Friday, March 2, 2007

Don't Call me Brittany.....

Another busy week here on the central coast of California. Sunday, 2/25, I started to lose my hair. Since I was told it would clump out over a period of time, I decided to make the transition quick and have David shave my head on Monday. As many of you know, he shaves his head weekly, and I must give him credit, he did a pretty good job, considering the circumstances. I do however have one question? I have been a redhead for about 15+ years, prior to that I was a blonde for about 20 years, but where are these BLACK roots coming from? Theresa just keeps wondering what my hair is going to look like when it grows back – that makes two of us! On Thursday I also attended a “Look Good, Feel Good” course sponsored by the American Cancer Society that essentially shows women in chemo what face care products to wear and fits you for wigs. David had dropped me off at the cancer center as a short-headed read head and when he picked me up I was a Blonde (which he had never seen!). Moral of the story – next time you see me – you won’t know what color, length, style, with/without hat I’ll be wearing. I’ve had to make bald an accessory!

I met with the Oncologist on Tuesday to review the next round of chemo treatments. After a small struggle with the Doc to have the treatments as an outpatient, and with the total support of the Oncology Nurse, we were able to convince him of an acceptable in-home schedule vs. a five day hospital stay.

I will start my second round of chemo this coming week for five days – March 5th thru 9th. I go to the clinic everyday from 8:30-12:00 and then return home where I will be on a home IV for the next five days, 24/7. The good news is I only need to spend a few hours a day at the clinic and I get to sleep at home! I also had an echo (stress test of the heart) today to ensure the last round of chemo was not affecting my heart since that is one of the possible side effects. I have not heard from the doctor’s office to make any changes to my treatment, and the tech told me he did not see any differences, so I think we are full steam ahead for Monday…….

Wednesday, 2/28, was the five year anniversary of mom’s passing – we still miss her dearly. Dad has good and bad days. The upside is that he is not in any pain, the down side is he doesn’t live in reality but I guess that’s okay at almost 87 yrs – we’re just glad he doesn’t suffer. Of course, Marla is a SAINT. Her family does a great job too.

Thanks AGAIN to everyone who continue to send their PRAYERS, cards, and letters of encouragement as this is why I am going to make my goal to remission! I love each of you and send my heartfelt appreciation.

God Bless to you and your families,
Kelly

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Aunt Kell

Remember last time when your hair was coming in really wavy in one spot? :) I loved doing your hair/wigs in Newport. Ever since you first told me you were sick I have been growing my hair out. Aunt Debbie says that in the next few months I will have enough to donate, and I am doing it in your name. I will take pictures and send them. I am donating through Pantene as they give the hair/wigs to women with cancer who can not afford wigs. But if there are any other causes that you would rather me send it to, please let me know. Gosh I really miss you. I can't believe it has been five years since your mom passed away. I still remember her at your house and your dad making me cry because I was going to stop going to school. hahaha Well talk to you soon
Natalie
natalie.balsz@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hey Kel ~ Locks of Love is snipping off our hair this week! WooHoo!! Miranda asked tonight if they can use all of our hair to make you one big wig. A Hansen AFRO!! Yeah baby!! I just saw Natalie aka Cry Baby :-) is cutting her hair also. Way to go Nat! Bald is beautiful.....unless you are 49 and have a wrinkled head. I cannot believe Teresa is wondering about your hair color. I hate to break it to you sistah but you were NOT a blonde or redhead these last 30 years. Look at a picture of me. That is the real you! Be afraid! Be very afraid!! Well, I am heading for bed. We saints need lots of rest! Probably from the heavy halo thing all day. :-)
I LOVE YOU MORE!!! Mar

Anonymous said...

Hey Bobo~ I was just wondering something. Did you have the full support of the Oncology Nurse for home therapy because she thought that was best for you OR ..... was it because she remembered the bad behavior of you and that loBue girl??? Just food for thought! Love you~ Me

Nicole said...

Kelly -- I won't call you a flake - even though you didn't call me to catch up as planned over the weekend. I'll just assume that perhaps you had some other pressing things going on! :)

It was good to chat, albeit to brief, last week. You sound great and I am anxious to hear how the outpatient chemo works vs. the last time.

My dad sent me an email remarking on what a strong person you are. He keeps up to date with your blog too. You've got people pulling for you all over the place.

Wishing you lots of patience and peace this week as you move forward on this next step in your journey.

Love, Nicole

JavaJimmy said...

Kelly - my friend Caroline is going through Chemo for Breast Cancer, and last week she shaved her head too. I should get the two of you together - you could go out on the road with Brit as her back-up dancers on her next tour.

You keep fighting!
Jimmy

Anonymous said...

OK, it took that last post for me to finally get the real meaning of your title...I thought you'd been flashing people at the hospital! It didn't sound like something you'd do, but I thought it might be one of those mid-life crisis things;-)

I love you.

Gwen(your younger cousin who is no where near a mid-life crisis...teehee)

Anonymous said...

Don't worry Gwen the mid life thing just creeps up on you. Here it is and Marla and I have menopause, teenagers and a dear ole dad. Talk about combustible.
All the talk about memories always brings me to Southgate the beloved pool and jumping of the cabana roof. Oops we weren't supposed to do that huh! The most fun was loading up in the staion wagon with our Mom's and going to Mexico. Picture this two ladies, six girls, no seat belt laws and a car full of stuff purchased across the border. What fun we had all together with your mom as the interpretor.
I can't believe that it has been five years since our mom's passed away. Life is never quite the same without your mom.
I came across a picture I took at Aunt Zora's funeral of mom, Aunt Bernice and Aunt Yvonne. It was the last time they were together.
Kelly you were always the baby and full of P and V. That P and V has served you well in your life and it's nice to know that you still have your mischievous side.
Marla I think of you daily when I am taking care of dad. He loves Uncle Charlie so much I haven't had the heart to tell him that he isn't doing well.
Kelly I am sending you hugs, prayers and love. Keep up the fight girl I love you,your cuz Cher

Anonymous said...

Kelly just thinking about you and wanted to tell you hello. Love you Cher