Hair Yesterday, Gone Today

Well, it's gone. It was there yesterday but it's gone today. I'm talking about my hair. I really thought I was going to be one of those people who keep their hair during chemo. You know the 1% of so who have hair that just won't let go. But.... I am not. I went to my hairdresser Angie yesterday who opened her shop for me. She's normally closed on Mondays but I called her and she ran down to meet me there. She cut it really, really short and told me to pull it out by hand. No shaving or buzzing it because it hurts. I got home last night and starting to pull it out by hand. It didn't hurt because it was ready to come right out. I am officially bald (well, except for a few stubborn stragglers). I have a bandana on today. I'm also wearing large hoop earrings. I feel like a pirate. Maybe I'll get an eye patch to complet the look! I do have a wig but it feels big on my now bald head. I got it fitted when I had a huge head of hair - might have been a mistake?? I'll wear it when John takes me out to all those fancy places but I'm probably just going to wear the bandana or a scarf. They're just more comfortable for me. I'll take pictures so those of you who are far away can see the "look". It 's really something to see!!

Surpise from the UPS guy

Yesterday was a really good day. Nick was back to school after a day of rest because of a sore leg (???) and I was home alone. I got lots done, you know the usual for a SAHM (that's stay at home mom for those of you who don't know the lingo) cleaning bathrooms, folding laundry, cooking meal, etc. I went out to do some errands and arrived home at the same time the UPS guy was delivering a package to our house. I should say a HUGE package. Nick got the box from the driver (I think he was hoping it was something for him) and lugged it into the house. What could it be? I'm alway suspicious of packages, especially if I don't know where they came from - what if it's a bomb, or filled with an undentified white powder? Check the return address I told Nick just to be safe. It said, "Thank you for your order". I didn't order anything, what can it be. After a closer look I saw that it came from Suffield, CT and the address was EDM. Ok, now I know. That's my good friend Arlene's family business address - they sell lawnmowers. Great, they're sending me lawn equipment, my next door neighbor Ed must have told them we're not keeping up with the neighborhood. Ok, let's open it and get to work on the lawn. Nick grabbed the scissor and sliced the tape. One, two, three and the box was opened. Suprise!!! No lawn equipment, not even close. The box was filled with presents. LOTS of presents. All wrapped up and glittery. I've taken a picture so you all can see what my good friends in Longmeadow sent to me. Now, if it had been lawn equipment I would have been happy, if it had been just the note I would have been happy. I was just happy that they were thinking of me. I started to cry. Nick looked at me? Why are you crying if you got so many presents he asked??? He's already a typical guy. They just don't get it!!! I want to say thank you to all my friends and family who have been so supportive to me. Whether you call, stop by, ask John how I am, send food or presents it is all SO very appreciated. That's all for now!

xoxo Susan

One week Later.....

One week later you have to return to chemo camp for bloodwork. After all the good stuff has been pumped into you, your system can be a little "off". A few vials of blood will tell. I am happy to report that my white blood cell count was low but not too low so that I needed the dreaded Neulasta shot. This is a shot that stimulates your bone marrow to starting pumping out massive amounts of white blood cells. White blood cells are the guys or maybe I should say the gals that keep infections at bay. We need lots and unfortunately chemo kills them along with the cancer. This shot, from what I hear - and I hear a lot, makes you feel really horrible. You get more flu like symptoms and you have bone pain. So, needless to say I was very happy to learn that I didn't need it. I did have to go walk in hours at the pediatrician with Nick the other day (nothing serious) and I was not delighted to be in a room full of sick kids. There were tons of them, sneezing, whining, crying, coughing, dripping with all kinds of bodily fluids. I had to pull the cancer card and ask to be put in a room away from those little monsters. I would have worn a mask if I had one - people would probably think I was afraid of the swine flu but it probably would have been a good idea. I'm happy to report that I didn't get any infections from the germ infested pediatricians office and I'm feeling much better. Talk to ya soon.

xoxo Susan