Lots to Talk About

First, here is a journal entry from Mum written on 3-13-09:

“It is a week and a day after my second chemo treatment. This go round seems to be a little more intense than the last. I had my hair shaved from a "boy cut" down to my scalp and I am glad I did. The two processes of the cuts were a wise choice for me. It kept me in control of something. I got use to my boy cut quickly and it gave me an unusual sense of freedom and liberation. This was quite unexpected since I prefer to hide portions of my face behind my crowning glory. Now there is little to hide behind. I am starting to see large patches of white scalp showing through the patches of salt and pepper that still remains. My head now hurts and feels like someone is pulling my hair out by the roots. It even hurts to lay my head on my pillow. It is like an alien force trying to escape from my pours and hair follicles. I didn't expect the discomfort and pain. I don't like any pressure on my head and I resort to soft scarves and my very soft winter hat over my wig at this point.

This too shall pass and not too soon for me. I have four more days before my third chemo treatment. Obviously, this is something I dread and do not look forward to. The nausea was worse this time but the body aches and headaches were less. Food continues to taste peculiar and I never know which ones will sit okay and which ones will not. The whole process continues on and although I need to stay brave for those around me, I find a strong resistance to let them put the "poison", (which they recently told me is nicknamed the red devil), into my body again. It is a very unnatural process to sit and allow such a thing to happen to yourself.

So many dismal events seem to be occurring in the world these days and so many things seem out of our control. Parts of our city have been swallowed by the treacherous river that flows through town. The racing currents were merciless as they had no concern for homes or businesses in its way. I feel like my poisonous chemo is much like our river now and it recklessly flows through my body. It swallows all that gets in its way. I know that there will be sunshine and new beginnings when the flood recedes all who were affected will reclaim their belongings, just as there will be sunshine and new beginnings when my treatment ends and I reclaim my body.”

Vinces hit by the flood. Thank goodness, after lots of work, they opened today and looked busy!

Next: We had our "Pity Party" this past Saturday and it was a total success! I believe just about all of the females on my mom's side of the family were in attendance. This included her two aunts, Auntie Anna and Auntie Tina, and all of her cousins; as well as her sisters and some nieces. There was even an unexpected visit from her Unlce Sam, even though it was a girls only event. He was "The Don" at the Italian Ladies Gathering, as my Aunt Laurie puts it. It was a long time since everyone had gotten together in an intimate setting where everyone could catch up and bond. It meant a lot to my mom and to my other aunts as well. There were a few tears, but mostly lots of laughter and love. I won't say too much more since I want to post lots of pictures. The only other update is my mom and I attended a cosmetic session at her support group tonight and we had a great time together, as usual. I am mentioning this because there are some pics below of her trying on some new wig styles! Here are the pics, and thank you family members who came to the pity party - It was something that will definately need to be repeated in the near future, only lets not call it a pity party!

Blondes have more fun...?

Red headed...

Or....Sassy brunette....

Let the Pity Party begin!!!