The Wig

I finally made it to the salon to have my wig fitted, driven there by my dear friend Sue. (still too weak to drive). I was excited about getting out off the couch and out of the house. Mario put the wig on my head and I looked almost like Cousin It!!! It was quite long but that was the way I ordered it. I wanted Amelia to have working room for the cut. Off to the styling chair I went so Amelia could work her magic. With a lot of cutting and texturizing, Amelia turned me into what my neighbor's little girl said, "a movie star"! I wouldn't go that far but I felt great. It took me back to my 30's and 40's.  walked out with beautiful hair and a big smile on my face!
It has been so hot here that I ended up not wearing the wig for the next couple of days. I went out bald and proud! I just had the wig thinned out and cut a little bit shorter and I am ecstatic! Just one question-when people tell me how much younger I look, what does that mean? Was I looking old? LOL

Sick, Sick, Sick

After chemo, shaving my head and a delicious dinner with Craig, I was feeling good. OMG- False alarm-I woke up feeling sick and nauseous and it just got worse. Craig tried so hard to get me to eat and drink but nothing worked. Every smell set me off.  I listened to several meditation and visual imagery cd's which helped me relax and then came the continuous vomiting. Never have I been so sick in all my life. I was supposed to go for a shot to keep my white blood cell count up but we called Nurse Barbara and said I didn't think I could make it. She said to please try, so with a cold rag for my head and bag to get sick in (which I didn't, thank god) off we went. I had to go up in a wheelchair, I was so weak. I slept on the way home and as soon as I got in the house, I started getting sick again. I thought it would never end.  We thought I was going to have to go to the hospital for dehydration but both of my doctors said no-too many germs- keep taking the anti nausea medicine and see what happens tomorrow. Great idea if I could keep anything down. Thank goodness, right before I was ready to go to bed, it ended. And, thank you Craig, for being the best husband in the world! I know it was just as terrible for you. I love you more than I can say.

I hope the next session doesn't knock me on my ass like this one did!

P.S. Thank you to everyone who called and continues to call to check on me. I love you all!

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

We arrived home from chemo and I was feeling great. Amelia, my awesome hairstylist and friend, along with Craig, Lisa Marie  and Sue by my side, I sat at my kitchen table and had Amelia start buzzing away my hair. She forgot to bring a cape, so I put on Lindsey's graduation robe so she could be a part of it too!

We started with a 2 (those of you that have boys know what that means) but bald spots were showing up so we went with a 0-all the way! Craig was photographing and videotaping, and Rae Rae just didn't get what was going on. I shed no tears and felt relieved when it was over. It certainly helped that everyone said I had a beautifully shaped head!

Round 2

Round 2 went a lot quicker than Round 1. It was one bag after another of powerful drugs dripping away with the final shot of red liquid to top it off. Craig and Lisa were by my side again. As my hair had starting falling out at a pretty quick pace, I decided to try on some hats that were on the volunteers cart. Wonderful people knit these hats and donate them to cancer patients. True Angels!!! They sent us on our merry way-to meet my friends for a head shaving party!

Here Comes Round 2

Well, here I am, a week later. The morning is not as pretty and I don't feel as pretty as I did last weekend either.  I know, I know, I have to stay positive but every once in awhile those nasty negative thoughts come creeping in. It is really the fear of the unknown and the fact that my hair is falling out pretty quickly, although I did get two compliments on my adorable hair cut last night. LOL

Round 2 of Chemo is tomorrow (as long as my bloodwork is ok) and I am a little nervous. Not of the process, that is easy. Sit in the chair for hours, with Craig by my side, and pass the day while the drugs drip in. It's how I will feel after? That is the question. I hate feeling sick, let alone getting sick. I know it's all part of the process but it's the part that sucks.  Sorry, I think I'm just crabby because I didn't sleep well last night.

On a more positive note, I had a great week. I continued to walk in the mornings and do whatever I want. I really haven't felt exhausted. On Thursday,  the "ladies" came over for a "happy hour" visit. They drank and I didn't. It was great seeing everyone and catching up. I miss being at school with my friends and those germy kids!

Another positive, my wig (aka hair appliance) came in the day after my hair started to fall. Perfect timing! I saw it the other day and it's beautiful. I can't wait to try it on and have it styled. Of course, I will document the entire experience with photos so stay tuned.

Thanks for checking in. I love you all!

Good Morning!

It's a beautiful morning here in Florida! Breezy and sunny and that's how I'm feeling.  I've had a very good week. I walk every morning with my precious little Rae Rae and she is loving it as much as I am! I run some errands in the morning and then come home to the safety of my home to relax and enjoy the rest of the day. I don't feel as tired as the doctor predicted so I am happy about that. I also still have my hair, and of course, am happy about that! I told my darling, sweet, funny son Bryan, "maybe because we are so hairy, it wants to hang on and be stubborn like we are!!" It never hurts to dream. . .
I have received so many beautiful cards and  written words from friends that have touched my heart and deep into my soul.  I thank all of you for lifting me up, especially my friend Kyle for the beautiful picture, which is now hanging on my refrigerator!  I love each and every one of you more than I can ever express. I have been truly blessed!!!
Enjoy this, and every single day that comes your way.
XO

Family and Friends

What a week it's been! From Chemo on Monday until this very moment, I have been surrounded with the love of my family and friends, along with an unfathomable amount of prayers! With only several rough patches and weird sensations in my body, I feel happy. I had friends visit and call and bring me delicious food-and I have been pretty hungry lately. My precious Lindsey came home from college to hangout with me and we even went to the mall! I celebrated my 27th wedding anniversary exactly the way I wanted to- with my loves, Craig and Lindsey (and Bryan in my heart and on my mind) and with my precious friends at dinner and a movie. And today, a glorious day, ended at the beach at sunset and yet another yummy dinner! I don't know what to expect tomorrow but as I look at my daughter sleeping next to me, I feel at peace tonight.