Christmas came early for me this year! I must have been a very good girl, because I got the best toy of all – a PICC line! I know you’re all jealous as hell. This device allows me to avoid the countless pokes my condition brings with it. It’s a long-term port that has 2 tubes for drawing blood out and hooking up IV meds or transfusion blood products. Just in the last 24 hours I have spared my weary veins 9 pokes 🙂
My new toy makes me the most envied kid on the block.
I was more than a little nervous about getting the PICC line inserted, because I had read what the procedure entails: basically inserting a long catheter into my upper inner arm, into a deep vein, through my muscle, around my shoulder to a spot just above my heart. Just didn’t sound pleasant to this girl who is not a fan of pain. I had a fantastic nurse, Ginny, do the procedure, and she walked me through every step. It really wasn’t that bad. Definitely worth it! Kinda blew the nickname Jae had for me, though – Pokey. Get it? Pokey, because of all the pokes and Pokey is a horse. Not really a horse, more like a pony pal.
My pony pal Pokey
So I got my PICC line and I’m all ready to check into City of Hope’s hospital to start my ATG horse antibody shake and bake treatment, but of course it couldn’t be that simple… After a PICC line insertion, they always do a chest X-ray to make sure the catheter is in the right spot above the heart, but not piercing the lung… My X-ray showed a dark spot on my right lung. Wooop de f-ing doo! My docs are extremely concerned, because my body has no defense to fight off an infection at this point, and it’s a dangerous sitch we find ourselves in. Once again.
This discovery, which we wouldn’t have known about if I wouldn’t have had the PICC, has set off a firestorm of follow up exams and tests to try to determine WTF is in my lung. I went straight to have a CT-scan of my lung, I had 4 pokeless blood cultures done (thanks, PICC line!), I had Dr D (infectious disease specialist) added to my team, who did a thorough exam and work up on the possibilities, and I had the pleasure of enduring a bronchoscopy and lung biopsy. Just because I’m certain you’re dying to know, a bronchoscopy goes like this: they first give you a peace pipe apparatus, and you have to breathe in this awful tasting stuff that coats and numbs your throat, then they stick a scope down your gullet into your lung and take a look around and collect a sample of the infected area. The best part is that I got to perfect my moon walking, because I had MJ’s Propofol knock me out once again.
My first night was miserable… I started an antibiotic that was aimed at killing off whatever is in my lung called Abelcet. Over the 4 hour infusion, which went from 10pm-2am, I shook violently and had massive chills. In addition to this fun, I had blood drawn, vitals taken, several other antibiotic infusions, a platelet transfusion and 2 units of blood transfused. I had a fever throughout the night. Basically, an f-ed up night with no sleeping.
We did receive some rare, good news! After searching the national bone marrow donor list, it looks like I have over 3,000 potential first level matches. They still have to go through the DNA matching phase, but with 3,000 possible matches, my docs are very confident that they will find some good matches for me, in case my brother is not a match. Once again, I told them that I am interested in finding a match that is extremely good looking and highly intelligent 🙂
Dr. P visited me during his rounds this morning, and he and the COH Hematology Team received some results back from my bronchoscopy. They believe it’s bacterial pneumonia, and they want to proceed with ATG infusions and treatment for the pneumonia at the same time. It’s a little dicey, because the ATG is going to lower my white cells even more than the .3 level they are currently measuring, which would significantly lower my ability to fight an infection even more. The white cell count in a normal person is 4.1-10.9. I will have a private nurse in my private negative pressure room, sitting by my side during the 6 hour infusions for the next 4 days to watch me like a hawk for any signs of rejection. I will be in my room for about 3 weeks, because I will be watched for ATG after effects (mane and tail, joint pain, flu symptoms, etc.) and to make sure the pneumonia gets completely cleared up. So, a little change to the original plan, but the rodeo will begin today. I’m gonna be so pissed if I am shaking, barfing and/or too nauseous to root on my Trojans today! I‘m definitely planning to Fight On!
JOSELYN'S BRAWL 
Giddy up and Geronimo! Off to the races, Jos. Here’s hoping you don’t get too shaky and can focus on the game. Tally Ho and Fight On, my friend! XO
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Dear Joselyn.
I am speechless what you have to go through. But you are in my thoughts and wish you the best. If somebody can do it, it is definitely you! Fight on!
Love, Rita N.
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Hey lovie .. One of my dear friends got her bone marrow from a guy in Germany .. Beers and brats are her fave now! May the horse be with you!! Sending our love❤
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Thrilled about the PICC line! I’ve been hoping someone would insist on that – saves you from those infernal pokes altogether. One less thing to have to endure. Sorry about the pneumonia – been there, done that, was why I wasn’t at Reunion last year. Hopefully they’ll get it nipped before they konk out your immune system. Sorry you have to stay longer but it sounds like you’re in the absolute best place and getting wonderful care. I know you’ll fast become their favorite patient! Enjoy hanging out in your head in all those happy places and with all your favorite people!
Onward!
Marjorie
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Hang in there Jos! We are rooting for you and praying that the ATG goes smoothly and as planned! Fight On!
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Jos, I just knew that your computer could be properly suited up by your haz mat team so you could continue updating your thousands of followers in dozens of countries (so BAD ASS!). As you continue to Fight On, know that your UND friends are lighting candles, saying Hail Marys and praying like H*#% for you!
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My thoughts and prayers are with you! You have been braving this with such
graciousness and humor, that you are an inspiration to all who know you! I have been on the bone marrow registry for years and hoped that I would be able to help someone someday, but have yet to be notified. Don’t know if I’m one of the 3000, but if Leason isn’t a match, please keep me in mind!! If I can help you in any way, I’m here for you!
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Jos,
Had a routine blood test on Thursday. started feeling sorry for myself, thought of you and said to myself “STFU (shut the f – up)”. I can’t wait till this is behind you. Keep thinking “full and complete recovery”. That is what you are fighting for.
XO Love, Mary Sue
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Jos, i heard an interview with Traveler (yes Mr. Ed isn’t the only talking horse) where he expressed great Trojan pride that you will soon be part horse! He also promised to leave a fragrant souvenir on the Stanford stadium grass as a symbol of all Trojans support for you. Keep fighting, your courage inspires us all! S3
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Wow, Joselyn, what magical writing. You make us laugh at and suffer through this ordeal every step of the way. Don’t know how you do it. Only a super champ could pull it off. And you are all that and more. You will beat this. You are a big time winner and make us all winners for knowing you. All our love to you and Todd.
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Jos-the ponies will see you through this! Just tell them to be good ponies-no bucking or rearing today!!!! Sending you lot of positive energy over the coming days!!!
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Fight on , cuz. Guess you did goto the right school with this slogan , eh? #gojos
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Right there with you. Remember you are not alone. So many people cheering you on. <3<3<3 x infinity = ❤ 4 Jos!!!
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Jos,
You are a super hero !!! I’m sending you love…You have so many people cheering for you…
Love you,
Jennifer xox
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Jos- what you are enduring just blows us away. And with such creative humor. Get out of there soon so you get to writing your great novel!! The world needs you! The blanking endoscopy we know first hand….our little three year old Beckett has one two to three times a year with his Cystic Fibrosis. They just suck. Thank God for the MJ med!!!! Also, we are being thankful that they saw the lil MFer in your lung! NOW they can BLAST it out of there!! Hang tough….we have never rooted for Traveler in any way (heehee), but FOR SURE we are NOW! Fight On for Darling Jos you Big Hunk on Hooves!!!
Know you are thought of and prayed for DAILY (more than once a day)……big hugs, Kristi and Doug
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Hi Joselyn…Butch and I will rooting for the Trojans today along with you…We hope SC’s Traveler and your Traveler do a fantastic job…We love you…Caryll and Butch
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Hi Jos – Hang in there friend – been thinking of you EVERY SINGLE DAY…your blog is GREAT. Sending great energy and thoughts your way…
Love,
Kara
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Joselyn,
Oh my! Hate that you are having to endure all this 😦 but again, I must say YOU’RE AMAZINGLY resilient…and your comment about the ‘mane & tail’ really made me laugh. Bless you…and my prayers remain, for strength and healing. Love, Linda & Ry ❤
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Really? A spot on your lung? As if the shake & bake procedure wasnt bad enough?
Although I’m glad they found it so they can treat the pneumonia also. We’re praying all goes well and you’re not too miserable for the next 3 weeks! Maybe Todd can read to you (War & Peace?) You’ve got 3 weeks
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horse totem medicine – Guide to overcoming obstacles !!!! symbol of Wind. Horse people are usually friendly and adventurous. Horses are symbols of freedom. This totem brings new journeys. It will teach you to ride in new directions and discover your own freedom and power.
you are just amazing – honey badger woman – blessings –
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Santa better be damn good to you after this ordeal….Nurse Ginny sounds like a Bad Ass elf. Hang in there Jos! We love you honey!
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Hi Joshua! I am a firm believer that you will find a donor that is extremely good looking and certainly more intelligent than Todd and an “A” player!!! But do not worry… I told Gordo to do not even think about it as … well as we all know… an “A” player he is not!!! Think like a Libero my friend….it all begins with a good pass!!!
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Joselyn, thank you for sharing your journey with us. Not only are your loved ones with you but we, your friends, are with you too, together with all your angels and guides. You are never alone. The blessings are that you inadvertently discovered the pneumonia and that you have 3,000 possible bone marrow matches. I think of you constantly and I look forward to your best-selling book and your appearances on prime time TV. Love, Mary
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Omg. You are the bravest person I know.
Sent from my iPhone
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Hi Jos, Please know Pete and I are thinking of you. You and your family are in our hearts and prayers constantly!!
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Jos -You continue to amaze us all. Peace and love to you. Full recovery, full recovery,full recovery! Here’s to a time when this is a distant memory…
xo
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Lots of love to our brave and strong little pony. Keep on eating those sweet baby carrots and red juicy apples. We look forward for you to get out of that corral and make some hay! xxxxxxxxooooooo Mom and Dad
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My pony pal Pokey….thinking of you! Crossing my fingers Leason is a match or you find another good looking intelligent donor. Hang in there as you are a fighter. ENFU love you gumby
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This Shake and Bake better pony up!!!
Damn girl, you da bomb. I guess the Trojan’s didn’t read your blog or they would have kicked it into over drive for you last night. But EVERYONE is rooting for YOU ( in the American way, not the Australian way….:)
You’re my favorite little pony,
XO and XI!!
T
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We are in Calabasas visiting your cousins and second cousins and we are all thinking about you and all you are going through. Carolee and I are going to meet with Todd down in the courtyard from your room and see if we can transfer some of our energy to him, as I think he may need a transfusion too. We wish we could give you our energy or anything else you need, but I think you are stronger than any of us. Those Pomeroy genes are working overtime – I shouldn’t discount the Egerer genes too, maybe it is the combination that has created such a tough chick! Keep your spirits, they will carry you through.
Love Lynn and Carolee
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I think the Trojans were having sympathy pains yesterday! They left all the fight on spirit for you! So you fight on my friend! We are with you and here for you, although I know we can’t visit you. We love you Jos and know that if you can keep up your positive attitude you are going to beat this monster!
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Hi Joselyn:
Thinking about you and sending good thoughts. We are all here rooting for you! Let me know if you need anything….Susan Bridgford
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Lots of love, thoughts and prayers…you have such an amazing spirit.
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So glad you got a PICC line. And if Chris is one of the 3,000, not only will you continue to be highly intelligent and extremely beautiful, but you will need to buy larger shoes! XO, Mary
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Please know your far away friends are thinking of you so much!!
Boone was visiting me this weekend and we were sending the best pi phi positive thoughts your way!!! We also thought ‘SC could use alittle help from NASCAR!!! You know, here in the South they don’t stop for anything. I’ll be sending you some shirmp ‘n grits soon too!!
Hang in there- we love you Lots!!!
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You are amazing!! I’m storming heaven with prayers for you. xo
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❤ Always thinking and praying for you Jos! I am on the marrow list so not sure if I have all the looks and intelligence you were hoping for but please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Your courage leaves me speechless, keep fighting on Jos. Sending my love ❤
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Wow! I’m so sad to hear of more hurdles but you will get over this! My prayers are with you!
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Jos~
First u should write a book. You are so clever and witty … Especially during such a stinkin time. Your attitude is an encouragement to many who are suffering sickness, healthy folks like me and health care professionals who are helping you.
I want you to know, the Currents are praying for you and a miracle!!! God spoke this amazing world you have traveled and enjoyed into being in a few days! He can Speak healthy cells into your body!!! Amen! Keep up your “fighting on” spirit!!
Love you,
The Currents!!!❤🙏❤
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Jos, you are just incredible! We’re thinking about you every day and sending all the positive vibes and love we can from here. Like I told Todd, if there’s ever anything we can do, climb mountains to hunt down crazy Chinese herbs, etc, please let me know!
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Joselyn, you are so strong! I too hate those needles and have spent more than one moment plopped on the floor passed out from my silly needle phobia. That picc line must be a welcome relief. You have to just keep counting those small blessings. Hang in there! Lots of people love you and are rooting for your full recovery. Xxoo Denise
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Oh, Josh, Megan just emailed me your blogs and I am shocked. Just talked with your mom who brought me up to date as well as your blogs. Jed and I are praying for a solution to this awful thing you are dealing with. Also, we were at the game last night rooting for Stanford – so sorry your team disappointed you. You are a very strong young woman and we know you’ll beat this syndrom.
With love from Helen and Jed
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You keep blowing me away…You are one awesome woman! Adding my healing thoughts to the stream of positive vibrations being sent in your direction.
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Can’t wait till you do the “picc and roll”, and roll outta there back to LB…
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Good luck the next 3 weeks, Jos. We will be thinking of you, as always. You are a trooper. That is great news about the matches. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that, however. Hang in there, and know we all love you very much.
Love, Aunt Wendy and Uncle John
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Jos,
Unbelievable what you are going through…We will continue praying as always and now especially for the pneumonia to be cured. It was a good thing that you were not at the SC-Stanford debacle, too. Wow, that was rough watching that one!! Love you and xoxo!
Gretchen
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BooBoo! PICCs r great. My hubby is a PICC nurse & has been putting them in for 20+ years. I kinda assumed u had one or something similar already, but I’m so thankful u have one now. Was at Tiara’s last week in NC & we thought about u constantly and sent MUCH love your way & r sending u a little funny something in the mail. You absolutely blow me away sister! Keep that spirit going. Wish i could give u a big hug. Fight on! I wonder if whinnying is a possible side effect?! That could be cool. XOXO
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Hey Jos, thinking of you. Jae and I are visiting reading your blog.
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Whoa Nelly, looks like another hurdle for you…..well we know you will be winning this race…those Pomeroy’s really are something!!! Sending many healing prayers your way.
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Joselyn, I am thinking of you everyday! Keep fighting, I can only imagine what you are going through…please know you are loved and supported!!! Xoxo
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