Saturday, July 10, 2004
So I got my hair cut. I didn't *need* one, in that I usually go so long that the original cut is basically unrecognizable and the stylist doesn't remember me. (One reason why I wore a basic bob for years.) But this week was the six week mark, and I like this cut, and I didn't want it flaking out on me while I was on vacation, so I went in. Why, my college roommate Eugenia must be asking herself, did I tell a stylist with very very short hair that she could take a little more off? Didn't I learn my lesson nearly 20 years ago with the stylist with the crew cut and fork-style bangs? Oh, no, apparently. I have short hair again. I had the feeling it was shorter than she'd intended when she asked when the trip was and after I told her she said I'd have a week to grow it out. It just cracks me up. Basically, it's fine. I mean, it keeps my head warm and doesn't cause people to look at me funny (the other reason why I wore a basic bob for years) and that's really all I'm after in a haircut nowadays.
On one of the Hodgkin's mailing lists there's been a number of emails from a young woman whose mother was recently diagnosed. She's been doing research and trying to plan ahead, so she's been asking about everything from wigs to vitamins to eating out. One recent question was about electric razors: "I've read that my Mom should use an electric one as opposed to the manual razors to prevent bleeding."
I decided to take the low road. The high road, which another responder took, said that bleeding was only a problem with low platelets, etc. The low road, the one I couldn't resist in my online role as Mistress of the Obvious, pointed out that her mom was going to lose her hair. ALL OF HER HAIR! Including that on her legs.
On one of the Hodgkin's mailing lists there's been a number of emails from a young woman whose mother was recently diagnosed. She's been doing research and trying to plan ahead, so she's been asking about everything from wigs to vitamins to eating out. One recent question was about electric razors: "I've read that my Mom should use an electric one as opposed to the manual razors to prevent bleeding."
I decided to take the low road. The high road, which another responder took, said that bleeding was only a problem with low platelets, etc. The low road, the one I couldn't resist in my online role as Mistress of the Obvious, pointed out that her mom was going to lose her hair. ALL OF HER HAIR! Including that on her legs.
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
Doctor visit today! Getting a printout of my test results wasn't enough, they want to see me in person. Not just to reiterate the news, but to check and see if anything secondary has popped up, I'm sure.
I was as ready as I usually am (meaning testy and tense), and this visit took f o r e v e r. We got there at 11am, and were out at 2:30pm. What's an hour here, a couple of hours there, and then a quick visit? I can't complain too much, that's what you get in a teaching hospital. The visit I had that was a real in-and-out was when I saw a PA, not a resident.
But the news was good, as we'd read. The PET/CT was all clear, and my blood work was, as the resident put it, so good it was as if I'd studied for it. When we finally saw my doctor, she was as upbeat. I asked the pregnancy question (as in, what do you think?) and she said that I was a year out of treatment and I needed to start my life at some point.
Now you may think that's not a glowing recommendation, but to me she may as well just told us to go at it on the exam table. I don't know why, but that remark just made me happy. Yes, why don't I start my life up? I've had it with the whole cancer thing, thank you very much.
I was as ready as I usually am (meaning testy and tense), and this visit took f o r e v e r. We got there at 11am, and were out at 2:30pm. What's an hour here, a couple of hours there, and then a quick visit? I can't complain too much, that's what you get in a teaching hospital. The visit I had that was a real in-and-out was when I saw a PA, not a resident.
But the news was good, as we'd read. The PET/CT was all clear, and my blood work was, as the resident put it, so good it was as if I'd studied for it. When we finally saw my doctor, she was as upbeat. I asked the pregnancy question (as in, what do you think?) and she said that I was a year out of treatment and I needed to start my life at some point.
Now you may think that's not a glowing recommendation, but to me she may as well just told us to go at it on the exam table. I don't know why, but that remark just made me happy. Yes, why don't I start my life up? I've had it with the whole cancer thing, thank you very much.
Monday, July 05, 2004
So I've been sick. Twice, recently, in fact. And it stinks. On the positive side, neither time reminded me immediately of chemo, but on the negative side, I was sick. It stinks! And it takes time--huge chunks of contiguous time--to get better. I mean, it wouldn't be a big deal, but now I've gone back to work as a contractor, not working means not getting paid. Then there's the guilt of calling in sick so early in a work relationship. Oh, and then there's the actual being sick part, too.
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Season 6 of Sex and the City is out--haven't you heard? Netflix has delivered the first two DVD's, and I've watched them compulsively, natch. At least each DVD only has four episodes on it, so I can devote two hours to watching them all, then put them back in the mailbox and stand there tapping my toe waiting for the next. But it looks like I'll have a lot longer to wait. I've gone through the first 3 DVD's, and they only cover the first HALF of the last season. Samantha doesn't even HAVE cancer yet, and who knows when they'll release the last half? I knew that due to time constraints they'd only deal with the glamour of chemo, but this is getting ridiculous. I know, I know, I saw the finale, but can't we at least see her agonize over something more than just being bald?
