Moms advice and what feels like a rant.

Make no mistake - I love my mother and I know she reads this blog; probably as much for her as to get insight into what’s happening with me. It’s been two full weeks since I went to the emergency room and found out about the”media” lemon in my chest. In the time since, we’ve celebrated gratefully thanksgiving, shared with family and friends my diagnosis, went to work, travelled on business and today did my every other weekend ritual, eyelashes, eyebrows, nails, hair, repeat. During this time I’ve also received lots of advice from my mom about her experiences and suggestions for me. Mostly I think this is invaluable although we have different types of cancer and treatment - I could probably expect similar outcomes as it relates to hair loss. I don’t think my mom avails herself of all the latest beauty updates. Sure she gets mani pedis and Botox now and then but I’m much more likely to try the hair straightening technique, filler, gel nails and more. Ive been doing my lashes since last June when I had a headshot photo shoot and I’ve been addicted ever since, religiously going every two-three weeks for an update. I told the eyelash team today about my diagnosis concerned that my eyelashes would come out with the chemo...they assured me that they have many clients on chemo still getting their lashes done. I was upset at the eyelash salon but held it together because if it happens I’ll just apply fake lashes every day but I had also read that many don't loose their lashes until after chemo - mom advice/experience: she never lost her lashes but they seemed to thin a little. That’s a positive! My nails, well the dr told me I can keep doing it as long as I’m careful to prevent infection. That was a huge relief because the internet - filled with tons of misinformation - said no. Anyone that knows me understands about my nails, they are my escape, carefully and uniquely designed every other week much to the chagrin of my technician who complains about the intricacy of the design - but really would do anything I asked. I also told him about my diagnosis, but he glossed over it as he worked just making sure I knew that I could come and do my nails anytime I wanted he would move people around if need be to accomodate me. Another positive!

Like probably most women, I have a love hate relationship with my hair. About three years ago I found my current stylist; and we’ve worked to thicken and strengthen my hair going through color changes, length everything. Ironically my hair has never looked better is exactly the right length, color and shape. I cried today at the stylist not just about the thought of losing my hair, but because of the ritual of going to the salon. This is a place and a person I may not revisit for a year or more until my hair grows back. Mom advice/experience: cut off all your hair and shave your head after the first chemo -your hair will fall out in chunks on your pillow down the drain etc and you don’t want to see it. That’s probably true but I haven’t decided yet - I mean is there any glimmer of hope that maybe my hair will just thin? Ugh Not so positive though many friends have offered to go wig shopping with me and make it fun. Maybe I can make it a positive... This part is the worst, and i hadn’t given it much thought - losing my eyebrows. I’ve never even heard of microblading until today. Microblading is basically tattooing your eyebrows by making slices in your skin and filling it with pigment. Omg that sounds painful and it has to be done before you have chemo....so I googled through all of yelp to find the best I could get an appointment with next weekend...oh did I mention that my mom and I are having chemo together?