First couple hurdles covered

And they weren't toooo bad (the hurdles) So, it's now 14 days since my first chemo, and thank goodness, the memories are fading....

So, what do I remember....

• I remember sweating about 10 litres of water every night and I learnt that a wet tea towel, although not a fashion statement, is an essential item to wear around the head while watching tv (thanks sylvia for the hint).
• I remember thinking that I'd fall over if someone pushed me, because I felt so weak and that what I knew as tiredness, was simply weariness, because I now know what tiredness is.
• I can now also remember my teen age years when I had pimples, because my face broke out in pimples.  I could easily do a before "proactive acne " commercial at the moment.  Doesn't look good. 
• I also learnt that plain yoghurt and tap water are laced with salt. And that I really enjoy watermelon and icy cold grapes.

I also had some pleasing sideffects from the cortisone. For the first time in months, my muscles felt relaxed and my sinuses were really clear. So, for someone that generally feels as stiff as an ironing board, it was a nice feeling.  Interesting that aches and pains have only come back in the last few days. I had a massage the other day, and the masseur commented on my muscles, not feeling as rock hard as they do usually do. 

So, overall although the first week was not pleasant, if I only feel this one week out of three, then I can handle it. (She says after only one chemo session!!!)

Second week.....

Started feeling better around day 6/7. Still felt tired but got appetite back and only was sweating about two liters of water per day and finally relinquished the tea towel.

Kris (my sister) arrived day 8 and it was so good to see her. Great welcome at the airport by me bursting into tears.

Don't know whether it was Kris, but I started feeling better each day (I'm sure it was Kris!!) Still required an afternooon nap and a sleep in, but really nearly felt back to normal.  Felt like I was on holiday.  After all of the stress of the last couple of months, it was a great feeling.  Really needed it!

Both Kris and I felt like we were a bit fake - she'd come over to help me (and I didn't really need it).

But I'm trying to convince her how better I'd feel if she cleaned out my cupboards and did the windows.  For some reason, she's not believing me.  Selfish some sisters are aren't they!!!

Hair loss.......

As you can see by attached photos, I decided to pre-empt hair loss on pillows by shaving it all off. After spending hours lamenting the loss of my hair, it ended up being relatively painless. 

I'm sure that Kris was pleased that she didn't have a hysterical sister on her hands, because for some reason, I had worked myself up for this and thought that I was going to be quite upset.  This was one reason kris came over when she did.  

Went to this place called "Curley Sues" and although I hope that none of you have to go through this, I'd really recommend Curley Sues.  They sell wigs, hats, scarves etc and are extremely helpful and emphathetic.   Anyway, originally we had planned to buy a wig, and then go to my regular hairdresser later that day and get hair shaved off etc.  But Curley Sue's provided the whole service and to make it even better, the lady that shaved the hair off, had also had breast cancer so was very nice about it all.  She was very bubbly and sort of diverted my attention from the first 'swoosh' of the razor.  Both Kris and I also hadn't of thought that I didn't really need to get it all off at that time and could go for a number 4.  So, it wasn't as traumatic as having a bald head.

Kris was on hand with the camera and apart from me having a bit of an initial cry, it came off pretty well. Then they fit the wig and cut it etc to suit.  So, as you can see it looks pretty similiar to my usual style and really, apart from me knowing its not mine, doesn't look as bad.

But it is a bit unusual to wear and it hurts a bit  - it needs stretching so I haven't been wearing it all the time.  Plus its a bit hot.  So, even though I didn't think I'd be able to, I have gone to the shops wearing one of my hats and still feel like it looks OK.  Does feel a bit odd but.

Third week
Really, I'm back to normal.  Still got the pimples, still am having a nana nap but apart from that, pretty good.

However, today, my scalp has become quite sensitive and if I pull at my hair (the stubble), its coming out.  So Kris, says not to pull!!  So, it looks like I'll be moulting over the next few days. 

So, that's it for now.  Going to enjoy the next few days (great weather here in Perth) and then get ready for next Tuesday (next session). 

Thanks also for everyone's good thoughts - its been lovely getting the emails and SMS's etc. 

Bye for now....

Kay xx