CHEMO

Hey everyone! (It’s Hannah) I wanted to pop on here with a few updates! I chopped my hair off into a sassy bob on 3/24 in preparation for the chemo caused alopecia. One of my medicines, doxorubicin /Adriamycin causes this and the hair loss is usually pretty quick! (This is nicknamed the “red devil” but we’re calling it “the red angel.”) As soon as I have a clump of hair come out, we’re breaking out the buzz cut! Cutting my hair off was not as emotional as I thought it would be. I have a hair stylist who has become a good friend of mine, and she built in extra time for us to chat, and take the time needed. I only shed a few tears, but to be honest it felt freeing! I’m shedding the past and opening a new chapter of strength and resilience.

As I’m typing this out, I’m laying in our comfy couch post chemo treatment. Everything went as smoothly as possible! My nurse was coincidentally also vegan and we chatted a lot about local vegan spots. She was super sweet and attentive. The other nurse in the area started chatting with us about the Twins and Minneapolis (where Nicholas grew up) because her husband was from there and they are Twins fans. Maybe it’s my optimism, but what are the odds we ended up with a vegan nurse and a nurse that likes the Twins! There’s magic all around if you look for it.

They put me on anti nausea meds and steroids so the worst side effects will probably not hit me for a day or two. Everyone is different though. I’m taking it as it comes, trying to get ahead of the nausea when I can. I may be slow to respond as I recover and navigate the side effects. But I always appreciate the support that I have received and that Nicholas has received since he is my primary caretaker. Thanks to everyone!

Treat people with kindness

- Hannah