Rough Week

This has been a rough week for me. So many different things going on, and I am not quite sure where to go with some others.

If you noticed the top left hand corner of my blog, there is a button that says "Praying for Stellan". I have been reading the blog about this wonderful little boy and my heart just breaks for him. To read his story, click on the button. But, be warned, your eyes will not be dry by the time you finish.

I have attended two information sessions for nursing. At the first one I found out that one of the starts dates is no longer available. So, if I want to get into the ASN (RN program) for the January term, I have to find another location to apply to. I can still apply to the PN (Practical Nurse) program for a January start, but it will then take a few more terms to get through and another admission process. UGGGHH!

I have to finish my current ANP class (Anatomy & Physiology) and my current Psychology class. This summer I have to take another ANP class before I can even think about applying to the program. Then, I have to take the TEAS test. I am a bit nervous about this test. If I don't pass all 4 sections, I can take it twice more in a 2 year period. After that, if I don't pass, I have to wait another two years before I can apply to the nursing program. UGGHHH.

Thursday, I had another back injection for the severe pain. This time, there were seven total injection sites. One was for the numbing medication (which hurt like the dickens), the other six shots were to administer the medication. Three went up one side of my lower spine, the other three went up the other side of my spine.

I spent most of my day on the couch yesterday, resting. Today I was up and about but the pain is still there. I am going to give it a few more days before I pass judgement on whether it did or didn't work. Just continue to pray that it does. I think if this doesn't work, the next step is going to require looking into back surgery and I really do not want that.

Caleb started baseball practice this week. Tyler finally found a team to play on. Tristan is starting racing practice on Saturday and Logan started his baseball practice also. I have seven more Saturday's of class (including tomorrow) in this semester. I desperately need an A in both my ANP & Psychology classes. These help determine scores and how I may or may not get into the nursing program.

Anyway, Glen worked a few jobs this week, which is better than none.
My boys are at their dad's and I miss them. I always miss them like crazy when they are gone. It's like a part of me is missing. I pick them up Monday, after I get off of work. Then when we get home, my mom will be here visiting from Florida. I haven't seen her since this time last year. She sure will be surprised to see how much both of the boys have grown.

Well, that's been my week. I still have ANP homework to do tonight for tomorrow. I have a Psychology paper due tomorrow by midnight and an English paper (rough draft) due by Sunday midnight. I have class at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow and Tristan has racing practice (as long as it doesn't rain.)

Oh, remember that the new Rodney Atkins' CD comes out on Tuesday. It's called "It's America" and if you want to listen to it before you buy it check out the following link http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/atkins_rodney/2401645/album.jhtml scroll down to tracks and click on AUDIO.

I listened to it today and it is going to be another surefire hit for him. Such great songs that I can easily relate to. In today's world, I need something to relate to. I hope you enjoy it!

Life continues to be busy in my crazy, crazy world. But I wouldn't have it any other way.

Enjoy a few pictures of the boys from last week.

Tyler - a few months shy of 14

Tristan - turned 12 last month

Caleb - will be 11 in a few weeks

Logan - turned 10 in January

Have a great week,

Chris

Random Rambling

My boys came home this week. I always miss them when they are gone. The house is "somewhat" emptier when they are not here. Even though my husband is home and we typically have my step-sons for some portion of each evening, life is still a little less "noisy" when my boys are at their dads.

I miss the "noise" when they are gone. Sounds weird, I know. But, that's all I have known for the last 13 years. Giggles and grins, hugs and kisses, pushes and shoves, the normal boy stuff :)

Several weeks ago, I had an epidural steroid injection in my lower back. Unfortunately, it didn't work. I am going back to the orthopedic doctor on Thursday for a different type of injection. I am praying that this injection works. The pain in my back has significantly increased. It has increased so much that I am struggling to get through every day. It is difficult to walk, it is difficult to stand, and it is difficult to even sit. I end up taking a pain pill each evening, and I do not want to do that. I do not want to become dependent upon pain medication. I try to go as long as I can without taking it. It pretty much sucks.

I went to a nursing information session this week. It sure is going to be tough trying to get in. There are over 200 applicants for approximately 45 openings. That means I need to get an A in Anatomy & Physiology I & II and Psychology 2000. These classes be one determining factor of getting in. I also have to take the TEAS test by June. Pray for me :)

Caleb has baseball practice this week. It is really hard to believe that it has started already. That is just fine by me, though. It just means it will be HOT outside very soon and I cannot wait for that.

Well, I think that is enough updates for now. I know they are random thoughts but most of my thoughts lately are quite random.

Have a great weekend,

Chris

Another Friday the 13th

Today is the 2nd of 3 Friday the 13th's this year. I enjoy this day. What can I say, I am a weird one.

I don't have a lot to update. Life has been pretty dull in my corner of the world.

As far as my health, I have to have another injection in my back - this time in my joints. I don't know what is wrong with my elbow (probably a pinched ulner nerve).

I have been working on homework all week. So much that my husband has cooked for me twice this! He is pretty awesome!

I had a paper to turn in last week. I got a B+ on it (wish it was an A). I had 4 quizzes to complete and a test to take. I got a B+ on the test (wish it was a A). Guess I need to study more.

I don't have class tomorrow - spring break! I get to sleep in!!!! But there is lots of homework to be completed.

I wish I had something more exciting to update you on, but like I said, it's been pretty quite. I guess I am really thankful for that.

7th grade algebra!

I received a phone call yesterday from my oldest son. The conversation went like this:

Tyler: Mom, I need your help.

Me: Ok

Tyler: It's math, write this down.

Me: Ok

Tyler: Are you ready?

Me: Yes

Tyler: Carbon 14 has a life span of 5730 years. After 17190 years 1/8 of carbon 14 and a sample will be left. If 5 gms of carbon 14 are left after 17190 years, how much was in the original sample?

Me: Ok

Tyler: Read it back to me

So I did

Tyler: What's the answer?

Me: I have no clue! Why are you doing problems like this?

Tyler: I didn't write the book mom, this is the problem I have to do.

Me: I know that but seriously! Give me a minute to figure this out.

Okay...I hate algebra. I hate story problems. So why would my son call me and ask for help with the two things I dislike about math. I ended up having to ask 2 different people for the help with the equation. I worked it out and got the answer. So I called Tyler back.

Me: Here is your equation 1/8x = 5 years and the answer is x=40 gms

Tyler: That's right...we were working on dividing equations...that's makes sense. I had the right equation but I had the numbers in the wrong place.

I had to laugh at that one...cause if the numbers are in the wrong place - then it's not the right equation! He's too funny!

On another note, I have a doctor update:

The doc says that the swelling is nothing to worry about at this time. He wants to recheck in a month to make sure there are no changes. That's good news!

I get my back re-checked tomorrow.

Have a great evening!

Prayer request, please!

Tomorrow, I see the surgeon. I am not sure what to expect but off I go. I have noticed that not only are the lymph nodes tender under my arm and in my groin, one in my neck had pain shooting through it tonight. I noticed I could also feel it. It is probably nothing, but it's still something that I want to get checked out.

I received my MRI results and they indicated I have 2 bulging disks (which is what I had a couple of years ago). I go to see them on Wednesday to determine next steps.

On top of all this, I noticed today that my elbow is numb, along with my pink and ring finger on my right hand and my right hand is somewhat discolored!

What the crap?????? I am so tired of this. All I want is a day without pain.

To all my friends, I need prayers. I have not been such a good friend lately because I feel like my life has been turned upside down since about September. I don't spend time with my friends like I should. All I do is work, take care of my family, go to classes, work on homework and try to alleviate this pain.

Hopefully soon, I will be a better friend. I will be there more for my family. I will be back to the person I used to be.

Tired of doctors

I am really getting tired of visiting doctors.

Before I had the massive gallbladder issues in December, I was supposed to have an epidural injection for low back pain. This would be the 2nd injection that I had received. The first one was done 2 1/2 years ago and worked miracles for my low back pain. The pain started coming back about May or June (2008). I put it off as long as I could and finally decided in November that I needed to see the doctor. He took x-rays and decided I needed another injection.

Well, December was not the best month for me, gallbladder issues and all. I called the doctor and postponed my injection.

I finally rescheduled the injection this month and it was done almost 3 weeks ago. No relief from the pain. Actually, it's the same if not a little worse. I went back to the doctor and he scheduled an MRI. I got those results back today. Bulging in two of the disks (that's what was wrong before.) I go back to my doctor on Wednesday to plot my next course of action.

In the meantime, it was time for my annual exam. That brought on a mammogram (normal results!) That also brought inspection of some painful areas (one under my arm and one in my groin area.) The doctor indicated she could feel my lymph nodes - they aren't large but she could feel them.

I am sending my mammogram results to the surgeon (who removed my gallbladder) and see him next week for further inspection of the lymph nodes.

Maybe I should be visiting Dr. House. He may not be nice, but he finds out what is wrong. LOL!

Anyway, it's such fun going to doctors and spending money I don't have. . . but I wanted to keep everyone updated.

On top of all this, I still have lots of schoolwork to complete.

Caleb at the bat

Let's see. . .

The boys (actually Caleb) had baseball registration this week. That means we are so close to Spring that I can almost taste it. I tell ya, I am so OVER winter, it's crazy. I am very ready for short sleeves, no coat and sunshine all the time.

Baseball is my favorite sport. I love the crack of the bats (more of a ping since the bats are aluminum.) I love the leather gloves, the smell of the popcorn popping and the sounds of the parents cheering on their child. I love sitting in the sun soaking up the rays. Everything about baseball, I love!

Man, I can't wait!!!

By the way, send a few prayers my way if you can. I have 2 more doctor appointments this week and 2 more next week. Let's pray that everything comes back fine. I really don't want to get into the specifics until I know more but a few prayers are appreciated (just in case!)

New camera

I finally made a purchase that I have been wanting for several years. I love to take pictures and have been wanting an SLR camera. I was able to purchase mine this weekend. I got the Canon Digital Rebel xsi.

Here are a few pictures that I took this weekend.

Our adopted dog, Heather. She's not ours but she comes to visit often.
Our baby girl, Tasha.

Our angel, Madison.

I can't wait until baseball and racing starts so I can try out new features. I have a lot to learn about it but it's gonna be fun learning!