This morning I had a wonderful bath. I have never had a problem spoiling myself totally at bath times. Sean always says “Mom, you so lucky being a girl and having all those nice bath things”. Every Christmas my wish list is the same - Bubbles and soaps – enough to get me through the year so that each experience is bliss.
A very empathetic lady phoned around 13h00 today to welcome me to the medical aid oncology ‘club’. All approved!!! Chemo round 1 set for Monday 29 Oct, 11h00.
Last week-end I had a chat to Leon and Dick (brothers). Emotionally I will not be able to handle my hair falling out in chunks, so I will be shaving my head before this occurs. “Alida wants to control the process J” From the discussions came the support that they will be shaving their heads with me and we open the challenge to other family members and friends. The idea is that we do some collection of money for charity (children with cancer) and a donation is given with each head that is shaved (we will allow No 1 and No 2 cuts – no longer than a No 2!). On Tuesday evening I bounced the idea off Alan Goodway, who popped in for a visit. Alan is based in Centurion (South Africa) and will be supporting the effort. People that wish to support the effort arrive at a venue (still to be agreed) with a picnic basket (all own suppliers – snacks, drinks, glasses), have a good time, shave a head and donate some money.
Will you support the fund raiser 10 November? Please complete the poll on the site. If positive results obtained, I will post the charity details, banking details, etc. We will need volunteers to arrange venues and haircutting tools – if available for this, please add a comment on this post. If poll negative, we will still do the family ‘shaving’.
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16 comments:
As much as I would love to shave my hair and I would but with the temperature down to 7 degs here I am not so sure that I could stand the cold. some words from a song which I thought were really nice.
We live, we love, we forgive, and never give up because the days we are given are gifts from above and today we remember to live and to love.
Thinking of you and good luck with Monday. I am off to Paris for teh weekend with the youth so not back in time to give wishes on the Sunday.
Jean
Get a wig if you will need one. If you are likely to lose your hair due to chemotherapy, plan to purchase your wig before you are likely to lose it - it can be easier before you start therapy. A stylist will have a much easier time matching your hair to a wig if you have your hair when you shop. Some insurance companies will pay for a wig. In this case you will need a prescription from your doctor or health care provider for a "cranial prosthesis."
"I am a survivor."
From the moment you are diagnosed with cancer, you are a cancer survivor. There is no distinction between survivors who actively are undergoing treatment and survivors who are in remission. The definition is simple: If you are living with cancer, you are a survivor.
Survivors often credit their cancers with giving them a new perspective. Cancer forced them to focus on those things that are truly important in their lives.
It's important to remember that you didn't choose cancer. However, you do have choices about how to handle it.
There are a few things I would do to prepare for chemo treatment. First, get a supply of antinausea medication and take it from the very beginning. With the antinausea medication it makes the treatment an irritation, not a crisis.
Take your enzymes faithfully, with everything and that might include iced tea. Stay away from generic brands of the enzymes. I had better luck with the name brand enzymes.
Try to stay warm. Take a blanket, sweater, coat with you even if it is a 30 degrees outside.
Get copies of all medical records.
Be aware that some side effects may not show up until after the treatment has ended and may also last for a month or two.
You will be tired. Get plenty of sleep.
Use the shampoo, conditioner and scalp treatment called Nioxin. You can purchase this product at salons. It will remove the chemicals from the hair and it may help prevent hair loss.
Most importantly,
make yourself number 1.
Emilie
Alida,
if it wasn't for the fact that I'm preparing for a play, and have to let my hair grow, I would certainly join the Shavathon (from Antwerp that is)
My wife would certainly agree as she doesn't like my long "blond" looks... :p
Keep strong!
Hi Alida, this is Fay Jean Downing's sister in law. I am very sorry to hear about the C. I have also been touched by it in our family. The amazing part of the whole thing is that the family really pulls together. When my Dad lost his hair, my Mom crotched him a skullcap. I have triplet boys and when they saw him like that they asked my mom to crotchet them one as well. Whenever they went to visit him they would also wear their skullcaps. In their own way they were supporting their grandfather and willing him to get better.
I will be following your journey and will pray that the Lord's will will be done.
Keep that wonderful positive attitude.
Love Fay
Alida - you're a wonderful woman!
Will happily donate to the charity.
Shaving - I did it! The very first shavethon that was organised in SA in aid of cancer, I shaved off a shoulder-length bob. It was an inexplicable experience watching the best lengths being carefully laid aside for wigs.
An even more incredible experience was meeting a lady a few months later with hair my colour, bob style...a wig. I knew then even more deeply how the gesture could not only touch a life but make a material difference.
I have never grown my hair back - it's kept at just about a No1, but with a bit of shape now. Not a morning in the bathroom goes by when I don't remember why I did it.
And now by some silly irony, I missed my regular appointment and had 'extra' to go this time - and while you were blogging...I was shearing. Does the universe accept retroactive intention? If so, then this time round it was in support and as a salute to you.
Eileen
Hi Sus
You have been in my thoughts all w eek. At last had some time to read your blog. Fantastic idea, hope you find the strenght to keep at it. If anybody has the strength and willpower it is you. I can image that future days will be dark and difficult.
Can you believe it, Ouma also had cancer and yes she lived a good old age. Funny how one only learn things when tragedy strikes. I have also learnt how many people out there really care for others. Many thanks to you all for supporting my sister with your comments.
No1 for me at shavathon day, I am sure Colin will cut his hair in the UK as well.
I have found something for your healing ceremonial display, will bring it round on Sunday (tomorrow).
Lots of love
Dickey
Tertia sent me over for a visit. Lots of luck for Monday. I will be praying for you.
"If you're going through hell, keep going. "
~ Sir Winston Churchill
"Do not follow where the path may lead.
Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. "
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Hello Alida,
Came to you through Tertia's blog. Please know that you have someone in America rooting for you! I will light a candle for you tonight.
Caroline
Laat ek weer probeer.....
Maarten en die hele span in Antwerp stuur al hulle liefde en ondersteuning. Hy het my donderdagaand, uit die bloute uit geskakel. Wel, more is ronde 1!!!! Jy is gedurig in ons gedagtes en gebede. Net een ding wat ons kan se: Word gou gesond meisie. Ons mis jou baie.
Michael & Koenraad
XXXXXXXX
Hi
Just wanted to say good luck for tomorrow. I know gran used to have to spend the whole day there. Hope ur day isn't as long. U are in our thoughts. Love to Ian and the boys
Tamlyn
Hi Alida
Thinking of you today. Hope it is not too bad or scary.We feel priviledged to accompany you through your blog on your journey.
Love Karen
Hi alida
i am volunteering my three men for the Shavathon. The girls are not ready to abandon their hair at this stage in their turbulent little lives.
Anja
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