Sunday, October 26, 2008

Sometimes you don't get a break...

It seems like the younger crowd has been requesting me lately. I don't mind on one hand because they are definitely much more lively than some and their endurance amazes me. But I tend to get attached to them easier.

I can think of several movies, such as "Dying Young," based on a couple dating and one has cancer and ultimately ends up dying. I feel like I stepped into one of these movies with the youngest patient I've had on this floor. His girlfriend has been absolutely beyond amazing. Since he has relapsed almost a month ago, she has been at his bedside with his parents. You can tell this couple are so in love and enjoy each others' company.

After having this patient for 3 weeks, we had to send him home on hospice yesterday to fulfill his father's promise that he would go home whether in remission or not. Though it absolutely swamped me with it being on a weekend, it was worth hearing his dad was able to fulfill his promise to his son.

This week has been emotionally exhausting, having a 21 year old patient pass away n Monday and an 18 year old go home on hospice yesterday. Maybe when I return on Thursday, I'll have a break?

Monday, October 20, 2008

What do you say?

I am often reminded of something a patient's husband said when she passed away: "I have never felt so much peace and heartache at the same time."

Even though I have been in oncology nursing for over 2 years now, I still cannot say I know what to say when a family loses their loved ones. Each family is unique and grieves in its own way.

Rest in peace, Amber. You are already missed by so many...

Sunday, October 19, 2008

What a weekend!

On Friday, I drove up to Lerna, IL to visit a former roommate of mine. I had such a good time remembering senior year and the hell we're not in anymore (nursing school). She is in the process of remodeling her house with her husband and it looks wonderful so far! I think she needs to come and decorate my house when she's done with hers! ;-) Thanks for the wonderful visit Tricia and Nathan!

On Saturday, I went to Amber and Jason's wedding in Hazel Dell, IL. It was such a beautiful wedding! The bride was so beautiful! The reception was beautiful as well- it was on Jason's family property with a lake and all. There were tents set up as well as 3 separate bonfires by the lake to keep warm throughout the night. It was definitely not like any other reception I've been to! Definitely a good night!




I came home today and I pulled into my neighborhood. As I am driving in, I saw one of my neighbors also decorated for Halloween by putting a scarecrow and a wreath made of autumn leaves out. As I pull closer, I realized it's my house! The scarecrow and the autumn leave wreath was joining my little bale of hay and pumpkin that were already on my porch! I knew my parents did it for me. As I pull around the back of my complex to get to my garage, I realize there's this bright green bucket sitting in someone's lawn. As I get closer and closer, I realize it's in MY yard. Then I saw plants galore. My parents were getting my garden set up for me! :-) That's not all either. I proceed to open my garage door to pull my car in and let's just say my car never made it in. My mouth dropped open. My bike that I have not ridden in 10 years is hanging on the ceiling and I have two large shelves (very much needed!) hanging in my garage! I was absolutely floored. After a minute of standing there speechless, my parents pulled up to my driveway and surprised me. Needless to say, this was a wonderful surprise! My house looks so beautiful on the outside now! I just need to work on the inside now...

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Last 4 day stretch at work...

For now...

For the last 2.5 weeks, I have been working 4 days, off one day, working another 4 days, off one, and working another 4 days. It's pure exhaustion!

I was able to take time after working on Friday to attend the Bachlorette party for Amber and Ashley, some of my coworkers on 6900. It was so much fun hanging out with my friends from work and definitely fun to be doing something not work-related!




Friday, October 3, 2008

Roadtrip...

Here's the pictures from North Carolina!