Hair Goes Chemo #2

Dr. Friedberg said not to worry last week when I told him that my hair hurt when my head touched the pillow--it wouldn’t hurt for long. He was so right! It was the follicles hanging on for dear life. By Friday they had “given up.” As I got into the shower that morning, my hair was coming out in clumps.

On Saturday, I had my appointment for a wig. Sherry at Alternative Hair is fabulous! I thought she would shave my head, but instead she suggested just cutting it really short—that way as the rest fell out, it would bend and not poke me. The next step was trying on the wig. It looked pretty “wiggy” until Sherry worked her magic, trimming it to fit my look.

Thursday, May 8, 2008 began my second round of chemotherapy. Myra, caregiver extraordinaire, accompanied me and made a yummy “post-chemo” dinner. We met with Dr. Friedberg and Lynn Rich. Both were pleased

with how well I had done with round one and asked about how Julie was doing. After Dr. Friedberg examined me, Lynn explained my blood counts and confirmed that everything looked good to go. The infusion rooms were crowded, and my nurse was having an “off-day” so getting the IV inserted was four “sticks” later. Myra did a great job of keeping me distracted through all the poking! The infusion itself went smoothly and much more quickly than the first round. Thanks to Gail Hyde, I was super comfy in my warm and soft shawl. I enjoyed visits from Vicki and Sue. To break up the infusion boredom, I shared the Hair and No-hair look!

Julie is on the trail of selecting her medical team. It’s unnerving to have to figure out surgeons, oncologists, possible radiologists. We got some help from a terrific organization called the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester. One of Julie’s good friends, Anne, who has experienced breast cancer twice personally, is guiding us through the process.

I’m still in a state that feels like suspended animation about Julie and I both having cancer at the same time. It’s difficult to anticipate how we’re going to handle this, but I can’t really focus on the future. I’m working on staying in the present. I am focusing on the moments we have and what blessings are gracing me. One day at a time is now more than a spiritual guide – it’s become a blueprint for living through all this chaos.