I now know the chemo is doing it's job! Seriously...I haven't really felt any big effects of the poison that went into my body 14 days ago. I have a little neuropathy in my fingers and toes, but VERY little...not even like dead skin, just weird. I had a little heartburn, and I have a normal head cold, and my regular tiredness because I get up for work at 2:30 in the morning. I was wondering if the chemicals were strong enough to kill some stubborn cancer cells. Then my hair started coming out! Yay, it's working!
At first, I just reached to tug a little to see if it was starting. About ten hairs came out while Debbie and Casey's jaws dropped. I freaked a little too, but didn't think it was a big deal 'til the next pull (not hard, mind you!) and about 20 hairs came out. Casey and I started looking for a wig store to set up coverage for the station, and for my head! Tuesday afternoon, I went to Creative Wigs (with a producer and photographer) to document the styles and tricks of finding the right wig once my hair falls out.
What a lesson! I hoped to have fun looking at different styles and colors, and I did! It makes me think that losing my stubborn, thick, solid white, strangely wavy hair won't be so bad! The wigs gave me choices that I never thought I'd try, and I had fun with Carla and Mike's feedback. (Mike liked the blonde a little too much!) Wigs are expensive, and insurance only helps a little bit. I figure I'm saving about 150 bucks a month for my cut and color, so I have a few months of hair money to play with and still save! I bought two shorter, fun styles, and borrowed a highlighted, long cut that makes me look like my sister, Betsy! (That's not a bad thing!)
While making dinner tonight, I was worried my hairs would get on the counter and it grossed me out, so I ran a brush through my hair a few times. A softball sized hairball confirms it's ready to come out. Now I know what it's like to have thin hair (that doesn't look too bad.) I know more will come out tomorrow, which will make it easier to tuck in a hair net, inside my new wig for Friday morning's newscast. It's GO RED FOR WOMEN day, so I'm wearing red.... don't know which wig goes best with it, but it's fun to have choices!!!
P.S. Heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined...so get your heart health tested too!
Your attitude amazes me, I love it. You make me realize we, woman, can do hard things. I love to watch, well more listen to you as I get ready and leave for work each morning. Good luck with all of this journey
ReplyDeleteWhat an optimistic point of view! I have a sneaky hunch whatever you went with will look great on you!!
ReplyDeleteI love your great attitude! That is what is going to get you through all this. I can't wait to see your new look tomorrow morning! Way to go girl. You are such a beautiful person-any color, length or style will look great on you! Hope you are getting some good sleep right now...see you on TV tomorrow. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with the comments above. Your attitude is wonderful and I know you are helping others with what you are going through. Looking forward to seeing your new look!
ReplyDeleteIt looks great! I'm so impressed with your willingness to show up and do the things you do and let the rest of us know how it can be. You are so upbeat even with all you are going through. I'm sure your family are as awesome as you are.
ReplyDeleteMary, no matter how terrible the situation might seem....you always find something good. You have such a positive attitude and we can all learn from your example. Stay strong and God Bless!
ReplyDeleteYou looked great on this morning's news!!
ReplyDeleteyou looked amazing this morning! <> You can beat this whole thing... oh and just something to make you laugh... my parents saw you in Wendover a few years, ago. My dad revealed to my mom that he thought you were a hottie, lol. It makes me giggle every morning when I see you on the news!
ReplyDeleteWatching you on the noon news, you look so great! I am amazed that you have been so upbeat and continued to work. I think I would be tempted to just stay home. I have had small doses of Chemo and I just felt like my body was on fire inside, hard to describe. So knowing how I felt with just a little chemo, I admire you even more for pushing through. What an amazing woman you are!
ReplyDeletepositive attitude works...I have seen it..You are beautiful inside and out...
ReplyDeleteThe red was beautiful:).
ReplyDeleteMary, I am very impressed with your strength and positive attitude. It almost seems like every time I turn around somebody I know or know of has cancer. You feel like it's a time bomb and your turn is coming up soon. Scary. I watch the morning news every day before I go to work as an Elementary school teacher. All of you crack me up which is a great way to start the day. I think you look wonderful and I hope you have a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Katie Records
Mary, I was diagnosed 2 days before Christmas with Stage III, Triple Negative breast cancer, and I am one week behind you on treatments (my first Chemo was a week ago Friday, January 27th) I am following your blog closely and find many similarities in our experiences. I so appreciate your candor and your sharing your journey so openly.
ReplyDeleteWhile not as much in the public eye, I am trying to do the same at the University where I continue to work. My co-workers are awesome and are all walking this journey with me. Like you, I am hoping that by being open and not hiding whatever happens to me, I will be able to help others along the road, now and in the future.
I will continue to watch for updates and continue to send prayers and positive energy as we both walk this gauntlet. We are both going to beat this thing!
Janine
PS. I decided not to do wigs, for the expense reasons and others. So I am going to take on the role of bohemian gypsy/pirate for the duration with fancy scarves and huge wacky earrings! Being one week behind you, I expect the hair thing will happen for me late next week...it will be an adventure!
I agree with the comments about having a positive attitude helping the body cope and heal. My mother recently battled rectal cancer and like you did not have all of the side effects except for hair loss and fatigue. When her hair started falling out her neighbor did not shave her head but cut the hair very short so she could easily wear scarves that watched her outfits. On a funny note, my mom has always had very straight hair and her hair is growing back VERY curly. Everyone said it would straighten out once the chemo was out of her system but that hasn't happened. Otherwise my mom is now cancer free. Like your cancer it was caught with early screening. Early screenings are the key! People NEED to get any and all cancer screenings. Even without insurance there are usually programs that will cover the costs so people need to contact local free clinics, American Cancer Society, etc.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mary for sharing your story and teaching others how to make the most of a situation. You are in our family prayers and my prayers. Keep smiling. :)
You are just amazing! I was watching the news at 5 this morning while I tried (in vain) to get my 1 year old to go back to sleep and I saw the wig and I was so sad for you, then I was so happy that you were rockin' that wig like it was nothing!! As women, we tend to be so sensitive about our looks and I was so happy that you were still up there, doing your thing and wearing that beautiful wig and you weren't even phased by it!
ReplyDeleteI love you guys and I watch you every day. I love reading your blog and following up on all your "adventures" through the chemo.
Nikki Sjoblom
www.brokenheartsmended.blogspot.com
YOu have such a great attitude...and I loved the wig you had on the other day. It was very pretty and flattering! You are a wonderful inspiration. It's great that you can keep up your sense of humor. Laughter is the best medicine they say. Hang in there and God bless!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your story. With the support of your family (and your community), I know you are going to kick butt. This adventure will be in your rear view mirror soon.
ReplyDeleteMary, my cousin and I absolutely love the new hairstyle you are wearing on the noon news Tuesday! It looks so natural and you seem more relaxed wearing it. You look beautiful The longer one was nice but a bit too young looking and such a departure from your usual working mom look. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Mary,
ReplyDeleteI will be a survivor of 5 years in March. I know you will join me and many others with that same status. I loved your new look this morning. Your story yesterday showing you being able to pull out your hair brought memories of myself doing the same. I ended up doing the bald thing and loved it but I am glad to have my hair back.
I would also like to ask you to suggest to the viewers who are going through health issues and want to let friends and family how you are doing to register with www.caringbridge.com. It is free and you are able to update everyone you care about and care about you on your status.
Good luck and I will be pulling for you...
women actually make up forty percent of American hair loss sufferers. Hair loss in women can be absolutely devastating for the sufferer's self image and emotional well being. Unfortunately, society has forced women to suffer in silence. It is considered far more acceptable for men to go through the same hair loss process. Herbal Remedies
ReplyDelete