Feb. 13th, Friday Chemo #3 of 8

I had my blood drawn for testing. Then I had my doc visit.
And then I had to confess to my doc about not getting all of my neupogen shots to boost my white blood cells. The week after chemo I have to take them. After my second chemo he prescribed only four because my numbers were good. I told the doc I only made it to 2 of 4. He looked at me surprised and asked why. I told him I had worked 56 hours and it was difficult for me to leave work. And that I was feeling good. He wasn't happy and said that I would probably not be receiving chemo because my numbers would be low and that I needed to stay on schedule. He left the room to check on my bloodwork. Melvin looked at me and said I was in trouble. The doc came back and said that my numbers were Olympic! So...I only need two shots next week and he said I could pick the days. Whew! He prescribed some Pepcid for me to take daily because the toxins have taken their toll on my stomach.
The first four chemo's are the most difficult to take and now I have one more. The next set of four are a different type of chemo.

Now it is Sunday and I have experienced some nausea and of course I sleep a lot. I have been eating better and the Pepcid has helped. I may try to go to work sooner this time.

Thanks for the prayers and emails.
Love to all.

The week after the New Doo

I worked the next day(Thursday) after purchasing my new doo and worked until Monday. Tuesday I rested all day. And Wednesday I went to Tara and Grants to babysit Ellie and I had a great day.
When I heard her waking up I went to get her and she was all smiles. She recognized me even with my new hair. She smiled and played all day. Of course, she had some naps. I fed her, we played on the floor and everywhere. Pa even came by for lunch. Ellie and I hid from mommy and daddy when we heard them pull in from work. When she heard them calling for us she kept quiet and was just looking in their direction with a straight face. When her mommy found us first she said, "there they are" and Ellie giggled and smiled. It was hilarious.
Tara shaved off what spikes of hair I had remaining on my head. It was a special moment. Of course we laughed and said we never imagined we would have a moment as this. I did look like a monster with my few spikes of hair. I enjoyed scaring my family with my monster hair. I would take my wig off and hide around corners and jump out and yell, "BOO!". They said it wasn't funny but I would just laugh. I wish I had taken a picture of my monster hair.

I am posting a few pictures from ice storm and flooding, with Ellie, and misc.
The creek is below our house, the other water pix is on our property. The tree pix are taken on the parkway. Then Nick in his truck. Daniel is ready to play outside with his air soft guns. Ellie playing with Pa. And later when I caught Ellie playing with her feet. And the Grand Finali with me and my bald head.
Love to all

2/4/09 My new doo.

Peggy(my sister-in-law) and I went to BG this afternoon to shop for my new wig. She took a half day off to help me. I was glad to have her there. We picked one that would be great for work and looked good for everyday with a cap. It looks natural. And I got a soft, snug, cap to put on at bedtime to keep my head warm.

I still have some nausea but I am now ready to go back to work tomorrow. Oh, I stopped by to see Bev when I got back in town and she thought I had my hair done. She had not seen me with my hair loss.
Love to all.

Tues. - Fatigue and nausea again.

It's Tuesday and I have been sick since my last post on Sunday. All I do is sleep, sip something, and take bathroom breaks to flush the toxins. Melvin's mom brought me broth and Peggy brought me sherbert and a couple of caps and scarves. I have a little more energy today and I am going for one of my neupogen shots this afternoon to boost my white blood cells. I wrap my head up because of the hair I am dropping everywhere. I have cut it up to my ears but today I guess it will be shaved.

I have learned that I really, really, need to watch what I eat from now on. Tasha and Daniel gave me a book on nutrition and cancer fighting foods and I read some of it yesterday. Last night I baked some salmon(which I would have normally fried in EVO) with no seasonings and boiled some brown rice. I ate some and it did not upset my system. I saved a portion for tonight.

I'm getting through it....slowly but surely. I guess it all means the chemo is working!

My hair is dead.

2 days after 2nd chemo-7am
I am sitting here in my gown and I can feel my falling out and trickling down my arms. I feel it happening when I walk. I woke up this morning with a handful on my pillow. I lost a handful yesterday. I stood in front of the mirror and pulled on about ten strands and I didn't really pull. They just come off my head. This is amazing how quickly it happened. The doc was right. He said after the second treatment.

Do I really need to get a short cut tomorrow? Or just shave it all and it get it over with?

My hair is so flat to my head. It doesn't even feel like my hair. I know if I brush it now it will come out in hunks. I am not vain about my hair. I am not worried. I am amazed at how quickly it happened. I need to get me knit hat TODAY! And a scarf for work. I don't know about a wig yet.
(Question of the day) - Do I take control of the hair loss and just get rid of it?
I need to call my Sis.