Pic line

Since this ordeal has started I've had many people asking questions. At this time in my life I really think that the thing that helps is to share the experience so I'm sharing and with all the details. Hopefully someone else won't wait 9+ years to get to the bottom of their own symptoms!


Medication bulb. It's actually a balloon that deflates as treatment is administered. Takes about an hour to run.


Pic line and dressing


pic line and wrapping when not in use.


Actual piece of line. They gave it to me to show my kids. I was like..."gee thanks! I really wanted to see that!" LOL!

Treatment started

Treatment started yesterday. I drove to Arlington Memorial and cried nearly the whole way there because I was scared and alone. The regiistration process was hideous. What should have been a 10 minute sign in took over an hour. I did not make it up to do the pic line until 10:20.

The pic line itself wasn't too bad. It did hurt and the threading of the line did feel strange/uncomfortable. However, it wasn't unbearable and if the treatments work then it will have been worth it.

What should have been a one hour procedure from start to finish turned into 5 hours because of xrays having to be retaken and just waiting. I went in at 9 and got out at 2. David ended up having to leave work to go get kids from school and stuff.

After I got out of hospital I had to drive to Dr. McClean's office for the 1st treatment. Everyone at that office is amazing and if you ever find yourself in need of an infectious disease doctor I'd highly recommend you use them. Dawn and the pharmacist went over the treatment with me and hooked me up to the 1st one. I then sat in the lobby among patients while I it finished. The two most common side effects are nausea and headaches. I got both. Also for the four or five days you are even more tired. So you feel worse before you start to feel better. I definately do feel worse at the moment but am so hoping to get over the hump and feel good again.

I will do these treatments for 21 days and see if they are working or have worked. Best case scenario is that I'll do this for 21 days and it's over. Worse case scenario is that there will be improvement but not enough and the treatments will continue and can continue for up to 6 mths. We're praying that 21 days is all I need and that it works!

I really had a pity party yesterday because I was alone through the whole thing. David has to work. My family lives hours away. Not many cyberspaceless friends(just hard to have friends with our lifestyel). Blah, blah, blah. However, I do have a friend in Jesus and I felt Him with me. He was there when I called. It was a great and much needed realization for me yesterday.

I love all of you and thanks for you're prayers! Please keep them coming.