Hair

What is it about hair that defines us, or at least we think it defines us? I didn't think I would be bothered as much about losing my hair as I am. I am more vane than I wanted to admit. Is it because now it's in your face I have breast cancer? Or is it because I am worried what other people will think about how I look? Or is it because I am afraid? All of those seem to be a logical choice for how I feel. In reality, it is just hair. It doesn't really define me as a person. I will be the same person inside without hair as I am with it. And it is only temporary. By mid-November it will be growing back. The positive side, and I think there is always a positive side, I am losing it when it is hotter than hell in Austin. I can get out of bed, wash my little head and put on a scarf or bandana for the day and away I go.

So, by the end of the week I will have to go and get it shaved. This morning was the first day it started coming out. I knew this week would be it as my scalp has been more sensitive the past few days. I guess this starts the next part of the journey.

My next treatment is next Wednesday, after that, only 4 more to go!

Race for the Cure - Austin

Join us in our Race for the Cure in Austin on Sunday, November 1, 2009. We are putting a team of walkers together. We would love it if you can join us in the walk. The t-shirt design is underway and we are taking team name suggestions.

I will have one last treatment when we complete the walk. Thank you for your support!!

Rhonda and Sharon

Fighting Like a Girl

This week hasn't been as bad as I may have expected. The one thing that surprised me the most was the immediate effects the chemotherapy drugs have had on me. I have lost most of my taste buds so if the food doesn't taste 'bad' then it must be good. Sharon is wonderful, of course I have said that on many occasions. She is making sure I eat healthier with more fiber, fruits and vegetables. I know this is exceptionally difficult for her as well.

This week should be better with my energy level returning to more normal levels. This week is also the week when I am most susceptible to infections and fever. I just have to try and be careful and stay strong.

We went today and washed the car, went to the grocery store and then she gave me a wonderful pedicure. I am wearing 'Such a Kareoke Queen' pink. Tomorrow, it's back to work.

The New Normal

We are one week in to the chemo treatment, and all is going well. I think the tough part of being the "caretaker" is not really having any ability to make things better. I truely can't imagine what chemo feels like and I am inspired by Rhondas spirit and desire to make the best of everyday and this experience. I wonder if I would be as strong in her position.

Everyday is new, I mean what foods are good, what side-effects are being managed. At least for the next 18weeks life will be different for both of us. The one thing that I am cetain of is that we will both learn something from this experience. Our friends and family are strong and amazing people (which I think we knew).

Love,

Sharon

Chemo is underway

I had my first treatment yesterday. Overall, I am doing pretty well I think. The research nurse failed to call in my nausea medication and steroids that I was suppose to take the day before treatment. I had to take it through the iv and the doc then gave me a prescription. Needless to say last night I had a rougher night than I may have. I didn't get to sleep until after midnight and slept about 3 hours. The doctor was visibly pissed off at her nurse. She handled it well, but you could tell. When she did get a hold of the nurse, she was at home sleeping, she was sick.

Sharon is wonderful. She made banana bread for me. Of course, i had about 8 frozen bananas in the freezer. I have this tendency to put them in the freezer when they are too ripe.

We are going this weekend to buy some scarves and or hats for the hair loss. It should be gone before the next treatment in three weeks. I am getting it cut really short this weekend. I have read it helps me and the people I am around to adjust. Sharon says she will draw my eyebrows on every morning. I told her if I am in a mood, to give it an arch or some funny shape. She didn't think that was funny.

I am going to make it an early night, I am pooped. I will write more later and we'll post pictures this weekend.

Rhonda

Points to Ponder

This week has been especially difficult because I am working in Mississippi, and Sharon is at home in Austin. I think Sharon and I are both nervous for chemo to start. I have very conflicting emotions that I am trying to work through and it's difficult. The doctor's and the pathology say my lymph nodes are negative which is awesome, so no more cancer. I have to begin an agressive course of chemotherapy on Monday because the cancer was an agressive growing tumor. We are treating what COULD be. I don't feel sick, but the numerous tests I have had to go through to get to this point make me question it all. In my heart, I know I am fine, I will be fine, will always be cancer free, but there is that little inkling that sometimes makes me afraid; what if......

So, Monday is the day. I have to get there at 11:30 am. The first treatment will take about 4 hours. I will be brave and try not to cry, very much. In all honesty, I think its the chemo I am more afraid of than the surgery.

Update

Sorry, we have been out of touch, we had Kelly's wedding to get ready for. The wedding was Saturday night. She was beautiful, the ceremony was beautiful, and we had great weather. It's very hard to believe Kelly is married now. They went to Thailand for their honeymoon.

I had a MUGA heart test yesterday and they inserted the Porta-Cath. I have been randomized for 6 weeks of TAC chemo drugs. I am scheduled to begin on July 13. I have to be out of town all of next week in MS for work so I have to wait.

Thank you for keeping tabs on us. We will post more over the weekend and more pictures also.

Love you guys,
Rhonda