Pretty much describes how I've been feeling since chemo #2. White blood cell count was low. Had to go back in the day after chemo for a shot of neulasta to bring the count back up or risk infection. Caused minor bone pain, mostly while vomiting. I don't seem to be able to avoid the persistent nausea--even did acupuncture during chemo (supposed to help the nausea) AND took the stronger anti-nausea meds. Both failed miserably.
Probably overdid it this week. (This seems to be a recurring theme in my life.) Felt (umm, still feeling) totally exahausted and run down. Read a little in the sun today, but spent much of the afternoon in bed watching Animal Planet. Experiencing general displeasure at my current state and already dreading treatment #3. To quote my mother, "Chemo sucks."
Thank god I have a four day weekend--President's Day and Lunar New Years (who knew?).
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
G.I. Jane
Class cancelled! I am sitting in the student union at San Francisco State reveling in my unexpected free time. It feels strange, sitting here in my Northwestern hat, drinking coffee, surrounded by people studying. It’s such a throw back. Memories of Norris Center anyone?
This is my first day as an outed “cancer patient.” Going to school, although a bit unnerving when first walking through the door, was the most comfortable. There’s such an ease with my students. I taught class G.I. Jane style with no hat. Lots of advice on how to do a better job the next time I shave my head. ("Get a 'taper',” which apparently is a band that goes around your head so that you get really even lines.) I had to explain that the patchy spots and unevenness weren’t due to a bad shave, but to the fact my hair is falling out! Even with a buzz cut, I can pinch a bit of hair, pull it out, and leave yet another bald spot on the landscape of my head.
My kids are warm, curious, and good-natured about my hair (or lack thereof). Lots of G.I. Jane comments, which is the first thing that popped into my own head when I saw myself last night. A recommendation not to end up in a women’s prison with this look… And just, “Ms. E, you cut your hair!”
Arriving on SFSU's campus was an interesting contrast to school. There were a few more stares as I walked to class--the stares that come from people wondering, but not knowing. It feels weird. I feel outed. What a strange thing to experience…
I look better with a buzz cut than I expected. Certainly better than the mullet Anne gave me before shaving. But wow, it certainly does put your face front and center. Nothing to soften the look. It’s a very bold move (for those who choose it). If you're lucky, I'll post a picture.
Getting ready for the 2nd round of chemo on Thursday.
This is my first day as an outed “cancer patient.” Going to school, although a bit unnerving when first walking through the door, was the most comfortable. There’s such an ease with my students. I taught class G.I. Jane style with no hat. Lots of advice on how to do a better job the next time I shave my head. ("Get a 'taper',” which apparently is a band that goes around your head so that you get really even lines.) I had to explain that the patchy spots and unevenness weren’t due to a bad shave, but to the fact my hair is falling out! Even with a buzz cut, I can pinch a bit of hair, pull it out, and leave yet another bald spot on the landscape of my head.
My kids are warm, curious, and good-natured about my hair (or lack thereof). Lots of G.I. Jane comments, which is the first thing that popped into my own head when I saw myself last night. A recommendation not to end up in a women’s prison with this look… And just, “Ms. E, you cut your hair!”
Arriving on SFSU's campus was an interesting contrast to school. There were a few more stares as I walked to class--the stares that come from people wondering, but not knowing. It feels weird. I feel outed. What a strange thing to experience…
I look better with a buzz cut than I expected. Certainly better than the mullet Anne gave me before shaving. But wow, it certainly does put your face front and center. Nothing to soften the look. It’s a very bold move (for those who choose it). If you're lucky, I'll post a picture.
Getting ready for the 2nd round of chemo on Thursday.
Friday, February 2, 2007
Day 14
My hair started to come out this morning in the shower. Day 14 on the mark. I spent much of the afternoon running my fingers through my hair and seeing how many strands came out. Seems unfair that I only get to enjoy my new haircut for a week. Pretty soon I'll have the twat of a prepubescent. Yup, that hair too.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
