Hair today, gone tomorrow! - wk 3

Once a week, during my chemo this summer, I make a post journaling my previous week, highlighting highs and lows and the mundane! This is the recap of my last week, wk 3.

June 23, Sun
Scott had to leave for work today.  The boys and I went to church.

June 24, Mon
Had appointment with my oncologist, Dr. Bobolis.  Doing well.  Zach and I picked up his glasses.

June 25, Tues
Zach and I made enchailadas. Yum!

June 26, Wed
I wanted to go out shopping to get some new pants before all my hair falls out, so I went shopping today. Success!  Jeans and shorts. (Well, a few tops too!)  I wore myself out!

Jun 27, Thurs
I may have made a big mistake today by washing my hair. I couldn't stand it any longer! I hadn't washed it since Sunday because when I touch it, it comes out. After I washed it today, it turned into a big rat's nest. I combed through the tangles and half of it came out. My days with hair are numbered!  But even the hairs on my head are numbered! (Or the lack thereof!)

 This is my hair that came out after I picked through it.  I think I lost half of what was left!

Lookin' thin!  (My hair, not me!)

Better with a hat!

I also had to get blood work done and by the time I got to the medical center closest to my house (5 minutes away), the lab was closed.  I thought, "Oh great, what am I going to do now cause I need it done before chemo tomorrow."  Then I remembered I could get it done at any Sutter lab, hoping other labs had different hours. It all worked out. I went to the lab at the building where I get my chemo, about 20 minutes away.

The techs have to poke me on the side veins.  

This week, I really got bruised. (Look at lower picture.)

On the way home I did some grocery shopping.  Came home and made spaghetti.  Then rested a bit before the airport run!

Zach and I picked up Scott at 11:30 tonight.  Scott has had a long week.  First he took the train from Rocklin to San Francisco on Sunday because he had a training meeting to attend there on Monday. Then he took the red eye out of San Francisco to Philadelphia Monday night, and went straight to work from the airport Tuesday morning; worked 2 more days there, then back to Sacramento tonight. And he says he has a 6:30am conference call in the morning!  (Remember the 3 hour time difference.)

June 28, Fri
Scott and I made it to the second chemo session.  We went to a different room than last time.  I think they are redoing the other room. Poor Scott, after I got all set up, he sat close to me and rested his head on my shoulder.

With 2 sessions down and 2 to go,  its not the IV used at chemo that is so bad, its the weekly blood draws that will be a challenge.  You can see the bruising by the bend in my arm.

One of my nurses, Julie

I found out today after chemo that I am suppose to get some Neupogen injections. I thought everything was fine with the blood results, but apparently, my white cell count dipped lower than it should during this cycle. It did go back to normal by yesterday.  So now I have to get a shot on days 3-7 this week to keep the white cells from getting too low.

My friend Kaye brought me a meal.  My kids said it was the closest lasagna recipe to mine that they have eaten. (That is a compliment!) Needless to say, no leftovers!

June 29, Sat
I feel good.  My hair loss is pitiful!  Actually, my hair may all fall out before I buzz it!  I'm gonna try to go to church tomorrow, but my hair will definitely be a problem.

Scott and I enjoyed the pool together for the first time this summer and had a nice visit catching up!  It was only 108* today!

My friend, Barb surprised us with dinner tonight!  I am truly blessed!

June 30, Sun
I woke up about 6:30.  I don't know if it is the results of the chemo drugs right now or not, but I feel good! I'll run with it cause I know the bad days will hit soon.  I need to get my first neupogen shot today at 4:30.

So this is my new look!  I couldn't go out to church

with a big bald spot in back and the stringy hair that was left.

Not too bad for a edgy new look!

I'm not sure I will ever show a picture of me bald.  I don't think that will be a good look for me!  I did have Matthew take a video of me when I was combing through my hair on Thursday.  It's over 8 minutes long and I don't think anyone wants to see that much of me combing my hair as fascinating as that may be!  So when Matt helps me edit it, I will put it up.

Well that was my week.  How was yours?

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