Chemo Round 2 Begins..

Hello everyone!

My apologies for the hiatus.  I get to this point at which I look at my computer as if it’s the plague and run the other way, but it’s about time I get back to it. I suppose the adage rings true – “no news is good news.” I’ve had no complaints since I last wrote..oh, other than turning into a bald monkey face (picture to follow). I tried desperately to keep my hair in place for the DNC fundraiser last week, which required some strategic hair maneuvering and just about an entire bottle of hairspray. It was HOT, to say the least.

It was so so good to see my former kick ass Obama for America CA coworkers and volunteers. I think they were digging the ‘do, so I was sad to have to tell every other person that it was falling out right before their eyes. The very next day, my uncle Rudy took a No. 2 electric razor to my hairspray-laden head. It seemed like the hair was just pouring out of my head and felt something like liberating/totally weird. I’m don’t think I’m that beat up over it, thanks to my friends and family who are excellent at giving compliments to my little head – keep ‘em coming, folks. It wasn’t quite the traumatic experience I was expecting, or maybe I don’t know how I feel yet. After worrying about that moment since before chemo began, I now realize that if all I have to talk about is my hair, or lack thereof, I’m definitely doing quite well with this whole thing – KNOCK ON SOME FREAKIN’ WOOD RIGHT NOW! Here’s to you hair loss and cute scarves!

Now, it’s been a full three weeks since my last treatment and I go back in tomorrow morning for Round 2. Because my white blood count is actually recovering slower than expected, my chemo dosage will be lower. Regardless, I am in no way looking forward to going in, but am certainly looking forward to getting rolled on out of there in a wheelchair for a second time. I’ve also learned a few tricks of the trade that might make my stay a bit easier this time around. I’d like to share:

1. I can eat all the damn nachos (my pref: vegan nachos from Real Food Daily) and french fries (from anywhere on Earth) I want – when on chemo, emotional eating is good eating. Who knew?
2. No matter how anxiety-ridden I become, I now know the feeling won’t last forever. Last time was not so pretty. Jaclyn: pulls covers over her head, screaming, “I’m going to die! I’m going to die of anxiety! The invisible weight on my chest is going to suffocate me!” Yes, this happened. I also do something like this if I stub my toe hard enough.
3. On that note, aside from low blood counts and hair loss, no side effect is a given. I haven’t gotten nausea, appetite’s pretty solid, no mouth sores, etc. Therefore, I won’t pore over my chemo side effect pages waiting for bad things to come.  I’ll deal with shit as it hits the fan, or something to the contrary.
4. Compazine and Benedryl: never, they are my enemies. Ativan: only if in dire need. Zofran and Dexamethasone: only by drip. Patio privileges: necessary. Silliness: always – cheesy, but true.
5. If there was ever a time to practice the Nithya meditation and laughing yoga techniques I just learned, this is it. I got my Rudraksha beads from the Self Realization Temple today, so I’m ready to go.
6. Lastly, tons of new music to listen to – perfect for forthcoming in-hospital dance party. Get down!

So that’s that for now. Nothing too exciting, other than the fact that I’m going to be a bridesmaid in April!! Brett and Stacey 2010 woowoooo! A quick thanks to all of you once again for continually sending your love and support, I’m sure it’s what made the difference in my ability to handle the first treatment pretty fucking well.

I’ll update from the hospital.

My former haircut..

Not yet comfortable with this, but here you go..