I'M STILL HERE!!

Mike commented the other day that I hardly ever post, so here I am. I'm actually surprised at how time flies since my last post...

I haven't been up to much, if it wasn't for Mandy's sports I wouldn't have any social life...but I can always count on something to do with her!! Basketball, volleyball, softball...sheesh! Oh and soon track season.

Works been good, I guess kinda depressing at times. People come in thinking they have pneumonia and go home with a diagnosis of lung cancer with mets to the liver, hmmm, she's young too and forgetful I wonder if it's to her brain already...makes you want to cry. I just can't imagine being so addicted to something knowing it could kill you.

Two weeks ago I had a married couple, she was in the hospital only because her husband was her primary caregiver. She has melanoma, and advanced alzeheimer's. Her husband was in and found out he also has cancer throughout his body, including his brain. It was probably one of my saddest week to work...my third day I ended up in tears while charting on this couple. She doesn't even know who the man is...at times it's her nephew then her brother...you sadly remind her it's her husband. Can you imagine loving someone for years and then not knowing that man who is dying is your husband.
She had me sit down next to her one night...told me I was her favorite. I smiled and said thank you even though she really doesn't have a clue...but I gave her what time I could and let her hold my hand and pat it, like I'm the one who needed care.

Then there are cases that make you angry...extended care home neglect. This man came in again...he had just left the hospital 2 weeks previous. Bed sores, infected foley and in dire need of mouth care. I spent my last 30 minutes of work cleaning this man's mouth, tongue and lips...he quietly let me and you could see the gratitude in his eyes. But of course I went home and practically drowned myself in the shower trying to get it off my mind. A dentist I'm not cut out to be...gross!

Well unto a happier subject, Dylan!! He had his 18 month check-up the other day. Still a light weight, 19# 3oz and 32 1/2 inches tall. The doctor decided to draw some blood to make sure there wasn't a hidden reason for his lack of weight, but everything came back normal. The blood drawing experience was something I won't forget soon...they had to poke him 3 times to get enough blood for the tubes...OUCH! Dylan screamed and I thought for sure James was going to break down...it took Dylan until 5pm before he became his playful self again, plus he wouldn't come to me for quite awhile because I was the one holding him down...
Dylan is so cute, whenever I put my scrubs on to go to work he comes running and gives me a kiss goodbye, I don't even have to ask...he just recognizes the clothes. Then he comes running to the top of the stairs when he hears the front door in the morning open, he greets me with the biggest smile and a HI!!

I have been working extra when I can. I'm saving for a new front door, I haven't decided which one yet just that I want all glass with sidelights. So I'm guessing I have alot of extra days to pick up before I have enough...LOL
James thinks I should work 12 extra days to make up for "staffing" days and then 12 for my door. I don't thinks so!! I'm working for my door first...sheesh I didn't even get "staffed" 12 times last year. So far I've been staffed off once this year and I picked up Saturday to make up for it. Plus I have vacation time I can use to make up the staffed off days. Work twelve extra days, yeah right...he can get a second job.

I spent my day off yesterday cleaning the house and doing I think about 8 loads of laundry!! Then this morning James track mud on the kitchen floor and at the front door...it never stops.

Well I better get Dylan in the bathtub and get him cleaned up, this is my lazy day since I have to work tonight. I just lay around until Dylan is ready for his nap then I try to take one too...

Take care everyone