I'm... too sexy for my hair

...too sexy for the catwalk

...too sexy for my hair, it's not fair.

Have you heard? All the cool people are wearing head scarves these days... even toddlers! and pets! :)
(my cool dad taking the picture was even sporting one... )

In fact, it's not nearly as bad being bald as I had anticipated... would I happily take my hair back in 3 seconds flat? Yes.  Do I hope my red curls come back en force when this is all over? Yes. But I will fully admit that it is WAY easier and less time consuming to not have to deal with hair.  I have not fully embraced the bare bald headed look... perhaps because I still have a thin smattering left - it's sort of the baby chick, or sprouty look (not to be confused with the sporty look... )  Not the most attractive... though we were all laughing heartily the other night as we envisioned me walking into hair salons asking what they might be able to do with what's left... some wispy bangs perhaps? or a stack in the back?  You have to admit it would make for some hilarious candid camera:) I also still on occasion as we head out of the house think "I should grab a hair band in case I want to put my hair up later... oh, wait, nevermind.", all too quickly realizing my folly and laughing at myself as I straighten my scarf.  It could be worse.

So chemo number two was two weeks ago (meaning only one week to go until the next one, ugh).
We had cousins from Florida visiting for this round, so my company in the 'chemo lounge' was made up of Papa, Sarah, and Natalie:) Aside from the pink rhinestone embellished cowbell, it was thankfully an uneventful few hours... and we rushed straight from Oncology to Isis' 5th grade graduation ceremony!:) Isis looked beautiful, and one of her sweet friends had made little pink ribbons for those in her class who knew about my cancer to wear during the festivities - it never ceases to amaze me how much love, support, and thoughtfulness surrounds us!  So my little girl is officially heading into middle school, eek... thank goodness this cancer business will be behind me as we head into the upcoming mayhem of pre-teen and teen-dom!!
My side effects were not as intense after chemo number two, but it all dragged out a bit longer this time.  The first few days were the worst, the whole first week was rough, and then I started emerging as a functional human being last weekend and actually felt pretty darn good this last week!  I am on a new drug (neulasta) for blood cell production, which definitely contributed to the 'fun' as it causes bone, joint, and muscle pain while stimulating your bone marrow to pump out those needed cells...  I suppose a decent trade for normal counts and no surprise infections.
So this week has felt almost normal!? :) Isis has been at a Musical Theatre day camp all week singing, dancing, acting, and making friends; I made it to both of my tai chi classes, met friends for lunch a couple days, and ran a few errands; summer dance started at Drouin and I taught Mon, Tues, and Wed evenings- enjoying every second of it:)... I am most certainly not at my optimal energy level (i.e. I tire pretty easily, need to rest during the day more than I'd like to, and probably am not talking as quickly;) ) - but compared to last week, I'll take it!
We are heading up to the camp for the long weekend with Mom, Papa, Garth, Liz and Oscar:)  Hoping to soak in some good nature therapy, laugh as much as possible, and relax... <3
Sunshine and joy filled days to all!!
peace....