Oh! I should have taken pictures today!!!

I am sure the pictures will come later.  Today I went to the Canadian Cancer Society to look for a wig.  Not just a wig...a FREE WIG...A BRAND NEW FREE WIG, like going shopping for a wig you like and not paying a cent for it!  That's one place where all the cancer contributions  go.  The lady who helped me was sooooo nice.  She let me try on the wigs.  First she had me put a little stocking on my head that looked like a panty hose.  That was so that the wigs would go on while I still have hair.  The first wig I tried was dark brown.  That was the one I chose...but not in brown.  The next one was kind of the color my mom used to wear when she had a wig.  I had a laugh over that and remembered how her wigs frizzled from the heat of the oven.  I did hunt at the farm for that wig.  It used to be with Andy's hats, but I couldn't find it.  I wouldn't really have worn it, but it would have been fun to try it on and model it.  And I will have Paul take things out of the oven for me OR take the wig off.

I have been thinking of the positives about this situation: 
#1.  Only 1/2 the mammograms!
#2.  I am always picking white hairs off my clothes, etc.  After the hair is gone, I won't have to do that.
#3. I will save a lot of time since I won't have to mess with my hair. The wig will be sort of shake and go. ;-)
#4.  I will also save on hair products until I have hair again.  *And hair cuts - forgot that one.  I usually have my hair cut about every 6 weeks.  My hairdresser said if I need my head shaved, she would even come to the house.
#5.  I am planning on long, curly eye lashes as a bonus when it all grows back. ;-)
#6.  I have decided to look at this as an adventure.  Time flies when you are having fun!
#7.  My best friend and sweetheart, Paul, is a super support.   
#8.  The hair will grow again!  The oncology doctor and nurses keep saying that.
#9.  A brand new oncology unit is opening at the hospital by the time I have my second treatment.
#10.  Some friends have done some wonderful and amazing things for me.  Some of the things that  have been a huge blessing would probably not be considered "big things."  However they meant a great deal to me.  Speaking of which, here is an example from my cancer 15 years ago.  I came home from the hospital after my surgery and listened to our phone messages. One was from a friend who said she was praying for me and that she loved me.  A few days later I called to thank her for her call.  She told me then that I may have noticed that her voice was shaking when she called.  That was because she was nervous/afraid and didn't know what to say. To me, her making that call was like David's mighty men bringing him water from the well of Bethlehem.  David felt that the sacrifice was so great that he poured the water out and wouldn't drink it.  For her going out of her comfort zone to minister to me was very precious. 
#11. God will not give me anything that I cannot handle with His help.  I Corinthians 10:13
"...but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted (tried) above that ye are able; but will with the temptation (trial) also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." It has been and will continue to be exciting to see how God answers prayer and works things out.  I am sure there will be more benefits, as in life, health.  I am praying for those who have worked with me in the health care system who I have been able to give a witness and a tract.

On to the next phase

It has been a beautiful fall and the leaves are still hanging on.  Now they are at the muted, rusty looking time.  I have photos which I may or may not get to sometime.  I am feeling peppyer now but it has been a long time coming.  Friday I passed the 6th week after surgery mark.  That was the day we saw the oncologist and got another big surprise.  My surgeon told us I would probably just need a hormone blocker pill, but the oncologist has recommended chemo.  That was certainly not in our thinking, however we had long ago decided that we would go along with whatever the doctor recommended.  So within the next couple of weeks I will have some tests and start chemo.  The oncologist said it is a light course: 4 cycles with three weeks between.  Chemo has improved a lot over the years.  Some people do not have any side affects, BUT and it's a big BUT, I will lose my hair.  It kind of makes "bad hair days" seem pretty silly.  I was very pleased today to hear from two different people about getting free wigs.  One lady, who went through it herself, said she had several wigs and never bought one. 

I can say once again that God has given us peace and help throughout this time.  We don't doubt His wisdom in allowing this to come into our lives.  We truly GIVE THANKS IN EVERYTHING!  TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!  HE IS A WONDERFUL SAVIOUR TO ME!