Wednesday, March 14, 2012

2 down..14 more to go...

I'm almost finished with round 2 of chemo. Side effects this time around were pretty awful. So much so, that we've decided now would be the time to take a leave of absence from work and make my new 'job' going to the doctor's office three times a week. Trying to be more proactive to prevent all the side effects and make it so that I don't feel like crap for 7 days.

Luckily, I only have two more of this aggressive, icky 'cocktail'...the last twelve weeks are supposed to be much more manageable and 'easy.' That would've been great to have known three weeks ago, but I digress.

In other news, I've lost all my hair.

When I said that chemo made this whole experience 'real' - I didn't really know what I was talking about. Having a towel full of your hair come out --- that makes it REAL. Since diagnosis - that was my first real meltdown. I thought I was totally prepared for it, you know, I bought my wigs, scarves, caps. Really thought it wasn't going to be a big deal. Boy, was I wrong. It was a big deal. And the completely raw emotion that erupted was unlike anything I could've imagined. Luckily, it only lasted a couple of hours and I decided it was time to move on...so I had a friend shave it all off. We experimented with a 'Flock of Seagulls' do and a Mohawk. Discovered that I'm lucky - I don't have a crazy, misshapen head and I can pull off bald like Sinead.

The bonus of losing your hair? I don't have to shave my legs anymore. This couldn't happen at a better time, with summer coming quickly.

In the meantime, I'm remembering Isaiah 41:10:

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Have a great day and be thankful for all the 'little' miracles in your life!

~A

2 comments:

leigh ann said...

praying for you, april. one of the most difficult things for my niece, sarah beth, in her battle with cancer was when she lost her hair. she was a fighter- i imagine you are too.
you might find some encouragement in her online diary. www.loveyourguts.com - she knew your struggle.
praying.

Daryl said...

You are an inspiration. Keep the faith.