SonoSite
I have decided not to go back to work at SonoSite because of the pain I am having. I had hoped that chemotherapy would reduce that pain, but so far it does not seem to be working that way. The workplace at SonoSite is such an exciting and positive atmosphere with so much innovation and so many bright people with great ideas. It is not a place for someone who is in pain or not functioning at 100%. Perhaps that is one reason it has been hard for me to reveal this illness to my coworkers there. I have always presented my profesional persona at the workplace-confident, professionally dressed, and proud to be one of the healthy, capable people working at the company. I don't think I could maintain composure with my coworkers now that they know what is happening to me, and I don't want to be tearful at work. I want them to remember the person they worked with when I delivered all I had, not the ailing person people feel they have to "tiptoe" around. The sadness of the changes I am going through have no place at work.
I hope to meet with human resources next week to start applying for short term disability. That lasts 12 weeks and pays 66% of my wage. My doctor filled out his portion of the paperwork, but my employer and I also have a portion to fill out. I don't think I can contribute and perform my job duties which is hard to admit because I have loved working at SonoSite and I was building up my contacts and learning how to do my job more efficiently. There are so many good people I respect working there with so much expertise,. I consider myself very fortunate for having the experience of working with them. It is a high point in my ultrasound career, though I am very proud of the 15 years I spent working in the clinical aspect of ultrasound for Group Health Hospital. Ultrasound has been a fantastic career for me and has provided my girls and I a comfortable lifestyle and job that has been very fulfilling to me. Getting my ultrasound education is one of my greatest accomplishments (bringing Shalia and Hillary into this world are my two proudest accomplishments) and every struggle it took to make it through those years was worth it!
I hope to meet with human resources next week to start applying for short term disability. That lasts 12 weeks and pays 66% of my wage. My doctor filled out his portion of the paperwork, but my employer and I also have a portion to fill out. I don't think I can contribute and perform my job duties which is hard to admit because I have loved working at SonoSite and I was building up my contacts and learning how to do my job more efficiently. There are so many good people I respect working there with so much expertise,. I consider myself very fortunate for having the experience of working with them. It is a high point in my ultrasound career, though I am very proud of the 15 years I spent working in the clinical aspect of ultrasound for Group Health Hospital. Ultrasound has been a fantastic career for me and has provided my girls and I a comfortable lifestyle and job that has been very fulfilling to me. Getting my ultrasound education is one of my greatest accomplishments (bringing Shalia and Hillary into this world are my two proudest accomplishments) and every struggle it took to make it through those years was worth it!
Cynthia,
I didn't realize you were battling cancer. I am sorry to hear that and wish you the very best. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kari Rice
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Kari,
Wow, great to hear from you! How did you hear? I have only known about this since May 27-just over a month. How are you liking your new position? Thanks for your support and prayers Kari-I appreciate the positive energy.
Cynthia
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Cynthia I just heard. I have been over to visit you and wondered but I never asked anyone. I just wanted to let you know I am wearing my own shoes and walking without a limp.
I need to tell you that I understand in part what you are dealing with. I had my own health opportunity in late 2003 and just recently shared it on my blog. Here is the link to that entry, just copy this sting to the address line about and hit go and you can read about it.
http://reflectionsofkj.blogspot.com/2007/05/me-big-c.html
If there is anything I can do, even if it is to have someone that knows a little of what you are going through sit and listen I am here for you. I will rearrange my schedule. I also understand if you don't want visitors. I will leave that to you.
I used my personal email account, just let me know.
kjp
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Karen,
I just read your blog. Wow. You do understand from the most personal perspective. I am hearing more and more from others who have been healed. And wearing two shoes is good (Karen had a long and difficult recovery from foot surgery). Thank you for reaching out Karen-I may need your support. I do not have your personal email address. Maybe you can send it on my work email-I have my work computer here. Thank you-Adriana may benefit from someone to talk to also.
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I just sent you an email with my cell phone number and my personal email address. I will check with Adriana also.
kjp
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Please give me a call at work. I would love to get together with you next week at PAWS and see them get the bear ready to go. The thoughts and prayers of me and my family are with you, wishing the best.
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Tony, I did not read your message until now (Thursday 7pm). I apologise for not calling to hook up for the big day at PAWS yesterday. I have some pictures I am trying to send you-perhaps they can be used on the vet site. Yesterday I arrived at PAWS at 8:30am and got back from the release at 6pm. I wish I had read your email sooner because you would have really enjoyed seeing how big and healthy the bear looked-126 pounds! I couldn't believe it was the same guy we saw operated on. They had that bone fragment Dr. Huckabee removed from his leg in a little cup and were showing it to people. Did Dr. Yanik purchase a system? Tony, I miss everything about working at SonoSite and the fun of going to visit Dr. Yanik and the unique experience of going over to work with Dr. Huckabee at PAWS. Thank you for letting me be a part of growing the Vet business-I really liked it and wish I could continue to do it. I still hope SonoSite will find a way to donate a system to PAWS. I heard that a male and female white rhino were killed by poachers this week. I think they said that they were the last two. Is this true? Do you know any details?
Cynthia
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Tony, I did not read your message until now (Thursday 7pm). I apologise for not calling to hook up for the big day at PAWS yesterday. I have some pictures I am trying to send you-perhaps they can be used on the vet site. Yesterday I arrived at PAWS at 8:30am and got back from the release at 6pm. I wish I had read your email sooner because you would have really enjoyed seeing how big and healthy the bear looked-126 pounds! I couldn't believe it was the same guy we saw operated on. They had that bone fragment Dr. Huckabee removed from his leg in a little cup and were showing it to people. Did Dr. Yanik purchase a system? Tony, I miss everything about working at SonoSite and the fun of going to visit Dr. Yanik and the unique experience of going over to work with Dr. Huckabee at PAWS. Thank you for letting me be a part of growing the Vet business-I really liked it and wish I could continue to do it. I still hope SonoSite will find a way to donate a system to PAWS. I heard that a male and female white rhino were killed by poachers this week. I think they said that they were the last two. Is this true? Do you know any details?
Cynthia
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Hi Cynthia,
I'm so glad to hear that you got to go and watch the bear being released! I am so proud to know you! First I was proud because of all the great work that you do with the animals, (you know how I feel about animals) and because at work you have always been the kindest, most beautiful and professional person there! I kid you not! I have always told my husband that I would love to work on the vet part of Sonosite with you and Tony. So actually now comes time to tell you that I am leaving SonoSite actually so that I can do something more challenging and stimulating to my brain. I'll love to talk to you sometime without blogging : )as I don't have any hard feelings about work just that my position has not lead me to where I've been wanting to go. As you know, it's all about personal fulfillment and I was very very happy to hear about how you feel about your work and that SonoSite provided that kind of fulfillment. YOu have a lot of fans there! I have put my personal email on this posting, can you see that? Please let me know if I can come and visit or if you'd like to meet sometime. Hey if you're feeling like being kissed by Santos, Dot and Charlie (the dogs for those of you that don't know) or my kitties, just let me know, we love company and we travel!
I have been with 4 others through their cancer treatments in the past 4-5 years so I understand what you are going through, if only from a family / friend perspective. In other words, I think that your website is terrific and I appreciate and love that you have a place to express yourself and accept the love of your friends and family. I am here for you if you need me! Love, Sherri
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Sherri,
Thank you for your kind words. I am excited to hear that you have an opportunity that will be stimulating and take you in the direction you want to go. There are so many good people at SonoSite, but leaving doesn't mean you have to lose touch with those people. I did not see your personal email address, but I think I have it in my address book from other correspondence. When is your last day at SonoSite? I know you will be missed by the many people who depend on you to organize things and take care of all details. I would like to talk about your experience caring for people fighting cancer. I did not know you had been involved with so many. I will email you with my number and hope to establish communication with you. You must be excited about starting a new job-congratulations!
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Hi again,
You may have my old home email address. It is the same wierd name but at comcast.net. That should help!
I'll talk to you soon!
Sherri
PS/ I'm at work until Wednesday pm if you want to call here to set up home contact : )
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