Day 8 is coming to a close and things are going very well. I couldn't have had better news at the doctor today. My blood labs came back completely normal and my white blood cell count is excellent (thanks to the Neulasta shot they give on Day 2). I was told that this is pretty much the gist of how it's going to be. This is chemo? Really? I am quite surprised at how relatively mild it's been. I haven't had to take anti-nausea pills in a few days, and my appetite is great. I had no bone pain with the Neulasta shot, and no mouth sores. They also said the AC portion of the chemo (the first three months) is more aggressive so it should be easier the second three months. I consider myself VERY lucky! I can only hope that it all goes as planned. Of course, I still have to deal with the hair loss in a week or two, but I think I'm prepared for it. As soon as it starts falling out, I'm ready to shave it (anyone want to join in the fun?). I'm not sure I can pull off bald - I looked like an alien child with no hair until I was two - but it's only six months and I hear my hair may even come back thicker. I've been collecting scarves here and there, as well as received many as gifts (including beautiful recycled vintage saris!). I also noticed a lot of women on chemo wear giant hoop earrings to complete the pirate look, so I may have to look into getting a pair of those as well.
Since I have recently become a professional hand washer, I decided to spend Sunday on a mission to begin my collection of liquid hand soaps. I knew that the Softsoap and CVS antibacterial soap (with evil Triclosan!) were doing a number on my hands because I have small patches of contact dermatitis (I was berated by the nurse today for going a little overboard with the handwashing...). So, I did a little research and unfortunately found something called
cosmeticsdatabase.com which rates many popular cosmetic items on a scaled from 1-10, including hand soaps and body washes. This is the site to use if you want to go completely insane! Most of the acceptable green range items (0-2 rating) are impossible to find in the store, and I certainly cannot buy soap online without first smelling it. Anyway, I finally was able to buy one in the green range, and it's the best hand soap ever! And they're discontinuing it. And the ingredient list is completely different from the database, rendering it a failure. (The matching hand lotion has a score of 8.) I think I may have to give up on cosmeticsdatabase.com and go back to being normal. Ho-hum.
If anyone has any suggestions for delicious smelling and gentle hand soaps, please let me know!
For what it's worth, I shaved my head nearly bald this morning. I implore you to think of it as solidarity.
ReplyDeleteRemember when you were a teenager and I would sometimes leave annoying cards and inspirational messages around your room. There is one, in particular, that comes to mind...Attitude is 10% of what happens to us and 90% of how we react to it. I'm overjoyed with how your body is responding to chemo, and even more thrilled about the choices you make each and every day to help you forge ahead.
ReplyDeleteYou have a knack for capturing the beauty in the world around you. I see it in the way you take care of your garden, arrange the flowers, stir the soup, and set the table. Your attention to details serves you well. My girl has blossomed into a “Mini-Martha” despite having a domestically challenged mom. It’s the little things that will see you through this challenge. Inch by inch, hour by hour, and room by room you’ll work your way back to the lovely life you so deserve.
BTW, I won’t be joining in on your new “do” experience. I have too many wrinkles to pull it off. You on the other hand, are young and beautiful with a perfect face for scarves and hats. Of course if you really needed that kind of support I’d do it in a heartbeat!
I Love you to pieces my most delicious slice of life.