Long Version:
They (Dr & Nurses) told me it would be 10-14 days from my first chemo treatment that my hair would leave me. So on Day 10 (9/14) I thought... well here goes.......nothing happened!
Day 11: still nothing.... that I noticed at least.
Day 12: I noticed unusual hair loss in an area other than my head which will remain unnamed.
Day 13: I began to notice that my eyelashes weren't as long and thick as in the past. They have always been one of my vanities. The last time I looked I still had short sparse eyelashes... not what I am used to.
Day 14: Noticing a bit of hair from my head in the shower. Wiped it up with a towel.
Day 15: Quite a bit of hair in the shower. I also notice that running fingers through my hair becomes hair in my hand.
Day 17: The shower of falling hair continues... I am looking ridiculous, battling a war on pride whether or not to take a picture and share the ugliness.. One of the things that surprises me is that my scalp feels a bit irritated, kind of prickly. I hope that goes away when all the hair is gone. Anyone want to guess on when the last of my hair is gone?
The camera won, what is the fun of sharing this journey without
pictures...
When I am home I cover my balding head with a bandanna or scarf... and I am very thankful for my beautiful wig to wear in public. This last week I substitute taught at our local middle school for 3 days. It went really well, and my wig was a hit! I wonder if the students responded differently to me because of my great new hair style?
My next Chemotherapy treatment is Friday 9/25. I am to show up at the Walla Walla Cancer Center at 10:20 for lab work, then an appointment with the Dr. Q at 10:40... Treatment starts after the Dr.Q. appt. When the treatment is done Preston & I will head directly to a cabin on Mt Hood for Oregon Camp Cedarbrook Board Planning retreat. They tell me I will be better able to do this trip immediately after treatment than 2-3 days later. Thankfully the retreat is at a cabin, if I need to I can lay down and rest. Please pray that treatment goes uneventfully, and that the OCC Board retreat goes smoothly, that God would direct in reviewing and planning.
Thank you for all of your comments, encouragement and prayer. God has blessed me in many ways: being able to take one day at a time, strength for each day's tasks, and a sense of humor. Don't forget to pray for Preston and Daniel as they have to look at me everyday... at my worst. :) (They have been wonderful!)
6 comments:
Thank you for allowing the camera to win out over pride. It's gotta be tough, but I'm glad I get a glimpse into the journey through your photos. It's the next best thing to being there with you.
And for what it's worth - you look beautiful in your headscarf (and of course your wig too!) And I will certainly be praying for you as you go in for your next treatment and head out for Board Retreat!
Oh.... oh.... the dreaded day did arrive. I am so sorry!!! BUT... you're attitude is amazing and you are still smiling. wow!
you do indeed look wonderful in your scarf and wig. It is good of you to share photos. It certainly makes make it more real to those of us who are far away.
I am so glad to hear that the back discomfort was, in fact, a good thing... Interesting.
We will be praying for you!
You really are a testimony to the strength God can give if we allow Him to work in and through us. (with your attitude, smiles and willingness to share). BTW You're beautiful... Preston and Daniel won't have any problem looking at you every day. I believe you will look just fine and besides, Your inner beauty will shine through even on the bad days. :-)
You are truly amazing, Arlene! Your sense of humor, beautiful smile, and great attitude are all such a blessing to me, and a testament of how great our God is in working His grace in our lives! I love the scarf, wig and YOU, and I know that Preston and Daniel do too (as well as Ben and Kendra). Remember, man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart!
Suzanne
All I can say is you need to turn this blog in to a published journal.
Not only do you have an amazing attitude, but your way of sharing is awesome. I don't know about everybody else but it helps me to laugh with you, cry for/with you and rejoice in the insight that you find in the experience.
I am proud to be your sister!!!!!!!
What a lady!! You are just beautiful with or without hair! You're also very beautiful on the inside and I love you! Thank you for sharing pictures and letting us see just how faithful our Lord is in walking through the dark valleys of our lives with us. Looking forward to giving you a BIG hug at retreat.
Arlene, when my mom had her chemotherapy (and resulting hair loss) her head got irritated too. Unfortunately, her head remained tender the whole time her hair was gone. Sometimes it was just more comfortable to go bald around home.
Also, be careful when you take things out of the oven when wearing your wig. Her bangs got frizzled when in front of the open oven a little too long.
By the way, I too appreciate your willingness to share pictures. Pride is a good thing to fight.
We will continue to be lifting you and your family up in prayer.
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