Hair Loss--January 15 & 16

Monday and Tuesday came and went.  I went to work each day and each day felt a little stronger and more like my old self again.
Wednesday after getting ready for work I noticed globs of hair on my shoulders.  Hair covering the sink, all that fun stuff.  At work, I ran my fingers through my hair and wallah, globs of hair.  Okay so day 19 actually came on day 13, the hair loss had begun.  I don't know that I can say that I was quite prepared for this so quickly, but it is what it is, right?
Wednesday night was not a good night of sleep.  I was exhausted, but sleep was very restless.  Thursday morning quickly approached and as I prepared for work, WOW---a lot more hair.  This wasn't going to be acceptable.  I hate hair all over everything.  The hard thing was that I was preparing emotionally for another round of chemo today.  UGGGH.  The last round had been so difficult and I was very nervous for what the day would bring. 
I'm grateful to work where the Spirit of the Lord is constantly around and as the time approached to leave for Chemo, I was very uneasy.  I closed my office door, knelt down and asked for two things this day.  The courage to face chemo and the challenges it may bring and the courage to shave off the hair that evening.

Jen Eborn was my companion for the day and she met me at home.  Because of my ditsy brain right now, we had to go back home to get my phone.  I called the hospital to let them know we were running late and they optimistically said, "We'll see you when you get here!"  LOL---I was tempted to run away and not come back.
The Port has been a real blessing, however this morning it chose to be temperamental.  There was a buildup of protein that needed to be knocked loose.  The nurse stood me all but on my head to see if a change of position would help.  The position change with a little heparin knocked the hummer loose and we were on our way.

After doing all the vitals, weigh ins, blah, blah, blah, we got to see Rosie, the PA.  She is a delight and is so good at what she does.  When I shared my hair loss experience the first thing she asked is, "How are you doing emotionally with this?"  She sincerely cares and I feel that every time I see her.  She even asked if I had been able to attend church (she's Catholic) and then told me, it's okay to miss if I need to.  She said, "The Bishop will understand---thinking that Kelly is the Bishop"  I love it!
Dr Ward joined her and they both expressed their sorrow that I had had the flu following the first chemo.  They were both optimistic that today's experience would be better and easier.  That optimism set my mind at ease and I felt less nervous. Once completed with the Doctor visit, I grabbed a wrap from the Bistro for lunch and we headed to infusion.  Our wait in the waiting room was much longer that usual.  Infusion was very busy and because it was so busy, we got our own private room.  That was very nice because the flu had set me back and I still had a terrible cough.  That meant I had to keep a mask on to protect others. .  Having my own room allowed me not to wear the mask.  My NA was Jenny, a cute brunette and my nurse was a very sweet blond, Tauny.  The usual routine began just as before.
There was a TV in the room that did not get turned on.  I brought books to read and they didn't get opened.  Crossword puzzles were left in the bag and nothing I had planned came out to do.  Jen and I talked, talked, talked, talked, and talked some more.  Tauny would come in the room and participate in the conversation.  We would laugh a lot and cry a little.  It was fun to have some girl time.  This chemo experience came off without too much ado.  To prevent the headache I had experienced the first time, I loaded up on Tylenol and that seemed to help.

Now, for one last stop.  Back to the Dr. Agarwal's office where Jill, his nurse, would begin the process of the expansion.  One large tube of saline with one very long intimidating needle.  Not too bad, since I'm numb and can't feel a thing.

So one more day at the Huntsman was complete.  Jen took me home and insisted that I get a nap before the process of hair removal.  Kelly had a Bishopric training and the plan was to meet at 8:45 for Jen to shave my head and Kelly to videotape the experience.  Rest was easy and 8:45 came quickly.
Jen began by cutting hair off and then using the shears to cut the main amount of hair off.  Finally, the clippers were used to take the hair down to the scalp.  I asked Jen if she was going to cry and her response was NO.  Yeah right!  As soon as the clippers went to my head, she was in tears.  Kelly was stalwart and during the filming was his normal jovial, upbeat, humorous self.  I love that man.

Our Grandchildren decided they would cut or shave their hair in support of Grandma.  I love these wonderful children!!!!

Jessica, Cody & Wyatt

Nicole's Locks of Love cut by Kristen Arnaud

True to Heavenly Father's help, I felt courage AND peace.  I felt much more peaceful about the coming week following chemo.  I felt no need to cry over the hair, no need to feel sad at this loss.  This loss will be brief and I am learning so much in the process.   The Lord had truly answered my early morning prayers to have courage, courage that would sustain me through the whole day.