Shedding

The last few times I spoke to or saw J she seemed pretty normal. It's been more than a week now since she began the first cycle of chemo, and as the oncologist explained to her, she would begin to feel better after day seven. Her appetite is back, and not everything nauseates her. All seems well, at least until the next cycle begins on August 30, but at the same time, J shared that her hair is beginning to fall out now. She has fortunately been blessed with thick hair, but as the weeks and months continue, it is likely given what we're seeing now that she will want to look into scarves and other headwear regardless. I guess it's just one of those things. It's just hair, yet it's a sign that the treatment is doing its work, both good and bad, and of the condition that she is fighting. As J says, "It's not like I planned on getting cancer, but it is what it is." The disease is hurtful in so many ways, and fighting it, whether successfully or not, causes additional pain." As someone who cares for her, I look forward to the joyous day when this experience is but a distant memory.