After round 3...so much going on!

During our 3rd round of chemo doctor visit, we went to another appt. with Dr. Morgan because I had such a bad cough that would not go away.  She ordered fluids, heart rate checks for both sitting and walking, and also ordered my heart and pulmonary lung function tests to be done earlier than planned.  These tests are done after round 4 of chemo, but she was concerned about the effect that one of the chemo drugs was having on my lungs: the bleomycin. She prescribed a daily inhaler until the results of the test come back.  Here is me getting the MUGA, or heart test.

The PFT, or pulmonary function test, was the same one as before we started chemo...me breathing into a tube in certain patterns.

After the tests, we went home and watched a movie--just mom and I.

That was Friday. On Sunday morning, mom and I took off to go to Michigan to visit 2 colleges--it was our fall break!  We visited Spring Arbor University and also Albion College, both near my Aunt Gail and Uncle Jim. I liked Spring Arbor. While we were there, we stayed with Aunt Gail and Uncle Jim and were spoiled by her awesome cooking!  We also went out to breakfast at my family's most favorite breakfast spot: The Wooden Spoon. We actually met the president of the university while we were there.

The lovely blueberry pancake I got at The Wooden Spoon!

This is me at Spring Arbor. I loved the campus!

I also visited Mount Vernon Nazarene University on the Wednesday after the Albion visit on Tuesday.  I loved MVNU a lot as well. My decision for college is going to be hard!

Round 3 of chemo

Oct. 3rd was another chemo day--#3. Bailey came again.  I got to see my fish friend Bubbles.  Dr. Morgan added more meds for nausea...I have a ton of medication!  We hung out and played cards. Bailey gave me some fun gifts, too: oven mitt, towel, cupcake pans for large cupcakes and recipes.

After I rested at home, some flowers from Grandma and Grandpa arrived.

Drawing on Tables

My family had fun drawing on a chalk board table at a coffee house in Pendleton.

After breakfast, we spent the day at Grandma and Grandpa's house helping to put together a bed for Grandpa. I was able to rest, too, while people went shopping. We had a great dinner that Grandma made for all of us--including cousins Jerry and Donna who were there helping, too.

We came home to a nice surprise: our neighbors, the Dales, brought us Taylor Bakery cupcakes--yum!

Every Day's a Hat Day

Almost everyday after the shaving party has been a hat, scarf, or turban day. Thanks to my dad taking me to Figleaf, I was nicely prepared for my first day of school with no hair; I wore the lovely pink and tan scarf (as shown above and below).

Shaving Party!!!

When: Thursday, September 19 

What: I had my shaving party! I went from a head full of hair to thin hair to no hair! My dad and brother also did a close cut with me.

Who (came): Dad, Mom, Bailey, Conner, Kristen (a.k.a. Khills), Faith, and Sarah

Where: We started on the back porch, then made our way to my wonderfully awesome basement. We set up in front of the TV, on a huge mat to catch all the hair.

Bradley (left), Coleton (right), and Claire (behind the camera) stopped by before the party to say hi before they went to a volleyball game. Claire gave me some eye liner to make my eyes pop!

Pre-Shave

Left: My wonderful siblings whom I love very much (plus my mom)!

Right: Sarah is the only friend who could come...and I'm so glad she did. Her support was so appreciated! I love this girl.

 

Above: My sister's roommates came to my party, too! Faith had to leave early, but Khills stayed. I was so glad she could come and participate in my party. Khills is so awesome and we always have fun together. Love this girl too!

PARTY TIME

Left: My dad's sad face...we told him he couldn't keep the tuff of hair.

Right: This is the first time I ever shaved anyone's head; it was exciting.

We had fun designing in Conner's hair before we shaved it off.

Left: Bailey had fun shaving Conner's head...He looked really funny. It was so sweet of my brother to shave his head.

Right: I got to make the first buzz!

Left: Bailey made the first cut. We decided to cut my hair before finishing Conner's buzz!

Right: Sarah had fun cutting my hair, too.

Dad's buzz + Conner's buzz + my cut = So much hair!

My crazy short cut that I got before they buzzed it all off. Aren't my sissy and I cute?! :)

 

Above: We finished Conner's buzz, and then it was time for me. I made the first three buzzes right on the top of my head. Then I passed the razor off. My brother and sister had a lot fun with the razor.

 

Sarah also took some swipes. I bet it was fun shaving your friends head!

Khills of course took part; I wouldn't have it any other way. My hair was looking pretty messed up at this point. Bailey finished me off after Khills and made my head look really nice.

Post Shave

Daddy's little girl

The men of the house...who double as aliens occasionally

Left: Sarbear and her Mohan

Right: Snake owner and snake lover.

Mommy and me

"Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there."

In the days leading up to my party I was very emotional, but as the day drew nearer I felt more and more calm. I think that all my prayers for peace of mind really came through. On the day of the party I was joyful and at peace with the fact that my lovely locks would soon be no more; I accepted my status as a cancer baldy.