"Are You Bald Yet?!"

It's been a little while since we blogged, and that's because...well, we've been busy enjoying a great week! Since the first round of chemo, Tony has really rebounded astoundingly well, and this week in particular has been almost exactly like the B.C. era ("Before Chemo," that is.) Many of you have probably seen him bopping around the hospital for work. We've gotten lots of comments along the lines of, "Gee, you don't even look like you have cancer!" It's been so very refreshing to have a good week: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It feels like a vacation.


In other news, I figured I would address one of the questions we hear quite a bit: "Are ya losing your hair yet?!" (which, for the record, is probably not on the "Top 10 List of Best Ways to Greet a Cancer Patient." Just sayin'...) That aside, however, the answer is....kinda sorta. He's noticed a few extra hairs in the shower when he washes his hair, but nothing monumental. Unless you count...THE NOSE HAIRS! Yes, yes...of all the undignified side effects, he is noticing the nose hairs starting to return to their maker. (Weird, right? This is the stuff they don't tell you in the pleasant little instructional chemo videos!) It's interesting, also, that so many folks seem to think that cancer patients only wear scarves or hats for their fashion appeal or to cover a bald head. This may be true in some cases, but in our experience it's more to cope with other things. For example, his scalp is a bit sore, and he already finds that he is more sensitive to cold. So if you see him sporting one of his many new hats, you'll know why!


We go back to the Cancer Center for another chemo-thon on Monday (March 8th). Luckily, I am on Spring Break from school next week, so I won't have quite as much to worry about.


Here are a few random thoughts to leave you with:

• We appreciate everyone's support more than you know. Everyone that has become a follower of the blog, thanks! I know it sounds weird, but all the comments and followers make us feel like we're not completely alone. And we could all stand to be reminded that we are loved, couldn't we? Go hug the nearest person! :)



• We especially appreciate prayers. It's extremely draining for both of us when he has the treatments - it's difficult for him physically, and for me emotionally. As it turns out, it's more than a little unnerving to see your better half getting poisoned. It's odd the things that bother me...and the chemo pump is really tough for some reason. I guess it's just a constant, week-long reminder of what's being done. The treatment works, but it's a pretty nasty process, and it's hard to see him not feeling well. So if you think of us, please pray that both of us stay healthy and strong - inside and out.

• We understand that lots of people don't quite know what to say to us sometimes, because the "C" word is so just overwhelming (trust us - we know!) And we want everyone to know that it's OK - because guess what? We don't know what's going on half the time either! This is a journey filled with lots of uncertainty, and we appreciate everyone's generosity, whether it's a message, a smile, or a pat on the back. We don't mind answering questions, either. To the contrary, we like sharing what's going on - especially if it means we can encourage fellow cancer fighters or help people better understand how to relate to cancer fighters. (See that? I've decided I like "cancer fighters" better than "cancer patients").
  
  
• Contrary to popular belief, some of the best encouragement we've received wasn't wordy or eloquent. Sometimes I am just so relieved when someone listens to my griping and then says, "That sucks." Because ya know what? It does. So if you've read this blog, talked to Tony, or listened to me vent/cry/update, bless you. And remember that we are simply called to encourage each other, not to have all the answers or pretty-sounding quotes. :)
  

Have a blessed day or evening, and we'll catch you next week!