I know I said I was going to update the blog with my results. I received great news. They removed 10 more lymph nodes but only one had more cancer. I saw my Stanford oncologist yesterday and had “chemo training”. After his discussions with the tumor board, it has been determined that waiting on the oncotype results is not going to change the plan of action. I am only going to do four rounds of chemo (C/T) every three weeks starting next Tuesday, 4/20. Lots of medication to pick up, few things to get, and yet another COVID test, and then I am set to go!

I looked into the cold cap systems that can help minimize hair loss. I definitely fall within the target audience that opts to try this technology. After lots of thought and research, I just do not think it is right for me. If I had a gorgeous head of thick hair (thinking about you Cat), I think it would be worth it, but the target of the technology is to retain 50% of your hair with a 66% success rate. I feel like with my thin hair I would just go through alot and end up disappointed. It is also quite uncomfortable from everything I have read. It would also delay chemo by a minimum of 2.5 weeks and that seems reckless at this point. To be honest, I am more concerned about losing my eyelashes and eyebrows than anything. I have looked into some things that might help, but not sure I will do any of them or not. I also don’t have much time to make these decisions.

I do need to contact my friend and hairstylist to talk about when we might cut my hair short. I do think losing my hair on my own terms might help some. I feel pretty conflicted about all of it, but will take it as it comes I suppose. I also started looking into wigs and, my goodness, they can be very expensive. It does sound like my doctor can give a prescription for a wig, but I am unsure what those options look like and what’s covered. It sounds like I likely won’t start losing hair until after my second round of chemo, so I have some time to look into things. From many of the women in my support group or whose journey I have followed, it sounds like I will likely care more about a wig after treatment is done when I am tired of looking like a cancer patient. I honestly don’t know what to expect or how I will feel.

Things at home have been nice. We enjoyed the last few days with my dad and Jerilyn and celebrated Jeremy’s birthday. The girls are now on Spring Break, and I plan to enjoy some time at the beach and with the girls this week before chemo begins. I also got my second COVID vaccine yesterday. Feel a bit cruddy but very happy to have threaded the needle, and that I was able to get both vaccines without interfering with surgeries or chemo.