The Good Lord only gives us what he knows we can handle
Aloha Ohana,
My name is Katie and have been nursing for about 33 years…current love are the patients on our Blood/Marrow Transplant Unit. Youngest transplant recipient was 17 years of age. We do autologous/allogenic (self and donor); haplo (sibling and parent donors) and stem cell transplants for patients with leukemias; lymphomas; rhumatoid arthritis; myelodysplastic symdromes. The latter (stem cells) with a better sucess rate. We are currently the leading hospital in Canada who are doing stem cell transplants on multiple sclerosis patients. It is still a clinical trial basis, but so far, the success rate is amazing. It is not a cure however “it does halt the progression of the disease itself.
We have just opened a new Stem Cell Center as part of our campus and so excited about it. I have just celebrated my 21st year on this unit when most stay about 2-3 years. I am affectionately known to my patients as “the old fart” and I worked hard to get that title and proud of it.
I’m also the “modified Martha Stewart” of our unit, currently 26 beds…decorating for all occasions; baking; contests etc. Anything to bring the morale up of a sometimes high mortality unit. But I have known to crack the whip a few times when someone doesn’t have their heart in their work. Patients come first, and I’m not your entertainment for the day”, is my motto.
Married to a wonderful friend for 13 years, an entertainer by trade, but has some disabilities that hinder some activities of daily living. But by the Grace of God, we shall go on…he has a better plan for us. My stepson and his wife are now expecting “twins” next summer…can’t wait! The first time this past June, the little soul wasn’t meant to be. We are happy that all is well this time around.
We are true blue Dog fans in Canada…have been to Paradise (The Good Lord left the best for last); had the dubious honour of meeting Duane and Baby Lyssa (such a humble gentleman and she a cutie pie) and dream of retiring in Paradise some day. Mahalo!
“In Dog We Trust”
Take care, love and blessings to you all.
Angi
Kawanee
Ohiogirl
jamesiles
TEXAS_T
Karenplumley
lelandskrispygirl
BrettA
sicilianprincess
HermionesSlave
Kat
blueyes