To shave or not to shave

NO...not my legs or other areas.
I do that routinely.

Rather, my quickly balding scalp. These strands of hair are bothering the crap out of me. They fall out and stick to my skin and clothing.

I guess it's time for a buzz.

Any thoughts?

(And so my online cancer journey journal continues)

Vietnam War vigil stirs emotions

I attended a Vietnam War vigil Saturday sponsored by No Vet Left Behind, Inc., a non-profit organization based in our hometown of Ansonia, Ct.
Founders George and Mary Porter of Derby, Ct. have made it their life's work to do what they can to assist needy veterans.
The vigil was part of the non-profit organization's Memorial Day weekend celebration, which included a six-mile "Warrior Spirit/Ruck March."
I wrote a story about the event, which you can read here. I took several photos, and the one above was published with the story.

Below you see the solemn ceremony held when the first "POW," portrayed by a Vietnam veteran, was replaced by a second "POW," who also served in Vietnam.
They sat blindfolded, on the ground in a replica of a bamboo cage for an hour, in memory of POWs from Connecticut.
When the second man started his hour-long term, participants joined hands and formed a circle around the cage. They swayed back and forth as Billy Joel's 1982 song, "Good Night Saigon" played.

...or maybe not

I took a picture of the top of my bald head to post here.
It was depressing so I decided not to use it. I'll just keep that one to myself.

I wear hats all the time. Not sure yet about the wig idea...maybe I need to be talked into wearing one.

In happier news, I bought a pink ball cap at Wal-Mart today for only $2.50.

My collection of chapeaux continues to grow!

I've neglected this online journal of my health journey. Must get back on track.

Kickin' kemo in the butt

That's what I'm doing.
I had the second of four treatments yesterday. So far I've taken two of the three extremely expensive anti-nausea pills. Thankfully I have no nausea, so I'm able to function.
I actually have a big appetite.

That's about it from here.


And so my online journal about my health journey continueth...

Down the drain (almost)

This is what happened when I washed my hair yesterday morning.

The good news is I'll be saving money on shampoo and conditioner. And on water for that matter.

I bought a second hat; it's a red cloche-style chapeau. I need to take pix of myself in the hats and post them.

Today Ralph, Allegra and I are meeting Duchess Linda of Norwich-Upon-Thames for lunch and laughs. At least I hope we laugh!

Shadow Shot Sunday ~ spring evening

I snapped these as we made our way to an art gallery reception on Elizabeth Street in Derby, Ct.

The theme was Art Takes Wing, and I just happened to have a photo (see below) that I took in February 2010 that kinda fit the theme.
So I made an 8 x 10 enlargement and framed it and it has been on the wall there for three weeks. I think the exhibit is coming down today.

As you can see I did a lot of tweaking, to give the photo that 'artsy' effect. haha

See lots more shadow shots at our awesome Aussie friend Tracy's Hey Harriet blog. And join in the shadowy fun!

The cat and the hat

I posted this photo of my new hat on Facebook Tuesday when it arrived. Next I will have to model it and pose for a photo...bwahaha.

Keeping a sense of humor as multiple strands of hair continue to fall out of one's head is a necessity, at least in my book.

A close friend wants to buy me a wig. It's a wonderful offer, but I'm not sure if I want one yet.

If anyone has any suggestions/opinions on wigs, give me a holler. And I may give you a dollar.

Hat's off to online shopping

I ordered a hat Sunday night and it looks like it is going to arrive via UPS today.

Woo hoo.

It's one size fits all. I hope I like it.

I'm shedding!

I now understand our cat's situation this time of year. We are finding tufts of his feline fluff all over the house.

Although I knew it was going to happen, now that my hair is actually coming out in clumps I'm getting a bit freaked out.

Oh well...it will come back. I keep telling myself that.

Hair today, gone ... tomorrow?

So the hair is gradually thinning ~ you can read yesterday's post about this latest side effect here.

Soon my thick tresses will be history, I imagine. At least temporarily.

To be honest I have been more anxious waiting for this part of my new health journey to unfold than I was when I was facing the two surgeries I underwent in March.

Sounds silly, but what can I say?

Oh, and did I mention I've become an eating machine? Well I have. It's the prednisone I was given intravenously, I'm told. I had no idea this would happen.

Pass the tortilla chips and salsa, please.

Shadow Shot Sunday ~ ooh la la

I'll call this one "April in Paris." I left the date stamp on it so you can see I'm not making it up.
haha

If you like shadowy photos I urge you to visit our awesome Aussie friend Tracy's blog, Hey Harriet. And join the weekly fun!

Here's to hair

I have a lot of it, but yesterday it started coming out. When I comb my fingers through it, loose strands come right out.

Boo!

But 90 percent of what is coming out is the gray!

Yay!

My breast cancer saga continues.

* 25 Years *

Twenty-five years ago today Ralph and I tied the knot. Where does the time go?

At least we seem to get along pretty well. ;-)

I guess it wasn't a McGoofy idea after all!

I met McGoofy in May, 1986 on my first and only visit to Disney World.

Thoughts on care: giving and receiving

So now with my status as someone undergoing chemotherapy (I had my first treatment a week ago today) we sorta have adopted new roles in our household.
The caregiver (that would be me) has become the caregivee.
And the caregivee (that would be Ralph) has become the caregiver.
Sorta.
Kinda.

Ralph says it's a symbiotic relationship. He's right about that.
Now I get to play both roles: I still have the role of caregiver for him, but I am also getting a chance to be the one getting some care. Even if it's only lots of emotional support!

Oh, the challenges. But thus far we are are up to them.

Tomorrow we mark a major milestone. More on that later...

Nauseous? Not really, just a bit woozy

Not sure if woozy is a word. In an effort to not be graphic, and lose the few dear readers I do have, this online journal will remain rather non-descript.

I hope. ;-)

I have some minor flu-like symptoms, as I was told to expect. Slightly achy and tired.

Would love to go back to bed for a few more hours before facing the day.

But I've got things to do and people to see (or at least call).

I am trying not to take any pills. I do have an appetite..trying to figure out what is for breakfast.

Happy it's Friday!

More later..

First one's the charm

First side effect I've noticed is wakeupinthemiddleofthenightitis.

For the past two nights I slept for four hours and woke up. Me no likey.

It took so long to get back to dreamland. You know how your brain starts working overtime and keeps you awake?

Me no likey.

OK, I'm done with this morning's complaining. Let the day begin!

Things I don't want

1) Chemo brain. Several people have mentioned it to me. I don't want to develop it!

2) Nausea. I knew about that side effect decades ago..no need to warn me about it. I'm keeping fingers crossed...and taking medication.

3) Hair loss. I have a lot of hair, thick tresses for sure, so maybe it will take a while to thin out. I was advised to get it cut really short, so that if it does start falling out I can get it shaved off easily. Woopee!
~~
And so my online journal about my breast cancer journey continues..

First treatment went really well

My journal about having breast cancer continues...
I got home an hour ago from my first chemo treatment. I was so happy that it went well. I was really hungry so I had to eat lunch before sitting down to write a quick post, and before I take a nap. haha
Eating and sleeping. What a life! For today anyway. Tomorrow back to work.

I don't feel nauseated. I have been given lots of anti-nausea stuff today, both orally and intravenously. I hope that it does the trick.

Tomorrow afternoon I go back for a shot to boost my white blood cells.

More later. Time to rest.