FAQ...answers!

In no particular order....

Q: Did you shave your head because you wanted to? Or was your hair really falling out?

A: The day after my second treatment my hair started thinning, by the second day (Sat) I was pushing it back in my head for our last set of family pictures (my header pic) with hair. If I didn't shave on that day...which was also Mothers Day, I would be able to count my hairs. Today, I'm still bald.

Q: Did you loose all body hair?

A: I recently figured out that anything fabric touches, like my shoulders, are bald. Since I wear flip-flops I still do have some stragglers on my big toes. As for my hairy Italian legs, I have lost about 50% of it... and I can't tell you the last time I shaved my pits. :)

Q: What smell makes you sick?

A: ICK! Even thinking about it makes me want to loose my breakfast. The smell of saline. For some odd reason I don't taste it like most of the human population, I don't just smell it either...I have some kind of psychological disorder and associate it with chemo! I can instantly tell the person giving me the IV when they are in. Blah!

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve since being diagnosed?

A: This one is tough. I can't just give one answer. Since being diagnosed I can't stand walking out of stores and smelling cigarette smoke. In fact, I often times want to walk up to them and rip my cute little bandanna off my head and explain how I didn't ask for this...but you....you stupid moron...every single time you light that cigarette, you ARE! More pet peeves? Dirt, stinky kids, shoes inside...and yes, Kalee is responsible for disinfecting the doorknobs and light switches weekly because I'm allergic to germs right now.

Q: Do mosquitoes still bite you?

A: Yes. I hope my toxic blood serves them right.

Q: What has been your worst side effect?

A: Not being able to breathe. Yeah, that's definitely it. I have had several others that have been horrible but breathing is necessary.

Q: Are you being seen by military Doctors?

A: Not for oncology. The MTF (military treatment facility) differed me out to a civilian oncologist. My PCM and GYN are military...so I'm everywhere in a weird way. :) Civilian medical is definitely new to me and so are the insurance related headaches.

Q: You mentioned on the phone the other day that you couldn't drive, are you still driving?

A: Not as often as I used to! I move very slow for a week or so after chemo and will not put my children in a situation where I don't think I can adequately respond to stupid drivers. Not to mention that would make me a stupid if I got behind the wheel feeling that way. When I do drive I usually take Max's car. Mine is stick and it takes energy I don't want to give.

Q: Tell us how much weight you lost Averi.

A: Um, you butthead! That wasn't a question. But since you didn't say "Tell us how much you weigh now Averi", I'll answer... as of my last treatment 14 lbs....I think.

Q: How do you do it?

A: Do what? Live? I enjoy every moment I have with my family and thank God daily. Sometimes it looks like I stroll through this with no problems... when in fact every time I jump over another bump, God catches me and carries me over and gently sets me down on the other side. I have an amazing husband... that I honestly don't know how he does it! He wakes up beside me and holds my hand as we walk through each new day together not knowing what it's going to bring. Kalee, my second set of hands, she is always eager to assist to make things easier on me. Bear rubs my head and daily asks how I feel while being sure to tell me I'm beautiful with no hair. The question should be "How do they do it?" and that, I would have no answer for.

Q: How did you find out about the cancer?

A: If you click on this and scroll all the way down to the bottom of the month it will explain how I got diagnosed.

Q: I know you use to be weirded out with cleaning chemicals because many have been linked to cancer. Are you still that way?

A: Yes! All my family laughed at me when I, the crunchiest one of the bunch, got diagnosed. Truth is...we have no idea what causes this kind of cancer. Supposedly it is not hereditary or linked to pesticides. Some chemicals in cleaners and personal care products HAVE been linked to cancer and since I have taken interest and educated myself in that area, I choose to reduce exposure. I'm not saying you won't find chemicals anywhere in my house (even though once upon a time it was that way). You will find me use a lot of vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda to clean with and coconut oil, olive oil, baking soda, corn starch, essential oil, honey and cider vinegar as personal care products (deodorant, moisturizer, conditioner...etc). At the very least it saves money...something that thrills me. :)