Some Major Catch Up

Wow!  It's been so long since I've posted anything!  Sorry!  Things with Jemma went well.  I decided against a total hip replacement and instead chose a surgery where the ball of her femur bone was entirely removed.  This is able to be done in dogs because they have so much muscle mass surrounding that area that they are able to compensate really well.  She is able to run at full speed without pain now!  She still wobbles and crosses her feet in the back and sometimes has a slightly abnormal gait, but she gets around just fine and is not hurting anymore which is great!

Let's see, what else?  I started my first online course to become certified in canine rehabilitation.  I've always thought it sounded interesting, so I decided to act on it.  About 6 months into practicing veterinary medicine in the real world - I started feeling discontent.  I no longer had a goal.  So this is part of my long term plan.  I don't really know that I will be able to use these new skills at the clinic I'm currently at, but it will take me several years to become certified and who knows where I'll be by then.

I also started taking Juice Plus this May.  It is a fruit and vegetable supplement.  I love it and am taking advantage of the business aspect of it as well and am going to become a distributor next month.  My sponsor Lorean and I have arranged a month full of events to help me kick off the start of my own part time business.  My goal is to make it to Sales Coordinator in 6 months.  That would potentially earn me an extra $500 a month and potentially help me pay off my school loans a lot faster!  PLUS, this month is when my production starts over!  I'm not in the negative anymore and have the potential to make extra bonuses at work now!  If I would have been eligible for last month's bonus I would have pocketed an extra $630!!!

Lastly, and maybe most importantly, I went to a special seminar yesterday with a life-coach.  I seriously need to re-train my brain.  I'm tired of being negative and worrying all the time!  I wish I had better self-esteem.  I want to unlock my full potential so that I can achieve all my dreams and more!  I think these seminars are going to be key to the re-building of my mind and attitude.  I'm excited to see how it will change my career, business, and relationships!

More Bad News

Jemma's been limping off and on for the past few months - sometimes in the front, sometimes in the back.  So today I took her in to get some X-rays done.  Her elbows don't look too bad, but her right hip isn't even in the acetabulum (socket).  There's already some bone remodeling (early arthritis).  I'm so disappointed.  We thought by researching more and spending a lot more we'd get a GSD pup with less health issues.  Unfortunately not.  So stay tuned to hear/read what transpires with specialist's opinions and treatment options.  We love our girls, no matter how dysfunctional or expensive (although that last part is giving me a stomach ulcer).

And Release....

After an evening in the Animal ER with Roxy, I discovered a tumor in her right lung nearly 2 weeks ago.  After a long day-trip to Columbia she was officially diagnosed with a primary lung carcinoma.  By this time, I had accepted the fact that my baby had something seriously wrong.  She didn't know she was sick, she was acting absolutely normal - that was good.  The abdominal ultrasound and CT showed no other tumors, no lymph node involvement, and no metastasis! 

So armed with that information and a heart full of hope, I gave my parents several days to think about what they would be willing to allow me do to for her.  I am so glad that they came to the same conclusion as I did - that surgery was her best option.  Last Wednesday, she underwent a lateral thorecotomy (they made an incision between ribs, pulled out her lungs and removed the entire caudal right lung lobe).  Seeing her after surgery was probably the hardest for me... she had a chest tube in, multiple IV's, and an oxygen tube stapled to her face.  It was heart-wrenching.

I now have her with me at my apartment for the duration of her 2 weeks of confinement.  Poor Jemma doesn't know what to do without her big sissy, but Dad is keeping her occupied with daily outings at the park.  She looks almost as good as new (except for the fact that she's practically bald on her entire right side)!  She's being her usual finicky self about eating, but is playful and as sweet as ever!  I am so glad that I found this tumor and that it is out of my precious dog!  We are still waiting on the pathology results to find out if the type of tumor requires chemotherapy. 

God is good and I will be grateful for whatever extra time I have with my beloved Roxy Carley!

Stay

Smoke.  Like thick mist through a distorted, broken piece of glass.   Swept away.  All air is gone, my breath was stolen from me.  Sweet dreams and expectations vanish in the blink of an eye.  With the snap of a picture my future is emptied.  Struggle, gasp, and push through the pain of frightening possibilities.  Begging,… praying,… pleading,… for silver linings and sudden miracles.  My baby…  my beautiful one…  I can’t bear the thought of losing you.  Forever isn’t nearly long enough.  Stay with me a while longer.  Please, I beg you.  Stay.

Newest News

Well, I've been busy practicing for about 4 months now...  Sometimes it's wonderful and I can't believe how lucky I am, other times its frustrating and exhausting.  This place, like others I've been at, is inefficient due to management issues.  I love most of the staff though and they work really hard at making it a great clinic to work at. 

My apartment is slowly taking shape.  The back room is nearly finished, just have to re-do the bench to my great grandma's desk.  Need to hang some art in my bedroom and the kitchen.  All that's really left is finding artwork for the wall behind the couch and curtains for the living space.  The new coffee table and end tables are coming this Thurs.  Other than that, it looks like a put-together grown up apartment!

Rem and I are doing great.  Realizing more and more everyday that this is the man I want to spend the rest of my life with.  He's absolutely wonderful and supportive.  I drive him crazy with my "box" and he pushes me to my limits with his ways of thinking and risk taking.  We are so good for each other.  I'm excited heading into this holiday season.  I always love planning things (especially how I'm going to spoil him). 

Anyways, I"m at work and probably need to get off the computer and see if my appointment is here yet.  Write more later...

Quick Update

Well, my decision didn't turn out to be too hard in the end.  I went with the one where I would have doctors there 24/7 even if it is a busy clinic.  I was really disappointed with the lack of professionalism of the other clinic.  It's not like I hadn't known this, having worked there previously, but I was let down because I really wanted it to work out there.

Anyways, onwards and upwards.  I've got my KS license and am "ready" to start work in July.  I say "ready" because no matter how much brushing up, studying, and reviewing I do, I will never ever feel prepared to do this.  I know it's just something I have to jump into.  Say a prayer and hope for the best.

Katie Darr, I would love any advice since you've been practicing a while now :)  PS - looks like we were both freaking out about not finding jobs for nothing.  God certainly does provide.

Major Life Decisions!

Ug!  I am so stressed out!  I got an official offer from a clinic here today via e-mail and another is in talks.  I had been thinking that I'd prefer option A over where I used to tech (option B).  I've been talking with them about taking a position there as well.  There are so many things to consider and let's face it, me being who I am, I'm terrified of both options!

Do I take more money for more hours where I will always be on with 2 other Dr's at a very busy practice who may or may not have time to help me if I have questions. Option A.

Or should I take a little less money for less hours with a few staff that I love at a clinic with HORRIBLE management.  I'd basically be by myself for 2.5 days a week, but it's slower and there's a potential to buy it in a few years. Option B.

Grrrrr!  I would just like God to tell me which would be best and where I will be less stressed.