Hair Shave Party – IT’S ON!!

(BEFORE)

My decision to go ahead and have this party was made a bit easier by the fact that the past two days my head had been driving me CRAZY with itchy, tingly, tenderness. This combined with the fact that my hair seemed to be falling out at a much faster rate (I could barely touch it without having some in my hands). It made me realize that the “probably” not fall out was turning into a “probably” going to fall out.

SO...The e-mail went out to the cancer posse and the party was on! We all met in the lobby of Gene Juarez and waited for Rayna, my super stylist! Needless to say I was nervous at this point! Fortunately, I had a huge turn out for the

(THE MULLET)

event which helped to make this an immensely positive and fun experience!!

My large cancer posse took over a huge corner of the salon, attracting a variety of onlookers – other stylists and customers. Since all my friends are as photo happy as I am, it felt like I had paparatzi around me! Michelle even popped champagne for the event!

I think the photos probably tell the rest of the story best. You can also check my friend’s photos at: http://picasaweb.google.com/SeanAllDay/AlyssaSCloseShave http://picasaweb.google.com/wendybug1/AlyssaSHairCutShave
I started with 3 lovely ponytails and Rayna cut them off, one by one! Once that first pony tail fell I was committed and the hair was donated! We tried some crazy hair looks along the way (my one and only time with a mullet) and I got to make the first shave – I’ll be honest, that took some courage!

For some crazy reason, Rayna kept telling everyone how perfectly shaped my head was – who would have thought? Guess you never know till you see it! At least there are some bonuses in this deal! I ended up with a GI Jane hair cut reminiscent of Demi Moore. How fun! The most surprising thing of all of this for me was that I didn’t hate how I looked bald. I felt like I was looking at a stranger, but she didn’t look half bad! With all the positive friend reactions (and the one super honest kid reaction – Colby told me it was “Weird”) I was confident enough to go wigless to our celebration dinner!!

Before heading out, however I did have to try on all the wigs and Rayna arranged for her friend Dannie to clean up my eye brows so the look would be perfect. Huge thanks to both of them for not only donating their time to me for these services, but for making the entire event so special.

After all this, it was off to the celebration dinner! Thanks to all of you for making this so fun!!

(AFTER)

POSSIBLE – Hair Shave/Cut Party

About the time I learned exactly what chemo plan I would be on, I also learned that I may or may not lose my hair from it. Doctor had said about 50% chance with my dose and drugs. Naturally being the rose colored glasses person that I am, I clung to that info with the thought that maybe I would not lose my hair….

Things changed when I realized that if I did lose my hair it would be about the time I would be “hosting” a group for work at the Daytona 500! Now, I would love to take the wait and see approach, however the prospect of having to deal with this in a hotel room in Florida while also having to face a group I am leading is a bit overwhelming to me. Also, my head has been driving me crazy (super itchy, tingly, and more fall out than normal already). When I mentioned that symptom to my chemo doc, he said it means I would probably be losing my hair and possibly in the next few days to a week. Again, I keep hanging on to the word "probably". I have also heard that sometimes your hair just thins and doesn't fall all the way out.

I am sure now you can see my dilemma. If I wait to see, then I could be dealing with this in Florida making it harder to ensure the hair can be cut in time to donate it and the thought of it falling out on a work trip sounds stressful. If I cut it in advance there will be no stress during my event and I can have friends/family around for a more empowering experience and emotional support. I have already gone wig shopping so I am prepared either way!

So, I decided to make a "tentative" appointment set at Gene Juarez Downtown on Wednesday evening (the day before the Daytona trip) with my favorite hair stylist, Rayna, to "possibly" cut all my hair off and donate it to "Locks of Love" - a wig program for children with cancer. The day I found out I had breast cancer I already had an appointment set with her. I kept it and asked her to give me the best hair cut ever because I didn’t know how long I would get to keep it. She was awesome and helped me relax and get through one of the more stressful days of my life. It seems only right to have her also be the one to help me lose the hair!

At this point, not having fully committed to the hair cut (because it is slightly scary), I sent an e-mail to my cancer posse told them of the my appointment and asked if they could be available for a short notice decision. Being the SUPER, AMAZING, AWESOME people that they are, they not only promised to be available (some even worked on getting off work early) they sent the most amazing and supportive e-mails to me about this. Am I luck to have these people or what?

Cranial Prosthetic – An Adventure in Wig Shopping!

It would be a lie to say that I wasn’t apprehensive about wig shopping. As many of you know I am sort of attached to my hair and as we may soon be parted, I wanted to be prepared. Having never been wig shopping before, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

It took a bit of research and planning (fortunately I excel in this area) prior to the actual event. I am sure it would come as no surprise that the insurance system needed a bit of navigation before I could shop. Apparently one needs a prescription to obtain a “Cranial Prosthetic” (yes – folks, a new head) – we wouldn’t want to overdose or anything! One also has to find a location that supplies “Cranial Prosthetics”. The insurance company makes this easy by giving you a list of 20-30 places which may or may not carry such a thing. Imagine the fun of calling random providers and asking if they carry CP’s when they really specialize in artificial limbs! Got tired of that by call 4 or 5 so I called the insurance company directly to ask them to tell me specifically where I could go.

Fortunately I hit the jackpot with a very sweet and helpful agent who discovered that since we have no local suppliers (good thing I didn’t bother calling all 20-30 places!), I could go to one of two out of network providers and be reimbursed. Translation - Let the paperwork begin! Now in addition to my prescription, I needed a detailed form from my doctor referring me to the non-participating provider and now also have to submit another form for reimbursement. How fun!

Armed with my paperwork and CP prescription I was ready to shop! Knowing that this is something I could never do alone (I can barely pick out clothes without a second opinion) and having had several conversations with Auntie Gail about this (she handled all my frantic “what does this mean”, “how do you know” calls), I knew I would need some good people with me for this adventure. Hey, just like some girls can’t go to the bathroom by themselves, I can’t shop for breasts & cranial pros ethics by myself! It was time to go to my cancer support posse for some assistance.

My time frame was a bit limited seeing as I would be traveling the next two weeks (you think cancer is gonna stop me? Phhleeaase!!), so I need to go on a Friday in the middle of the day (wig shops have limited hours – like 10-2pm). My sister, Kristin, was able to break away from work along with Shawn. Perfect team! I knew my sister would be honest with me and Shawn would give me the guy perspective (hey I still want to be cute!). Besides these two are the most stylish “metro” people I know!

Never in a million years would I have guessed wig shopping could be so much fun! Thanks to Shawn, Kristin and Janey (the woman assisting me at the shop); it was a fun and positive experience. As much fun as I had getting breasts! Kristin made it to Seattle early and did recon on the two shops my insurance said they would cover – low and behold one of them was a costume wig shop (now I know where to go for the pink wig) and the other one, “Hair Options” was a little more what we were looking for.

As you can see from the pictures it was time to let the fun begin! So many choices, so many looks! Janey brought out different styles and colors – there was Erica, Veronica, Sasha, Brittany, Debbie… so fun! I played with all the ladies! After trying the different colors and styles it was hard to choose! There were certainly some clear top picks! In the end I decided on three (having only one is just not as fun) different styles and colors. Now I can pick out my hair every morning, not just my clothes! The best part – these are perfectly styled and ready to go every morning! No prep time! Snooze button here I come!

Thanks again Cancer Posse!

Chemo – One down and three to go!

So I did it! I can now say I have a better idea (think reality check) of what I am really dealing with here.

Thursday, I went in for the portacath first. When someone tells you they are going to imbed a titanium object into your chest and oh by the way it is done with conscious sedation – one might tend to FREAK! Fortunately I had a fun young nurse who was all about “getting me to a good level” drug wise– translation – I had conversations I don’t even remember and didn’t feel a thing! Thank God!

Went from recovery from that straight upstairs to chemo – let the fun begin! I must say that the “good level” stayed with me all the way upstairs. Actually thought I might be sick before the chemo, but that worked out ok because instead of waiting in the waiting room, I got to hang out in the exam room, laying down with crackers and soda! Much nicer! Problem with being at such a “good level” is that I really can’t remember much of what the doctor told me before he sent me off to chemo with a handful of prescriptions – one of which was for a “cranial prothesis” – but we’ll talk about that later.

Chemo time and I had a good showing from my cancer posse with me (Mom, Steve, Pam, Charlie, Shawn, Charis). The poor nurse had to drag in chairs to accommodate all of us. I think she felt a bit bad for me and the whole portacath, first time chemo thing because I got my own room with a bed! NICE! I needed it because I promptly passed out! My first chemo and I barely remember it – maybe that’s a good thing? My nurse did her best to explain each of the handful of vials she was inserting into my IV at various times, however I was in and out through it all. Hope the family took notes for me! I think after Valium and Benadryl I was pretty much gone. I have been told that I would occasionally look up – even ask a question, then boom – back out again! Oh the joys of drugs! To think I used to teach “Just say no!” – now I find myself saying “BRING ON THE DRUGS”! Ok! Ok! Just kidding! My family can relax – no need for rehab...Yet!

(OK - WHO TOOK THIS PHOTO?

WHAT THE HECK?)

Being in this drug induced state, I actually made it through the actual chemo day not too bad off! Funny side note here is that my mother thought we should stop and get groceries on the way home (yep- I went with) and toward the end the drugs were catching up with me and I believe green was my new shade. She was so freaked out trying to get me in the car and back home that she put the cart away with the groceries still in it! So another trip back to the store for us! Not to worry, I hate to puke so that didn’t happen however close to it I was!

Overall, my weekend went well. A little tired, but not too bad. By Superbowl Sunday I was thinking that if this is it, what was I so worried about?? Then along came Monday! Yikes! We’ll just say that all my positive attitude and good thoughts about chemo walked out the door that day. Train Wreck! Think yucky, achy, tired, flu combined with some emotional side effects of coming off the steroids (supposedly these keep my brain from swelling or something – yikes). Needless to say by Monday night some of my cancer support posse came over to save me (Thanks Mom, Steve, Shawn & Diane). I learned that trying to tough it out sucks and that I should have called for help sooner (actually mom happened to call and check in on me – I think the sobbing may have given her a clue as to the problem). Maybe I’ll take this lesson with me into the next chemo??

So obviously by this entry, I did survive it and was actually doing ok by Tuesday afternoon. Wednesday I made it to work for a half day and Thursday a full one! Yeah! Guess this tells me that I can survive this. If Monday is as bad as it gets, then listen up cancer – BRING IT ON! (Yeah, I can talk all big now that it’s not Monday!) As Shawn likes to tell me – this may bump me, bruise me, even give me a bloody lip, but the end of the day I’ll end up still standing!

On a side note here, apparently the “prosthetic breasts” continue to be a fun for everyone event. Just about all my friends have tried them on now (I even brought them out of the bra at a staff meeting). Apparently when I was crashed out on chemo the cancer posse entertained themselves with them – not to name any names - Charis! At my chick flick/Superbowl party (yeah we only tuned in for commercials, scores and the last 15 minutes) Sheryl had her way with my breasts too!

Thanks for the love and support!

At the moment I am in the middle of my fight with breast cancer - sort of between two storms - having recovered from surgery and not yet started chemo! One thing that has blown me away during this whole breast cancer thing is the love and support I have received from my friends and family!! Thank you all!! Without that, this entire process would be so much more challenging. People have spent their free time helping me get through surgery, made me laugh, sent cards and flowers, brought food and goodie baskets, and have even participated in running events in my honor. You all blew me away! My running group has now run two races for me! When I discovered what they did and saw the photos, I cried. It means so much. We now have plans to run a team relay race decked out in pink! It will be my first race back with the group following my treatment. Ragnar Relay 2008 - here we come!

Speaking of participation in my honor, my longtime friend, Gary, just recently signed up to climb a mountain for me! AMAZING! I would join him if I could, but will be just out of chemo at the time he does this. The climb for the cure (Rainier) will raise money to help fund cancer research. To contribute to his climb, go to:
http://getinvolved.fhcrc.org/site/TR/Climb/General?px=1096901&pg=personal&fr_id=1070&et=GswrQaAmubN178fxBzKfwg..&s_tafId=1790


The friend support continues to know no bounds! Recently I was approved to get fitted for my prosthetic breasts. These are for me to use until I am ready for reconstruction. Amazingly enough, my friends have supported me in this endeavor as well (this may well be their fav. part)!! As you can see from the photos my new (and much larger) prosthetic breasts are fun for everyone! Mlow spent her lunch break with me while I tried on different sizes and bras – she even tried the “size D” on her own tiny little body (yeah, too big for you-girlfriend)!! Wow!! Along those lines it seems that there aren’t many who can resist the opportunity to try these things for themselves (Btracy and Gary)! During a recent night out both Btracy & Swilkin copped a feel in a crowded bar! Can’t blame them because they do feel so real – I almost can’t stop touching them myself!

Breast Cancer Top 10

Most of you are aware of the Breast Cancer that I have been dealing with! No freaking out because I am doing GREAT in spite of all this!! Huge thanks to friends and family who have been there for me, made me laugh and just stepped up in amazing and unexpected ways!!!

I decided that there was no use dwelling on the negatives of all this and instead find myself being thankful for the benefits! That being said, I have created a top 10 for all of you!

Alyssa's Top 10 benefits of going through Breast Cancer:

10) Food deliveries, more food deliveries, no cooking! Yeah!

9) Entertainment provided by everyone else- friend visits - even long time friends you don't get to see very often, DVD's, magazines, books, games, etc.

8) Any sleep schedule I want because I am on paid medical leave for 6 weeks!

7) Can't lift (dr. orders:) so people happily carry my luggage, groceries, etc.

6) My running group runs for me - no training required (at least on my part)

5) Chemo Brain - the excuse for everything I forget or don't want to remember

4) Percocet - enough said!

3) Boob prosthetics - I can be ANY size I want or even mix and match! How fun!

2) Wig Shopping (might check out DeCharlene's for some ethnic looks or Lovers for the sexy porn star wigs)

And.... DRUMROLL PLEASE....
THE NUMBER ONE BENEFIT IS:

1) I get cool NEW boobs when this is all over! (Insurance pays baby!)

2007 - A year in review!

As I look forward to 2008, I think back to 2007… A year in review!

This past year was one of changes, travels, adventures, and challenges.

In January work brought me to California for the Rose Parade New Year’s event. Always love this one because it allows me to see all the Cali family. This trip I got to spend time in sunny San Diego with Pam & Aaron and crash the King family camping trip! Back up to the LA area for the New Year and visits with the rest of the family.

March & April were big travel months for me – It was off to Costa Rica for work and for the first time. Rode the zip lines through the rainforest, hiked in a cloud forest and lounged at the beach – yes I get paid for this! This trip was followed by an ARDA Award Ceremony in Orlando, FL for having been selected as part of the top 5 internationally for Customer Service in the hospitality industry - my big achievement for the year! Straight from the award ceremony, I joined Shawn and some of his family in Ixtapa, Mexico. Here due to my amazing talents at balloon popping while jumping on one foot, I won a chance to swim with the dolphins! Another highlight of the year!

May took me to Rome, Tuscany, and Venice with my co-worker and friend Brittany. Arrived in Rome early enough to visit with my friend Sheryl (she was living there at the time). Saw the Tuscany region for the first time and revisited my favorite Italian haunt – Venice! Returned to Rome for more good times with Sheryl. No matter where I travel, Italy always remains in the top 5 places I love in this world!

June gave me the chance to return to California for my brother Darrol’s high school graduation (Congrats Bro!), a trip to Catalina Island (lots of family memories there), and to see Spain for the first time! Loved Gibraltar, Madrid and the Costa del Sol!

July was a month of enjoying Seattle in the summer! Pam, Charlie, Charis & I did our annual camping at Lake Chelan! Sweet wakeboarding! Lori and Sean couldn’t make it this year so we hit Lake Easton later in the month. I hit the outdoors hard, hiking, running, wakeboarding, and started to renew my interest in rock climbing.

In August I continued to enjoy the great northwest. Took my borrowed boys (Hunter -5yr & Colby -6yr) on our annual camping trip to Deception Pass! Yep! Just me and the boys for 3 days two nights! It’s our second trip, but I plan to do it until they are “too cool” to hang with Aunt Alyssa! Trips to Portland had me wakeboarding on the river and hiking to hot springs. August also put me in charge of a Western Caribbean cruise that barely skirted a hurricane. Lot’s of time on the ship with no ports of call while we did it = lot’s of sun and reading. Think I played every silly game they offered! Did, however get to see Grand Cayman and Cozumel for the first time.

September took me on a road trip to Castle Crags for intense rock climbing and the camping along the Oregon coast, had me running the “Iron Girl - Seattle”, as well as brought me back to China for the first time since I lived there four years ago. My parents were able to join me for this one and we arrive a week early so they could meet my friends and tour the city where I lived a bit more. Lifetime memory – climbing the great wall – this time with my Mom and Steve! The changes and construction there is amazing! Saw the Olympic sites and Xi’an warriors - even remembered some Chinese!

October was a time of personal vacation. This took my buddy Gary and I to the Dominican Republic! There we visited my friends Mark & Ailing (teaching at an international school there), drove through little villages and handed out toys, candy, baseballs (national sport of DR), crayons, paper and other goodies to kids in need, learned the flying trapeze and surfing, and climbed up 27 waterfalls only to get to jump/slide down all of them on the way out (totally a highlight of the trip).

November was the trip I waited for all year – Egypt! I rode camels in front of the pyramids, saw King Tut’s mummy in his tomb, took a Nile cruise, and visited a Nubian village in Aswan. I loved this country! I would go back in second to explore more beyond the tourist sites we visited.

December started with a Christmas tree lighting festival in Leavenworth, and proceeded to present one of the biggest challenges I have ever faced - breast cancer! Not to worry, I caught it early and despite the cancer’s aggressive nature it seems we have got it! I had a double mastectomy (highly recommended because of the family history of re-occurrence) within a week of getting diagnosed and am continuing treatment with chemo kicking off my new year! Fortunately my chemo will be shorter and milder than most. I start January 31st and my last treatment will be April 3rd! I am sure it will suck, but I am also sure I’ll get through it just fine. Doctor is confident that hitting it so hard and so early should put me at over 90% chance of never having it return. That alone makes all the crappy stuff worth it!

I want to say a huge thanks to friends and family who have been there for me, made me laugh and just stepped up in amazing and unexpected ways!!! My friend Chen Bin even traveled all the way from China to visit! We were able to share our Christmas traditions and celebrations with her for her first visit to the USA.

Despite this disruption in my life – I was deemed well enough to travel on my already planned trip to Tahoe for the New Year - apparently you can recover there as well as at home. No snowboarding for me (man was it hard to watch everyone else head out while I stayed behind), but I did get to hang out in an amazing cabin (thanks to Linda & Bill generously allowing us to use their Tahoe home), celebrate with friends and even snowshoe (shhh – don’t tell on me – I didn’t use my arms but just HAD to get out of the house).

Happy New Year and HUGE THANKS to everyone for your love and support in 2007!
Alyssa