this was there before we did. He’s still got me right where He wants me…in the palm of His hand.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)