Alisha's Visit FF

Last week my cousin Alisha came to MVY for a visit.  I picked her up at the ferry Wednesday late afternoon.  It was her birthday so of course we had to go for a birthday dinner!  We had dinner at Grill on Main, which was really yummy!  They were so nice and even brought her a birthday dessert.

Thursday we walked to the library and then met my friend Melanie at the beach, where we chatted for a good 3 hours.  You know me and my love for the beach!  We then had dessert before dinner!  Dessert was a mouse bomb at Black Dog Cafe which we shared and then we had a delicious dinner at Little House Cafe; we of course shared fish tacos and chicken pita wraps.  We hiked into Lamberts Cove which is a private beach during the day, but open to the public to watch the sunset, which we quite enjoyed!

Friday we went to the beach again, but not before we had some clam chowder at the MVY Chowder House and did some shopping in Oak Bluffs.  We picked up (my last) Grace Church Lobster Rolls which we would have on Sunday for dinner.  We took the sister missionaries to get hermit cookies from Scottish Bake House.  These are my new favorite treat; they are a soft molasses cookie with raisins!  We then went out to the cliffs, which is by far my most favorite part of the island.  We had dinner at Linda Jeans and then did some shopping in Vineyard Haven.

Saturday we went to the farmers market, Alley's General Store, had pizza at Chilmark General Store and then went to Chilmark Chocolates.  I can't believe I have just discovered this little chocolate store.  These chocolates are made here and the store is staffed by people with special needs.  The chocolates seriously melt in your mouth! We went to the beach again but only for an hour because it was a bit chilly.  We did some shopping in Edgartown and then had Clam Chowder at The Atlantic, where we watched a 10ish year old ride his bike into the water.  It was so funny.

Sunday after our potluck at church we took a nap.  I love Sunday naps.  We then went out to Menemsha a cute fishing village where we ate our Lobster Rolls while we watched a beautiful sunset.

Monday morning Alisha had to leave, but not before we had breakfast at Lucky Hanks.  This is such a cute rustic restaurant and the oatmeal was delicious.

It was so much fun to have Alisha here.  We laughed a lot, relaxed and as you see we ate good food.  Alisha and I have always enjoyed good food.  The funny thing is she lost a pound being here.  It sounds like we ate a lot, but really only 1 big meal a day.  Even though Alisha was here on vacation, I felt like I was on vacation too!

I'm pretty sure my last beach day was yesterday.  The temperatures are staying in the low 70's, which makes me sad, but it's ok because in 2 weeks I'll be wishing for cooler temps when I arrive in Phoenix.

Take Courage

I still keep thinking, "This time last year I was having chemo, bald and almost out of eyelashes, crying every night because of all that I was having to go through, dealing with an ileostomy that finally wasn't leaking (I know sounds disgusting and it was) and hoping my blood counts were high enough to be able to have my next chemo treatment (thankfully they always were)."  Looking back it's still hard to believe all that I've experienced in just 1 year; 52 weeks, 365 days.

I admit even though I've had a fantastic Summer here on MVY I feel a little lot confused and somewhat derailed.  When I arrived here nearly 3 months ago, I was pretty sure I knew where my life was headed and I was looking forward to what the coming months had in store.  However, I'm slowly coming to the conclusion that little Miss. Planner should just stop planning and enjoy each 24 hours that I'm given.  That's simply not life though; there needs to be some kind of an agenda in the works; shouldn't there?

I never thought I'd be in my late 30's, single, without children or a husband and without some stability.  Like everyone else my age, I should have a house that smells like cinnamon, which is decorated by my mother's expertise and where I use my cute dishes each night at dinner time when I serve gourmet meals.  Yea, not happening anytime soon.  Instead...I  have all of my early possessions (including my cute dishes) in a storage unit that I pay 60 dollars a month for, the house that I do own in Charlotte is rented (thankfully by wonderful renters) and I'm traveling 3 months here, 3 months there and trying to decide whether to keep traveling or to take a full time position.  I do love the traveling, but I'm ready for some stability, to have my stuff out of storage (since it has been there coming up on 3 years) and have a house that is decorated and smells like cinnamon.

I really need to make some decisions soon or at least I think I need to make some decisions.  Maybe it doesn't really matter what I do or where I live, says my dad.  But it does matter, because it will determine much of my happiness, the people I interact with and the impact I will have on the lives of others.  So many times this summer I've thought of how I needed to be working here for this person or that person.  I do get to impact peoples lives and am ever so grateful for this opportunity.

A few days ago I was reading in the Book Of Mormon (of which I just started reading over again for the umpteenth time). I came across a scripture I have read more times than I can count and which was highlighted in green.  This time however it has had a huge impact on my life at this moment and is a scripture I keep repeating in my mind.  It is found in 1 Nephi 4:6-7 "And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.  Nevertheless I went forth..."  And near the end of the chapter in verse 35 I have marked in red the words "take courage."  And so I put the words "take courage in front of this scripture.  I have been taught this week that I need to have courage and to put my faith in the Lord knowing He will guide me, even though I might not know now what I need to do with my life in the next 6 months, He does.  I love this scripture which shows that Nephi had the faith to go and do what he was commanded to do in order to get the plates from Laban, even though he didn't know how he was going to accomplish this task (being that it was the third try), but knowing full well that he would be guided and he was.  

I know the Lords see's my big picture.  And so I am strengthening my faith and going forward not knowing beforehand the things which I should do, but with courage knowing I will be led by the Spirit.  I know this because I've experienced it time and time again...

Just after I finished grad school I was in Kentucky studying for my boards (where I had done my clinical's). I was for sure that I was suppose to go back West to look for a job.  I had even already sent my winter clothes home in preparation for my move.  One day as I was stretching, getting ready for a jog, I literally heard the words "Stay here."  I was startled.  But knew without a doubt that it was the answer to my prayers of where I needed to start my career.  I've learned many times to put forth the effort before I see the direction, even though it might mean a change in direction I'm headed.  How grateful I am now for the direction I received then.  The next 7 years on the East Coast gave me the skills and experience that have led me to where I am today in my career and allowed me the chance to develop friendships and relationships that I will always cherish.

It's hard to understand why I keep having challenges and trials, but I am coming to realize it's life and this test called life is about dealing with the hard questions and figuring out the answers.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month FF

It's a wonderful First Fabulous Friday of September because it is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month! I'm passionate about this cause because of course I LIVED through this horrible disease.  It is my responsibility now to spread the word about early detection.  It is my hope that through my blog and by spreading the word about this SILENT KILLER that at least 1 other person doesn't have to go through what I did with stage 3 Ovarian Cancer.  Know the symptoms my friends and sisters; frequent urination, bloating, feeling full quicker, abdominal pain and swelling, frequent bowel movements, back pain.  If I had been aware of the symptoms and taken action earlier it wouldn't have spread as far as it did.  I had symptoms for years, but knew something was wrong for 6 months before I was diagnosed.

Today is National Wear Teal Day.  I am currently wearing this shirt and this Terah's Army bracelet.  Hope you are wearing your teal too and don't forget Teal Tuesdays; and to spread the word about Ovarian Cancer Awareness!

I think the following is pretty cool, because remember President Obama's mother passed away from Ovarian Cancer.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

August 29, 2014

Presidential Proclamation -- National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2014

NATIONAL OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH, 2014

- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Ovarian cancer is the most deadly of all female reproductive system cancers. This year nearly 22,000 Americans will be diagnosed with this cancer, and more than 14,000 will die from it. The lives of mothers and daughters will be taken too soon, and the pain of this disease will touch too many families. During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we honor the loved ones we have lost to this disease and all those who battle it today, and we continue our work to improve care and raise awareness about ovarian cancer.

When ovarian cancer is found in its early stages, treatment is most effective and the chances for recovery are greatest. But ovarian cancer is difficult to detect early -- there is no simple and reliable way to screen for this disease, symptoms are often not clear until later stages, and most women are diagnosed without being at high risk. That is why it is important for all women to pay attention to their bodies and know what is normal for them. Women who experience unexplained changes -- including abdominal pain, pressure, and swelling -- should talk with their health care provider. To learn more about the risk factors and symptoms of ovarian cancer, Americans can visit www.Cancer.gov.

Regular health checkups increase the chance of early detection, and the Affordable Care Act expands this critical care to millions of women. Insurance companies are now required to cover well-woman visits, which provide women an opportunity to talk with their health care provider, and insurers are prohibited from charging a copayment for this service.

For the thousands of women affected by ovarian cancer, the Affordable Care Act also prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage due to a pre-existing condition, such as cancer or a family history of cancer; prevents insurers from denying participation in an approved clinical trial for any life-threatening disease; and eliminates annual and lifetime dollar limits on coverage. And as we work to ease the burden of ovarian cancer for today's patients, my Administration continues to invest in the critical research that will lead to earlier detection, improved care, and the medical breakthroughs of tomorrow.

Ovarian cancer and the hardship it brings have affected too many lives. This month, our Nation stands with everyone who has been touched by this disease, and we recognize all those committed to advancing the fight against this cancer through research, advocacy, and quality care. Together, let us renew our commitment to reducing the impact of ovarian cancer and to a future free from cancer in all its forms.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2014 as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon citizens, government agencies, organizations, health care providers, and research institutions to raise ovarian cancer awareness and continue helping Americans live longer, healthier lives. I also urge women across our country to talk to their health care providers and learn more about this disease.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.

BARACK OBAMA

I Saved A Life

I had a really good day at work yesterday.  I saved a mans life.  I don't save lives every day, even though my friends and family think I do like they do on ER, but I do save fingers and toes and prevent people from having ugly scars by my perfection in suturing.  However yesterday I seriously saved someone from the grave and it felt so good.

Mr. 74 year old was put over in the fast track by the cocky triage nurse who told me that the man just tweaked his back.  Keep in mind this nurse had previously put a person over there telling me it might be a dislocated shoulder, which didn't belong over there either.  I admit I never smile when this nurse comes around because he drives me nuts.  Back to Mr. 74...I ask him about why he is there and after he tells me this long story about how he was trying to see if his cat got a hold of his wives jewelry he eventually tells me that he had some pretty severe mid back pain 40 minutes later that radiated around to his chest, but he took a percocet and was feeling better.  Back pain radiating to his chest in a 74 year old immediately makes me think of an aortic aneurysm.  On exam I'm unable to reproduce any pain except for the epigastric/lower chest region.

I get an EKG and blood work which are normal and a few hours later I get the results of the CT scan which shows a hemorrhage of the descending aorta with an ulcer into the diaphragm.  I've never seen this in my entire career.  I go in to talk to this man and tell him that I saved his life.  I was pretty much jumping for joy and Mr. 74 year old was shedding tears and so grateful.  It totally made my day.  I told him that everyday I pray that I'll be in tune with the needs of my patients, that I won't miss anything important or life threatening.  I talked with him about my belief in God and that He hears prayers.  My attending thanked me for not sending diagnosing him with a back spasm and sending him home with flexeril.  Ah, I love my job!