Keeping you abreast, Vol. 3

Summer 2005

   Well, right now I'm supposed to be sitting in an infusion chair at the Emory Cancer Center, watching them drip chemo drugs into my arm. But instead I'm at home typing up an update. Turns out my white blood cell count was too low for me to tolerate chemo today. I was really suprised because I have felt great for the past two weeks. I would never even have guessed that this would happen. It was also annoying that they had to stick me three times to find a good vein and then we didn't even get to use it for chemo. Oh well, we'll try again next week. And from now on, I'll have to get a shot after chemo to help prevent my white blood cell count from dropping too low. I'm also calling my surgeon to get a permanent port put in to help keep from getting stuck all the time.

   Hair news -- I know this is the question everyone wants to ask but they don't want to seem rude. Here are the ground rules for asking me questions -- ask me whatever the heck you want! I don't care. All modesty is totally gone at this point. Being bald and flatchested does that to you, I guess!

   Yes, I am bald, sort of. My hair started coming out last Thursday and with a vengeance on Friday when Todd and I took the kids to Chattanooga. I had brought some scissors with me, and I cut it back a short as I could and wore a bucket cap with a hairpiece attached inside for the rest of the trip. It's a cute look, and pretty comfortable, but I'm sure some people around here are going to wonder why in the world I wear this hat all the time. When we got home from Chattanooga, I shaved my head but I still have a good bit of stubble. And it is very dark! Guess my roots were even darker than I realized. One day when Wesley saw me without a hat, he pointed at my head and said "No Mommy wear that hair. That's Daddy's hair!"

   All of the hairpieces and wigs have names, given to them by the wig company. The hairpiece I have for hats is named Amber. Amber is my favorite wig because she is easy, just hangs straight down from under a hat. Lola is my main wig (ie most expensive) to wear for something like church, weddings, parties, etc. She is nice, but her bangs are much thicker than I have ever worn mine, so that will take some getting used to. Electra is a crazy girl. Light blonde hair that's just very "flippy" for lack of a better word. Not sure if I'll ever have the guts to wear her or not. If you're wondering why I got so many wigs, it's because my insurance paid up to $500 for a "cranial prosthesis," which is what was called on the prescription my oncologist gave me.

Top 10 things about being bald
10. Can rub my own head for luck.
9. Will save a ton of money on shampoo, conditioner, highlights and haircuts.
8. I don't have to worry about getting my hair wet at the pool.
7. Hats actually fit me. I have such a big head, that with hair, I often can't find hats that fit.
6. I can get a suntan on my scalp.
5. I never have a bad hair day.
4. Kids think it's funny.
3. It takes me almost no time to get ready in the morning.
2. I don't look half-bad.
1. It means the cancer drugs are working!

   Thanks to everyone for all the cards, notes, calls, etc. And most especially the prayers. Our freezer is full for now thanks to Marguerite, Marifae and Tina.


Love to all,
Michelle