Hats and Hair

Hello everyone,

When I was ten (1955), I had X ray treatments for a scalp infection that caused my hair to fall out. It seemed months before it grew again, causing me to go through a lot of kid like suffering. Wearing a baseball hat in a Catholic Church caused a lot of looks from adults who didn't know the story. About the only bald guy at the time was Yul Brenner. My beautiful auburn hair eventually came back a dull brown, and less thick than before, but I survived the experience.

So, I'm amazed that Deb is now going through the same thing with a lot more maturity than any ten year old :). Not that it doesn't bother her somewhat, being the first exterior manifestation of her cancer, but it's great that she approaches it with the same equanimity as other life tribulations.

There has been a lot of shedding but she looks so chipper in her pink ribbon hat, and she now has a supply of hats, scarves and of course her jaunty new wig.

Yesterday her blood counts had rebounded to acceptable levels and she had her second chemo treatment. She took her Ipod and watched the Big and Rich music video amoung other things. She got home about 4:30pm. She was tired and after a bite to eat rested in bed. Today we went to breakfast and to pick up a couple of things from the store, but she was tired and so we came home.

Not that she could get much sleep as the tree trimmers were here making a real racket, but boy oh boy do the trees look good and there is a lot more sun in the back yard. We had an old tree taken down by the back fence and it makes a huge difference. Deb found a swing today to put in the back yard so she will have somewhere to rest outside when she is home.

We continue to adjust to the whole cancer thing. We seem to have more pep and less stress related depression, but we are just beginning the battle, we know, and everyone tells us that the effects of chemo are cumlative. What makes a huge difference for me is knowing how many people have lifted us in prayer, and the wonderful cards and letters we get almost daily. Today we received some beautiful flowers from Kim and Joe Knox.

This seems the time of year for so many charity related events. The relay for life is one we supported this year. I know there are walks scheduled for Y me and other groups. Perhaps next year we can walk too. There are so many worthy causes that it is impossible to support more than one or two. Some of the camps for children with cancer are incredible for their caring and the dedication of the staff to make these kids comfortable. We would encourage all of you to send a card to someone who needs cheering up. It doesn't have to be cancer, but there are lots of elderly and just people who need a laugh or a smile.

Sebastian is looking forward to his trip east. Can it be only three weeks until he leaves?

We can't begin to thank all of you enough for your support and prayers. We feel amazed that so many people would take the time to think of us. I know that we are very optomistic about how this will end, but we know the doctors and medicine are only tools, so we pray for health to the Great Physician.

We continue to pray for Dan Krupa amoung others, for a complete recovery.

"Be careful what you water your dreams with. Water them with worry and fear and you will produce weeds that choke the life from your dream. Water them with optimism and solutions and you will cultivate success. Always be on the lookout for ways to turn a problem into an opportunity for success. Always be on the lookout for ways to nurture your dream.”

God Bless all of you.

Dan