The ABC's of Trip Planning, Pt 1- K is for Keeping Things Kooky- Drinks V-Z; pg. 197 + New Link

[Steppesister]

Nap, then replies. Worked from 1:15- 1:30. And I'm sleepy.

 

[franandaj]

Nap, then replies. Worked from 1:15- 1:30. And I'm sleepy.

What 15 minutes of work and you're tired?

 

[Steppesister]

I think you've got another round to go still.
But it would take a bit of luck to catch the front runners now.

Honestly, takes the pressure off somewhat. The last rounds were hard to find the time to put much thought into my answers. It's been a great game and fun to play nonetheless.

Oh.

That's all I got.
Just... "Oh."

Left you speechless, huh. You strike me as the kind of guy who has something to say about most everything.

There's no way I'll remember to watch those. But you never know.
And don't look at me to lead you.
I'd need a lot of practice first.
Still... Having a waltz with you would be worth the effort.
I'll have to ask your DH for permission, though.

He cannot dance worth a crap. I usually go (well, used to, anyway) and dance with whoever asks. The proper etiquette is to ask the lady. If she refuses she may not accept another partner for that dance. AFterwards, he would escort her back to where he found her. Yes, in general it's polite to ask her escort, but mine isn't usually anywhere within 50 miles of dancing. Literally.

You and I have very different ideas of what you nursing me is.

As did my children as infants did as well, I'd imagine.

Those dresses are pretty amazing! So, did you learn different dances to go with the different themes?

I have to check out Sense and Sensibility. I can't remember if I saw it or not - and now I'll know to look for Alan Rickman. I hadn't realized how many things he had been in until he passed, sadly.

No, the club that we went to was mostly older teens/young 20s (I was the old fart mom who just loves to dance.). Every 4 months they'd have a themed ball, one of them is a super fancy ball with live music and our fanciest gowns. But all are danced with the same regency style music and dance. I'll post an example here:

Easy to learn and fun. In between the group sets, there is open music for waltzing, sometimes fast swing, for couples.

Alan was in so many great movies. We watched Galaxy Quest the other night and I laughed so hard! Not the greatest movie, but intentionally so.

Nice work!

Thanks, Mark! Missed you around here! Glad Little Monkey is feeling better!

Congrats!!! Also those dresses are amazing!!! I can't even sew on a button so very impressed!

Thanks! They take weeks to make, but that's all part of the anticipation of the ball- kinda like planning for a Disney Trip!

 

[dglilbit]

Hi Dayna. I'll leave to Liesa to officially welcome you.
But I just wanted to say how much that photo of Evie brings back so many memories of my DD18!

Hi! Glad her picture brought back memories of your DD!

 

[Steppesister]

Ruby always calls it (or in this case, for you I guess, them) Herb the Hematoma.

Awwww, naming injuries. How sweet. My daughter calls her umbilical hernia Navo.

Ouch! I'll take door #1, thanks!

Always a good choice.

And it's even tougher when you've got a DD screaming her head off at the poor nurse...

A very good reason to to NOT go into Pediatric Nursing. At least not a for a LONG time.

Ruby always makes them use a butterfly catheter.
Sometimes they don't listen.
But after trying for ten minutes... they do.

Usually a GREAT idea to listen to our patients. Case in point. Yesterday within 20 minutes of coming on shift, I had a lady who "didn't feel right". She's now in a Critical Cardiac Care Unit after I called 911 and had her transported. I didn't like what I heard when I listened to her heart, but the thing that made me pull the trigger was when she said, "Something's wrong with me, I think I'd best go in." BOOM! Ok, buh-bye.

Wow! Already???

Getting cloooooooser..... I can taste it more and more each day!

Okay. In that case I'll give you a heads up.
I'm posting later tonight.

I saw that you did. But I need to find an hour to devote to reading it. It's my first stop after replies, and a bit more studying.

Oh, why did you have to tell us that!
It was such a terrific picture!!
Still is... but a little less so knowing her reaction was an act.

Well, I couldn't let you all believe that she was actually that terrified of me. (When in reality, she probably was. If my own pain was any indication of how they all feel when missed.)

"Put it in here."
"Where? Here?"
"No here. Where I'm pointing."
"Where? Over here?"
"No! There! There! Where the vein is!"
"Where?"
"Get me out of here!!!!"

LOL! It was a LOT like that! Sadly, Heidi's veins were super deep and I really couldn't see diddly squat.

 

[Steppesister]

Nice going!!!

THANKS!! I needed to get this term started off with a bang! My next exam may not be as great, since now that the term has started I have less time to study. Clinical time now eats that up.

First off, your beautiful!! Secondly, those gowns, amazing!!!!!! I'm in awe of your mad skills

Thank you! I am slowly selling them off, and someday may get back into that. This summer, I need to focus on my new job, and in my spare time, I want to fill my pantry up with home-canned stuff. I really miss canning a lot- and the last several summers I've fizzled on my garden attempts. IN fact, that's a massive understatement. My last 2 gardens were utter failures. But NOT this year! I see many a jar of yummy stuffs bursting my pantry this time around!

Two of my all time favorite movies! I could watch them over and over

Me too!!! The plot depth is amazing! I daresay there is no story (book or movie) that's been made anytime in the last 10 or 20 years (quite possibly more) that has the same richness. Austen was so great at tackling social issues of her time in her class.

Ouch! Practice on each other in Massage Therapy school was much more fun than your practice!

I love to get them, hate to give them. I'm happy there are people I can pay to get one from!

Glad you got it all worked out! I hate needles! I have very small veins and bruise really easily. Back when I was around 20 years old I had a blood test which really bruised me badly and I am very scared about getting blood tests.

I think we all are to some degree or another. It truly hurts most people! But I guess the good news is that they are usually being done to help us get back to being healthier in some fashion. I know if I'm sick I'd want to know the information you can get from analyzing a good old fashioned blood sample.

I'm not sure if I've ever had an IV, although I have administered IV drugs to Fran. The home health nurse put the IV in and I just had to cleanse the line and hook up the bags of Vancomyacin. However, I bruise really easy and this one nurse last year tried (with no success) to take my blood. I left and went back to the place where they are used to me. The funny thing is the bruise I got was very appropriate. I had shared this on FB, but we weren't friends back then, so you never saw it.

Nice work!!! Hanging an IV can be tricky until you get the knack of it. It's even harder when an instructor is watching your every move.

I'm glad you have a regular place you can go to that knows you and the little nuances of how you're made. That certainly gives some continuity of care and because of that, better care. Mine is a nice shade of mixed purple and green now. Doesn't hurt so much now, but the nurses at work last night asked me, "What happened?!".

 

[Steppesister]

Do they teach you the technique where you stick the needle in and just wiggle it around until you draw blood? Or was that just some of my old phlebotomists?

The first time I had blood drawn was the blood tests we needed to get married. I got light headed. Fast forward to crappy kidneys and constant lab work and I could almost draw it myself now. If you need anymore Guinea pigs, I have a variety of challenging veins

No, we weren't allowed to "fish". I know that sometimes that may be an easier thing than just trying again. I really don't know though, having ZERO experience at all. I have SO much to learn, and am certain that my graduating is only the very beginning of another VERY steep learning curve.

You have certainly been a REAL hero for sure! I'd love to come out there and just chit chat at length about transplants and the care you've gotten!

Props to you all - I am guessing that it takes a steady hand, some good depth perception, and some luck. I've been told I have "bad veins", and I believe them, but have mostly good luck with whoever is unlucky enough to get me for labs.

LUCK. A lot of luck. I'm starting to wonder if nurses say "you have bad veins" if they aren't successful right away. I'm not sure, but I think in general, it's a combo of having someone who "has the knack" and a patient with plump juicy veins.

I think IV's are probably the toughest of the hands on skills we as nurses need to learn. Almost two years into practice and I still hate them. Hopefully you have more of a knack for them than I do.

Well, if Lab was any indication, I do not. It was about half and half with our group that had Lab on Friday. Half got them on the first stick, most others took 3 tries and had to go in on the hand. Maybe with practice, I'll get better, but in Clinical, we get ONE try on a live patient and then we have to turn it over to our RN or the IV Team. I"m ok with that.

Your gowns are amazing! So pretty and they look so fun to wear!

First off,

A HUGE, WARM and HEARTY to you! I LOVE new posters, who will join in, say hi, and banter along with us cut-ups. Please come by often and help make this long journey to Nursey-hood and Disney more merry!

Thank you for your kind words! Yes, it is a LOT of fun to get all gussied up and fancy and then go out to Sherry's after a ball and get comments on exactly what kind of freaks we are. Ok, just kidding, a lot of people give us complements and that's part of the fun.

I, as a previous chemo patient, can not agree with this more. I can sit and have them try for a vein to draw blood all day long... it stings. An IV now, that's another story. Had to have a dye injected cat scan 4 months ago... 3 nurses, an ultrasound machine, 1 doctor, 2 anesthesiologists, and 8 attempts later, at 2 pm, I finally made it in for my 9 am scheduled scan. My sister and brother are both RN's and when they were going through school they wanted to practice on me because I am such a challenge. I do not envy that part of a Nurses job at all. I would be in tears right along with a patient. Anyone can be "a nurse", however it takes a tremendously kind and caring individual to be a "good nurse"! I am really glad things are going well for you. I must say from what I have seen here, I truly think you will fall in that "good nurse" category!

It does sting! A lot! I don't care how seasoned a patient is, it hurts. I've had 5 kids (4 completely naturally, 1 with an epidural- it was horrible for me, but would always tell a patient to do what is best for them.) and had to have the obligatory IVs "just in case" (always a good idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!). The ALL hurt. Even if they got in the first try.

But I gotta say, your story sounds like a nightmare!! Holy COW!! I"m so sorry that happened to you! That's awful. I truly feel sorry for the nurses and everyone involved. I hope I have the skills to be a safe and caring nurse. My instructor says that any monkey can hang an IV bag, but not everyone can assess WHY it's being hung, what to do if things go bad, AND hold their hand and cry with them if they do. I want to be THAT kind of nurse.

Speaking as a patient: IVs are the worst, man. My veins are so awful that I actually had a port-a-cath surgically implanted many years ago, just to make my life back then easier and less painful. When my Lupus was at it's worst and I was having to go in for monthly Cytoxan infusions plus multiple hospitalizations, that thing was a life saver. And I always got tickled at the look of relief on some nurses faces when they found out I had one!

Yes. The WORST! Porta caths are the best! They save so much pain, but do have their own risks. But in your case, I'm SO glad that's an option. I haven't gotten to use one yet in my experience, but have had that lecture, and will soon, I think. They are used a lot in cancer patients I understand.

 

[Chrystmasangel]

for the warm welcome! I am not much of a poster to be honest, but now and again things bring me out of the shadows.

Today I have to work- and am dedicating this shift to a special surprise "something" on my bucket list for the trip.

Guesses????????

I guess A Dessert party of some kind... Maybe Wishes Dessert party.

I'll get better, but in Clinical, we get ONE try on a live patient and then we have to turn it over to our RN or the IV Team. I"m ok with that.

This is a good thing. The hospital I was treated at is a University hospital, so there were always people learning. Back then, they didn't have a limit like that and I can remember one nurse in training who had tried to start an IV on me 5 times until my mom got mad and threw her out of my room.

Porta caths are the best! They save so much pain, but do have their own risks. But in your case, I'm SO glad that's an option. I haven't gotten to use one yet in my experience, but have had that lecture, and will soon, I think. They are used a lot in cancer patients I understand.

They ARE used a lot in cancer patients. When I was going through my chemo, they wanted me to have one put in. Being 15 at the time and being one of those kids who was made fun of in school, I refused it and my parents honored my wishes. I was to afraid of someone bullying me and it being yanked out as well as my chemo treatment schedule was for 1 1/2 years and I couldn't see me not swimming for 1 1/2 years. I love the water to much. Doctors have already told me that as I get older I may have to give into having a cath put in. I am stubborn though and resist. I figure someone has to keep those nurses on their toes. My local hospital knows me now though. Any time I have to have a die injected MRI or Scan done, they always call me and ask me to come 2 1/2 hours ahead of time instead of just the 30 minutes ahead of time. They always have an ultrasound machine there and they just call down the anesthesiologist with out even trying now. I am such a trouble maker.

 

[Steppesister]

Spoiler: My guess

V&A

Very impressed with your new nurse skills!!!

Thanks, Magdalene! Things are coming along, but yet there is SO far to go. I surmise I'll be in Learning Mode for 25 years. Or as long as I have a job.

That was my thought too!

Thanks for your guesses, Ladies! We shall see...

Perhaps a tour? Whatever the AK tour is called, perhaps.

Hmmmm....???

Hi, I started reading yesterday and am about half-way through the thread but thought I'd say Hi. The thread is very entertaining and it is fun to get to know a few regulars. As a parent of an energetic four year old girl, I'm amazed at how much others are able to accomplish. Between challenging careers and our daughter, my husband and I stay on our toes! Sometimes I get a lot accomplished and sometimes the weekends are for straight-up recovering with very little adulting throw in!

We recently went on our first Disney cruise and are now planning Evie's 6th birthday at WDW in 2017. For all intents and purposes, this will by my first trip to WDW. DH went when he was younger and Evie has never gone. We haven't told her and for right now, it will be a surprise.

View attachment 145849

Another very heartfelt to you new friend! From pkondz's comment below, you are Evie! Thank you SO much for joining in this long and arduous journey. I try to throw in as much Disney as I can, and hope you'll find plenty of entertainment and chatter along the way.

Some of us have been friends for quite some time (I joined in 2008 originally as All7ofUs- you can search for old threads if you need more silliness; there's actually quite a bit more yuckin' it up on those), but honestly, I"ve made some very special new ones here since last year when I re-joined as well. It's a special place- like a second home.

I remember those days very well! We had 3 under 6 at one time, and we were just starting our season of home-schooling, and then launching off to Crapistan. I am one of those "can't sit still" nutz, and have a hard time doing nothing. If I HAVE to sit still, I like to hand-quilt just to keep my hands busy. What is it you do, Evie?? I love to get to know you all as well. I mean, only if you're comfortable saying. I totally get it about weekends. Mine these days are ragging on my family to clean up their crap, and me firmly planted in a chair reading about medical stuff. Someday, I'll have those weekend days to do fun stuff again like hike or garden, or sew.

Your daughter is absolutely adorable!!! So cute, I wanna pinch (gently) her cute little cheeks! She will LOVE WDW! There is SO many fun things to see and do. Don't forget the SEEING!!!! and playing in the pool, and going at her pace. Stop and smell the roses and above all else, GET TO ROPE DROP and start early! That's my one piece of advice. Spoiler: We're doing our first Disney Surprise this trip too. My kids think we're staying at the Boardwalk for our last 3 nights, but I finally got a room at AKL, which is their dream resort. It'll be AWESOME TO SEE THEIR FACES!!! I can't wait to get pix of the reveal!

Hope to see you a lot over the next months- there's a way's yet to go.... One. Day. At. A. Time.

Hi Dayna. I'll leave to Liesa to officially welcome you.
But I just wanted to say how much that photo of Evie brings back so many memories of my DD18!

Thanks for your gracious welcome to our new friend!

Well, my bucket list item is getting whisked away by Prince Charming, but I don't think he charges for true love!

I dunno. We never heard the rest of the story. I know mine expects dinner. Every. Single. Day.

What 15 minutes of work and you're tired?

Ok, smart alek. You're funny. My back is a wreck today. But hey, $260 take home will be very handy for that trip- and my add-on "thing".

 

[Steppesister]

I guess A Dessert party of some kind... Maybe Wishes Dessert party.

Another interesting guess! I need to do a bit more research before I give the "reveal". Stay tuned....

This is a good thing. The hospital I was treated at is a University hospital, so there were always people learning. Back then, they didn't have a limit like that and I can remember one nurse in training who had tried to start an IV on me 5 times until my mom got mad and threw her out of my room.

5's a bit much! I think 2 would be reasonable since even very seasoned nurses can biff a 1st try. I hope a bit of experience will improve my hand at it.

They ARE used a lot in cancer patients. When I was going through my chemo, they wanted me to have one put in. Being 15 at the time and being one of those kids who was made fun of in school, I refused it and my parents honored my wishes. I was to afraid of someone bullying me and it being yanked out as well as my chemo treatment schedule was for 1 1/2 years and I couldn't see me not swimming for 1 1/2 years. I love the water to much. Doctors have already told me that as I get older I may have to give into having a cath put in. I am stubborn though and resist. I figure someone has to keep those nurses on their toes. My local hospital knows me now though. Any time I have to have a die injected MRI or Scan done, they always call me and ask me to come 2 1/2 hours ahead of time instead of just the 30 minutes ahead of time. They always have an ultrasound machine there and they just call down the anesthesiologist with out even trying now. I am such a trouble maker.

You have walked a very tough road already! What an inspiration you are to us here! I can't imagine what you've been through. And it sounds like your parents were wise and they listen to you well. Kudos to them as well! Are you cancer free at this point? It sounds like you're still under treatment of some kind, or is it just follow up care now?

 

[dglilbit]

Another very heartfelt to you new friend! From pkondz's comment below, you are Evie! Thank you SO much for joining in this long and arduous journey. I try to throw in as much Disney as I can, and hope you'll find plenty of entertainment and chatter along the way.

Some of us have been friends for quite some time (I joined in 2008 originally as All7ofUs- you can search for old threads if you need more silliness; there's actually quite a bit more yuckin' it up on those), but honestly, I"ve made some very special new ones here since last year when I re-joined as well. It's a special place- like a second home.

I remember those days very well! We had 3 under 6 at one time, and we were just starting our season of home-schooling, and then launching off to Crapistan. I am one of those "can't sit still" nutz, and have a hard time doing nothing. If I HAVE to sit still, I like to hand-quilt just to keep my hands busy. What is it you do, Evie?? I love to get to know you all as well. I mean, only if you're comfortable saying. I totally get it about weekends. Mine these days are ragging on my family to clean up their crap, and me firmly planted in a chair reading about medical stuff. Someday, I'll have those weekend days to do fun stuff again like hike or garden, or sew.

Your daughter is absolutely adorable!!! So cute, I wanna pinch (gently) her cute little cheeks! She will LOVE WDW! There is SO many fun things to see and do. Don't forget the SEEING!!!! and playing in the pool, and going at her pace. Stop and smell the roses and above all else, GET TO ROPE DROP and start early! That's my one piece of advice. Spoiler: We're doing our first Disney Surprise this trip too. My kids think we're staying at the Boardwalk for our last 3 nights, but I finally got a room at AKL, which is their dream resort. It'll be AWESOME TO SEE THEIR FACES!!! I can't wait to get pix of the reveal!

Hope to see you a lot over the next months- there's a way's yet to go.... One. Day. At. A. Time.

Aw, thank you for the warm welcome! My DD is Evie and I'm Dayna, sorry about the confusion. DD is spending the night with grandparents tonight since the kids are off of school tomorrow and my mom is able to take off of work. Both DH and I are engineers and work at chemical plants. There is a lot going on right now, which means lots of deep breaths needed to cope. We are blessed in so many ways and right now I'm trying to remain focused on that rather than letting stress take over. Some days are better than others!

Thank you for the compliment about Evie! Those cheeks are the best (if I must say so myself, lol)! Thank you so much for the tips for WDW!
I like to go all crazy with planning and then enjoy myself on a trip, it's my trip MO. I'm hoping the same thing for our trip next year. I love the little known facts and things like that...I put the tip someone gave earlier in your thread about the must-see, must-visit bathrooms in my pre-trip report, lol.

I'm going to try to catch up on the rest of the thread this week so that I can comment on where you are currently. The place I'm at in the thread is where you finished your first year of school.

 

[dglilbit]

Also, the surprise for your family is so fun! It will be so fun to see their reactions to staying at their dream resort!

 

[Chrystmasangel]

Are you cancer free at this point? It sounds like you're still under treatment of some kind, or is it just follow up care now?

I was diagnosed when I was 15...stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma, chest cavity, 1 lung collapsed and the other lung at 1/2 capacity from the weight of the tumor and fluid(2 1/2 quarts of fluid drained when they put in a chest tube). It was un-operable as it was attached to my heart and lungs. I am 43 now. I have been in remission for 28 years. A lot of the issues I have now, doctors think are from long term side effects of the extensive chemo and radiation I went through. I always remember that it is 28 years that I was not expected to have! Every day starts fresh...No mistakes. It is one more day that I have stolen! I am thankful for EVERY DAY I wake up, what ever it brings and regardless of how I feel!
The stuff I deal with now is other stuff...RA,Fibromyalgia, benign pituitary gland tumor causing migraines and hormone irregularities, Extreme hyper tension(with max meds still runs about 150/100), ulcerative esophagitis, Thyroid issues(or lack there of, had to have Thyroid removed because they found cold nodules which were cancerous) issues breathing from scar tissue from radiation treatments, yearly colonoscopies due to polyps... the list goes on and on LOL needless to say, I know my nurses at our local clinic on a first name basis and I get a lot of use out of our medical insurance.

 

[Steppesister]

Hey Ladies! I wanna stay up late and yack on here, but alas, I really need to get through a couple more videos first. And believe it or not.... the one I"m watching RIGHT now is:

On Pneumothorax!! It's still uncanny to me that wherever I seem to be in my current content of study, God brings JUST the right person to me to help me learn! EVERY single week, no lie, I have the exact patient, or friend, or family member, or whatever come my way to show me more and give me opportunity to grow! I don't think it's an accident you popped in tonight. (I don't think I caught your name, if you're comfortable sharing. If not, I completely understand. )'

Dayna, thanks for setting me straight! LOL! I can get confused sometimes! :snort: I can figure out a chest tube, but biff on names pretty badly. Anywhooo.... I will be back in a couple of hours, right now ready to pour a little nightcap, and get back to LUNG stuff.

 

[pkondz]

Left you speechless, huh. You strike me as the kind of guy who has something to say about most everything.

Oh, no.
There are many things that I have absolutely nothing to say about.

I dunno... uh... baby carrots.
I have absolutely nothing to say about baby carrots.







Did you know baby carrots aren't actually baby carrots?
In the early 1980s, farmers threw out most of the carrots they grew because, well, for want of a better explanation, they weren't pretty and people wouldn't buy them. So one day this farmer decides that instead of tossing them, he'd cut them into 2 inch long pieces (that came from a bean cutting machine he bought, and is still the same size used to this day) and the rest is history.



Well, okay. I had something to say about baby carrots.

But pick something completely different, like... frogs for example.
I got nothing.

He cannot dance worth a crap. I usually go (well, used to, anyway) and dance with whoever asks. The proper etiquette is to ask the lady. If she refuses she may not accept another partner for that dance. AFterwards, he would escort her back to where he found her. Yes, in general it's polite to ask her escort, but mine isn't usually anywhere within 50 miles of dancing. Literally.

I just had a very happy moment with my mom the other day about dancing.
Like I said, I can't dance worth spit, well, I can tap a bit, but that's it, but I can fake a lousy waltz.
So I'm visiting my folks and my mom says "Do you remember when you walked out onto the dance floor at someone's wedding and grabbed my hand and started dancing with me?"
I only vaguely remember it. Actually forgot completely until she mentioned it. But it was obviously something that touched her.
Made me glad I did it.

As did my children as infants did as well, I'd imagine.

Good point!

A very good reason to to NOT go into Pediatric Nursing. At least not a for a LONG time.

Now there's a paradox! You shouldn't go into pediatric nursing until you're hard of hearing so the screaming doesn't hurt so much.
But if you go into it first, the screaming will cause you to become hard of hearing.

Usually a GREAT idea to listen to our patients. Case in point. Yesterday within 20 minutes of coming on shift, I had a lady who "didn't feel right". She's now in a Critical Cardiac Care Unit after I called 911 and had her transported. I didn't like what I heard when I listened to her heart, but the thing that made me pull the trigger was when she said, "Something's wrong with me, I think I'd best go in." BOOM! Ok, buh-bye.

Nice catch! Bravo!

I saw that you did. But I need to find an hour to devote to reading it. It's my first stop after replies, and a bit more studying.

No worries. It'll be there waiting for you when you have time.

Well, I couldn't let you all believe that she was actually that terrified of me. (When in reality, she probably was. If my own pain was any indication of how they all feel when missed.)

Well... okay. Still... I really loved it as is.


Oh.
BTW...


Did you know frogs absorb water through their skin so they don't have to drink?

 

[Steppesister]

Aw, thank you for the warm welcome! My DD is Evie and I'm Dayna, sorry about the confusion. DD is spending the night with grandparents tonight since the kids are off of school tomorrow and my mom is able to take off of work. Both DH and I are engineers and work at chemical plants. There is a lot going on right now, which means lots of deep breaths needed to cope. We are blessed in so many ways and right now I'm trying to remain focused on that rather than letting stress take over. Some days are better than others!

Thank you for the compliment about Evie! Those cheeks are the best (if I must say so myself, lol)! Thank you so much for the tips for WDW!
I like to go all crazy with planning and then enjoy myself on a trip, it's my trip MO. I'm hoping the same thing for our trip next year. I love the little known facts and things like that...I put the tip someone gave earlier in your thread about the must-see, must-visit bathrooms in my pre-trip report, lol.

I'm going to try to catch up on the rest of the thread this week so that I can comment on where you are currently. The place I'm at in the thread is where you finished your first year of school.

Also, the surprise for your family is so fun! It will be so fun to see their reactions to staying at their dream resort!

Thanks!! I will take a lot of photos for the TR; it'll be fun to share our Adventure with all of you!

Ok, past time for bed, so now I can reply and not feel guilty. I may be tired, but I can live with that. LOL!

Nice! We need good engineers, but I do know how stressful the field can be. I have a TON of friends that work for Intel, Boeing, etc... and my own hubby is an Engineering Geologist working for the State of Oregon. Long hours and a lot of ridiculous (and I use that lightly) deadlines. Hang in there! Breathe deeply, take the "Me" time you need, and have a glass of good wine when you need that too. Hopefully the season of stress is a short one, and you can have more normalcy sooner than later.

I plan (overplan most say) too, but can slow down if I need to when I'm actually there. The only thing I DON'T have wiggle room in there for is getting late starts unless they're built in. YOu can get 10 times more done in that first hour, than all day 2 hours later. Disney has so many fun, little hidden gems to hunt out and explore. This trip I want us to do the EPCOT games so we can get back into the nooks and crannies we may breeze on past. My camera helps me slow down too. The New Fantasyland will be completely NEW to us, and I'm so excited to see all the fun details I've read about, including the bathroom area. The new craze with interactive queues will be fun, I LOVE that they have phone charging stations, OH! Just so much that'll be fun to see!

Take your time.... I'll be at this for 9 more months. LOL! Upcoming chapters should include:

The rest of our itinerary, Scents of the Trip, Food picks, Adult drinking picks, snacks, Hidden gems, packing lists, shoes, and clothing stuff, planning books, ADR Day, FP+ picks, Top 10 lists for each park, so much good stuff coming. For now, the Disney part will be slow as I need to focus on school..... so I can GET to Disney. It's a long, tough Journey, and I'm so glad you're here to share it!!!

 

[Steppesister]

I was diagnosed when I was 15...stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma, chest cavity, 1 lung collapsed and the other lung at 1/2 capacity from the weight of the tumor and fluid(2 1/2 quarts of fluid drained when they put in a chest tube). It was un-operable as it was attached to my heart and lungs. I am 43 now. I have been in remission for 28 years. A lot of the issues I have now, doctors think are from long term side effects of the extensive chemo and radiation I went through. I always remember that it is 28 years that I was not expected to have! Every day starts fresh...No mistakes. It is one more day that I have stolen! I am thankful for EVERY DAY I wake up, what ever it brings and regardless of how I feel!
The stuff I deal with now is other stuff...RA,Fibromyalgia, benign pituitary gland tumor causing migraines and hormone irregularities, Extreme hyper tension(with max meds still runs about 150/100), ulcerative esophagitis, Thyroid issues(or lack there of, had to have Thyroid removed because they found cold nodules which were cancerous) issues breathing from scar tissue from radiation treatments, yearly colonoscopies due to polyps... the list goes on and on LOL needless to say, I know my nurses at our local clinic on a first name basis and I get a lot of use out of our medical insurance.

All that had already happened before (or by the time) you were diagnosed??? How could they miss that so late in the game? I'm SO sorry that all of that was something you had to endure! What an awful experience!

Yes, I agree, the things you've listed sound like long-term ramifications of the very stuff they had to use to kill the tumor. Chemo is a poison, but sadly the poison kills what we need as well as the stuff we want to get rid of. Radiation is no different.

But I have to say it, your attitude is amazing! Seriously, you are a very strong person with joy and determination despite what I know is painful everyday for you. I'm so happy you have a team who obviously cares about you and is doing their best to help however they can. And even moreso that you have good insurance that will cover everything you need! We will be studying cancers and their treatment modalities either on the 3rd for 4th exams (can't remember, but it's coming up) so I'll learn a LOT more about oncology then. Thank you SO much for sharing!! I am inspired!

 

[Elevationist]

They ARE used a lot in cancer patients. When I was going through my chemo, they wanted me to have one put in. Being 15 at the time and being one of those kids who was made fun of in school, I refused it and my parents honored my wishes. I was to afraid of someone bullying me and it being yanked out as well as my chemo treatment schedule was for 1 1/2 years and I couldn't see me not swimming for 1 1/2 years. I love the water to much. Doctors have already told me that as I get older I may have to give into having a cath put in. I am stubborn though and resist. I figure someone has to keep those nurses on their toes. My local hospital knows me now though. Any time I have to have a die injected MRI or Scan done, they always call me and ask me to come 2 1/2 hours ahead of time instead of just the 30 minutes ahead of time. They always have an ultrasound machine there and they just call down the anesthesiologist with out even trying now. I am such a trouble make

I think there's multiple kinds. The one I have is completely internal, it's attached under the skin to my collarbone. There's a round metal piece with with soft center, and the nurse just has to feel for that and pops the needle through my skin right into it. That piece is connected directly into one of the central veins in my chest. So once the incision healed up, it was back to life as usual!

But I've seen the ones you're talking about, my friend has been undergoing chemo and they put one in her that has the external line. They don't look like any fun at all!

 

[Steppesister]

There are many things that I have absolutely nothing to say about.

Check your pants; they seem to have smoke rolling off the backside.

Did you know baby carrots aren't actually baby carrots?
In the early 1980s, farmers threw out most of the carrots they grew because, well, for want of a better explanation, they weren't pretty and people wouldn't buy them. So one day this farmer decides that instead of tossing them, he'd cut them into 2 inch long pieces (that came from a bean cutting machine he bought, and is still the same size used to this day) and the rest is history.

I KNEW IT!! (I mean I knew you'd have something to say. I already knew about the carrots. The stuff they shave off to make them pretty gets juiced.)

I just had a very happy moment with my mom the other day about dancing.
Like I said, I can't dance worth spit, well, I can tap a bit, but that's it, but I can fake a lousy waltz.
So I'm visiting my folks and my mom says "Do you remember when you walked out onto the dance floor at someone's wedding and grabbed my hand and started dancing with me?"
I only vaguely remember it. Actually forgot completely until she mentioned it. But it was obviously something that touched her.
Made me glad I did it.

Awwww, that's a very sweet story. I don't know about you, but as time goes on, and I get older, the memories I've made with my parents become all the sweeter to me. And hearing their memories made with me and my sisters, and their grandkids is even better. The circle of life....

Now there's a paradox! You shouldn't go into pediatric nursing until you're hard of hearing so the screaming doesn't hurt so much.
But if you go into it first, the screaming will cause you to become hard of hearing.

Great line of reasoning. Maybe I shouldn't go into it at all.

No worries. It'll be there waiting for you when you have time.

I did. Didn't see you waiting.

Did you know frogs absorb water through their skin so they don't have to drink?

They also taste amazing.

 

[Steppesister]

I think there's multiple kinds. The one I have is completely internal, it's attached under the skin to my collarbone. There's a round metal piece with with soft center, and the nurse just has to feel for that and pops the needle through my skin right into it. That piece is connected directly into one of the central veins in my chest. So once the incision healed up, it was back to life as usual!

But I've seen the ones you're talking about, my friend has been undergoing chemo and they put one in her that has the external line. They don't look like any fun at all!

Billie, your threads are next on my list, but I'll pick it up again tomorrow during a study break.

Meantime, before I turn off the 'puter, I wonder if your friend has a "CVAD"? Does it have 3 ports on it? The tubing is external?? Just curious. We learned how to change the dressing on those (it's a sterile procedure) on Friday while we did IV practice as well.