Monday, November 17, 2008

Bye Bye, Hair!

My hair had been very long lately. It hadn't been that long for more than a decade. I liked it, maybe for the reason that it always brought me compliments. Since I learned about having to have chemotherapy, and because of the high probability that I would lose my hair, I decided to cut it very short before the treatment. I did cut it on Tuesday, November 11, and donated it to Locks of Love.

Tala insisted that she have her hair cut the same day with me. Sweet supportive Tala! We picked the same hair cut. Tala told the hairdresser, "Mom and I are going to be twins with this haircut."

I was scheduled to start chemotherapy today, but because there are many tests involved to be done before and Thanksgiving coming up, it was postponed till December 1. I was kind of disappointed. I wanted to start and be done with it, reveal the unknown of how I will react. But maybe it's for the best--to allow me more time to get over Jana and Anas leaving and build more strength.

The surgical oncologist is confident that he got all the tumor out with the stomach. But the treatment is needed to increase chances of survival and kill any cancer cells that might have been left behind or have traveled in my body. The doctors say that some people fly through therapy as if it's nothing and some would have a horrendous time. I'm hoping to be somewhere in the middle.

The schedule for the therapy would be as follows:
  1. One week of chemo and three weeks rest (1 dose every day for the first week, or 24 hours dispensing from a pump if I'm in the experimental arm of the clinical trial)
  2. Five weeks of radiation with chemo pump followed by four or five weeks rest
  3. One week of chemo and three weeks rest (1 dose every day for the first week, or 24 hours dispensing from a pump if I'm in the experimental arm of the clinical trial)
  4. One week of chemo and three weeks rest (1 dose every day for the first week, or 24 hours dispensing from a pump if I'm in the experimental arm of the clinical trial)

Moody and Tala can't comprehend why I have to take medicine that would make me weak. They keep asking why would the doctor do that to me. We told them what to expect in the coming months and still need to do more talking to help them cope and adjust.


!

9 comments:

  1. Great team-member you have beside you. :-) Best wishes on the upcoming days as well as through the recovery process.

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  2. I just want to say that I applaud your courage.. you are such an inspiring woman... the hair cut is unbelievably cute both you and little Tala look wonderful and very similar !!...
    although I`ve been away from blogging`, I didn`t miss a post from the famous D-Log .. I like it .. it is real and simple ... through reading I "somehow" feel part of your wonderful family ... I was over the moon when I read about your other kids joining you in the states.. I shed a tear when I saw them leaving ... each post is full of excitement and wonderful sentiments...
    I wish you all the luck ,, you will be over it soon in sha`allah...kisses to ur wonderful kids

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  3. Thanks ibeebarbie for your support. I'm always curious about your name!

    Ahlan Um Dania, Thanks for your kind and encouraging words, I'm glad you like the blog and we're glad you are visiting it. Your compassion is much needed and appreciated--thank you!

    Hope you, Dania, and Abu Dania are doing well and keeping warm for the early winter, We are freezing already here. Mom and Tala just hit a slide in the middle of the road walking to the bus stop. It's ICY!

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  4. I wish you well & be strong. Enjoy the Thanksgiving with family.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr5mvNPyV1I

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHRad5HxM74

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl53j_-JRY4&feature=related

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  5. I haven't read your blog in a while , sorry but I wish you well and will say prayers for your quick recovery .I love the new look , lol !I loved the pictures of the kids playing in the leaves . I have many happy memories of playing in the leaf pile too .How wonderful your parents were able to come and visit you there in the US . Allah bless and keep you safe .

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  6. I wish you well, and may Allah give you all the strength that you need in these difficult times and may bless your family.

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  7. labas 3alek inshaAllah :) I hope you get well soon!! Happy Belated Eid!

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  8. I wish you a very healthy outcome after your chemo...by the way, your hair looks very nice short...it makes you look young and fresh. i love your recipes that you listed for thanksgiving...thank you for sharing.

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