New wig and 3rd round of chemo

Every man and woman would agree that the relationship we women have with our hair can be very a complex thing. We have bad hair days, good hair days and everything in between.

When I set out to get my first wig at the beginning of March, I thought every wig shop was the same. Who’d-a thought otherwise? Well, there is a difference. Back in March, some dear friends and my mom accompanied me to two local shops nearby. To keep the critique short, one shop in particular clearly felt they were the best wig shop around. Moreover, they were extremely pushy and tried hard to convince me what I needed and why. Thankfully, we finished the day on a lighter note and I walked out of the shop with a decent wig.

After I lost my hair, I started to wear the wig and felt it just wasn’t me: it was a bit too long (I don’t really want a bunch of hair around my neck that isn’t home grown), it was constantly in my face and eyes, it was horribly uncomfortable, and there was this strange mound that was just too high at the crown of my head. Although I didn’t think it was possible, I was having a bad wig day.

While I was at my first chemo appointment, another woman who was also getting chemo asked me where I’d bought my wig. After I told her, she said: “That’s where the prostitutes go!…. we’re not doing that!” Too funny. She told me where “we” (i.e. cancer patients) go—to Bravada’s in Fairfax.

My dear friend Barb went with me to Bravada’s and the experience was like night and day. The staff was so kind, compassionate, helpful and non-pushy. I ordered a snazzy shorter wig that is much more my style. My daughter Lucy can now use my old wig as a fun accessory for her dress up clothes or I might give it away. You can see her—and Chris—in my old wig in the pictures below. I love my new wig (even though it still is a bit uncomfortable after wearing it for a few hours) and am grateful for my new doo.

In other news, I start my third round of chemo tomorrow, April 21st. This is the 3rd out of 4 kick-you-in-the-behind-chemo. I’m told the effects get worse with each progressive treatment. So I am fully expecting a rough 4 days. At the same time, I am grateful that I have access to such amazing medicine that is fully paid for by health insurance. So on one hand, I look forward to this week when more cancer cells will be killed, but in the process I will likely feel crummy.

So if you are willing, please pray for active cancer cells on Monday and Tuesday as that is how chemo identifies them and then blows them to smithereens! Please also pray that I will be able to weather the storm with grace. And finally that the children will get through the week well and I that I will be able to interact with them and Chris more than I am anticipating. Like before, Ginger, our 19-month-old, is with my parents for the week to lighten the load. Thank you dear friends!

Much love, Sara