As much as I loved it, I’ve decided it’s time to ditch the mohawk. When the cranial 5 o’clock shadow started looking darker, I thought perhaps it was a sign to let my hair grow. I have to admit, there’s a part of me that does not want to grow it. It’s been so freeing to not have to worry about doing my hair. Even when I had to draw in my eyebrows, taking up extra prep time, not having hair all summer has been a joy. Plus, I think I’m pretty damn hot as a baldy, which I never would have expected. But, on the other hand, it’ll be nice to not have my head be a mosquito buffet. And, as the temps start to drop, being bald isn’t such a great thing. I now understand a bit of what Hubs goes through every winter.
Anyway, I think I’d like to have some hair when we embark on our Western Caribbean cruise in January. If I start now, I should have about 4 inches to work with by then. 4 inches might not seem like much for a neutropenis, but it’s a good start for hair. I’m just now starting to look at short hairdos online. I’ve found a few I like. Unfortunately, they’re straight hairstyles. I’m thinking chemo curls might pose a bit more of a challenge. We will have to see. But, for now, I’m sporting the G.I. Jane look (though my head looks much shinier in the glare of Starbucks lighting). At least, until it gets even colder. Then, I think I’ll be back to bandanas for a while.
Seeing as the hair is working on a comeback, and I’m happy with my brow progress (though they look awfully light in the photo here), I decided to see if I’m ready for mascara. Um. No. I think it just made 3 or 4 lashes look dark, and that’s about all. Though, when I looked closely, I could see stubby lashes starting to make an appearance, so I’m hoping hope is just around the corner.
Yesterday, I called up Kellogg to make appointments to get my port flushed a couple more times, and for my next meeting with Alla (November 24th). I also scheduled my PET scan for the day before that. I’m looking forward to a very thankful Thanksgiving.
Finally, I’ve decided to go ahead and make this blog as public as Caring Bridge allows. That means that logging in is no longer necessary to view my site. However, anyone wanting to receive notifications whenever I post an update will still have to register on the site. And it’s not google-able. So, if you know anyone going through any kind of cancer diagnosis, feel free to share a link back here, with a note to start at the beginning. **BiselBlog note: The original pages are still on CaringBridge. You can search by my name. Though, I believe that they require everyone to have an account now, regardless of individual blog settings.
Original Comments from the CaringBridge Blog:
I actually shared with a friend of a friend about reading your experience as she is just starting her journey. Thanks for sharing your experience and letting us be part of it. You are an amazing person!!!
—Amy Kingan, September 15, 2015
Your story, your wit, and your heart come through loud and clear, Deb. Thanks for making this public for those who need to read it. And here’s hoping for 4 inches by January! 🙂
—Lynette, September 15, 2015
I’m really glad you are making your blog public. Your story, told with such beautiful writing, will no doubt help many people going through a similar ordeal.
—Loretta Annex, September 15, 2015