Hello again friends. First of all, let me please start by saying THANK YOU. Thank you for your kind, encouraging comments. Your emails. Your prayers. Your generous things you've sent me (I'm blown away-- truly!). This experience has been difficult but it helps to know we have people in our corner praying for us and helping to alleviate some of this difficulty. When I started this blog almost 6 years ago I was a bored SAHM who was just looking for something to do. All of my friends were still working and sweet Lily Grace napped twice a day (man, it was easier back then-- hah!). I never thought anyone other than my family would read this, and yet God used it as a way to connect an incredible group of women who may otherwise never get to "meet" each other. Thank you, truly.
I am hanging in there! I go to chemo every other week and have now completed 2 treatment cycles. The first one was a wild ride-- I didn't know how my body would react/what to expect and let's just say, I was not prepared! It's kind of like giving birth... you can talk to other mamas and read all the books, but you never know exactly how it will go for you. The first 2-5 days were rough: nausea, fatigue, grogginess, steroid crash (feeling flu-like), and every GI symptom imaginable. On day 6 though I started to feel a little more like myself, and I gradually got better each day up until day 11-14 when I felt close to my regular self! Just in time to do it all over again on day 15. 😜
My hair has fallen out. It started in the shower on day 14. You know how you usually shed a few hairs here and there when you shampoo? This was not "a few". It was a noticeable amount in my hand, but not noticeably missing from my head yet... so we didn't shave it. I dried and straightened my hair, and then felt a clump of hair resting on my shoulder. I went to brush it away only to realize it wasn't attached to my head-- yuck!! My wigs hadn't arrived yet so I made a note to not touch it at all for as long as I could. It survived days 15-17, and then on day 18 it was unstoppable. Fair warning, this picture below is gross, but this is what my brush looked like just from brushing my hair. Simply brushing it.
Crazy right? And gross.
I had been advised by some other cancer survivor friends/acquaintances, that I really needed to "rip the band-aid off". I was nervous, scared, and kind of a wreck leading up to it. I prayed, yet again, for God to please protect my children's hearts. For Him to help them to see that even though I look different, I'm still the same mommy. Ya'll... they've been phenomenal. Just like me, I think Lily Grace was more worried/anxious before the big shave. It was harder for her to see my hair just fall out than it was for me to have shaved it off. Once it was done, everyone had an initial shock/reaction.. but then we all moved on much more quickly than I thought.
Here we are mid-shave...
and I don't know what Devin's goofy face is?? I think he was like "hey, my hair's gone too?" haha who knows! But yes, Devin shaved his head too. We are just a couple of bald-ish parents around here lately.
And with a clean shirt and a smile, this awful milestone was crossed off our list.
We are settling into our new "normal", and are figuring out a way to make this phase of life as bearable for all 4 of us as we can. So far, we are doing pretty darn well. 💕
I am hoping to get back into the swing of things with blogging! I will be back on Monday with our Not Just a Mom post. This time, it's "A Day in the Life of Us-- Weekend Edition". Have a great weekend!
You are so strong and it's wonderful to see smiling photos of you! You look amazing with a shaved head too!
ReplyDeleteI've been praying for you and your family. You and Devin both look great with shaved heads! I admire your amazing attitude! That goes a long way in dealing with a difficult situation.
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful to see this update! I've been praying for you all. You are doing great! Praise the Lord!
ReplyDeleteI know you probably miss your hair, but let me just saw that you look absolutely beautiful with a bald head! Praying for you, Devin and the kids!
ReplyDeleteLauren! My heart. I've been checking daily for an update - I hope you've been able to keep your spirits up!! I can imagine the tears and being terrified as a woman, to lose the comfort of your hair! You are SO strong and beautiful! I hope there's a post soon with all the fun wigs you've been trying on!! I hope you can have some fun with it. Thinking of you and those babies daily!
ReplyDeleteYou are so strong and beautiful. Who knew a shaved head could look so chic? Praying for you daily!
ReplyDeleteHave I ever seen such a beautiful/handsome couple of bald-ish parents? I don't think I have. Your strength is contagious and you inspire so many people around you, most of all your kids, I am sure. Thank you for letting us take part in your journey that you describe so bravely but that is surely the hardest road you have ever traveled. Lots of love from Germany, Johanna
ReplyDeleteYou continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. What a strong and beautiful person you are...beautiful inside and out. Continued prayers for you and your sweet family.
ReplyDeletePraying for you and your family ♥️ Sending love from Iowa.
ReplyDeleteYou look so cute together! You can rock this look - I swear! You are beautiful inside and out! Sending prayers!
ReplyDeleteLauren, it was so great to hear an update from you. You are doing an amazing job fighting and taking the time to rest like your body needs. Praying and sending big time positive thoughts your way.
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing with a shaved head, even if it wasn't what you would have chosen. Again, I will be praying for you daily.
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