Anne

On Saturday a family friend passed away. Anne was diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma a year and a half ago. She went through several different chemotherapy regimens, biochemotherapy, radiation, cyberknife, and essentially exhausted her options. She fought an amazing fight, and I have been so impressed as I have heard bits and pieces.
I first met Anne through her sister Mary, one of my best friends and pretty much a sister. Over the 14 or 15 years since I have known Mary, I have met several of her family members. When Anne and Ward were newly weds, they came and stayed with me and my siblings while my parents were on vacation. I remember Anne teaching us sign language she had learned from a class, telling us some dating stories, job stories, embarrassing moments, and more.
My heart aches for Ward and his 3 beautiful girls, his family and Anne's family. What a heart wrenching thing to have to endure. But I am reminded of the gift of the Atonement, that a loving Father in Heaven provided for each of us if we will take advantage of it.

New Job!

Well, this week I started my new job at the Cancer Clinic! I somehow survived!!! Actually, I think it's going to be a great job for me. Everyone has been very nice and welcoming, willing to answer questions. I have been learning all kinds of things about cancer that I never knew, especially the chemo meds and other meds.

My job includes starting IV's, accessing port-a-caths, drawing blood, giving chemo and other medications. Eventually I will start mixing medications. It's been interesting to see the beginning to the end, because we are responsible for scheduling appointments, working with doctors, drawing blood, working with the doctors, giving the meds and treatments, charting, and billing.

The most frustrating part about this new job has been missing IV's. In the ER, I am usually pretty good and am able to put 16, 18, and 20 gauge needles in any vein. The cancer clinic uses 22 and 24 gauge needles (small), but a whole different system than I am used to. I have been misisng or blowing IV's over and over, and am so frustrated. Everyone says this is normal and an adjustment, so hopefully I will figure it out soon! And I must say the Ports are awesome!

I am still working one day a week in the ER, which is awesome because I still love it there and it will probably always be my favorite place! There is nothing else like being an ER nurse with top notch skills and constant change and excitement! I love the new schedule with my new job! Getting off at a decent hour rocks...I get so much done at night. Waking up early in the morning is awesome...get to get out and smell the roses. Another perk at the clinic is that drug reps bring in lunch everyday and they don't subtract any time for lunch! So, I will stay updated with how the new jobs goes!