Amy's Cancer Story

For the last few nights, I have wanted to update my blog but have been tired.  Right after my last chemo last Wednesday my energy level seemed to be higher than that of the last round.  But then going into the weekend, I got wiped out.    I just got up from a nap and feel a bit better.   The hair on my head was bothering me because half of it still there must be growing slightly and is being pulled by my hats or wigs so I saved it off.    I manged to do it with out looking in the mirror too much.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to go down to the hospital for a special class for cancer patients called “Look Good, Feel Better”.  It is a fun time for some woman to get together which I don’t get to do much of.  It was nice because I had something in common with other women that where there – cancer.  One of the ladies sitting next to me had cancer for the third time.  She had breast twice and now colon.  The woman next to her was a harpist for the Pittsburgh Symphony for 33 years until her diagnosis with breast cancer in January.    I was able to share what I had gone through with them to help them out.

The woman leading the class was a cosmetologist with an assistant.  As cancer patients, we all received a large red bag of donated top of the line cosmetics.  It is a dream.  I don’t think too many of us have ever had that much new stuff at one time in our lives (worth about $250).  So we practiced putting it on to benefit the cancer patient.  We learned how to use the products to our advantage.  We then went over how to use different wigs and scarves.  It was fun.  So when I have no hair in the summer, I have some alternate ways to look decent in the summer months.

If anyone has any cute scarves that may be headed to the second hand store, please think of me.  I am going to be collecting some.  They need to be at least 36 inch square.  The one’s that tie real cute are even bigger with at least 48 inches square.  I am sure I can hit the fabric store and check that out when I have some energy.  I was thinking of picking up some little bangs to go with the scarves.

Also, as a cancer patient, the American Cancer Society, lets you pick out a wig from a local wig bank.  I had the opportunity to go to one on Saturday and got something a little different.  It is a cute bobbed style with curly curls.   Once I have some energy, I will sit down and model the different do’s and get some photos.  My real wig is nice but a lot of work because you need to keep styling it.  It has bad hair days too.

Last night I fell asleep on the couch and kept getting awakened by feelings of needles sticking me everywhere.  The chemo does effect the nerves, so I imagine that is part of it.  We will have to check with Dr. Ellis on that one.

Otherwise, today just fatigued.  Doing pretty good considering the circumstances.  Things could be worse.