Monday: my last day on Dermatology - filled with lots of tears and lots of laughs. Once my manager gets approval from HR, I hope to stay supplemental to pick up extra hours if I'm needed. Already, I miss some of the patients, but I can't say I really miss the smell of tar.
Tuesday: I had an ENT follow up appointment since my benign tumor was removed from my parotid gland. Everything looks good and my "smile nerve" is almost back to normal. They still want me to follow up in 6 months to make sure that no new tumors have developed.
Steve had blood work scheduled that same morning, and Steve's dad graciously got him to the appointment and I caught up with them later. Since my last post, Steve's health rapidly deteriorated due to severe dehydration. He was so weak that he could hardly get up our stairs and needed to be escorted in a wheelchair. The nausea and vomiting was pretty bad too, so much that he was really only able to keep his medications down. We met with his GI doctor that afternoon and were directed to report to the ER to be evaluated. His potassium was dangerously elevated and sodium level was so low that he needed to be on a heart monitored bed. We were relieved that Steve was being admitted because we really didn't know what more we could do at home.
Wednesday: FIRST DAY IN THE ALLERGY DEPARTMENT!! Initally, I thought starting a new job in the midst of Steve's health problems may not have been the best or wisest decision, but God knew better! He knew I needed this job! I had probably one of the best days ever at work. The staff is amazingly supportive, encouraging, and friendly. I can't remember a time where I've felt so welcome and appreciated! The work is fascinating to me... did you know that there are over 18 different molds that we test a patient to? The patients are phenomenal... my manager is awesome and completely understands the challenges of taking care of an ill spouse and having a two year old at home. AND... I get a half an hour break in the morning AND an hour lunch break!!! (on my old floor, it was rare for me to get a full 30 minute lunch). During orientation, I'll primarily start working 4 hour days and after a couple months transition to 8 hour days part time.
After work, I picked up Amaya and we went to visit Steve in the hospital. (It's a little unnerving that Amaya knows her way around St. Mary's better than most people.) Steve looked absolutely awesome and was even able to take two short walks while we were there. He was feeling pretty good and tolerating solids. They did an endoscopy which we were relieved to find that it was normal.
Thursday: Half day on Allergy - My first day was primarily observation and today my preceptor asked if I wanted to observe more or dive into my first skin test. Of course - I wanted to dive right on in! The first skin test they want me to master is called the Basic Northern. We test patients to 7 different animals (cats, cattle, dogs, cockroaches, two different dust mites, and horses), 18 different molds, 11 different trees, 4 different grasses and 3 different weeds. It's absolutely fascinating to see the amount of allergens that they can test to! The day FLEW by and can't wait to go back on Monday!
After work, I picked up Amaya and visited Steve. He continues to improve and tolerate more foods, although he had quite a bit of gas pain last evening. Looks like the doctors will probably release him from the hospital either tomorrow or Saturday. They aren't in any rush to discharge him as they want to make sure he won't get dehydrated again.
TOMORROW! Amaya has preschool in the morning! When I get around to it, I'll post her first day of preschool pictures and schedule. She must really like her teacher, because every so often, I'll hear her talking about Mrs. Parker. Grandma and Grandpa Gustafson are going with us so they know how to drop Amaya off and pick her up on the days that I work. Eventually, once my schedule settles down and once her teacher wants volunteers, I'll probably help out when I can.
Upcoming week.... Steve hopes to return to his internship Monday - Friday ... I work Monday - Friday 8am-noon... Amaya starts swimming class on Monday night... I have a work party on Wednesday evening... Bible Study resumes on Thursday - I signed up for the evening session instead of the morning like I've done the past 3 years... it just wasn't going to work with my schedule at work... and preschool again for Amaya on Friday.
Thank you once again for all of the prayers and e-mails of encouragement. And a huge thank you to my parents and Steve's parents for playing with Amaya so much. We couldn't have made it through this week with the love and support of our friends and family and without God's strength!