Time for a new look!

So this was a big milestone to pass.  And a pretty scary one too, but we decided to take a little bit of control (which is not always an option when cancer is involved) and do it on our terms.  Yesterday afternoon, David shaved my head preemptively.  No, my hair had not started to fall out just yet.  That will probably be Wednesday or Thursday of this week.  The more I thought about having to deal with clumps of hair coming out, the more I knew that would not resonate well with me.  I will be honest--shaving my head wasn't exactly what I wanted to do, but it really did seem the better option for me personally.  Plus, David and I talked about it and decided it would be best for this to be fun!  So at more or less the last minute and with the help of my sweet friend Ashley and our wonderful families, we threw a little party….I think every single person there agreed it was their first "Head Shaving Party"--hey, there's a first for everything, right?

Reese's sign greeted everyone.

Me, pre-shave, with my father-in-law Lorne (official family photographer), my aunt Janise and cousin Stephanie.

David beginning the process!  Shannon and Reese have a front row seat.  

I am the luckiest woman around, and I realize this.  David trimming and shaving my hair was about the clearest and loudest act of love I could think of.  I can assure you that we are both in this for better or worse!

And he did a great job!  You might have guessed he has had some practice with this particular hairstyle!

What is the saying about the longer couples are together, the more they look like one another?

Posing with David and my mom Pam.

My dad Mike and grandmother Margaret jumped in as well.

A great pic of all of my family that was able to attend the party.  I love you all!

And my wonderful, smart, funny, beautiful friends.  I love you too!  These two pics (family and friends) are a great representation of a big part of Team Shelly!

With Cathleen, Monique, Ashley and my daughter Reese in a pink wig.

Thank you, Ashley, for coordinating food, drinks, and everything for the party!

Trying to figure out the wig.  Still working on this….you have to really know how to adjust and style them…hopefully this talent will come to me….

Otherwise I will just have to wear one of my many cute hats!

And so my hair is gone.  Understandably, this is a scary part of the process for many women.  While it's temporary, it is a hit to your vanity and self image, and makes you feel exposed and vulnerable in some ways.  But I could not be more pleased with the way the evening went last night.  I am so thankful to have such amazing family and friends who are the very best support network!  I am also thankful that I no longer have to dread the hair loss and now I can check that one off the list! It really is a relief in many ways.

I will sign off with some positives that come to mind:

Silver lining: not having to spend $$$ at the salon getting my color and cut done for the next several months! But I will miss going there to see my friends.

Major blessing: amazing family and friends supporting me constantly, which was evident at the BEST HEAD SHAVING PARTY EVER!!!!