I’m losing my hair! Actually I’ve pretty much lost it. In about 2 weeks my hair has thinned to the point that I went wig shopping today. I agonised about whether to choose the wig option or just wear scarves etc. It was a really hard decision as wigs can be hot and uncomfortable but at least the average person that I would meet, would have no idea. Scarves on the other hand let everyone know that ’something’ is wrong with your hair. I just don’t want people’s pity. Also as a dear friend says..’looking gorgeous is not always about comfort!’…so I’m trying to embrace this new chance I have for life and a wig it is.
 
The shopping experience nearly didn’t happen as I had promised a friend that I would help her with some stuff at home but when I got there we talked and realised that if we jumped in the car right then and drove an hour or so we would just get there before they closed.
 
It was hysterical! We tried on all sorts of wigs, mostly ones that I would never actually wear, but sooo much fun anyway. I chose one which is a lot like me, or at least anyone who has seen it thinks so. It’s clearly not my hair to those people who see have seen me over the past few weeks but others wouldn’t know.
 
Now I’m thinking, perhaps I should get a couple for fun! It’s a shame they’re a bit pricey.

1. Alan Jackson - It’s five o’clock somewhere
2. Kasey Chambers - Pony
3. Martina McBride - In my Daughter’s Eyes
4. Lee Kernaghan - Way it is
5. The Noll Brothers - Shining Star
6. Keith Urban - Tonight I Wanna Cry
7. Paul Costa & Aleyce Simmonds - The Way You Make Me Feel
8. Steve Forde - Summer’s Little Angel
9. Adam Harvey - That’s What You Call a Friend
   
10. Sugarland - Love your Baby Girl (don’t bother watching this video tho)
    
11. Dixie Chicks - Not Ready to Make Nice
    
12. Rascal Flatts - Take Me There
13. Sara Storer & John Williamson - Raining on the Plains

This week I have tried to allow myself to relax into life as it is now. Of course when you have been forced to face life’s fragility and the impact of such, relaxing can be a little difficult! However it’s amazing how scary and wonderful a new outlook can be, all at the same time. A friend shared this poem by Robert Frost recently and it struck me as such a peaceful way to think about life. I’m enjoying the liberating feeling that comes from reaching a point of choices rather then barriers. So I’m enjoying the moments as they arise and looking forward to many tomorrows. Have a quiet moment on me and enjoy.
 
‘The Road Not Taken’ by Robert Frost
 
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;
 
Then took the other just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,
 
And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.
 
I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I–

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.
 
From The Poetry of Robert Frost by Robert Frost.

Today a friend and I (actually more her than me) tackled my slightly outdated wardrobe and so tonight I have colour coded clothes and that great feeling that comes from everything hanging beautifully. I say that this feat was more her than me as the afternoon consisted of me taking all the clothes out of my wardrobe and trying them on for approval by her and my aunt. It was hysterical. I haven’t laughed so hard for a long while. The two of them were languishing on the bed making either approving noises or pulling faces which meant that whatever item of clothes I had on to be hung in the wardrobe or in the pile to be sent to the secondhand shop.
 
Since the experience of cancer, I’ve realised that life is waaaaay too short and so I’m working on embracing each day. I think, that for a little while now and particularly since becoming a mum, I’ve forgotten that I’m a girl. It’s been so easy to dress in clothes that don’t make me feel good and are not really flattering. The feminine side of my life had got a little waylaid. I realised that I should be embracing who I am and celebrating the fact that LIFE IS GOOD! Of course, working on losing a few kgs always helps.
 
The wardrobe and I needed true girlfriend-type brutal honesty. It was slightly scary to begin with but was such a liberating experience and now I am looking forward to shopping for some new ones to add to the ones that are left which really suit me.
 
It’s a great feeling!

Yesterday was a great day as I got to go into work for a couple of hours. It was soooo nice to do something ‘normal’ for a few hours. I have always loved what I do but since the interruption of being unwell it has become obvious to me that work gives me energy for the rest of my life.
 
I’m feeling so much better as each day passes and it’s great. I have an appointment with the oncologist on Friday and then the surgeon in a week or two. It’s funny how these visits signal ‘getting on with life’.
 
Well… it’s just nice to be given a new opportunity in life. Now that I feel a bit better I get to enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter.
 
My Aunt, from Queensland, is also staying with us and it’s lovely to spend time with her. (She came to stay when I was really unwell and is sooo welcome…..Thanks Daph)
 
Our new house is probably about5 or 6 weeks away and we can’t wait. Although we are very grateful for the house that we are currently renting, it’s been a squeeze and Miss S will just love the extra room, particularly outside. Her sandpit is a favourite at the moment.
 
Have a great day!

Well it’s Sunday night and it’s a week since I stopped Interferon. I feel great. I still have some side effects but they are so much more manageable. I’m only having the occasional paracetamol which is a big difference from all the meds I was taking and only then just surviving.
 
I’m so excited to have my life back and I’m really feeling that I’m in control again. I want to stay in this position of making decisions when I can make good choices.
 
I’m concentrating on ‘normal’ right now. I have done a couple of hours work and have just loved it. I have a particular friend who have been a huge help in nudging me to work through the stuff that is life, past the hiccup that is cancer. Thank you - you know who you are!
 
I’m embracing this time and have a fresh approach. Back when I found the lump, I blogged that it was like the world had changed colour….it’s like that now, but better!
 
Well I had anticipated that 2008 would be a blur……but now I have a new start! There’s a crispness to my outlook that I’m loving. I’m really trying to let myself off the hook and to take my time about life.
 
Have a great day!