When it goes, it goes fast!

Well, I’m saying this is nearly it! I washed my hair this morning and it felt like I was washing a baby’s head. I barely felt any hair at all except what was coming off into my hands. There was quite a pile on the side of the tub and I shudder to think what went down the drain that I couldn’t catch. After it dried it fluffed up some, and Ruthie and Don convinced me that I should give thanks for having hair at all and keep it. Man, I’m sure tempted to just rub it all off. That’s all it would take. My head is really sore, and you can see from the pictures the pink sore spots. I’m hoping they will go away soon. Anyway, when the hair is gone I can at least rub my head. If I rub it, now, more hair falls out, and I keep aiming to save it.

Today Don and I went to the 80th birthday party of a precious friend, so I appeared in public one more time without a hat. I had the hat out and was prepared, but went with just what was left of the hair. Our card playing friends, Jo Ann and Frank were at the party, so we talked them into coming home with us to play cards. Then we all went out to eat and called Joan and Floyd to come join us for more cards after dinner. It’s been a great day of cards, so Ruthie and Phil have got a good idea of how much fun we have playing cards.

I have a hat ready to wear to church tomorrow. I think I’ll do that. The pictures on the blog tonight are shots of me with absolutely thin hair. I thought a week ago that this was surely the end, but I made it a week without a hat. I really think I’ll have to break tomorrow. A wonderful friend gave me two wigs and MD Anderson volunteers gave me another, but they all look really goofy on me. I’m thinking bald will look really goofy, too, so I may really love the wigs when it’s either them or bald. Right now, I’m thinking I’ll enjoy wearing hats or nothing. My head is really sore, so it’ll feel good to simply rub it.

Ruthie talked to me really good today and assured me that I should be thanking God for hair. I do. I thank Him that I’ve always had an abundance of hair. He has given me everything that matters (and then some) in abundance, and I thank Him. He has given me family, friends, love and health; all in great abundance. I don’t mean to be complaining about the hair falling out. I’m only sharing it because this is what is really happening. It’s not a pretty sight, but it’s how it is. It is SUCH A MINOR side effect! I am not sick. I don’t have mouth sores. I’m doing so well, and this hair thing is more humorous than anything. Importantly, the tumor is shrinking and that’s what the chemo is supposed to do. I pray that it is also killing any other cancer cells that may have escaped into my body. God is GREAT, and I believe He is seeing me through this battle. He gave me the best friend in the world and Don’s sister and brother-in-law to hold my hand in Houston and He sent my sister and brother-in-law to hold my hand at home. He gave me Don to keep through it all, and all of you to support me online, as well as a wonderful community right here at home. I give Him the glory and praise, and promise to smile all the way. (With new pink lipstick!)