Slept the day away - I want my life back. No inclination to do anything - living in limbo - hate this thing.
Food has no taste - can't drink wine - what else is there????
Looked at myself in the mirror just after getting out of bed and scared myself - some days the bald isn't so bad - today I wasn't rockin it!!
Well you all don't want to hear how much I am feeling sorry for myself, so I won't prolong the agony.
It will be a new year very soon - I will try and perk up to go into 2012 with a stronger spirit and sense of hope. Just having a bad few days, my 10 days of chemo hell.
Here's to a healthy and happy new year for all.
Thanks for your support during 2011 and I want you to know your encouragement and support has meant more than you will know.
J
Friday, 30 December 2011
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
A Lost Day
Well today I thought I had a day to spend with the family and to tidy the house up a bit after the aftermath of Christmas, but I was wrong.
I had my pre chemo appointment at the hospital and of course I had to talk to the doctor about the problem I am having with the allergic reaction on my arm. So she sent me to the chemo area to have it looked at by one of the nurses. I guess they have dealt with this sort of thing before and she cleaned off the area and sprayed it with Flovent - an asthma puffer medication (steroid). A bit weird I thought, but they don't have spray type steroid and this is what they use - it dries quickly and they can put the dressing on the top. So she fixed me up, but was concerned that the line may have come out too much and that it might have to be re-done!! So lucky me - was then sent for a chest x-ray - they back to the chemo area and waited for the doc to tell me 'yes' it had come out too much and needed to be replaced. Back to the x-ray area, waited another hour and then had the original line removed and then a new line threaded in. They dressed it with a different type of dressing again and I hope this type works - she sent me home with some of the dressings for the home care nurses. I left the house at 9:00 am and didn't get home until 4:00 pm!! So much for my day with the family!
So - this arm thing has turned out to be a pain in the pip. The doc wants it dressed every day now, so the home care nurse will be here every day to see me - another pain because you get tied to the house waiting for them to come. I am on antibiotics which I have to take 4 times a day (and keep forgetting), plus tomorrow I will be taking the steroids for a couple of days, plus my regular meds - I will start to rattle soon I think!!
Enjoyed very much our visit with Maureen and Bruce yesterday - their grandchildren are great and they were really excited. Of course Aiden didn't appreciate the clothes I bought him, but then I expected that. I know Jamie will appreciate them. I always put a toy in with the clothes though, so it is not all bad. Tamara always goes dressed like an Elf and Aiden still hasn't quite figured out if she is a real Elf - he thinks if she is magic then she can just make a toy right there and then. She told him it was her day off. lol We get a big kick out of him. Morgan is getting very grown up and is beautiful - she looked like a Princess and since Nicole bought her her own make-up case - well you can imagine the Glee!! (Daddy wasn't so pleased though)!!
Had an enjoyable evening visiting friends this evening - it was beautiful being out in the falling snow with all the Christmas lights twinkling - but short lived - it was all slushy when we left and will likely be gone tomorrow.
Well, I am off to bed - Chemo at 10:15 am - dreading it. I get a bit anxious. As I walk into that chemo room, it takes everything in me not to run - it is very difficult to rationalize putting that stuff into your body.
I should feel ok for a couple of days, so I will check in tomorrow and let you know the scoop!!
J
I had my pre chemo appointment at the hospital and of course I had to talk to the doctor about the problem I am having with the allergic reaction on my arm. So she sent me to the chemo area to have it looked at by one of the nurses. I guess they have dealt with this sort of thing before and she cleaned off the area and sprayed it with Flovent - an asthma puffer medication (steroid). A bit weird I thought, but they don't have spray type steroid and this is what they use - it dries quickly and they can put the dressing on the top. So she fixed me up, but was concerned that the line may have come out too much and that it might have to be re-done!! So lucky me - was then sent for a chest x-ray - they back to the chemo area and waited for the doc to tell me 'yes' it had come out too much and needed to be replaced. Back to the x-ray area, waited another hour and then had the original line removed and then a new line threaded in. They dressed it with a different type of dressing again and I hope this type works - she sent me home with some of the dressings for the home care nurses. I left the house at 9:00 am and didn't get home until 4:00 pm!! So much for my day with the family!
So - this arm thing has turned out to be a pain in the pip. The doc wants it dressed every day now, so the home care nurse will be here every day to see me - another pain because you get tied to the house waiting for them to come. I am on antibiotics which I have to take 4 times a day (and keep forgetting), plus tomorrow I will be taking the steroids for a couple of days, plus my regular meds - I will start to rattle soon I think!!
Enjoyed very much our visit with Maureen and Bruce yesterday - their grandchildren are great and they were really excited. Of course Aiden didn't appreciate the clothes I bought him, but then I expected that. I know Jamie will appreciate them. I always put a toy in with the clothes though, so it is not all bad. Tamara always goes dressed like an Elf and Aiden still hasn't quite figured out if she is a real Elf - he thinks if she is magic then she can just make a toy right there and then. She told him it was her day off. lol We get a big kick out of him. Morgan is getting very grown up and is beautiful - she looked like a Princess and since Nicole bought her her own make-up case - well you can imagine the Glee!! (Daddy wasn't so pleased though)!!
Had an enjoyable evening visiting friends this evening - it was beautiful being out in the falling snow with all the Christmas lights twinkling - but short lived - it was all slushy when we left and will likely be gone tomorrow.
Well, I am off to bed - Chemo at 10:15 am - dreading it. I get a bit anxious. As I walk into that chemo room, it takes everything in me not to run - it is very difficult to rationalize putting that stuff into your body.
I should feel ok for a couple of days, so I will check in tomorrow and let you know the scoop!!
J
Monday, 26 December 2011
Boxing Day
Wishing each and every one of you all the best for Christmas and good health for 2012.
Love J
Still enjoying the aftermath of Christmas day - just reliving Christmas morning and savouring all the laughter and good energy. We had a wonderful day with Nicole and Brandon and Tamara - Santa was very good to us all and even the dogs were well behaved and enjoyed themselves. It was such a pretty picture seeing the family all around the tree and the two dogs (Steve and Zoe (the new puppy)) right in the middle of things.
I felt good this last week and so was able to enjoy myself. Energy level is still not what it should be - but I was able to rest when I needed to.
Brandon has already been out to the 'boxing day sales'. He got up at 5:30 and went to Walmart for their 6 am opening and their big sale. He said there were people lined up and he wasn't about to stand in line in the cold - so he napped in the car until they opened their doors and just walked in. He was there to purchase a Blackberry Playbook - on sale from $600 to $248 for 32 gb - walked in to the electronic section and stood in line with everyone else - then a staff member asked if anyone was there to buy a Blackberry Playbook and Brandon put his hand up - he went straight to the counter and made his purchase - he says the rest of the line-up were not happy that he didn't have to stand in line with the rest of them. He is so lucky that way.
My children are ganging up upon me at the moment - because I am adjusting my arm bandage and they think I am 'scratching'!! Which I am not and never would!!!! Yes - I have an allergic reaction to the PICC line site from the tape they use to stick it down - it has been fine for several weeks but suddenly started to blister up and is painfully itchy. So the nurse came out on Thursday and re-dressed it best she could - but by Christmas Eve it was worse and so when I called the nurse again, they thought I should go to emerg. because it looked like it was infected - so that was Christmas Eve - not what I planned to do - sit in emergency at Oshawa General Hospital. We were lucky though - they saw us pretty quickly and we got a great nurse - stumped her mind you - they didn't quite know how to dress it. The doctor didn't know what to do - he gave me a prescription for an antibiotic (which is what they do) and said the nurse would dress it. Well the nurse was great - but it was her first day back on the job after doing an office job for a while - plus it was her birthday and she said 'and this is what you give me'!! It was funny really - she did a good job and I felt comfortable afterwards. But it is still bothering me - not sure what they will do when I go tomorrow for my pre-chemo checkup.
Yes - back at the hospital tomorrow to see the doctor and then 3rd Chemo session on Wednesday - glad that I was able to have Christmas feeling good - and now I will likely hibernate for New Years. I got a new 32" TV for Christmas for the bedroom from George and the kids and so I can hibernate with my favourite tv shows!
Visiting with Maureen and Bruce and family today and so looking forward to that.
Brandon and Tamara gave me a selection of Christmas portraits they had done - we laughed so much - here is a sample!! (Please know they don't normally look like this)!!
Brandon and Tamara gave me a selection of Christmas portraits they had done - we laughed so much - here is a sample!! (Please know they don't normally look like this)!!
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year.
Love J
Sunday, 18 December 2011
Getting ino the Christmas Spirit
Sunday Dec 18
Well I am back from the chemo vacation from life - feeling much better the last couple of days and so finally feel like writing and chatting with you all.
Lazy day today though - didn't even get dressed. Recovering from the Company Christmas party - a good time was had by all. It was wonderful to see everyone having a good time. It was lovely to chat to everyone and just felt good to be out and about being my normal self. It was a good party - the food was good and the company was good and just a lovely feel all around. Got home just after midnight and Cinderella, after the ball, was able to change back into Cancer Vixen when she put her wig and sparkly clothing away for the night!!! Thanks Messier-Dowty for bringing the Christmas spirit back!
Maureen stayed over and we enjoyed the morning just chatting about the party and finishing off our knitting projects - just girls chillin' out. Lunch with friends tomorrow so looking forward to that.
2nd chemo went very much like the first - mouth sores - fuzzy head - extremely tired. Didn't feel like talking or eating or anything, didn't want to see anyone - it feels like one regresses into oneself - something you don't want to do, but have to go there somehow. So basically the schedule is 10 days following Chemo is not great and then 10 days of feeling better. Still low on energy, but the coping skills are there.
I know you are all waiting to see what my Sunshine Gifts have been the last few days - well to be honest, what with Christmas preparation and just not feeling well, I haven't opened anything in a while. I just enjoy it so much more when I am feeling good.
Monday afternoon
Well folks - enjoyed my visitors for lunch - caught up with my old boss and his wife from a previous company. We have known each other for approx 30 years and haven't seen each other for a while - so it was great to get all the news. A very nice visit.
Well ..... I opened a gift today - a basket filled with delicious goodies - English chocolates/cookies etc. etc. (I am already into the wine gums - love wine gums). There were enough gifts in this basket to last me a couple of days - thank you gift giver - I appreciate it so much and the basket will come in handy. I was telling my friends all about the Sunshine Basket thing and they were amazed. I am still amazed.
I cant tell you how good it is to feel good and be myself. So I intend to enjoy the next few days leading up to Christmas - the Christmas spirit is upon me (not literally)!!
Talk to you soon.
Love J.
Well I am back from the chemo vacation from life - feeling much better the last couple of days and so finally feel like writing and chatting with you all.
Lazy day today though - didn't even get dressed. Recovering from the Company Christmas party - a good time was had by all. It was wonderful to see everyone having a good time. It was lovely to chat to everyone and just felt good to be out and about being my normal self. It was a good party - the food was good and the company was good and just a lovely feel all around. Got home just after midnight and Cinderella, after the ball, was able to change back into Cancer Vixen when she put her wig and sparkly clothing away for the night!!! Thanks Messier-Dowty for bringing the Christmas spirit back!
Maureen stayed over and we enjoyed the morning just chatting about the party and finishing off our knitting projects - just girls chillin' out. Lunch with friends tomorrow so looking forward to that.
2nd chemo went very much like the first - mouth sores - fuzzy head - extremely tired. Didn't feel like talking or eating or anything, didn't want to see anyone - it feels like one regresses into oneself - something you don't want to do, but have to go there somehow. So basically the schedule is 10 days following Chemo is not great and then 10 days of feeling better. Still low on energy, but the coping skills are there.
I know you are all waiting to see what my Sunshine Gifts have been the last few days - well to be honest, what with Christmas preparation and just not feeling well, I haven't opened anything in a while. I just enjoy it so much more when I am feeling good.
Monday afternoon
Well folks - enjoyed my visitors for lunch - caught up with my old boss and his wife from a previous company. We have known each other for approx 30 years and haven't seen each other for a while - so it was great to get all the news. A very nice visit.
Well ..... I opened a gift today - a basket filled with delicious goodies - English chocolates/cookies etc. etc. (I am already into the wine gums - love wine gums). There were enough gifts in this basket to last me a couple of days - thank you gift giver - I appreciate it so much and the basket will come in handy. I was telling my friends all about the Sunshine Basket thing and they were amazed. I am still amazed.
I cant tell you how good it is to feel good and be myself. So I intend to enjoy the next few days leading up to Christmas - the Christmas spirit is upon me (not literally)!!
Talk to you soon.
Love J.
Sunday, 11 December 2011
Sunday - more of the same - fatigue - no taste buds - stomach off, but no vomiting. Aches and pains and best just to sleep. So that is what I did today - went back to bed around 2 pm and slept until 6:30. Certain smells are bothering me - wine of all things!! No fair!!
I will probably hibernate for a couple of days or so and come back when I am feeling better.
Not feeling much of a VIXEN today!! :)
J
I will probably hibernate for a couple of days or so and come back when I am feeling better.
Not feeling much of a VIXEN today!! :)
J
Saturday, 10 December 2011
A down day
Saturday - well - feeling not so hot today - slept the day away basically and got up around 5 pm. My head aches - body doesn't feel right - I basically don't know what to do with myself. My head is fuzzy and I just want to rest. It's ok though - it is to be expected and so I don't fight it. I do have lots to do obviously, but I am not going to worry about it. I will take the few days and then hopefully by next weekend I will be feeling better.
Getting used to the bald head - it get's a bit chilly sometimes, but not bad.
I am not feeling very wordy today - just wanted to check in and let everyone know I am ok.
I haven't opened a gift in a couple of days - will do so when I feel more myself.
J
Getting used to the bald head - it get's a bit chilly sometimes, but not bad.
I am not feeling very wordy today - just wanted to check in and let everyone know I am ok.
I haven't opened a gift in a couple of days - will do so when I feel more myself.
J
Monday, 5 December 2011
CANCER VIXEN 2 down
Monday
Just back from my checkup at the hospital. Donated a couple of vials of blood and then sat with the doctor for all of 3 minutes. The blood work is fine to administer the chemo tomorrow - yippee!! And I guess I didn't have too many problems with the first dose. She gave me a prescription for a mouthwash for the mouth sores and so I am set - ready to face whatever comes along this time.
I wore my wig for the first time today and it is going to take some time to get used to it. It does feel like wearing a hat - but the longer I had it on, the less it bothered me. I got compliments from the chemo nurses - they can spot the wigs now - I guess they are pretty much experts now on spotting them! However, people in the waiting room thought it was fantastic once they found out it was a wig and said they couldn't tell. But you know me, fess up to everyone. It is interesting talking to people and finding out their stories. One lady today - well I thought it was a man - wore a beige knitted hat over her bald head and dark green shirt - it wasn't until the volunteer lady came by with some knitted hats and scarfs that I realized it was a women - so of course I had to get involved in helping her choose something more feminine - she picked out 3 in nice colours - so we became friends and she will be there tomorrow as well having her chemo - so I hope to see her. Another lady I spoke to today has had 18 chemo sessions - 18!!! I guess she is on her second or third round of treatments - cancer in more than one place - so there is always someone worse off than you. All those people with their own stories of surviving and fighting. All those brave souls doing what they need to do. But you know, I always hear laughter when I am in there - laughter is a good thing.
_______________________________________________________________________
Wednesday morning.
I decided to wear a turban to the chemo session - so wore a little blue hat with the beautiful scarf I received as one of my Sunshine basket gifts - so it looked nice and the first time going out of the house with the 'cancer' target on me. At the hospital it is no big deal, but walking around the grocery store afterwards one does catch the odd glimpse of people looking and you know what they are thinking - but I had my lippy on and rocked it and was my usual self.
My favourite nurse took my in yesterday and got me set up quite quickly - her name is Tracy - she took my blood on Monday and we had chatted for a while and then when she saw me sitting there yesterday she called me right in. We always share a few laughs and it helps pass the time. I get two types of drugs that she inserts manually through the PCC and I had been drinking my water hoping to flush that stuff out of my system as quickly as possible. I get the ice chips just before for the 2nd type in an effort to curtail the mouth sores - apparently if the area is cold the drug does not have such a strong effect - but it didn't work too well last time because I did get the sores and I have a feeling they are coming back again this time - although it might have been worse otherwise. The doctor gave me a mouth rinse - so hoping that will help. All in all it took about 2 hours. Maureen came with me and so we took our knitting and had a conversation about knitting with several of the nurses - they are a chatty bunch in there - helps them pass the time I suppose. They work quite hard - on their feet most of the time and running backwards and forwards from patient to patient. All very nice and caring though.
One lady sitting close by yesterday was finished her chemo and left, but then came back, she was experiencing numbness in her mouth - so the nurses weren't sure what to do about that. They wanted her to hang around for a bit while they contacted the doctor - you never know what these drugs are going to do. She did eventually leave, but I didn't find out what the outcome was.
I did see the lady I told you about yesterday, but she was leaving and didn't see me, so we didn't have a chance to chat - but I was happy to see she was wearing the colourful headscarf that I had helped her pick out!!
I am prescribed . steroids to take day of chemo and for two days afterward - they are obviously working because I am feeling pretty normal right now - probably by Friday is when the fatigue kicks up a few notches. But the tree is up and the living room is decorated and so Christmas can happen. I will probably do a bit of wrapping each day and since I usually do it in the bedroom the bed will be handy just to fall in when the need arises!!
Just waiting for the nurse to come and give me the immune system booster injection. So then I can relax for the day.
Maureen and Bruce were here overnight - they have left for doctor's appointments in the city and we are babysitting their dog Maddie - have to watch she doesn't get under George's feet and trip him up - that would be all I needed!! They are staying tonight as well, because she has another appointment in the city tomorrow. So since I can't go with her I am glad Bruce is able to. They are very good with bringing food and so we make it as easy as possible where meals are concerned. We have been friends for many years and they are like family. Bruce did a couple of jobs yesterday for us - changed some light bulbs and fixed a water leak in the garage - so that was great.
Didn't sleep well last night - I think I try to put out of my mind the thoughts of that 'stuff' going into me, but once in bed it all hits me and so the mind just runs riot. I think it must have been about
Sunshine basket gifts for Monday and Tuesday:
1. A book - "Before I go to Sleep" - think I need to read that during one of my good weeks!! Thank you gift giver - no card and I checked the inside and no name - so I do appreciate the gift and the thoughts behind it.
2. A bottle of white wine and a lovely card - thank you gift giver - I will gladly share that with my friend Maureen and I appreciate so much your thoughtfulness.
So - that is it for today - have a good one.
CANCER VIXEN signing off!!
Do you believe this weather!!! Mild - sunny and NO SNOW!!
Just back from my checkup at the hospital. Donated a couple of vials of blood and then sat with the doctor for all of 3 minutes. The blood work is fine to administer the chemo tomorrow - yippee!! And I guess I didn't have too many problems with the first dose. She gave me a prescription for a mouthwash for the mouth sores and so I am set - ready to face whatever comes along this time.
I wore my wig for the first time today and it is going to take some time to get used to it. It does feel like wearing a hat - but the longer I had it on, the less it bothered me. I got compliments from the chemo nurses - they can spot the wigs now - I guess they are pretty much experts now on spotting them! However, people in the waiting room thought it was fantastic once they found out it was a wig and said they couldn't tell. But you know me, fess up to everyone. It is interesting talking to people and finding out their stories. One lady today - well I thought it was a man - wore a beige knitted hat over her bald head and dark green shirt - it wasn't until the volunteer lady came by with some knitted hats and scarfs that I realized it was a women - so of course I had to get involved in helping her choose something more feminine - she picked out 3 in nice colours - so we became friends and she will be there tomorrow as well having her chemo - so I hope to see her. Another lady I spoke to today has had 18 chemo sessions - 18!!! I guess she is on her second or third round of treatments - cancer in more than one place - so there is always someone worse off than you. All those people with their own stories of surviving and fighting. All those brave souls doing what they need to do. But you know, I always hear laughter when I am in there - laughter is a good thing.
_______________________________________________________________________
Wednesday morning.
I decided to wear a turban to the chemo session - so wore a little blue hat with the beautiful scarf I received as one of my Sunshine basket gifts - so it looked nice and the first time going out of the house with the 'cancer' target on me. At the hospital it is no big deal, but walking around the grocery store afterwards one does catch the odd glimpse of people looking and you know what they are thinking - but I had my lippy on and rocked it and was my usual self.
My favourite nurse took my in yesterday and got me set up quite quickly - her name is Tracy - she took my blood on Monday and we had chatted for a while and then when she saw me sitting there yesterday she called me right in. We always share a few laughs and it helps pass the time. I get two types of drugs that she inserts manually through the PCC and I had been drinking my water hoping to flush that stuff out of my system as quickly as possible. I get the ice chips just before for the 2nd type in an effort to curtail the mouth sores - apparently if the area is cold the drug does not have such a strong effect - but it didn't work too well last time because I did get the sores and I have a feeling they are coming back again this time - although it might have been worse otherwise. The doctor gave me a mouth rinse - so hoping that will help. All in all it took about 2 hours. Maureen came with me and so we took our knitting and had a conversation about knitting with several of the nurses - they are a chatty bunch in there - helps them pass the time I suppose. They work quite hard - on their feet most of the time and running backwards and forwards from patient to patient. All very nice and caring though.
One lady sitting close by yesterday was finished her chemo and left, but then came back, she was experiencing numbness in her mouth - so the nurses weren't sure what to do about that. They wanted her to hang around for a bit while they contacted the doctor - you never know what these drugs are going to do. She did eventually leave, but I didn't find out what the outcome was.
I did see the lady I told you about yesterday, but she was leaving and didn't see me, so we didn't have a chance to chat - but I was happy to see she was wearing the colourful headscarf that I had helped her pick out!!
I am prescribed . steroids to take day of chemo and for two days afterward - they are obviously working because I am feeling pretty normal right now - probably by Friday is when the fatigue kicks up a few notches. But the tree is up and the living room is decorated and so Christmas can happen. I will probably do a bit of wrapping each day and since I usually do it in the bedroom the bed will be handy just to fall in when the need arises!!
Just waiting for the nurse to come and give me the immune system booster injection. So then I can relax for the day.
Maureen and Bruce were here overnight - they have left for doctor's appointments in the city and we are babysitting their dog Maddie - have to watch she doesn't get under George's feet and trip him up - that would be all I needed!! They are staying tonight as well, because she has another appointment in the city tomorrow. So since I can't go with her I am glad Bruce is able to. They are very good with bringing food and so we make it as easy as possible where meals are concerned. We have been friends for many years and they are like family. Bruce did a couple of jobs yesterday for us - changed some light bulbs and fixed a water leak in the garage - so that was great.
Didn't sleep well last night - I think I try to put out of my mind the thoughts of that 'stuff' going into me, but once in bed it all hits me and so the mind just runs riot. I think it must have been about
Sunshine basket gifts for Monday and Tuesday:
1. A book - "Before I go to Sleep" - think I need to read that during one of my good weeks!! Thank you gift giver - no card and I checked the inside and no name - so I do appreciate the gift and the thoughts behind it.
2. A bottle of white wine and a lovely card - thank you gift giver - I will gladly share that with my friend Maureen and I appreciate so much your thoughtfulness.
So - that is it for today - have a good one.
CANCER VIXEN signing off!!
Do you believe this weather!!! Mild - sunny and NO SNOW!!
Friday, 2 December 2011
Bald is Beautiful (not)!!
Friday - it is the day of reckoning - to give up the hair or not to give up the hair? I can try and hang on to it for a few more days since I am finding it hard to let go, but I don't think it will last very much longer. It was my plan to go and have it all cut off today, but somehow I can't bring myself to make the call. This is the time when I have to face the fact that I do have cancer and will now start to look like other cancer patients that are going through chemotherapy treatments. Up to now, I have been able to kid myself, on the surface at least, that all is well!! I even sometimes forget I have cancer, especially on a good day. The bald head will be a constant reminder.
Oh well - will see how the day goes - perhaps I will get the courage.
Sunday
Well, I didn't take the plunge on Friday - and on Saturday I just ignored the fact that anything was happening. The kids came over and the house was full of people and two dogs - so it was not time to think about myself. I was introduced to the new puppy - Zoe - and fell in love. She is so cute and a very good puppy,. Brandon and Tamara have strict rules with her and hopefully the training works out for them. They brought her cage and she is so good - goes in to it no problem - and we didn't hear a peak from her during the night. She played with Steve - they met in the park and chased each other and play until they were exhausted. Steve tells her when she oversteps the mark and it was interesting to watch them.
They all left on Saturday to cut down the tree -took the dogs and had fun picking out the tree that was 'just right'!.
We started getting the tree into the living room this morning, however the tree stand wasn't cooperating. We had got it in the stand and started decorating and it was looking really nice. I went to add 1 more ornament and the thing started to tilt!! Oh Oh - not fitting well in the stand. So we had to 'undress' the tree and Brandon had to cut off bottom branches and re-set it into the stand.
I finally made the decision to have the hair gone and we called Tina at Baxter's Wigs and asked if we could come over and have the hair cut off. They are so good there - Tina didn't hesitate (remember it is Sunday) and said to come on over. So off and I we went - she very gently took the hair off and it was quite the transformation. I didn't cry - I was ready. I knew it was coming and it was just a matter of doing it. So they tell me, surprisingly, that I look pretty good with the bald. A couple of times I caught a glimpse of my dad in the mirror (my dad was bald from being young) ha ha - so I did it!! Rockin' the bald!!! CANCER VIXEN!!! My new nickname!!
I had my wig adjusted to fit properly and so I left looking better than I did going in. It's done. I bought a 'buff' - kind of a turban thing - just something to cover my head and wear around the house etc. Then as Nicole is leaving she gave me an early Christmas present which was another buff but in a different colour - so I am all set.
When Nicole and I got back home - the tree was decorated and looking so pretty! Thanks Brandon and Tamara for doing that while we were gone.
I quite like the feel of 'no hair' - it is a bit liberating. Remember it is cut at a No 1 on the clippers, so there is a little bit of hair - but it will all fall out - in fact you can pull it out no problem - but I will let it disappear on its own.
Gift opening this weekend. Yesterday I opened 2 - one for Friday and one for Saturday:
1st was 2 nail polishes and nail files - great colours - one is glittery and I will wear for the Christmas party. Thank you so much gift giver
2nd was an assortment of body products - Aveeno moisturiziners, creams, mints, etc. etc. Fabulous - thank you so much.
And today's gift for just great - several packages in one bag - not sure if I was supposed to open them all, but I did - braided hat, socks, movie passes, Prada perfume (yum) and a book. Thank you so much.
It is amazing having these gifts to open - I still can't believe it. And I am loving it!! Thanks to everyone,.
Jeaninne
Oh well - will see how the day goes - perhaps I will get the courage.
Sunday
Well, I didn't take the plunge on Friday - and on Saturday I just ignored the fact that anything was happening. The kids came over and the house was full of people and two dogs - so it was not time to think about myself. I was introduced to the new puppy - Zoe - and fell in love. She is so cute and a very good puppy,. Brandon and Tamara have strict rules with her and hopefully the training works out for them. They brought her cage and she is so good - goes in to it no problem - and we didn't hear a peak from her during the night. She played with Steve - they met in the park and chased each other and play until they were exhausted. Steve tells her when she oversteps the mark and it was interesting to watch them.
They all left on Saturday to cut down the tree -took the dogs and had fun picking out the tree that was 'just right'!.
We started getting the tree into the living room this morning, however the tree stand wasn't cooperating. We had got it in the stand and started decorating and it was looking really nice. I went to add 1 more ornament and the thing started to tilt!! Oh Oh - not fitting well in the stand. So we had to 'undress' the tree and Brandon had to cut off bottom branches and re-set it into the stand.
I finally made the decision to have the hair gone and we called Tina at Baxter's Wigs and asked if we could come over and have the hair cut off. They are so good there - Tina didn't hesitate (remember it is Sunday) and said to come on over. So off and I we went - she very gently took the hair off and it was quite the transformation. I didn't cry - I was ready. I knew it was coming and it was just a matter of doing it. So they tell me, surprisingly, that I look pretty good with the bald. A couple of times I caught a glimpse of my dad in the mirror (my dad was bald from being young) ha ha - so I did it!! Rockin' the bald!!! CANCER VIXEN!!! My new nickname!!
I had my wig adjusted to fit properly and so I left looking better than I did going in. It's done. I bought a 'buff' - kind of a turban thing - just something to cover my head and wear around the house etc. Then as Nicole is leaving she gave me an early Christmas present which was another buff but in a different colour - so I am all set.
When Nicole and I got back home - the tree was decorated and looking so pretty! Thanks Brandon and Tamara for doing that while we were gone.
I quite like the feel of 'no hair' - it is a bit liberating. Remember it is cut at a No 1 on the clippers, so there is a little bit of hair - but it will all fall out - in fact you can pull it out no problem - but I will let it disappear on its own.
Gift opening this weekend. Yesterday I opened 2 - one for Friday and one for Saturday:
1st was 2 nail polishes and nail files - great colours - one is glittery and I will wear for the Christmas party. Thank you so much gift giver
2nd was an assortment of body products - Aveeno moisturiziners, creams, mints, etc. etc. Fabulous - thank you so much.
And today's gift for just great - several packages in one bag - not sure if I was supposed to open them all, but I did - braided hat, socks, movie passes, Prada perfume (yum) and a book. Thank you so much.
It is amazing having these gifts to open - I still can't believe it. And I am loving it!! Thanks to everyone,.
Jeaninne
Thursday, 1 December 2011
New family member - Zoe
Thursday - feeling like I have to enjoy my freedom for the next few days before I have my chemo on Tuesday - trying to get ready for Christmas and doing a little shopping here and there and get things done while I can. In a way starting to panic. The kids are coming over on Saturday to cut down the tree and it would be nice to get it put up right away. That way I can enjoy the twinkling lights even though I might not be feeling that good.
Hair is coming out extensively now and so tomorrow I think I will go and have it cut off - a No. 1 with the clippers. Nervous and not sure how I should be feeling - I guess we shall see. I have my wig, so will need to take that with me and the girls will adjust it accordingly, once the hair is gone. It is all part of what was expected. They tell you everything that will happen, and there have been no surprises so far.
Was good to see everyone at the office today - everyone is busy preparing for year end and I feel a bit left out of the loop. The weeks are flying by though and I know I will be backto work before you know it.
My gift today is a selection of magazines, that I will really enjoy. (I am too cheap to buy them myself)!! :) Thank you so much. It is like Christmas every day!
I have to tell you I am now the proud grandmother of a new puppy!!! Yes - my son Brandon and his girlfriend Tamara have adopted "Zoe" a 5 month old puppy and just released from the Toronto Humane Society after being neutered and chipped etc. They fell in love with her on Saturday when they went in just to look at the dogs, but she couldn't be released until after her surgery. (Dangerous to go looking I say)! So yesterday they were able to pick her up - they were there before it opened, worried that someone else was going to take 'their dog'! So they bonded pretty quickly and apparently there was no doubt that the dog loved them - so Zoe came home with them yesterday - they had to quickly buy a cage and dog bed etc. and she seemed to settle very quickly. Brandon tells me she slept through the night in her cage and he had to wake her this morning to go out for her 'walkies'! He is planning to take some time off to be with her and try and get her trained somewhat, but so far so good. So with two cats and now a dog in a small apartment..... they must be crazy! But Brandon is in love - he has always wanted a puppy but his mean mom and dad would never get one for him!!
So I guess I will be getting two four legged friends over on the weekend - oh my hardwood floors!!!!!
Well signing off - it is getting late.
J
Hair is coming out extensively now and so tomorrow I think I will go and have it cut off - a No. 1 with the clippers. Nervous and not sure how I should be feeling - I guess we shall see. I have my wig, so will need to take that with me and the girls will adjust it accordingly, once the hair is gone. It is all part of what was expected. They tell you everything that will happen, and there have been no surprises so far.
Was good to see everyone at the office today - everyone is busy preparing for year end and I feel a bit left out of the loop. The weeks are flying by though and I know I will be backto work before you know it.
My gift today is a selection of magazines, that I will really enjoy. (I am too cheap to buy them myself)!! :) Thank you so much. It is like Christmas every day!
I have to tell you I am now the proud grandmother of a new puppy!!! Yes - my son Brandon and his girlfriend Tamara have adopted "Zoe" a 5 month old puppy and just released from the Toronto Humane Society after being neutered and chipped etc. They fell in love with her on Saturday when they went in just to look at the dogs, but she couldn't be released until after her surgery. (Dangerous to go looking I say)! So yesterday they were able to pick her up - they were there before it opened, worried that someone else was going to take 'their dog'! So they bonded pretty quickly and apparently there was no doubt that the dog loved them - so Zoe came home with them yesterday - they had to quickly buy a cage and dog bed etc. and she seemed to settle very quickly. Brandon tells me she slept through the night in her cage and he had to wake her this morning to go out for her 'walkies'! He is planning to take some time off to be with her and try and get her trained somewhat, but so far so good. So with two cats and now a dog in a small apartment..... they must be crazy! But Brandon is in love - he has always wanted a puppy but his mean mom and dad would never get one for him!!
So I guess I will be getting two four legged friends over on the weekend - oh my hardwood floors!!!!!
Well signing off - it is getting late.
J
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