How is Work?

Everyone says "Are you back to work?"  Actually, I never really left or missed that much work.  During February when I had the lumpectomy I missed three days of work, during March when I had the mastectomy I missed five days of work, during April I had the port installed and had my first round of chemo, so I missed six days of work and in May so far I've missed three days.  On the days I do work and feel good I'm able to work 8 to 12 hours, so I've stayed pretty caught up.

I've also been blessed with great co-workers who have picked up the slack when I'm gone or not feeling my best.  In addition, my clients have been supportive and understanding.  I feel so blessed.

Having to work did make me miss a "surprise weekend" in Springdale that Macy had planned.  We had a project at work that needed to be completed before my next round of chemo, so I had to work all weekend to get it done.

2nd Round of Chemo

My second round of chemo was no fun at all.  I felt fine the day of chemo, but Dr. Haslam said I had lost 7 pounds in the two weeks since the first round and that I was a little anemic.  Day two wasn't bad, but day three I was a mess.  I dry heaved all day with terrible stomach acid and all I did was sleep and feel miserable.  I didn't take medication and I guess I just got a little out of control.  I couldn't eat, drink or think.  I got better each day after that, but even today,  9 days later, I still dry heaved this morning.  I'm sure dreading the fact that chemo is again this Tuesday -- only three days away...

My plan is to be more prepared with anti-nausea pills and a plan to prevent getting dehydrated.  I'm hoping having all these supplies organized and having someone here to help me stay focused on the plan will help prevent what happened last week.

Officially Bald

Legally Blond has always been my favorite movie.  I've seen it dozens of times and it never gets old.  The closest I'll get to Legally Blond is Officially Bald.  I guess this is my version of the movie. 

Going bald was a process rather than an event.  I'm glad it all happened this way because it would have been a huge shock going from having long hair to bald all in one moment.



I had my wig and my hair was falling out in clumps.

Macy made it back from Hawaii so I was ready to make the transition.

The whole family gathered in our bathroom.



We measured my braids and they were more than 10 inches long!
These braids are going to LOCKS OF LOVE!

I thought I looked pretty good with short - short hair so I asked "Do I look like Dorothy Orton?" 
Cliff said "You look like Papa Joe." 

We tried a bunch of different styles.  It was kind of fun.

Macy did most of the cutting and clipping.... but

Cliff wanted in on the action, too....

By the time we were done I had a flat top.



After a week my hair was about half way gone.

Today I'm officially bald!

Hats from Patrick

My brother, Patrick, sent me four fun hats. 

 Everyday hat

Fun-in-the-sun hat

Party hat

Lake Powell hat

 Each one is amazingly cute.  Cant' wait to wear them all!


THANK YOU, PATRICK!

 

Answers to Common Questions - April 27, 2014

My answers to these questions might be different a few months down the road, so I'll document how I feel right now.

How are you feeling? - I feel great today.  I have energy and feel happy.  I feel almost normal.  I still need to sleep on my back, which is getting old.  I think the place of the mastectomy that still hurts most is where the drain was stitched in on my side.  It's really tight and hurts especially when I lift my arm up high or lift any weight in my left arm.  My incision from the mastectomy is completely healed and doesn't hurt much at all.  My boob feels numb, but not completely numb.  The port is a little bump above my right breast, but doesn't hurt.  It kindof feels like it sloshes around sometimes - like if I try to lay on my side.

How were your days following your first chemo treatment?
Day 1 - Better than I expected.  Didn't last as long as I expected.  I was there from about 8 - noon.  I was hungry afterward.  The worst part of this day was my allergic reaction to adhesive.  I started taking my pills at about 4 and felt a little nausea, but not much.
Day 2 - I took pills 1 and 2 all day.  I got my shot and felt good.  Went shopping at Costco.
Day 3 - My sick day.  Too tired to do anything.  A little nausea.
Day 4 - My brain fog day.  Didn't take any meds.  Tried to go to work, but only lasted an hour as I couldn't focus.  Almost didn't stop at a red light - slammed on my brakes!  Shouldn't have been driving. Tried on wigs, went to a baseball game and to eat at Applebee's and felt great.
Day 5 - That's today.  I feel almost normal.

How has having the mastectomy changed your view of your body?  I think I look great.  The incision and tissue expander both look better than I ever expected.  I've come to the conclusion that Dr. Chase, my plastic surgeon, is a masterful artist.  He hasn't even finished up his work and I'm so impressed. Right now, my left breast is smaller than my right breast, there isn't a nipple, and its tender and numb.  I think be the time Dr. Chase is finished with his project, I'll look almost perfect.  My friend Nancy said "you're boobs are going to look better than ours".  Haha...

How is work going? Before tax season ended, work was a chore.  I was focused on being there as much as possible.  I do have a great people there helping me and they stepped up and filled the gap.  After tax season ended on April 15, I relaxed and haven't worked very much since.  I feel like I'm ready to get back to work and plan to work this week.

In what ways have you changed?  I'm more social all of a sudden.  I tell everyone everything and I love everyone more than ever.  I feel more loved than I ever have in my life.

How are you the same? I'm still dying to plan a trip and go somewhere.  I don't want to be held back.  I still love Kneader's salad and frozen yogurt.