Catch up time

I feel like sometimes my work has taken over my life. This time of year it has taken over in a huge way. As some of you know, I am the Employee Health Nurse and Infection Control Officer for our community hospital. With 357 employees, the Employee Health Nurse is job security alone. With flu season, that responsibility magifies 100 times. Not only have I been giving the seasonal flu injection to all staff, but the H1N1 to front line staff (Emergency staff, registration, lab, radiology, etc). My office has become a revolving doorway. I have huge stacks of required government paperwork to complete and getting logged into the Ohio Department of Health's website, and then turn around and file it in their individual health files. Busy Busy Busy -- I do have to say how proud of I am of our staff. They are stepping up to the plate and taking the seasonal and H1N1 vaccinations to protect themselves, their co-workers, their families, and their patients. Have you got yours?????

My Dad is settling into the Alzheimer's unit at the VA facility in Ardmore. He gets regular visits from my sister and her husband, my uncle, and my Mom. We've all had adjustments to be made in routines, but overall, I believe we've all come out stronger. My sister is getting her chaotic life back in some order and has more weekend time to rest and refresh. My Mom has made decisions that I thought she would never have to do. She took ownership of property and has sold the older farm truck that Dad had. She's chosen new siding for her home and had that put on. She's had the driveway gate turned into an electric gate so when she gets home late at night, she doesn't have to get out of her car. She's closed bank accounts and had everything put into one account, she's taken out CD's and paid off her car loan. Through it all, she's found out that it's okay to ask questions and ask what our opinions are. She's learned how to deal with salesmen, banks, and auto mechanics. The only issue left is to help her realize that she has family and friends there for her, all she has to do is ask. Unfortunately, she doesn't quite know how to do that yet. But we are working on it. Finally at the age of 75, my Mom has become more or less her own person.

Back to Dad--I feel so sorry for him. He apparently doesn't sleep, he only naps. At home, Mom structured his day and night for him. She made him go to bed whereas in the unit, if they are up, they're up. He tends to nap only in one of the recliners. His health is starting to gradually improve. His severe Congestive Heart Failure he had when he arrived has eased. He at least can get his shoes on. He was also retaining urine pretty badly. So much so that he was having to be straight cathed to empty his bladder for him. At home, Mom would help him go to the bathroom and make sure he washed his hands, whereas at the unit, he doesn't get that attention. They have him wearing a depends and no one is around to remind him to wash his hands. His clothes, socks, and shoes have been walked away with, some have returned, some have not.
I am also extrememly upset with their family physician in Chickasha who let Dad get to the point that his heart was in Atrial Fibrillation (extrememly irregular and rapid) and in severe congestive heart failure. The doctor at the VA picked up on all this with his initial checkup. I have been a cardiac nurse and there is no way the family physician missed all the typical signs and symptoms unless he was a quack. Now before you get in an uproar, I'm not the only one who thinks this. He tried pulling the wool over my eyes when my mom was sick 2-3 years ago and had to have the heart abaltion, went into renal failure, had an infection and spent the whole month of August except for 4 days in the hospital. He kept wanting to keep her at the small community hospital and he take care of her instead of shipping her back to the city where her heart doctor was. Once I got ahold of him via phone, he knew exactly what I thought, where I stood, and where he should shove it. (Sorry).
At least with my Dad in the VA, I know his new doctor is keeping a closer eye on him.
For those caregivers out there, please continue to keep my family in your thoughts and prayers as I have added each of my new followers to my prayer list. Unless you have been there, there is no way to accuratly describe the daily struggles, heartaches, and feelings that you have to experience. Just know that there is always someone out there who is feeling the same or similar, has gone through what you are going through, or is just beginning to venture into their journey.

Keep safe
Wash your hands
Cover your cough
Laugh Often
Love Most

Connie

Alzheimer's Stinks

Alzheimer's is a horrible disease which not only affects the person with this disease but also affects everyone involved in his care whether direct or indirect. Last Friday, the day after my Dad's 80th birthday, he went to live at the VA Alzheimer's unit in Ardmore, OK. This was a difficult decision for my mother, who has been his primary caregiver for the last couple of years. He went without incident, but only after he was told that this was something his family physician wanted him to do so that more tests could be run on him and he could be monitored for some new medicine. That was enough to satisfy him for the moment. His first full day was without incident, however, his second day, he became his usual argumentative self. I have not called to check on him as yet, simply because my sis and mom have been doing that and giving me an update. Today will be the most difficult for Mom as she will be returning to their home that they built--all alone. She knows this, but I don't think she is totally prepared for the quiet solitude she will feel. Maybe this is what she needs for awhile, simply because Dad has devoured her time 24 hrs a day for the last 2 years. I only hope and pray, she doesn't turn into the hermit her mother did. Please pray she will come to the realization that the mini farm and the huge house is too much for her to handle and she needs to sell and move to a small house in Ardmore where she will be close to Dad and my sister. I truly believe she will, but it's going to take some time.
Meanwhile, I need to muster up the courage to check on my Dad.

It's hard to believe that the summer is almost over. Both of the grandson's are now officially in their "terrible twos". Although I do have to say that thankfully, there has not been all the temper tantrums, usually just the pouting and not wanting to do what you want them to do.
Here are some pictures from Ian's and Gabe's birthday parties.
Ian wasn't too happy with us singing Happy Birthday. He wanted his Cars Cake.



Into the swimming pool after our BBQ and cake and presents



Gabe's Dinosaur cake


All his presents from his huge family.


Relay for Life is over for 2009. Everything went great. Our campsite took third place out of 19 sites. I got to carry the banner in the survivor lap (that's me on the far right),

and the luminary ceremony was touching as always. We sold 204 Messages to Heaven balloons that were released during the ceremony. Although the weather didn't want to cooperate early Saturday morning causing us to tear down early, it was a successful relay. Which means we are closer yet to finding those cures so desperately needed. That way, no one else has to hear those dreaded words "You have cancer".

Plans are already underway for fundraising ideas for 2010. We are thinking of a cookbook (so if anyone knows of a cute front and back cover idea, let me know. The title I think is going to be "Cooking for a Cure".

Independence Day

I know it's a day late, but I hope that everyone had a safe but festive 4th of July. Now more than ever we need to pray for our nation, it's leaders, and ask God's direction for our nation. Way too many decisions are being made that have an impact on us, the average citizen and there is no God involved. I pray for our nation.

Birthdays

This last Saturday was Ian's birthday party. He is my oldest grandson born 2 years ago on June 26th. Cameron and Sarah had a cookout, there was lots of presents for Ian and even one for Gabe (who will turn 2 on July 4th). The boys played well together and even went for a swim. I will transfer pictures and videos from my camera tonight and post them. It was a nice day and everyone had fun.

Progress

I have been so involved with catching up with work responsibilites since returning from vacation, I have not taken the time to update you with any news. As you know, I am the Team Captain this year for our hospital's Relay for Life team. I have a personal goal to raise $750.00 and the team's goal is $10,000. Here is my progress thus far.

Goal: $750.00
Achieved: $355.84

I still have 4 weeks left and will continue to ask, ask, and ask. I understand completely that times are hard and money is tight. Neighbors and friends have been surprisingly generous this year. Now if I can only get family members sending me money


Hope everyone has a wonderful Tuesday.

Back Home

It's good to be home again. We had a wonderful visit with my Mom and Dad, my little sister: Brenda and her hubby Richard, Liz and Jason and their 4 children, as well as getting to talk with my other neice Becky via phone. Can't wait to go back next June for Becky's wedding. It certainly is a long drive-18 hours, but worth it in the long run. We got a lot of little chores done at parent's house. Since Dad has Alzheimer's and Mom's day is spent tending to him and following his every move, it is next to impossible for her to get anything done. Now that his confusion has taken over more than his logical and reasoning ability, we showed her how to start and run the riding lawn mower, use the weedeater, etc.

We came back to overloaded strawberry beds, overgrown lawns, and growing gardens-both flower and vegetable. I'll post pictures later this evening. For now, it's off to my husband's family renunion (from his mother's side).

Memorial Day

I can't believe it's been two weeks since I've posted. Time goes by so fast and days begin to run into each other. We have been so busy here trying to get the garden in and moving perennials around. Here is Rich tilling one of are gardens.


Just a few of our flower beds coming to life this spring.




We will be traveling to Oklahoma to see family-primarily my parents, but I'm so glad we get to spend a weekend with my lil sis. You can keep up with the latest travel news and happenings via my Facebook wall.

Remember to Thank a soldier for protecting our families and homes while remembering those lost who gave their lives doing the same.

Monday and Relay For Life.

I've added additonal information on my Relay For Life site.
Information about our team and the theme for the event is there. Our team goal is $10,000. I know it sounds like a lot of money, but all it takes is $25 to $50 a little bit at a time. And that's how we find a cure for cancer--a little bit at a time. We are closer to that cure and for those of us who are survivors of this dreaded disease, we pray everyday that no one else has to go through the horror of being told you have cancer and going through treatment to stop the growth of cancer cells or to shrink tumors.

All monetary donations are accepted with checks made out to the American Cancer Society. Send to:

Connie Mattingly
278 S Delaware
Mt. Gilead, OH 43338

Wordless Wednesday

Grandson Ian and Gabe, born 1 week apart 23 months ago. Time flies!

I'm playing along

Mine and Rich's wedding day - May 25, 2002

Garden

This weekend turned out to be sunny both days. Since we didn't go camping in anticipation of it being a wet soggy weekend, we took advantage of the sunshine and went to the greenhouse/nursery and bought vegetable and flower plants. Rich finished tilling the garden and we got our tomatoes, okra, peppers, spinach, zucchini, yellow squash, muskmelon, onions, and green beans in. We're trying something new this year. We are going to train the trailing plants to climb cages and a lean-to. We'll see. I'll get pictures posted soon.

Spring

You can certainly tell it's Spring in Ohio. Everything is finally turning back to the green and lush fullness of coming out of the winter dormancy. Another way to tell Spring is here is all the rain. It has rained for the last two days with 5 more days to go before we have clear skies again. This is not good for the basement. Our dehumifier runs non-stop. I really plan on this summer building shelves from our basement rafters and buying enough clear totes to store all our basement treasures in. I hate dealing with wet boxes and spreading an assortment of antiques to dry out. Especially all my vintage linens I have collected over the years. At least I had them wrapped in plastic before storing them in a box.

We did not go camping this weekend because of the rain. That's ok though, I have so much to finish getting done around here. I have one flower bed that needs to be cleaned up and plants divided and rearranged. I may try and get that done today along with a few other items on my "To Do" list.

Basal Cell Removed

OK-I now look like I was hit in the face by a baseball. My forehead is still numb even after 6 hrs, It is pretty swollen and starting to turn black and blue. This is great. I have a diabetic class with 27 enrolled to teach tomorrow night. Oh well, I'll have to let them know it's my battle scars. I definitely will take the huge dressing off my forehead tomorrow morning and put on a bandaid that will blend better. Stitches come out in a week, then no more bandaids.

Manic Monday

It was definitely a manic Monday. As many of you may know, the swine flu is reaching pandemic numbers, primarily in Texas, California, Kansas, and 1 confirmed case here in Ohio. However, as the day wore on, the CDC and the Ohio Department of Health began putting out more alerts that additional suspicious cases have been found in Ohio. We had 2 such cases in our Emergency Department today. The staff was handling everything fine. The doc was getting overly anxious. I moved our portable Hepa filter machine up there to create a negative pressure room, all of our PPE equipment for isolating the patient was brought out. We are prepared. Fortunately for us, both of their tests came back negative. And we are prepared for what tomorrow might bring.
My best advice is don't go out if you are not feeling well. Wear a surgery mask (available from any drug store) to protect other members of your family. Wash your hands often.

Tomorrow is my "surgery" day. I will go to the doctor's office and have the spot on my forehead removed. It is basal cell carcinoma, but the fortunate thing is that not only did he see the basal cells on the slide, but also healthy ones. Hopefully, this means that he won't have to dig too deep, leaving me with a deep scar on my forehead.

Relay For Life

Please take a few minutes and head over to my other blog spot to learn more about my Relay for Life cause.

http://myrelayforlife.blogspot.com/

Take an extra few minutes to forward the information on to another fellow blogger.

Friday

WOW - This week has flown by. I've had several late nights and many long days. I did want to catch you up though about what the dermatologist said. The mole on my forehead is basal cell carcinoma. Apparently, I caught it early because the basal cells were mixed with good cells. This means that I will be going to his office to have the rest of the mole removed and not have to have the specialized laser MOH's procedure. This means less money which is good for me but it means I will probably have a scar. That's not a big deal because he assures me that he can work it in to my forehead wrinkles. :)

Today is our first day at Rustic Knolls campground. They have a website if you would like to look it up. We will be de-winterizing the camper and restocking the shelves with food. At least it's not raining which means that we can pack away the camper cover with it being dry rather than damp. The dogs love going there. I have to keep them trimmed rather short so it's easier to find any ticks that they might have picked up. Frontline helps with the fleas, but for some reason, it doesn't always work on the ticks.

I also signed up on Facebook and have enjoyed reading all my friends posts.
There are many of my co-workers that are on Facebook as well as relatives. I plan on getting my new blackberry phone this next week so I'll be able to keep up with everyone better, even when I'm away from the computer. I look forward to updating my phone and adding email and texting to my plan.

Everyone have a great weekend and be safe.

Week In Review

This has certainly been a busy week at work and at home.

Monday evening was last night of the 12 week Weight Control Classes I teach twice a year. This was a great group: very focused and diligent in maintaining their weekly food diaries, writing weekly goals, and overall just being motivated. The 17 participants regularly attended and the total weight loss for the group was 299.8lbs. WOW. That's two whole people. I take the summer months off, rewrite my program and move topics around, add new recipes, and update information for the weekly topics and start again in September.

Tuesday, I started another round of our squad personnel for their FIT testing for their HEPA masks. At least this group was more focused and realized the seriousness of the procedure. Everyone was on time and had their paperwork completed.

Wednesday, I had an inpatient diabetic consult on the stepdown unit at the hospital where I work. The docs are great about writing for a consult on any diabetics they have admitted. I am a Certified Diabetes Educator, so this not only looks good after my RN title, but is great for local physicians in the surrounding three counties to refer their diabetic patients to me. I am also in the process of developing from the ground up an updated 10 hr diabetes group class, but developing teams within the hospital to help me establish all the policies and paperwork needed to get the program American Diabetes Association recognized. This is about a 2 year process and once this has occurred, then I can start charging for our programs and consults. I also had a student physical to complete for a young man that will be shadowing one of our physical therapists for a few months.

Also on this day, Rich had another follow up visit with the plastic surgeon that did all the grafting of the leg wound last month. The new muscle he put into place is looking good, healing well, and slowly beginning to shrink into place. The leg is still swollen and bruised but not near as much as a month ago.

Also, this is the day I saw my dermatologist and he took biopsies and froze some keratosis (age spots) on my face. I look like I've been through battle. I should have waited another week cause we have a wedding to go to today and I still have some good scabs. I also started putting all our numbers into a spreadsheet for taxes. UGH!

Thursday was meetings off and on during the day. I re-met with the diabetic patient and her family to review specific goals. I also have another round of Squad personnel for FIT testing.

Friday was finishing final touches on new forms and policies to get them to the typist for cleaning them up. I had another student that will be shadowing our finance department and had his physical to do. Made rounds on the unit to check on patients for any infections and then left at 1:00 for tax appointment.

Once that was over, I had to go and buy a gift for the neighbor girl that is getting married this afternoon. Her hubby to be is in the military and after his two weeks are up, he will be deployed to Iraq, so please keep him in your prayers as his job is a dangerous one: defusing mines. Amanda will continue to live at home until he returns home and then she will be moving to North Carolina to be with him. What in the world do I get them for a wedding gift? I purchased a large wedding gift bag and started filling it. I found a kitchen counter holder that has about 30 kitchen items -spatula, grater, whisk, peeler, steak knives, paring knife, etc., a set of bath towels, kitchen towels, dish cloths, and a large pop-up laundry hamper. That should be enough.

I also put together my grandson's Easter buckets.

Those I will deliver to them this weekend also.

Wow! I think that's about enough. Today is chill this morning, wedding this afternoon, deliver Gabes bucket to him.

Skin Care

For the past 4 months, I have had some problems with a relatively small mole on my forehead. It will partially scab, then the scab will fall off leaving a small indentation. Each time, it would do this, the indentation would get deeper. So today, I saw my dermatologist. The likely scenario is that it is Basal Cell Carcinoma. He took a biopsy and I should know the results tomorrow or Friday.

Please pray for good results. As a nurse, I know that Basal Cell Carcinoma is the easiest to treat and is the least likely to reoccur. The treatment for me will most likely be what is called Moh's surgery. This technique, applicable to lesions primarily on the face, seeks to conserve the amount of tissue removed in skin cancer resection. In this special procedure, the skin cancer is shaved off layer by layer and evaluated immediately under the microscope to differentiate the abnormal cells from the normal tissue at the periphery. Moh's surgery assures that all cancerous cells are removed (approximately 99% certainty), and that normal skin is left behind, thereby minimizing the size of any facial defect that needs to be reconstructed. Hopefully mine is not deep and will not require extensive treatment.

My advice is to keep an eye on all your moles. Don't delay in seeking advice from your physician or if you're lucky like me to personally know a dermatologist, go see him/her.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. Approximately 80% of skin cancers are found in the sun-exposed areas of the face, scalp, neck and ears.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common, yet least dangerous, of all skin cancers, often appearing as a pearly, small pimple with broken capillaries on its surface. This is what mine looked like. Not like a typical dark mole. The only difference is that mine didn't have the broken capillaries on the surface which hopefully means that I caught mine early. It can grow deeply beneath the skin into the underlying bone, tissue or cartilage if left untreated.
Also common in sun-exposed areas is squamous cell carcinoma, appearing early as a reddish, crusty lesion. It can invade deeper tissues or, in rare instances, spread to lymph nodes or internal organs if not recognized early.
The most serous form of skin cancer is malignant melanoma, often arising from a previously benign brownish spot or mole. It is curable if treated early but can be fatal if allowed to spread throughout the body.

As a nurse, my best advice is wear sun screen and a hat, even on cloudy days. Stay away from tanning beds and keep an eye on your skin. I think maybe I might go shopping for some new summer hats.

Things in a Jar

I have officially started my Spring cleaning. Today, it's the kitchen. I have an old cupboard that belonged to Rich's grandmother. Inside is cookbooks and on top is a collection of fancy decorated jars with all kinds of wonderful things in them. I've received many of them as gifts while other's I've purchased. I've decided to use two of them tonight. One is for scalloped potatoes with ham and the other is for a German apple cobbler. It's interesting what you find tucked away is the far recesses of a tall cupboard. Finding those treasures started a hunt for a book that I have featuring all sorts of gifts in a jar. Here are three of my favorite ones.

BROWN SUGAR BODY SCRUB
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
Mix well


DRY SKIN FACIAL
1 tbs. dry oatmeal
1/2 mashed ripe banana
2 oz. plain yogurt
Cleanse face, steam, splash with cool water and pat dry.
Massage with the dry oatmeal. Rinse off.
Then apply a mask made by mixing yogurt and banana; spread evenly on face. Leave on for 20 minutes; rinse off.

YOGURT BODY SCRUB
1 tablespoon table salt
1 tablespoon flavored yogurt
3 tablespoons baby oil
Mix in small bowl. Ingredient amounts can vary depending on your taste.
This scrub is wonderful for winter dry skin, especially where the legs are shaved repeatedly. This is not only a dead skin remover but a reconditioner as well. It works well on other body parts as well.

After I'm done with the kitchen today, I wonder what other treasures I might find in other rooms?