Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Like Watching the Grass Grow

As I mentioned back in June, I've been working on growing out my hair. And I haven't been updating you as promised because it would literally be like watching grass grow. Except, you know -- hair.

At this rate I'm going to be forty-two by the time I have enough to donate. But it's been six months so I thought it would be a good time to finally show you the progress I am making. (Here's where I started, if you're interested.) Also, I went a little darker for the fall, if you're keeping tabs on that sort of thing.

Another thing about this process: I schedule my hair appointments to coincide with my scan results. Am I the only one? Just in case I have to go back on broad spectrum chemo-chemo and lose my hair again, I don't want to do anything to it and be told I'll lose it a few weeks later. So I had my scan on November 10th and my hair color appointment two days later. My next scan will be in late February or early March, so expect another update then -- at which point maybe it'll finally be past these darn ears of mine.

(Also, our family photos are courtesy of Jenny at Jennifer Bowen photography, and I am absolutely thrilled with them.)

Plus, a gratuitous photo of Quinn, just because that expression. He will probably get everything on his Christmas list because of that face. What can I say? Santa is a softie.


16 comments:

  1. Hi Jen,
    Wonderful photos! Just wonderful. The hair is always a big deal... I still have hair issues because of the darn aromatase inhibitor I'm on and I hate, hate the effect the drug has on my hair. I know there are bigger issues, but still, it's my hair! Yours looks fabulous and Quinn's smile is pretty darn adorable. I bet he will get everything on his list, and why not? Enjoy the holidays with your wonderful family. xx

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    1. Thanks, Nancy! And, yes, the hair is always a bigger issue than we think it should be. I think we feel vain or silly for worrying about our appearance, but it is so much a part of who we are as women. Even with my hair, I still have no eyebrows, so I fret about that. Always something. Hope you have wonderful holidays, too, my dear. XO

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  2. You look great! And you are right, he is a cutie!

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  3. Your hair looks lovely! It is such a pain to grow out, but it is so nice when it does. Lovely photos of your lovely family. :)

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    1. I kept reading all these Pinterest posts about how to grow out a pixie in eight easy steps, and that is just not what I'm experiencing. Typical Pinterest Fail. ;)

      Thank you for the sweet words about my family!

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  4. Your hair looks fab - really shiny and glossy. And oh Jen the pics of your gorgeous family just warmed my heart - your love for each other shines through. Beautiful x

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    1. Thanks, Marie! I'm looking forward to the day my hair is as long as yours! Lots of love to you.

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  5. I LOVE your hair, the style and the color. It's beautiful. And the photos are great!

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  6. dear Jen,

    I would give anything to have hair like yours - it so pretty, and the layers give it such lovely texture. after nearly a year, my hair is a bit less than 3 in. long -AND it is very curly, kinda springy curly so when I extend a curl it pops right back, AND it's no longer blond, but light and dark silver. I have no idea what to do with it! I guess it's really true that Herceptin reduces the hair's growth rate by half - dammit!

    oh, Jen, your family photos are gorgeous! you must adore them and be so proud of how they turned out. and the one of darling Quinn is exceptionally adorable - of course Santa will bring him everything he's wished for! that face, that expression - your photographer was probably so thrilled to have such a darling subject.

    much love, and thanks for sharing,

    Karen ooxoo

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    1. I had never heard that about Herceptin! So interesting. I think we all have issues with our hair post-chemo. It probably deserves a longer post of its own. I always feel so silly writing about it, but then it always seems to really strike a chord.

      Hope you have wonderful holidays, Karen!

      Love,
      Jen

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  7. The pictures are wonderful, you all look lovely. So nice to find a chair in the forest :-).

    My appointments with my hairdresser are also related to my scan results. My hair is shorter than yours (about 5 cm, I guess 2 inches?) and it needs to be well-cut now that it is so short. But I tend to postpone haircuts until after the scan/blood results/tumor marker, etc. I will try to make an appointment for Saturday (three days after my next chemo IV) so that at least I will look good at Christmas.

    The reason for delaying the hairdresser is not a financial one, because he has been giving me discounts on both cutting and coloring since my hair has grown back!

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    1. Yes, the chair in the forest was a nice surprise! ;)

      How wonderful that your hairdresser gives you a break on services post-treatment! People are really amazing, aren't they?

      I'm sure you will look quite lovely for Christmas, and I hope it's a wonderful one with your family.

      XO

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  8. I love pictures of you and your family. Everything about the photos is always beautiful. I have had no word on a new job yet and am dreading the expiring time before doomsday, but I have accumulated a small wealth of miles on American and probably need to get away soon. Also, my stupid foot might finally be on the mend and I could use nothing more than some yoga healing in a zen setting with a good friend. I have been struggling lately (frequently?), but your strength always occurs to me at some point and inspires me. I hope to be able to celebrate a clean scan with you in person when the next one happens. There will be hugs for you, beers for Chris on me, toys for Quinn from a red-bearded Santa (that face!), and definitely my camera.

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    1. My next scan will probably be early March, which coincides with Quinn's 4th birthday (how did THAT happen?!). March is also a good time to be here because of spring training and generally perfect weather. We'll reserve a spot for you at Chez Campisano. Just let me know when, my friend.

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