Progress

For everyone who has not seen me in a couple months (or at all), here is a current picture. Taken last night. Notice the faux-hawk.

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.

It's about learning to dance in the rain.

“Life is like an old-time rail journey – delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.”

So I have been thinking even more about how much I have been blessed through this whole situation. I was minimally sick (never threw up), and most of the side effects were about gone by the time I finished the treatments. Not all of them, of course, but about everything eased up after a few months. Reading about my friends that are going through, or went through the same thing, I almost feel guilty that I did not have it worse. Like, who am I to get out of having the same problems? I am not any better than Meg. How come she has to have thrush? Amy is a wonderful person, why did she get so sick? Even having gone through it, I would do it again in a heart beat if it meant that someone I loved didn't have to do it. I know that will never be a solution, but I really hate to hear about others that are doing the same thing. Also, I really don't like to think about it anymore. Reading these other blogs is like masochism, I hate to think that I did that, but I have to know how they are doing. I rejoiced when Amy had her last treatment, and I am worried for Meg and the decision she is facing. I have never met them, but I am invested in their lives.

Good luck ladies!

Update

I have had lots of friends and family ask to see my hair. Its not much, but its definitely there. I am considering doing some funky dye jobs with it, since I keep my hat on at work all the time anyway. What do you think Mimi? Leopard spots? Green and blue stripes? I'm open.

I feel a little strange when people ask to see it though. Like, yes, I'm fine with you seeing my hair. But its not like it is making huge progress, so it probably looks the same as the last time you asked. Or, I know you will have a big reaction if you have not seen it before, and it is just not that impressive. It kind of makes me feel strange to have people oo-ing and ah-ing over something so mundane. Plus, its not like I am doing it myself. I don't have to do anything special to grow hair. Although, I would love to do something to make it grow faster. Oh well. I will continue to show anyone who wants to see. Thanks for the support.

Chemo Day

So, my cancer friend Amy just posted about her LAST chemo day. I am so happy for her! I love to hear that someone else made it out the other side. Anyway, the reason I am here is to let you know that she posted pictures of it. And if you ever wondered what it was like for me, this is about 95% effective. Almost everything was the same. Check it out if you are curious:

Amy and Mike

Just thought I would mention that as of next week (my second anniversary at my job) I have 2 weeks of vacation again! Which means I have a lot of full paychecks to look forward too.