Last Saturday night (Sept. 15th), we had a head shaving party. Friday morning, my hair was falling out in handfuls and by the end of the Sabbath, it was clear that it was time to jump in headfirst. After bumping into our good friend, and former neighbor, N.R., and blurting out that I was in need of a good clipper, he actually dropped his off at our house, but I was too squeamish to do the deed myself. My brother, Eli, offered to drive over after work on Friday to help me but I declined.
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On Saturday night, it was time. Eli and Briana and my nephews were the first to arrive, followed by my brother, Levi, and his wife, Hadar, and son. We went outside on the front porch and without much waiting or chit-chat, it was like, ok, let the fun begin! It was pretty hilarious. It felt great to get it over with and have a comfortable bald head instead of an achy, molting one. Levi went next and we had fun giving him a mullet and then a mohawk! My DH, David, wanted to go next but I begged him not to... of course I like his hair but I also thought it might be too traumatic for our kids. The younger three were sleeping by this time. Our daughters, A. (nearly 11) and M. (9 and a half), were participating in the shenanigans which I encountered to be a positive and happy experience. My DH, brothers and their wives, who are truly the best sisters to me, made the occasion joyous. We laughed, and joked. I don't feel ugly. I feel loved and beautiful in my baldness.
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Being completely honest, counting down to the next chemo makes me sad. I wish I didn't have to. Cancer. Chemotherapy. It's painful and sick and just downright detestable. As long as I can enjoy, laugh, and celebrate, I'm going to do that no matter how weird it looks or seems. I feel lucky. I feel blessed. MOST OF ALL, I feel loved and that's a reason to party every single day. I guess next week won't be such a party... so, party while you can, right?
I'm happy you're being so loved and supported during this difficult time. Wishing you a year full of love, happiness, support and most importantly absolute refuah shleimah.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the warm wishes, Abbi! Amen! And shana tova and good health to you and yours!
Deletexoxo
You look so punk rock/sinead :) looks like u had fun! I LOL just looking at the pics! ~Rachel
ReplyDeleteWhat Abbi Said -- and Shana Tova, with a Complete Refuah Shelaima!
ReplyDeleteNever 'enjoy' reading of anyones plight to be able to cope with life's challenges but you made this light and fun and easy to read. Really cheering you on Erica, you look simply dazling with your new look but I sincerely look forward to seeing 'full head of hair and clean bill of health' posts in the near future.
ReplyDeleteI went to high school with Briana and saw a link to your blog on her facebook. My mom is a two-time breast cancer survivor and is now putting up a valiant fight to leukemia. After losing her hair (twice) to chemo during this battle, your post made me smile and feel inspired, knowing there are so many strong women in this world. Fight on and good luck with your upcoming chemo. -Kristina
ReplyDeleteThank you Kristina! Sending your mom prayers from Israel for a strong fight and full recovery!
Delete(((hugs)))
Xoxo
Hi Erika I have been reading your posts as Briana put them on fb,. I think you are an inspiring beautiful woman and I wish for you to overcome this challenge very soon and to come out even stronger ! G-d bless u, may your year be filled with laughs and love and good health. Shana Tova
ReplyDeleteN ( a friend of Eli and Briana)