Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow


I've always thought I was a little empty headed on occasion, but really, this is ridiculous!










Befor
I've had my wig for about a week now. It's not “Kathleen,” my catalogue pick, but rather a nameless creation in the Raquel Welch line. Somehow it doesn't look the same on me as it does on Raquel, but it'll do. I haven't shaved my head yet in anticipation of the transplant, but I think I should do it soon because I think the wig will fit a little better and I won't have to worry about stray strands of my own hair peeking out here and there.





After
My daughters came with me to the fitting. They promised they would tell me if the wig wasn't right for me and assured me they thought it looked “real.” While I was finishing up the transaction, the girls tried on wigs fast and furiously. Why is it that wigs and hats can turn a serious day into one of hilarity if you just let it. The giggles and guffaws emanating from the fitting room were priceless; the wig, not so much.





BIG NEWS
The transplant has been scheduled.

I have known for quite some time, but kept quiet about it while I made sure all my medical ducks were in a row. They are and so here's what the quacking's all about:

April 8            Check into the Hope Lodge Transplant House, Minneapolis
April 9-13       Complete physical work-up for me during the week
April 13          My brother Rob's work-up

April 16-20      Mega doses of chemo and radiation for me; growth factor injections for Rob

April 23          Not sure exactly when, but this is the week for the actual transplant. Basically, Rob will give his blood (as in a Red Cross donation) which will be spun to collect the stem cells. The stem cells will then be transfused into me. This process takes place over a two day period.

When the transplant is completed, I start a new life. That day is labeled Day Zero. The goal is to get to Day 100 with as few complications as possible.

I can't deny it – it's a scary proposition. I have read and heard about all of the possible scenarios, some worse than others, but I try to stay focused on being positive and looking for silver linings. I keep saying there's no reason why I can't be one of the lucky ones.

These last couple of weeks, I put myself in quarantine, not wanting to pick up an infection at this stage of the game. Of course, I've had to go out for medical appointments and have seen some adult members of my family plus a few friends. Sadly, no grandkids, though. I suppose one might call it self-deportation, to borrow a phrase from Governor Romney.

The next two weeks will be busy. John and I have lists of things to do before we pack our bags. For me, that includes buying new underwear. I am desperate for new underwear! For John, that includes everything else. He really does carry most of the weight around here. I've said it before – he's my rock (and roll).

I look forward to seeing my brother Rob. I am so grateful that he is my donor. We haven't spoken much on the telephone since this all transpired – John and Judy (Rob's wonderful wife) have done most of the communicating, so I imagine our face-to-face meeting will be quite emotional, at least for me.

I will try to write a few more times before April 16, but after the transplant we'll be switching to Caringbridge where John or my children will keep interested folks updated on my progress.

Bless you for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers.

33 comments:

  1. You're approaching this transplant with incredible serenity! Kathy, I also am positive and believe that my prayers will be answered. Thanks so much for posting the dates and giving a very clear idea of what we can expect in the next 100 days or so.

    The wig is beautiful! At first I couldn't believe it was the wig, thinking it was your own hair done up by Connie. Then I realized...
    It's really very, very nice.

    I will be home to see Rob and Judy (and Tommy and Johnny) but realize you will be in isolation. Maybe we can wave at each other!
    Kathy, you are in my constant prayers; I am rooting for you, big time!

    I love you, sis.
    Betsy

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    Replies
    1. I look forward to seeing you and Pete! Thanks so much for loving me, sis.

      Love,
      KB

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  2. Super cute hairdo! You wear it VERY well -- looks just like you!! So much courage . . . such grace . . . you're one classy lady!!!! --k

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! Your love and support means so much!
      Love,
      Kathy

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  3. I love the new hairdo! You will be in my thoughts! Much love to you! mol

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  4. Thinking about you often and praying for you even more.

    Kate O'Sullivan

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Kate. Irish lasses stick together!

      Love,
      Kathy

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  5. Kathy, It was so good to talk to John the other day. And he gave us all the updates. I hope he remembered to give you our hugs!You will be in our thoughts and prayers for a new beginning this Easter season. I too believe that you can be one of the lucky ones. God Bless..

    Nancy & Jim

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Manskes. The first thing John did was deliver the hugs--very warm and fuzzy!

      Love,
      Kathy

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  6. The wig is darling. You look fabulous. You will be in my thoughts and prayers every day.Yes, you can be one of the lucky ones. Love you loads, Anne McQuaid

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    1. I look mahvelous! Am having my head shaved next Tuesday so I should look even mahvelous-er. I might summon the courage to have my shiny pate photographed for posterity (and a little fun). We'll see...
      Love,
      Kathy

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  7. Go for it, Kathy! Wig (really cute), BMT, calendar of events, --all one day at a time to healing and renewing life. You, John, and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as well.
    Love and blessings--Linda Carole

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    1. Thanks so much, Linda. The time is drawing near and I absolutely am in need of encouragement. I think Spring is a good time for starting over, don't you?
      Love,
      Kathy

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  8. Auntie Kathy, we are all praying for you 'down under' and thank you for keeping us updated. Your wig is beautiful and your strength is amazing. I love you very much! Leah and co xxxx

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    Replies
    1. I plan to be around to see your beautiful baby. Thanks for your support and love. I love you, too!

      Auntie Kathy

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  9. My wonderful sister, I want to tell you today that I am struggling to stay well and hold positive thoughts in my head and heart because the truth is that you truly matter to me.

    I want so much for us to share 20 more summers together. I want us rocking together on your front porch, us fixed up real nice (or not) with a fresh cup of coffee in the morning and a glass of Cab Sav in the evening. I want us to continue winning all the Quizzes and solving all the problems of our relatives living and dead. 10 more summers would do but 20 more summers would be best. Our grandmother Johanna rocked away for that long and we have it in us to do it, too.

    ♥Ann Rae

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    Replies
    1. I've never had success replying on ur blog. Your most recent is so wonderful I hcr to try again. You are my heroine. I cry for your dimemma and in jou for your great courage and positive attitude. We are all learning from you. When ur hair grows back can I have ur wig? It's really nice. God do I need it. We are in ur corner 24/7. Love no hugs. Tom

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    2. I was so surprised it went thru I didn't proof it. I meant I "had" not "her" again. I alsoeant I cry for all your problems And in joy not jou for ur strength thruout this ordeal. I also need to express my love to John and ur kids. Your big Rubber Tom loves you so much. Keep fighing little sis. We are all with you. Tommy

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    3. Dear Tommy,

      I loved hurng frm u an i dount' cere if u mspell all of teh wrdos.

      Love,
      Kathy Birk

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    4. Dear Ann,

      Looking forward to our rocking days!

      Love,
      Birk

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  10. I love reading what everyone writes! Ann and Tommy wrote beautiful and heartfelt emotional replies, letting it all hang out. I can't quite be so unvarnished, feeling as if I need to hang on tight in preparation for the battle you have ahead of yourself. Kathy, you are an extraordinarily strong woman, with lots of fighting spirit. You can do it. Eat. pray. Love,
    Betsy

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  11. Well Buddy,
    You know I'm with you 100%. Love you to the moon and back!
    Maryetta

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    Replies
    1. I know that, Marty! Love you, too!

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    2. Kathy, I so admire your strength and courage for your days ahead. It must be so scary for you and John. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during the next "100" days or so. (Of course, after that, too.) I look forward to hearing about your new life. I know you will be one of the lucky ones.

      Mary Ellen Probst

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    3. Thanks, Mary Ellen! Gosh, it doesn't seem like a whole year passed by since our class reunion. I'm looking forward to the 55th!

      Love,
      Kathy

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  12. Kathy, your wig is adorable! We are thinking of you everyday as you prepare for your transplant. We love you and John.

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    1. Thanks so much. I love you back! In approximately a half hour, I'll be all shiny-headed. Might as well laugh about it!

      Love,
      kathy

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  13. Just read your most recent entry. I am so filled with optimism and hope for you, Kathy. How great that you and your girls could share some giggles on the wig shopping day. I can't believe how close the hair color/style is to your own. It doesn't look "wiggy" at all - very becoming! What can we do for you when you're in the Twin Cities? We'd seriously take care of mowing or whatever else is needed around your place. For now, our prayers are sent your way, Friend.
    xxoo Mary O.

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    1. I loved talking with you today, dear. I'll keep our friendship in mind when I start to get negative thoughts and wonder why I should go on. You really boosted my spirits!

      Love you,
      Kathy

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  14. That wig looks so good I'm thinking about getting myself one!! Wonder if they have a "flattop" version, couldn't get my hair to standup when we were in high school..maybe now huh! As usual, you're doing this with strength, even if you don't feel you are, and the humor which defines "Being Kathy Dorn". Please remember there are a lot of people watching, hoping, and praying for you including the guy in Bonsall CA.
    Johnson

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    1. Dear Bob,
      Thanks so much for your loving encouragement. It means a lot to me. I'm so glad you DID ask me to the Snowball dance even though I momentarily broke John's heart. :-)
      We'll stay in touch.

      Love,
      Kathy

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  15. HA!!!..just consider yourself lucky that I only won the battle, it is Dorny who won the war!!! Will be watching you.
    Johnson

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