My new hair arrived today. It’s as close to my current color as it could be and a bit longer too. Once I lose my own hair and the underhair fits my head properly, I will cut it to look more like my current style. Until then, I will enjoy my own hair — which I really like right now. Ironically, I started growing out my bangs about six months ago. They are almost long enough to tuck behind my ear and stay out of my face. And now they are all going to fall out. It figures.
I went to a program today called “Look Good, Feel Better,” sponsored by the American Cancer Society. I got a box of goodies — moisturizers, make-up, sunscreen — and learned how to take care of my skin during treatment. I also learned how to pencil in eyebrows and how to care for wigs. One woman approached me and asked if I was a resident of the Hope Lodge — the location of the program. This lodge houses out-of-town cancer patients so they can receive their treatment in Gainesville. I told her I lived in town and get to drive myself to my appointments. So she gave me a tour of her room, which is like a nice hotel room, and all of the common areas of the lodge. There is a kitchen where everyone can cook for themselves, reserved refrigerator space for everyone, a TV room, and Bingo too!
This woman is also a breast cancer patient who is at the end of her chemo and is just beginning radiation. Her hair is just growing back — so are her eyebrows and eyelashes. So as I am about to lose my hair, this woman symbolizes the light at the end of tunnel.
Despite the pending hair loss, all is well. I feel good and other than my queasy Sunday, I do not have anything bad to report. Today was as normal as any other day. For that, I am thankful.
Jane Donaldson on 1/25/2005 at 9:21 pm said:
I love so many things about you, my Jacki. I read your words and know you will be well. You will have your pretty hair back .. you will grow it long enough to stick behind your ear .. and will will add more light to the world …. and my little life … than you’ll ever know. Bless you. Love, Jane
Renee on 1/26/2005 at 9:26 am said:
I can’t imagine going through all you are experiencing and having to leave home and stay in an unfamiliar place as well! Leaving your family and your support system would make this journey all the more difficult. It must have made you feel good after speaking with her knowing that you get to go home and get big hugs from lots of men! Maybe I will encourage my children to live near big hospitals and treatment centers when they grow up! Hope you are having a good morning!
Jim Donaldson on 1/26/2005 at 1:02 pm said:
Jacki,
It was nice to get caught up. I was thinking how cool the website is. In the past, everytime somebody would ask you what’s been happening you would have to go through the whole story over and over. Now, you can say just visit the website. Anyway, hope things continue to go well. I’ll keep in touch.
Love, Jim
Kim aka to Jacki as Kimeyer on 1/26/2005 at 8:46 pm said:
Hey Jacki, I just thought of the time when you were in Cincinnati at the grocery store with me and a man approached you……do you remember? He said, “you’re suppose to tease your hair, not to scare the hell out of it”………Maybe you can start teasing your hair again!!!! We have some fond memories of hair…..You cutting all mine off or when you would cut just an inch or less and how I would be so upset. It was only hair but it seemed dramatic at the time…..I can’t imagine actually losing it. You are a brave woman and I admire you so much. You are my wonderful friend who I miss dearly! Love you lots, Kim
Jane Donaldson on 1/26/2005 at 10:40 pm said:
Of course I meant you will, not will will. I’d say it was just a typo, but you know I’m goofy, Jacki !!!!
))
April on 1/30/2005 at 9:54 pm said:
It is nice to have support groups to go to like the one you visited recently. I imagine it makes it little easier to discuss the diesease with others who are survivors, just as you are! I hope things continue to go smoothly for you. I think about you all the time and hope you are well. I am really looking forward to that family vacation where we “meet in the middle”. God Bless and stay strong!
April