Thursday, August 31, 2006

My last days at the Fort...



It's been about a week & a half since I spent my last day working at Fortanasce & Associates. It has been an up & down type of year over the last couple of years, but overall, I'd like to say that I have walked away with many memories that I will always cherish. I will take my experience working with them to heart as I open new doors in my life, career, and whatever else that might cross my path.

So, I thank Michael Fortanasce, Christi Park, all of my fellow co-workers, and many of the patients I have helped care for (and a few who I have made friends with) for giving me the experiences and opportunities that I had encountered working there for almost five years!

Sunday, August 20, 2006


One of my best friends, Jamie, has been in and out of the hospital over the last 4 months. She was first admitted into the hospital back in April, where the doctors weren't quite sure what was wrong with her. She was released, with a pick line attached, so that she could attend her brother's wedding later that month. She did well until she was readmitted into the hospital just a few days later. This time, the doctors believed she either had tuberculosis of the spine or a staph infection. Either way... she spent another couple of weeks of getting medications, then was discharged once the infection was taken care of.

Soon after, in early June, she was admitted again in the hospital. This time, she was complaining of stomach pain. It was found that she had pancreatic necrosis, and only 10% of her pancreas was functioning. She debated for weeks whether to have surgery, and finally had it on July 5. 80% of the non-functioning part of the pancreas was removed, and the doctor wanted to remove more. But she refused... She was released from the hospital on August 10, but returned again last Monday.

Jamie is one of my best friends... We've gone through thick & thin during our short time as friends. She is my inspiration considering all that she's been through (health-wise) since she was a little girl. I miss our chats & TV adventures (no Dr. Phil this year). So, please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she fights through another battle.