Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Good News Bad News


What do you want first?

The Good News or the Bad News?

Bad News is that my radiation burn is getting worse by the minute. Literally. Half an hour ago, it hurt less than it does right now.

Here is an updated picture of the skin around there
(compared to a few days ago in the post below)



Point made, right?

Now on to the good news:

My hair is growing like a weed.

I remember about 4 weeks after chemo finished, I was still bald as ever. Everyone was asking me when my hair was gonna come back (As if I'd know!)

Then finally, around week 7 after chemo (took it's time didn't it!) Brad said he could start seeing somewhat of an outline of possible hair growth.

Then a week later, there was definite hair, and now, even more so!

Check it out:

Last week:




This week:



By this time next week, I'll be braiding it for sure.

21 comments:

Mary xo said...

Hi Michelle, so happy for you that your hair is coming back! I am so excited for mine to come back, but I know it will be weeks yet before I see anything. I can't believe the burn you have, yikes. Can they do anything for you??? I hope it gets better soon. Take care, girl! Mary

Sayre said...

Ouch!!!! I'm glad they didn't do both sides. Bad enough on the one. I suppose this is why radiation exposure is generally considered to be a bad thing - it just keeps burning even after the radiation is stopped. I hope your doctor is able to help you cope with the pain of it!

You were so cute with no hair at all, but you're even more awesome with your shadings of dark hair. I wonder if yours will come in differently than the hair that came out?

Hang in, Sweetie... it's all going to be a memory before too long.

Kathy said...

That does look painful... I can only imagine how it feels. (((HUGS)))

You look beautiful though, you really do. Thanks for sharing so many candid pictures to show the realities of your experience with cancer -- both the terrible stuff and the beauty you are able to find in and radiate through it. xoxo

Robyn said...

I love your hair, you're so cute! My hair started to come back full force right around when I had radiation too. Sad about those burns, try and get this product called mepilex from your radiation clinic. Its awesome how it helps the healing. It sucks but the burns do get worse for about a week before they get better. http://www.molnlycke.com/us/Wound-Care-Products/Product-Selector---Wound-division/Tabs/Products/Mepilex-Lite/

VV said...

OMG it was so painful just looking at your burn. My heart goes out to you. Is there any ointment, bath, medicine to help it hurt less? Thanks for the good news. It's always good when you have one to offset the other. Your hair is growing really fast! You're so lucky you have a nice head and face. *grin* That reminds me of a conversation I heard between two old women last night. The one woman says to the other, "I've got the damned ugliest feet!" The other women says, "no you don't, beside feet are ugly in general." To which the other woman replied, "no they really are ugly, my doctor even told me so." It was all I could do not to burst out laughing.

Knock knock - it's cancer! said...

Tuesday - Hey, I haven't seen you in a while! How are things going? I read that you are done the final round of Taxol - yeay!! Do you also have to do radiation? If so, I hope I didn't scare you.

Sayre - I would be crying all day long if it were both sides, one side is bad enough. And because it went into half my armpit, it hurts if I move my arm because of the rubbing :( So I am constantly walking with my right hand on my hip (to keep it from touching).

Kathy - I showed the good and the bad from the beginning, so I figured I may as well stay on the same path.

Robyn - I am calling my radiologist this morning and asking about that cream! Thank you.

VV - Oh that story is priceless, I broke into a 'out loud' laugh when I read the comment. THanks for sharing it :)

Conquering Cancer By Living Well said...

That looks so painful!! Think to the near future - it will be gone soon. You'll be able to wear a shirt and not even feel it!! Love your hair!! Given any thoughts what you are going to do with it? Grow it out, keep it short? Both suit you!

Mandi - www.DarnGoodLemonade.com said...

You will definitely be braiding that hair by next week. You are a hair growing machine! I put a little gel in mine and make a teeny tiny part so that I feel like I am doing my hair.

That poor burn. I have heard you keep "burning" for about 2 weeks after you are done. Hope you are keeping the soreness under control. The good news is no more radiation!

Jen said...

Just found your blog and very sorry about the radiation burns! I ended up opting for a 5 week course in the spring (had bc on right side) after surgery in fall 2010. I didn't have any burn issues, but used Calendula cream religiously (and likely will forever :-). It's fabulous, all natural (no petroleum in it) and we use it as a regular first aid cream in our house. Any Whole Foods should have it and if not, can order from drugstore.com.

Hope it heals soon...sending good thoughts your way!

Kendra said...

I am SOOOO happy to know that it starts growing back!! I'm not sure I want to wait 7 weeks for it, but good to know!! I'm sorry the radiation burn has been bad, but just like the chemo, this too shall pass!

Anonymous said...

Oh, girl! That burn looks so painful. I'm so sorry! But one thing I know is that you are tougher than anything this cancer crap can throw at you. Before long it'll all be a distant memory.

Beth L. Gainer said...

Sorry about the radiation burn. That looks like a huge OUCH! Glad your hair is going and hoping the radiation injury heals soon.

Jen said...

Just found your blog... Ouchie! That burn looks really painful. I have heard of other women using calendula and said it helps. Someone else said they use all natural aloe vera gel which they leave in the fridge so it's very cool when they put apply. Not sure I could handle cold aloe vera gel but whatever works, right?

Your hair is growing back very quickly. Congrats! Mine is just starting to fall out. I will continue to check back in with you!

nbrsspot.blogspot.com said...

That burn looks like it bites.. and that hair growth is awsome my friend.. glad everything is coming back as normal as normal as can be. Hugs my friend..

Debbi said...

OUCH !!!!
Your burn looks painful (((hugs)))
Just look at that hair !!!
I'm so glad it's started growing back
Debbi http://atoosassygal.blogspot.com/

VV said...

Where are you and how are you doing? Have you started braiding your hair yet? ;-)

Attila the Mom said...

Oh ow ow ow!!

On the other hand, you'll be sportin' a new do in no time!

Thinking of you!

Kathy said...

Cute hair coming back in but OUCH to the burns. Even though their common, I'm sorry you got them and hope the burn heals soon.

Kathy said...

Just stopping by to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Hope you are hanging in there. xoxo

Leslie said...

Michelle I just talked to Margie and gad to see your blog is back Your burn looks incredibly sore but you manage to
still have the humor . I can not believe that you keep on trucking girl in such a positive way . you must have been placed on earth to inspire others. Thanks for sharing and keeping the updates going , now for the wedding plans!!
Leslie

Anonymous said...

Hope your radiation burn is better and that you are liking your new hair.