Hot and Bothered

Actually, that should read "Hot and Tired" since my number one complaint/whine/challenge is that the chemo has apparently sent me into fast and early menopause (which is what the docs want) and I'm having hot flashes. Mostly they're at night — about every hour, so sleep has been a problem. I wake up — not knowing what woke me. Then the heat comes for a few minutes so I throw off the covers and take off my cap (necessary in winter when you're bald.) Then I lie there and wait for the heat to subside and the inevitable chill to take hold so I can recover and "recap."

So that's kind of a drag, but radiation so far is pretty painless (just totally weird and a bit of a bother). Today I go for my 10th of 32 treatments. I'm getting a little "tan" where the radiation hits me, but that's it so far. My helpful little sister Virginia suggested I might want to stock up on bronzer to bring the rest of my body along.

Then I meet with my radiation oncologist (a regular weekly checkup)...then it's off to my surgeon for my 3 month checkup. So I'm a little rushed this morning but wanted to tell you all one important thing and one joke.

The important thing: In honor of my dear friend Lauren — who nearly died several years ago save for some miraculous blood transfusions — I used to give blood pretty regularly. Now, since my veins are shot (from the chemo IVs), not to mention the cancer seeping through me, it looks like I won't be able to for the foreseeble future. So...you all ask what you can do to help me? GIVE BLOOD! You'll be doing it in my stead and helping many, many that need it desparately.

Now the joke (complements of my friend Dov and his young daughter).

A woman wakes up with only three hairs on her head. "Great — I'll braid them," she says. She then braids her hairs and goes out to have a super day.

The next morning she wakes up with only two hairs on her head. "I think I'll part them down the middle," she says. She does, goes out and has a great day.

The next morning she wakes up with only one hair on her head. "Super! I think I'll wear a pony tail," she says. She puts in her pony tail, goes out and enjoys her day.

The next morning she wakes up bald. "Wonderful!" she exclaims. "Now I don't have to waste time doing my hair!"

(Dov swears this is not a chemo joke...ha!)