Yes, the day after a holiday sucks on so many levels. People who can't take it (or imbibed too much) take off.
Otherwise, it seems like any other Tuesday. Except today didn't seem like a day after a holiday or Tuesday. Today, after our regular weekly meeting, (which was blissfully short) had a terrible pall.
One of my favorite interdisciplinary team members, C. is dying. Dying as we had our meeting, and were talking about our current crop of rehab patients. It reminded me of one other time where I went into report and the boss told us, "As we speak Mr. Warhero is dying." He was right: Warhero died that night. To me, how small and insignificant the meeting seemed today.
I finally left the meeting (after our chaplain prayed for him/her) and it got a little better. I buried myself in a project or two. As a result, I had to look at the way things have been going over the past few years. Thankfully, they are getting better. C. helped us to get where we are. C. helped inspire other folks in his/her discipline to do the same. We are not where I want us to be for our little group in the Hotel Rehab (I thought we'd be there three years ago...) but we are closer.
I was sad for so many things when C. retired last year, due to health reasons. Sad that I could no longer go down the hall and see him/her. Sad that we'd never get to work together and get your rehab program where it rightly belonged. Sad that I knew this day would eventually come.
'Twas a pity it came so soon. Godspeed you on your journey, C, and may the angels greet you and lead you to paradise. You've earned it.
Showing posts with label cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cancer. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Monday, July 4, 2016
RehabRN book club: Summer 16 part 3
I've been busy reading, since Bubba is in the home stretch of the local reading club. We take at least 1-2 trips to the library each week.
I'm still working on We have the technology, which has vignettes by sense, and I really enjoy it.
However, on our latest trip (since they are closed Monday for the holiday) I found a book I've been waiting to read, When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. I saw his interviews and knew some of the story, but the little book (I actually read it all this afternoon) was so much more than the videos of his interviews.
You read about what it's like for a doctor to get cancer and be a patient. You read about happy things, but things are also very sad. Many reviewers, big name authors themselves, recommend this as one of the most important books you'll read. I have to agree. Life is short, and only some of us will have the courage to live it, in the face of some terrible things, on our own terms with dignity.
More later on what's new on the reading list...
I'm still working on We have the technology, which has vignettes by sense, and I really enjoy it.
However, on our latest trip (since they are closed Monday for the holiday) I found a book I've been waiting to read, When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. I saw his interviews and knew some of the story, but the little book (I actually read it all this afternoon) was so much more than the videos of his interviews.
You read about what it's like for a doctor to get cancer and be a patient. You read about happy things, but things are also very sad. Many reviewers, big name authors themselves, recommend this as one of the most important books you'll read. I have to agree. Life is short, and only some of us will have the courage to live it, in the face of some terrible things, on our own terms with dignity.
More later on what's new on the reading list...
Saturday, June 25, 2016
An Irish wake
Dahey's boss was also named Dahey. He had a lot of similarities, besides his heritage: the same number of siblings, they were from the same state, and they both lived in the same town for a while. Off and on, my Dahey worked with Boss Dahey since 2000.
However, on this beautiful day, we loaded Bubba up in the family truckster and we traveled about an hour from our home in RehabLand up the river to celebrate Boss Dahey's life at an Irish wake. His family rented a big hall, they had lots of food, and Boss Dahey was there: in a Chicago White Sox urn.
Boss Dahey lost his life at 52 recently because he had a hard head and procrastinated. His doctor told him he didn't like a mole he showed him in May and that he should see a specialist. Boss Dahey figured he'd do it later, but later never came. Boss Dahey was tough.
Right before the holidays, Boss Dahey had a seizure, which he had never done before. He was checked up, then sent home until he could see a specialist the next week. On the weekend, he had another seizure at home and he coded. His girlfriend saved him. This time, he didn't get to go home. He got stabilized, they ran tests, and then they told him. Boss Dahey had a brain tumor.
My Dahey called me from work when he had the first seizure. I knew it was probably something unusual. When he called me up at work, to tell me the boss had a brain tumor, I told him and his friends, they'd just have to wait until the workup was done. There are lots of brain tumors.
It turns out Boss Dahey's brain tumors were mets. From the nasty mole he procrastinated on. Boss Dahey had metastatic melanoma. When my Dahey told me what the stage was (he always asks), I knew it was not good. He was Stage 4. Needless to say, this scared a lot of Dahey's coworkers.
Boss Dahey showed up a couple of times at work after he was diagnosed, but after two days, he went home. He was accepted into an NIH trial at World Renown Hospital. His prognosis was six months. Boss Dahey made it to seven.
As terrible as everything was, a lot of good came out of Boss Dahey's short time. He reunited with his family. He married his girlfriend. His friend from North Dakota came and visited him every time he could during that time (which was about four times). He settled his affairs and arranged this party we attended. The management at Dahey's work is being more flexible about letting staff leave early or take time off for medical appointments. They never realized that the macho attitude Boss Dahey exhibited made people afraid to take time off until the staff told them.
Boss Dahey bought Jameson whisky which he wanted used in a toast to celebrate everyone being together. We raised our glasses in a toast to Boss Dahey. As we left the gathering, I thought of this Irish blessing:
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in
the hollow of His hand.
We left into the sunshine of a beautiful day, and the soft rain came just as we were rolling up to our house.
RIP Boss Dahey. Until we meet again...
However, on this beautiful day, we loaded Bubba up in the family truckster and we traveled about an hour from our home in RehabLand up the river to celebrate Boss Dahey's life at an Irish wake. His family rented a big hall, they had lots of food, and Boss Dahey was there: in a Chicago White Sox urn.
Boss Dahey lost his life at 52 recently because he had a hard head and procrastinated. His doctor told him he didn't like a mole he showed him in May and that he should see a specialist. Boss Dahey figured he'd do it later, but later never came. Boss Dahey was tough.
Right before the holidays, Boss Dahey had a seizure, which he had never done before. He was checked up, then sent home until he could see a specialist the next week. On the weekend, he had another seizure at home and he coded. His girlfriend saved him. This time, he didn't get to go home. He got stabilized, they ran tests, and then they told him. Boss Dahey had a brain tumor.
My Dahey called me from work when he had the first seizure. I knew it was probably something unusual. When he called me up at work, to tell me the boss had a brain tumor, I told him and his friends, they'd just have to wait until the workup was done. There are lots of brain tumors.
It turns out Boss Dahey's brain tumors were mets. From the nasty mole he procrastinated on. Boss Dahey had metastatic melanoma. When my Dahey told me what the stage was (he always asks), I knew it was not good. He was Stage 4. Needless to say, this scared a lot of Dahey's coworkers.
Boss Dahey showed up a couple of times at work after he was diagnosed, but after two days, he went home. He was accepted into an NIH trial at World Renown Hospital. His prognosis was six months. Boss Dahey made it to seven.
As terrible as everything was, a lot of good came out of Boss Dahey's short time. He reunited with his family. He married his girlfriend. His friend from North Dakota came and visited him every time he could during that time (which was about four times). He settled his affairs and arranged this party we attended. The management at Dahey's work is being more flexible about letting staff leave early or take time off for medical appointments. They never realized that the macho attitude Boss Dahey exhibited made people afraid to take time off until the staff told them.
Boss Dahey bought Jameson whisky which he wanted used in a toast to celebrate everyone being together. We raised our glasses in a toast to Boss Dahey. As we left the gathering, I thought of this Irish blessing:
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in
the hollow of His hand.
We left into the sunshine of a beautiful day, and the soft rain came just as we were rolling up to our house.
RIP Boss Dahey. Until we meet again...
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
I'm still a kid
When I think of that day 30 odd years ago. I was on my way to school. I knew my mother was dying of cancer, but I didn't realize that I wouldn't make it there before she did.
I came into my grandmother's house and all I heard were laments. My father was silent and hugged us. He let my brother and I see Mom before my uncle called his friends at work (who were the undertakers). My father was always the one who was there, when his mother and his wife died.
My grandma was a mess. My mother was her youngest child.
There are a lot of things that are a blur, but a lot of things I will never forget. I learned much later that I could spend all my time thinking about the horrible things a teenager could have to witness (the stretcher, the body bag, the death rattle), or I could choose to remember the things my mother left me.
Her happy disposition despite many trials. Her stubbornness and relentlessness to see things right. Her wavy hair that always curled when you wanted and sometimes, when you didn't. Her enjoyment of the little things in life, like the salami sandwiches from our town's Italian section. The jello (red and green) that Santa left us at Christmastime.
My mother also left me her faith. Her faith that we are all actors in our own story and a little divine intervention never hurts. Sometimes we need to help and be helped. Those traditions of perseverance were more helpful than I ever knew later in life.
So while my mom is no longer here to be celebrated, I look every day for the places where she left her mark on my life. And I see her every day. I put a photo of happy times on my refrigerator, so I remember that. She and Dad took us to get family photos. It was the last group family photo we would get.
So I can mourn this day, or I can live it as Mom would want me to do. My mother always wanted me to be a nurse, so I know somewhere in Heaven she smiles. Even with my detours and stubbornness, she got her wish.
I came into my grandmother's house and all I heard were laments. My father was silent and hugged us. He let my brother and I see Mom before my uncle called his friends at work (who were the undertakers). My father was always the one who was there, when his mother and his wife died.
My grandma was a mess. My mother was her youngest child.
There are a lot of things that are a blur, but a lot of things I will never forget. I learned much later that I could spend all my time thinking about the horrible things a teenager could have to witness (the stretcher, the body bag, the death rattle), or I could choose to remember the things my mother left me.
Her happy disposition despite many trials. Her stubbornness and relentlessness to see things right. Her wavy hair that always curled when you wanted and sometimes, when you didn't. Her enjoyment of the little things in life, like the salami sandwiches from our town's Italian section. The jello (red and green) that Santa left us at Christmastime.
My mother also left me her faith. Her faith that we are all actors in our own story and a little divine intervention never hurts. Sometimes we need to help and be helped. Those traditions of perseverance were more helpful than I ever knew later in life.
So while my mom is no longer here to be celebrated, I look every day for the places where she left her mark on my life. And I see her every day. I put a photo of happy times on my refrigerator, so I remember that. She and Dad took us to get family photos. It was the last group family photo we would get.
So I can mourn this day, or I can live it as Mom would want me to do. My mother always wanted me to be a nurse, so I know somewhere in Heaven she smiles. Even with my detours and stubbornness, she got her wish.
Friday, February 12, 2016
TGIF (for so many reasons)
Yes, I'm thankful it's Friday because I don't have to work on Monday. Happy long weekend to all of you fortunate enough to be able to celebrate our country's presidents Monday.
I have been doing research for another conference abstract (the story of my life lately) so I've managed to find some interesting articles, including this one on writing a good one. Some of these are even appropriate for the abstracts. Here are a few of the ones I found below.
While I'm not looking for a job right now, I try to keep my reference list up to date. This article talks about how to ask references the right questions to get good information on candidates. While I don't actually check the references, I have interviewed people. One of the folks I interviewed provided us a list of references to check. Surprisingly, the candidate's name and phone number was on his/her list. It gave me a chuckle, as the other interviewers didn't immediately pick up on this. This got said applicant in my "Interesting Interviews Hall of Fame".
The end of this week was sad, though. One of the national folks for our program died suddenly this past weekend just as he was getting ready to watch the Super Bowl. His team won, so despite everything, there were a few smiles knowing that. He was not old and it was not expected.
We found out that one of our coworkers has a family member with cancer. What makes it worse is that it's a child. Being new at the Hotel is crazy enough, then to have your family member have cancer is just awful.
These moments remind us all to be grateful for health. It's never guaranteed.
Until next time...
I have been doing research for another conference abstract (the story of my life lately) so I've managed to find some interesting articles, including this one on writing a good one. Some of these are even appropriate for the abstracts. Here are a few of the ones I found below.
While I'm not looking for a job right now, I try to keep my reference list up to date. This article talks about how to ask references the right questions to get good information on candidates. While I don't actually check the references, I have interviewed people. One of the folks I interviewed provided us a list of references to check. Surprisingly, the candidate's name and phone number was on his/her list. It gave me a chuckle, as the other interviewers didn't immediately pick up on this. This got said applicant in my "Interesting Interviews Hall of Fame".
The end of this week was sad, though. One of the national folks for our program died suddenly this past weekend just as he was getting ready to watch the Super Bowl. His team won, so despite everything, there were a few smiles knowing that. He was not old and it was not expected.
We found out that one of our coworkers has a family member with cancer. What makes it worse is that it's a child. Being new at the Hotel is crazy enough, then to have your family member have cancer is just awful.
These moments remind us all to be grateful for health. It's never guaranteed.
Until next time...
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Interesting rehab conference in June
If you rehab cancer patients on your rehab unit, you may want to check it out. This is going to be free and located at the NIH in Bethesda, MD.
I may have to see if I can escape to go!
That is all...super busy week. Lots more stories on tap, but will have to sit down long enough to process, then tell them.
I may have to see if I can escape to go!
That is all...super busy week. Lots more stories on tap, but will have to sit down long enough to process, then tell them.
Friday, January 2, 2015
Bad luck? Perhaps
As we sent one rehab patient to hospice recently, I read this article from the BBC with much chagrin.
Could our patient Mr. Z really have just had bad luck? Could that mutation have been stopped before it metastasized all over and sent him to rehab?
One commenter said, "Mutations get all the bad press."
Fine time they should! Lifestyle changes are important, but as the saying goes, sometimes you do everything right, and something goes wrong. I have a litany of relatives who've been burdened with these cancers by fluke, food and lifestyle. Horrible disfigurement and shortened lives make for a story, but try telling that to kids growing up without parents, families suffering from impenetrable sadness and loss.
Knowing we got him on his way, no matter how long our little bit lasted, with a little more dignity, is a very good thing.
Stay tuned...
Could our patient Mr. Z really have just had bad luck? Could that mutation have been stopped before it metastasized all over and sent him to rehab?
One commenter said, "Mutations get all the bad press."
Fine time they should! Lifestyle changes are important, but as the saying goes, sometimes you do everything right, and something goes wrong. I have a litany of relatives who've been burdened with these cancers by fluke, food and lifestyle. Horrible disfigurement and shortened lives make for a story, but try telling that to kids growing up without parents, families suffering from impenetrable sadness and loss.
Knowing we got him on his way, no matter how long our little bit lasted, with a little more dignity, is a very good thing.
Stay tuned...
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Giving Tuesday
Yes, after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday sounds like another crazy day.
However, it is what you make of it.
I challenge you, readers, to go out and give your time, talent or treasure to your favorite local, regional, national or international group. Start today and make it a habit. Dahey and I are in our 15th year supporting many groups from religious organizations to housing corporations to food security and holiday giving groups. One of our favorites is this one for war veterans (amputees, spinal cord injury, or TBI) which we found when a local guy was raising money for his house. See, rehab related!
Not sure who to pick? Check sites such as Charity Navigator or Charity Watch. Ask questions, too, like how much of my donation actually goes to research, your target audience, etc. Who cares about pretty stationery if they spend too much on what they mail you!
Pick charities that work with your own beliefs, philosophies, and who give a large portion of their donations directly to folks in need. Check with your tax adviser re:deductions.
All in all, give whatever you can today whether it is your time, talent or treasure, and don't forget to share your #unselfie.
It is greatly appreciated.
Stay tuned...
However, it is what you make of it.
I challenge you, readers, to go out and give your time, talent or treasure to your favorite local, regional, national or international group. Start today and make it a habit. Dahey and I are in our 15th year supporting many groups from religious organizations to housing corporations to food security and holiday giving groups. One of our favorites is this one for war veterans (amputees, spinal cord injury, or TBI) which we found when a local guy was raising money for his house. See, rehab related!
Not sure who to pick? Check sites such as Charity Navigator or Charity Watch. Ask questions, too, like how much of my donation actually goes to research, your target audience, etc. Who cares about pretty stationery if they spend too much on what they mail you!
Pick charities that work with your own beliefs, philosophies, and who give a large portion of their donations directly to folks in need. Check with your tax adviser re:deductions.
All in all, give whatever you can today whether it is your time, talent or treasure, and don't forget to share your #unselfie.
It is greatly appreciated.
Stay tuned...
Monday, November 17, 2014
Preaching to the choir
Most people don't think about death happening in rehab, but it does. Probably more often than you know. Right now, we're rehabbing a patient who has been seeing palliative care.
It may not happen immediately on a unit, but we prepare as if it might.
I read this recent article on death from author Suzanne Gordon with more than a passing interest. It hits home to me. Sometimes I wonder why we let people get set up for false hope. Is it so we have a rehab goal for therapy? Is it so we might record a FIM gain?
Or is it because, we're just like everyone else. We don't want to be the "bad guy". If we tell the truth, we could be the bad guy and make the patient and/or his her family upset.
But if we perpetuate the illusion of hope, aren't we stealing the shred of truth the patient relies on us to give him or her?
It makes me wonder...more later.
It may not happen immediately on a unit, but we prepare as if it might.
I read this recent article on death from author Suzanne Gordon with more than a passing interest. It hits home to me. Sometimes I wonder why we let people get set up for false hope. Is it so we have a rehab goal for therapy? Is it so we might record a FIM gain?
Or is it because, we're just like everyone else. We don't want to be the "bad guy". If we tell the truth, we could be the bad guy and make the patient and/or his her family upset.
But if we perpetuate the illusion of hope, aren't we stealing the shred of truth the patient relies on us to give him or her?
It makes me wonder...more later.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
In the news
Since I'm taking a break, I thought I'd have a look at the latest health news.
Here are a few that caught my eye. Hope you enjoy.
What not to say (from www.cnn.com)
Um, yes, some things really ARE important enough to not be busy for, Mr. Professional Basketball Player. Cancer doesn't give a rat's (fill in your favorite anatomical part) who you are.
A hypoglycemia dilemma (from www.nytimes.com)
This interested me, because I often feel hypoglycemic. Think you can figure out this dilemma? Check it out.
A different type of dilemma if you have back pain (from webmd.com)
Steroid injections may help some folks with back pain...or not. Read more here to learn more about a recent study.
Just another reason (also webmd.com)
Please be careful with supplements! Bee pollen for weight loss could cause other potentially life-threatening conditions, even if it sounds like a good solution for you.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Happy weekend all!
Here are a few that caught my eye. Hope you enjoy.
What not to say (from www.cnn.com)
Um, yes, some things really ARE important enough to not be busy for, Mr. Professional Basketball Player. Cancer doesn't give a rat's (fill in your favorite anatomical part) who you are.
A hypoglycemia dilemma (from www.nytimes.com)
This interested me, because I often feel hypoglycemic. Think you can figure out this dilemma? Check it out.
A different type of dilemma if you have back pain (from webmd.com)
Steroid injections may help some folks with back pain...or not. Read more here to learn more about a recent study.
Just another reason (also webmd.com)
Please be careful with supplements! Bee pollen for weight loss could cause other potentially life-threatening conditions, even if it sounds like a good solution for you.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Happy weekend all!
Monday, March 10, 2014
Sniff it out
A few studies have noted the ability of dogs to correctly diagnose cancer in some people.
It's just amazing now that scientists have figured out how to replicate this with devices.
Wonders never cease.
Happy Monday!
It's just amazing now that scientists have figured out how to replicate this with devices.
Wonders never cease.
Happy Monday!
Monday, January 27, 2014
I think of arm wrestling
Or a juxtaposition of life where you wonder about things. For entertainment purposes, I checked out some interesting books at the library. The latest one: You are a badass: How to stop doubting your greatness and start living an awesome life.
Yes, this is indeed a book title. I didn't make it up.
When I read this opinion piece in the New York Times recently, it struck me for a few reasons. One, it's written by a doctor. Two, it's written by a young doctor with cancer. Three, it reminds me of a character at the Hotel struggling with his own diagnosis.
We can't give him time. We can only tell him that if he gets treated, he will most likely be cured. If he delays, he jeopardizes that chance of living until his grandchildren graduate from school.
He's cheated death a few times, so maybe he's jaded. Or maybe he'd just believe us if we could give him a number.
We can't.
So he's just going, as Becket says, to keep not going, and going along.
Yes, this is indeed a book title. I didn't make it up.
When I read this opinion piece in the New York Times recently, it struck me for a few reasons. One, it's written by a doctor. Two, it's written by a young doctor with cancer. Three, it reminds me of a character at the Hotel struggling with his own diagnosis.
We can't give him time. We can only tell him that if he gets treated, he will most likely be cured. If he delays, he jeopardizes that chance of living until his grandchildren graduate from school.
He's cheated death a few times, so maybe he's jaded. Or maybe he'd just believe us if we could give him a number.
We can't.
So he's just going, as Becket says, to keep not going, and going along.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
When you're the unforgettable one
I have heard a lot of stories about unforgettable patients. I've even told a few of my own. Today, I'm reminded of how I was one of those unforgettable people.
Dr. L. was my mother's doctor. For a time, he was the family doctor of many of the folks within 30 miles of our home. Doc L. was an old school doctor. He did everything--house calls, delivering babies, you name it. He was in World War II and told my husband about a condition called jeepitis, or Jeep disease. It had a real name, though, by the time Dahey got it in the military.
Dr. L. was also my grandparents doctor. They loved him.
How did I get to be unforgettable, you ask? My mother was his patient. We were at a family gathering after Dahey and I got married when we saw him again (Dr. L. eventually married into the family after he was widowed).
Dr. L. pulled us aside and said, "You know, I've never told you this, RehabRN, but I'll never forget your mother. I will never forget the day I had to tell her she had cancer. All the thoughts going through my head and thinking about your dad and you kids. I have to say that in all my years of practice, it was the hardest thing I ever had to do."
"But I'm here right now, and I look at all of you, and everything that has happened, and I see that you all turned out alright. That everything turned out for the best. And I am happy I am here to see it."
Today, we said goodbye to Dr. L. Family and friends gathered at the chapel of the local nursing home run by the good sisters. The sister who ran the nursing home told us Dr. L. was a lot of fun to work with. He also was the sisters' doctor for many years, coming to see them on his day off.
It was his wish to have the sisters send him off from their place, since he spent time there and enjoyed their chapel. He was then buried at the local cemetery with military honors, on a beautiful, windswept hill, near a wood.
The rain that was predicted never came, but the sunny skies made us all give thanks for the light he was in all of our lives.
Godspeed Dr. L. I certainly won't forget you, either.
Dr. L. was my mother's doctor. For a time, he was the family doctor of many of the folks within 30 miles of our home. Doc L. was an old school doctor. He did everything--house calls, delivering babies, you name it. He was in World War II and told my husband about a condition called jeepitis, or Jeep disease. It had a real name, though, by the time Dahey got it in the military.
Dr. L. was also my grandparents doctor. They loved him.
How did I get to be unforgettable, you ask? My mother was his patient. We were at a family gathering after Dahey and I got married when we saw him again (Dr. L. eventually married into the family after he was widowed).
Dr. L. pulled us aside and said, "You know, I've never told you this, RehabRN, but I'll never forget your mother. I will never forget the day I had to tell her she had cancer. All the thoughts going through my head and thinking about your dad and you kids. I have to say that in all my years of practice, it was the hardest thing I ever had to do."
"But I'm here right now, and I look at all of you, and everything that has happened, and I see that you all turned out alright. That everything turned out for the best. And I am happy I am here to see it."
Today, we said goodbye to Dr. L. Family and friends gathered at the chapel of the local nursing home run by the good sisters. The sister who ran the nursing home told us Dr. L. was a lot of fun to work with. He also was the sisters' doctor for many years, coming to see them on his day off.
It was his wish to have the sisters send him off from their place, since he spent time there and enjoyed their chapel. He was then buried at the local cemetery with military honors, on a beautiful, windswept hill, near a wood.
The rain that was predicted never came, but the sunny skies made us all give thanks for the light he was in all of our lives.
Godspeed Dr. L. I certainly won't forget you, either.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Gender bender
A sad story about an upcoming clinical trial to fight cancer.
We are going places in healthcare we never dreamed of going and sometimes we can't keep up.
We are going places in healthcare we never dreamed of going and sometimes we can't keep up.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Marketing fail
I know it's October, I know Breast Cancer Awareness is why we are seeing pink everywhere.
However, I had no idea that this pink bracelet was discussing another rather uncomfortable female affliction until I read Dr. Rupe's blog.
Yes, I may have suffered this affliction after I had Bubba, but there's no way, I'd wear a bracelet so I can tell the world.
Before you know it, I guess they'll have a brown bracelet for constipation awareness.
The possibilities are endless...
However, I had no idea that this pink bracelet was discussing another rather uncomfortable female affliction until I read Dr. Rupe's blog.
Yes, I may have suffered this affliction after I had Bubba, but there's no way, I'd wear a bracelet so I can tell the world.
Before you know it, I guess they'll have a brown bracelet for constipation awareness.
The possibilities are endless...
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Yes, it is
This really was the saddest thing I read about the government shutdown.
My cousin's post that both she and her husband got furloughed today was the other sad one. They are both healthy and prepared, so while it's not fun, they will endure.
I just wonder if those kids will, too.
More to come...
My cousin's post that both she and her husband got furloughed today was the other sad one. They are both healthy and prepared, so while it's not fun, they will endure.
I just wonder if those kids will, too.
More to come...
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
I thought it was a crank call
I got a call recently that I almost blew off.
By mistake, our switchboard operator sent me a call meant for the lady next door. Our patient, Mr. Z. raved and raved about her. She was just the best and gave me her card, but I lost it, he said, so they transferred me to you.
I tried to get out that I was not the person he was looking for, but Mr. Z. said, "That's okay. If you can help me later by telling her, I'm fine."
So I listened.
Mr. Z. had been a patient in the last year and really enjoyed his stay. He was in the building next door. They offered him stuff to take home, but he declined saying, "Oh, I don't really need it. I'd rather help someone else." During the call, Mr. Z said, "I'm dying of cancer. I'm in hospice. I'd just like that lady to send me one of those recreation kits I told her I didn't want when I was there."
I verified his story. It was all true. I was mortified that I thought this guy was a prankster. I promised Mr. Z. I'd take care of what he needed and call her myself. She wasn't there, so I sent a quick e-mail.
She replied. The kits went out in the mail today and she called to let him know. One phone call leads to one e-mail to one package in the mail.
One last request and I could have blown it, but I got a reprieve, and in a crazy chain of events, I helped make a dying man's dream come true.
Wow...
By mistake, our switchboard operator sent me a call meant for the lady next door. Our patient, Mr. Z. raved and raved about her. She was just the best and gave me her card, but I lost it, he said, so they transferred me to you.
I tried to get out that I was not the person he was looking for, but Mr. Z. said, "That's okay. If you can help me later by telling her, I'm fine."
So I listened.
Mr. Z. had been a patient in the last year and really enjoyed his stay. He was in the building next door. They offered him stuff to take home, but he declined saying, "Oh, I don't really need it. I'd rather help someone else." During the call, Mr. Z said, "I'm dying of cancer. I'm in hospice. I'd just like that lady to send me one of those recreation kits I told her I didn't want when I was there."
I verified his story. It was all true. I was mortified that I thought this guy was a prankster. I promised Mr. Z. I'd take care of what he needed and call her myself. She wasn't there, so I sent a quick e-mail.
She replied. The kits went out in the mail today and she called to let him know. One phone call leads to one e-mail to one package in the mail.
One last request and I could have blown it, but I got a reprieve, and in a crazy chain of events, I helped make a dying man's dream come true.
Wow...
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
The world of science
Science is so amazing these days.
According to a recent BBC article, bladder cancer in men may be detectable by using a urine odor test. So, if you have folks with smelly urine, they could, according to researchers have cancer.
If smelly urine is not enough, how about those folks with the purple catheter bags?
Definitely a sight to be seen....stay tuned.
According to a recent BBC article, bladder cancer in men may be detectable by using a urine odor test. So, if you have folks with smelly urine, they could, according to researchers have cancer.
If smelly urine is not enough, how about those folks with the purple catheter bags?
Definitely a sight to be seen....stay tuned.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
A video you won't want to miss
Doctors often talk about being a patient, but you'll be amazed by this physician.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
A helluva story
Maybe it just take someone who became Lara Croft onscreen to tackle an issue like prophylactic mastectomy. Angelina Jolie lit up the internet today with an op-ed about her experience having the BRCA-1 gene, a mother with cancer and her own double mastectomy.
I enjoyed reading it. While both my parents had cancer (one died from it), I am constantly reminded of my own risks. Modern medicine can now present the tests to see if the genie really is in the bottle (inside us.)
Sometimes, it just takes a lot of fortitude to be able to open it.
More to come...
I enjoyed reading it. While both my parents had cancer (one died from it), I am constantly reminded of my own risks. Modern medicine can now present the tests to see if the genie really is in the bottle (inside us.)
Sometimes, it just takes a lot of fortitude to be able to open it.
More to come...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)