Well it's official. I am losing my hair in a huge way. John is taking me tonight to get it shaved. It hurts as it's falling out, so I think it will be for the best.
I think I am pretty much over the chemo downslide. I have been up since 12am this morning, despite having taken two sleeping pills, with one short hour long nap between 5am and 6am. I'm not sure how many times one person can watch Pride and Prejudice, but I think I may be setting a record. It's usually my go to movie to put me right to sleep, but for some reason, it's not working.
Anne visited yesterday, brought me so cute sun hats and lunch. We went for a healthy walk around the neighborhood, I can't believe how tired I get. It is nice to get out. John took me to the wetlands park in our neighborhood today, and we met a neighbor who is working on their old house, by way of Shorty running away. Kenny came over in the afternoon and I did one work thing. Best to ease into working again I guess.
Matthew, Lisa, Kelson, and Mackenzie Mills came over for an afternoon, early evening visit and made a delicious dinner. Homemade mash potatoes are the best at 3am!! It was great to see everyone and have a little visit. We even got to eat dessert on the new picnic table assembled by John and Pete on Sunday (the frame was courtesy of Joel and Katrina).
21 comments:
Jamie,
As I told you tonight, you were my first chemo head shave and hopefully my last. I hope this eases the pain that you were having. You ARE lucky you have a great shaped head. 8-)
It was great to see you getting around a little faster than when I saw you last. You looked just amazing. You are an inspiration to us all.
Wendy
Jsmie-
I think I would listen to your hairstylist when she says you have a great shaped head. She would know!!! YOur bald head is only temporary...your cap was really cute. You will be able to start some fashion statements with all the new caps you will get!
We will be calling you tomorrow to take you for a walk. Maybe I can get Katelyn to ride her bike to your house before the walk. She will love to go for another walk if she can take Shorty:) We just love that dog and I never thought I would say thata about a dog. LOL
Well...Sleep well tonight, maybe a warm cup of tea will do the trick. Love you!
Jennifer
Hi Jamie and John,
Sorry about the hair, Jamie, but at least you know it'll grow back. I'm like Sharon, wondering how you'd feel if it came back red and curly!!.
I keep running into the same two young gals in Missoula at the Clinic who are obviously sans hair due to chemo. They wear cute hats, are always so friendly and smiling so today I couldn't stand it any more and asked them how they stayed so positive. One laughed and said it wasn't always that way and the other added it helped to think about when it would be over. I know you have that good attitude so I hope it will serve you well.
Audrey is currently a semi-invalid as she seems to have a disc problem in her back. She had a cortisone shot Monday and I'm giving pills by mouth. She feels so much better it's hard to keep her quiet which is part of the "treatment". I'm not sure I can last three weeks keeping her on leash and in her kennel.
It's darn hot here and I never get used to it. I'm a 70 degree kind of person so 93 is over the top for me.
We're also getting more and more mosquitoes so it's harder to go outside and cool off. When we first came here we never saw a mosquito where we live. Then about three or four years ago we got a few and each year more so that now it's a major problelm for me since they think I'm very tasty. (Skip always claimed they were attracted to me because they like things that smell bad.)
I think of you both several times a day and send you positive vibes. You're doing great and you probably have no idea what an inspiration you are. Stay strong.
Love,
Pat
You really are kicking ass my friend. Really. Your sense of humor serves you well through all of this and I am so proud of you! Excellent to talk with you today.
I'm sorry about your hair. But, beautiful is beautiful - bald or not - with those gorgeous eyes and your brilliant smile I'm sure that your newest 'do will look cool on you too.
Love, K
Hey, you'll have another new look! It's okay to be sad about the loss of your hair--you have every right but look how beautifully LeaAnne's hair came back in. Of course people will notice . . . but they'll see your smile first!!
It'd be good to do some work. Can you work some from home? Going in to work would help make the time go by (then you'll be that much closer to being done with chemo)! Plus, I can imagine how much they're missing you at work--especially Kenny!
BB does the cutest 'dance.' When I'm ready to put their food down, I click the bowls together and say, "Happy Dance, bun-bun, Happy Dance." He kicks his heels and runs through his tunnel-house and around to come stand in front of me. Too cute. Makes me laugh every time. GB sits there muttering, "You fool."
How come you can't sleep? Is the battle between chemo and the bad guys getting too loud and keeping you awake? Don't get your night and days switched; it can sneak up on you. Guess it's time to ramp up the push-up and jumping-jacks!! Do hope last night you slept better.
Sharon
While you may miss your beautiful head of hair, you do look good bald. I know Kendal is enjoying is bald head, but then again, he is a boy. I hope you are getting more sleep. If it isn't rainning, we'll come walk with you, Jennifer, and Katelyn. Hey this is another thing you a Britany Spears have in common. I didn't think you were such a big fan of hers. Just Kidding! LOL! I'm so happy your boold work shows that you are improving! Kicking ass and taking names!
I bet Wendy gives a good head massage, and I'm sure John can learn her technique. Try to enjoy the ease of not having hair this summer (you thought short hair was easy -- this will really cut your styling time!!) And start planning for the cute hairstyle you will wear when it comes back.
I have to agree with Katrina - it is all about your beautiful eyes and smile. Hopefully we can see it a little more this week! Glad you are starting to feel better. Maybe we can lunch every Tuesday? On your good weeks I'll bring Wilson, and the tough ones I'll be at your service :)
Love,
Anne
This will all be but a memory soon! Your sense of humor in all of this will keep you going, for sure. Laughter truly is better than all the medicine in the world. Keep laughing, and you'll be cured in no time!
Nothing I can say that already hasn't been said......Other than I knew you were going to look great no matter what! I remembered that LeaAnne's eyes just jumped out after Bob (No, that is not a typo...she did have her dh shave her head! LOL) shaved her head.
I think we all need to make a trip to Bobby Brown. They would have a ball with your eyes!!
It's already almost 90 here and I am actually kind of jealous of you and Kendal! I always forget how hot it gets here with fewer trees, thinner air, and the intensity of the sun. Pete was first to say uncle and turn on the air in the trailer! I try to condition myself so I don't faint when I go outside.;)
Do you realize how demanding those bunnies are going to be when they get home?? Believe me, I know! I have a very demanding turtle, thanks to Sharon. If she doesn't behave herself, we are going to ship her off to travel with the circus(that is one of the things they use to tell us as kids when we were naughty!)LOL
Have a good day!
Love, Kathy
No hair might not be your first choice, but you can definitely pull it off. It makes your smile jump out. I'm sure that Jason will approve of the new cut.
Take care.
Love,
Ali
You are beautiful Jamie – inside and out! Like so many others who know and care about you, I am so inspired and proud of you as you so bravely fight this battle!!
Jamie -- YOU'RE GORGEOUS!!! And, Kendal, you're handsome! Enjoy the break from not having to shampoo your hair and condition it and blow dry it and style it and hair spray it. I bet any style of hat will look good on you -- not everyone can wear hats and carry it off well. For that matter, you look so good you can do without!
Sharon
Super Gorgeous, brings out those beautiful eyes and smile!! You might miss your hair, but good that it is summer and hot you will be cooler anyway. You and Kendal look so great in that photo, I love your smiles. That photo should be labeled: Solidarity!! I think it is awesome to read this blog and watch the progress. Kat keeps me updated too, and we are so in awe of you and your strength. You are such an inspiration!! (in case one might need inspiration for cancer or other situations in life we have you as our leader!) We love you Jamie!! Doris and Vesa
Dear Jamie,
You don't know me but I've been following your blog ever since I got the address from Judy Mills, my friend since high school. I don't normally write in these but just felt I had to remark on your beautiful bald head and to tell you I admire your courage and pray for your recovery every day.
My daughter, Terri Radcliffe Hunziker (a never smoker), has been battling stage IV lung cancer since December 2003 ( www.mybumpintheroad.com ). She's lost her hair twice and found that doo-rags were the best thing next to just going au natural especially in the summer. My husband, Phil Radcliffe, is the guy who was critically injured in a sawmill accident and spent almost 100 days at Harborview and came home in March. ( www.caringbridge.com/visit/philradcliffe ). You might have read about him in the paper or heard about him since we live in the Key Center area.
We are a family of miracles and I just wanted you to know we are all thinking of you and will continue to follow your progress. We wish you peace and comfort on your road to recovery.
Love, Lynn Radcliffe
Hey Jamie - you look fabulous - and to chime in with all the others; your brilliant smile and shining eyes give such a beautiful aura about you. We miss you and Shorty at the office and think of you every day!!
Jamie!! You honestly look better than when I saw you the other day. Good riddance hair! Maybe it is just that you look so happy with your nephew, but I am loving it all the way... It will be a summer of bright colors (that one looks nice on you!) and cool breezes.
Keep your spirit up. You are beautiful through and through.
Love,
Anne
Hi Jamie,
I haven't written in a while due to our road trip to see my mom but we are back and I have thoroughly enjoyed catching up on your blog:)
Your new non-hair-do looks great...quite possibly the best bald head I've seen:) I would love to plan a weekend visit soon! Let me know what works for you!
Keep smiling...
Jen
Hey Jamie,
I have been reading, but not blogging back. I think your new "do" makes you look way younger...and isn't that what we all want at some point in time?!
You're looking great and we're proud of you.
Love,
Nona and Buz
Jamie-
You look fabulous and you are gaining strength everyday. Keep up the good work on those walks, you are moving fast and going far!!! Shorty brings a lot of smiles too. I can't believe how excited he gets to go to the park.
Thanks to Joel and Katrina for the picnic table. It has really come in handy. I showed up yesterday and they were outside eating lunch with Bonito and his son. It looked like a relaxing Saturday afternoon with good conversation and cherry chocolate shakes...YUM!
Keep up the inspiring work Jamie!!
Jennifer
Jamie,
You look beautiful! Haven't had a chance to write you yet, but check the blog your dad sent me regularly to see how you are and how we can pray for you. Your sense of humor will serve you well and your inner stregth is insipiring. If you need anything please let me know. I think of you often!
Blessings,
Jan (and richard) Bailey
Jamie-
Your outer and inner beauty intensifies each day as your strength and courage surpass all the difficulties that have been laid before you. You are an amazing sister and an amazing person.
I love the opportunities to spend more time with you. Thanks for helping me pick out paint colors, you have an eye for style!
Jennifer
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