Day 16 from my first chemo was the dreaded hair day. Dr. Litton prepared me to be ready for for the "fallout" which would hit day sixteen - give or take two days either way. My darling hairdresser brought over a pair of chic pink buzzers for the event and so we waited. Day sixteen (Thurs 8/14) it was coming out by the handfulls, but over the years everyone has told me I have enough hair for two people, and for the first time I knew what they were talking about. I was lucky enough to have enough of my own hair left to go to a wedding shower on Friday night, and lunch on Saturday (looking thin, but still got the thumbs up from Shan). However, Saturday evening Mike and I were working out in the front yard when a neighbor drove up in his car to say hello. We walked to the curb to chat for a minute when a gust of wind hit and yes, you can imagine seeing a huge lock of my hair fly down the street. I casually held my hand over my eyes to block the "sun" and when he left I looked at Mike and his only comment was, "you definitely need to wear your wig to dinner tonight". The girls had been waiting for the big day of the shaving party, so Saturday evening we gathered in my bathroom and everyone had a go at it (except Emrey). She watched from the doorway, but just couldn't do it. Haley, Abbey and Sofey had a ball taking turns with the sissors and shavers and Shannon and Mike finished the job. We all laughed our heads off and found out that no one needs hair quite as bad as grandma does, and we're all grateful that it will grow back. For now I'm sporting my wig and hats and my workout/sleeping wig (modeled by the girls) which I refer to as my "HAIRSPAY" wig. Luckily the bangs are detachable so they have become Sofey's new hairpiece which she velcros to her own bangs. Actually I think I look like John Travolta when I wear it, but only those of you who will be sleeping over get to see that little transformation. Brandon was here last night and had a good laugh. Maybe down the road I'll be brave enough to leave the house in hats and scarves, but for now I depend pretty much on my one good wig. I have to say one thing about cancer, it is impossible to prepare yourself for all the new and "exciting" things you get to experience on a daily basis. Those of you who have gone through this either for yourself, or a loved one can relate. I am however very grateful that I don't have to experience everything all at once, and never alone. The Lord in his mercy carries us through each phase tenderly, lovingly, and if we lean on Him we gain strength to carry on. Having Shannon and her family here has been a tremendous blessing. Now that most of the really tough stuff is behind me it will be easier to let the girls go back to school which starts Monday, and I can be excited about the progress they're making on their new home. Mike has been an absolute trooper, and continues to strengthen me and bouy me up. He even lies about how beautiful I am. Well, you know what they say: "Love is blind" and I'm sure grateful for that! Once again, thank you, thank you, thank you for your love and constant prayers. I fall short in so many ways, but your prayers are heard on my behalf, and I love and thank you for it. I've loved visits from you and hope to see you if you're ever in South Jordan. My love and gratitude to all.
Shirlene
