I finally have enough hair not to worry about sun-burning my previously bald scalp while running. The ski hat can get toasty. However I don't have enough hair to comfortably go out in public. It looks like the haircuts favored in the early 60s for little boys. It feels nice and fuzzy-I must pat it several times an hour. My scalp no longer is so sensitive. Initially I couldn't stand under the shower as the pressure and heat were too much for it. Also I no longer sleep with a cap on as my fuzz keeps me warm. My wig is looking pretty ratty plus it messes with my glasses so I can't see as well. Maybe in a month I can retire it.
I've lost 3 toenails in the past couple of weeks-some of it due to running but mainly due to Taxol. Never lost a nail running before. My Mees' lines ( I had 4 sets) have finally grown out. If I'd cut my nails short, they would be gone.
I spent 2 not so fun hours at the dentist this morning. My molar split in 2 while I was doing chemo-mainly just a large filling fell out. Most of my molars are comprised of mainly fillings and each of them should be crowned. We'll see which lasts longer-the fillings or me.With my then sensitive gums, nausea, and low white blood counts, I figured that going to the dentist was out of the question. Just lately it began to hurt. Between the increased costs for insurance (5 fold!)co-pays, deductables and 2 crowns, our medical expenses are now a significant part of our income.
Weird cancer factoids: Somehow people with Down Syndrome rarely get cancer. They have extra copies of a gene that helps keep tumors from feeding themselves, Harvard researchers recently found.
A drug used sometimes in metastatic breast cancer, Xeloda, can erase fingerprints. In some parts of Asia, ones fingerprints are used to confirm identity but a cancer patient treated recently with Xeloda lost theirs completely and was detained by airport security.
About 180,000 women each year get breast cancer in the US. About 50,000 (2/7) will die. About 27,000 people will be diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer In contrast, there are only 1200 cases of primary brain lymphoma per year. This is what my brother-in-law had and has been symptom free now for 3 years against impossible odds.
In September 2008, I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, a huge shock to me. Within you will find my journey into the scary world of cancer and my struggles to emerge from it.
Monday, June 8, 2009
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3 comments:
Wow hon - facinating! At the same time, I so sorry you are going through all of this!! Loved the pictures of the party - hope you had a good weekend. Namaste, Sarah
Sue,
It is hard to believe Naomi is graduating... seems like just a while ago we were working in the same lab and you were pregnant with her. She is beautiful and does sound like she has enough spirit for several girls!
Your running progress is inspiring, thanks for chronicling that along with all the other ups and downs you are experiencing.
I think of you often and send my best positive vibes your way. Here's my running progress- am signed up for my my first trail run on Sat. ~7 miles of trail with hills, wildlife, snakes and mud are all guaranteed.
best, best
Kathy B
Hey Kathy
Good luck on the trails. One year I did Dances with Dirt and ended up with a spectacular case of poison ivy. Part of the 'run' was to drop down into a gulley then pull myself up clinging to tree roots. The part that was on the Pottowanami Trail was the 'easy' stretch. We did it as a 5 person team covering 60 miles. Bill Turner (remember him) was on my team but quit when his running shoe was sucked off of him in the mud and he couldn't find it. Another member took his legs. I no longer go into major oxygen debt dealing with the rolling hills near my house. Last summer I ran in the Apennine Mountains. Never saw snakes but plenty of boar, one wolf and foxes.
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