I Walked Out Much Lighter

Today I took a heavy load off my shoulders in preparation for chemotherapy. On Monday, I spent the day at the hospital getting my pathology report, genetic counseling, and seeing my surgeon and getting everything ready for chemotherapy. On Sunday, I'm scheduled to begin my first dose of Taxol and on Monday, I'll get Carboplatin. What a huge load to deal with and think about! I had an "orientation" with a chemo nurse. She told me about what to expect and worry about and one of the things was my hair. She recommended that I get a much shorter hair cut which I'd already thought about.

This morning, my dear friend, Lorien, took me to the holy city of Jerusalem to get my hair cut. I chose the Ronen Hazan hair salon both on recommendations from my friends, Debbie and E. and the fact that they work together with Zichron Menachem.  My friend, Debbie, met us at the salon. I was greeted by, Yisrael, one of the salon owners in the warmest way. He told me that he was very emotional and honored to participate in my hair cutting donation to children with cancer. He took such time and care with my hair… I ended up with such a cool and funky hairdo! My friends and I posed for pictures and laughed and ended up having such a fun time - my hair "loss" ceremony turned into a real party. Today is a celebration. I took the heavy hair weight off of my shoulders… the weight of wonder and the unknown and dreadful feeling of my hair falling out turned into a photo op of silly poses and a fun new hairdo which I'd never dreamed of daring to try in the past! I'm gearing up. I feel ready to get on with things… let's get this chemo "thing" happening! I want it behind me. I feel like I'm ready to put my dukes up and fight. Let's go. Bring. It. On.