Busy-ness and brotherly love
Well my blood counts were high enough for chemo today and it all went smoothly enough. This is my week for the heavier-duty Taxol plus Carboplatin combination, which will likely make my blood counts plummet again. If so I will get another transfusion. The happy news is, Dr. O’Regan gave me the “okay” to go to clay camp July 12-17, and skip chemo that week! That will be the third week post-carboplatin, which is the one we had to skip last week, and she said, we might have to skip it anyway due to low blood counts, so why don’t you just go to camp! It’s possible if my counts are too low on the last week of the last cycle, she will postpone that treatment by a week rather than skipping it.
It’s been a busy few days, with the Hijab Solidarity Day and Iftar on Friday, which were lovely – Nasra pulled together a wonderful panel of young women just finishing college, including her daughter Naman, who have worn the hijab since 4th or 6th grade to talk about what their experiences are like, and some of us non-Muslim women talked about our experiences that day; and a young Muslim woman who has chosen (at least for now) not to wear the hijab talked about her process as well – then we had a wonderful meal and I got to meet some more of Nasra’s friends. Such a wonderful community, with people from all over the planet! And such a hard thing, to fast (including no liquid) from sun-up to sun-down for 30 days in a row, during the summer! (Plus they are supposed to attend somewhat lengthy prayers after the break-fast each night!)
Then our congregation had its’ 25th anniversary celebration this weekend – I was too tired to go to a lot of it, but did make it to the “siyyum” on Sunday -- completion and dedication of a new Torah, one of the first in the US (and anywhere) to be written by a woman.
And Monday I swam, went to the physical therapist, had a CORE steering committee meeting, a brief nap, and delivered a training at my house for a group of CORE volunteers (the last picture in this set). Although I pulled it off fine, I think I’m entering a phase of the chemo treatments where I need to not schedule more than one thing per day that’s not self-care.
I’ve been meaning ever since last week to post the picture of Ari shaving my head. The short hairs remaining, though they were a bit artsy (still showing some of the design that was shaved in before chemo), were bothering my scalp (getting rubbed the wrong way on the pillow at night). And, I’m hoping to get a henna crown done, and hairless seems like a better way to go. Since I look more like my Ari when I’m bald, and he has a LOT more experience with shaving than I do, he seemed like the perfect person to help with this. Plus he has a really cool electric razor! Ari was so great to have around in so many ways – he did a ton of cooking, grocery shopping, and kitchen cleanup, all with gentle good humor; having lived cooperatively for many years, he cooks well and seems to be able to adjust for any number (and unpredictable numbers) with ease. And he’s easy-going, supportive, and fun. Plus I think there’s something sort of like “comfort food” about having a sibling around. Familiar (huh, I guess that's where the word comes from!). Sorta feels like the way it’s supposed to be – not doing anything much alone – because that’s how it was growing up.
It’s a good thing I feel that way about siblings, ‘cause this week brings a visit from Don’s sister & her wife, and my sister will be coming at the end of July!
Comments (9)
Now that I'm back in Madison for a while, had a chance to finally catch up on your updates, including your wonderful account above of your recent haircut. As someone who's experienced a state of "follical impairment" for almost thirty years now, I have to tell you that bald is a very good look for you! Seriously, I shouldn't even see it in any way, as an "impairment." It's me. It's you. It's beautiful. And that's gotta be good! Just finished some communications work for the Mutual Aid Network project of the Dane County Timebank. One of the joys of that work has been getting to know our mutual friend (and your frequent houseguest) Chris Petit! He's a great guy with an amazing range of perspectives and experiences to share. And he lives in my dad's birthplace of Oak Park, so it's going to be fun to make trips to see him there, as well as seeing him up here in Madison on a regular basis. Much love goes out to you and Don today. Thanks as always for the courage and the wisdom that you've been sharing here. And thinking back on the amazing development of last week.... thanks, also, for all that you and Don and so many of your correspondents on this site have done over the years to move us into this time of social transformation, as epitomized by last week's affirmation of affordable healthcare, same sex marriage, and fair housing. And as epitomized by the president's speech last Friday, and all of its resonance with the extraordinarily transformative racial healing that is coming in the wake of the Charleston tragedy. Continue to be good to yourself, and to model that to Don and other caregivers. I feel deep in my heart that we're living through a time of profound healing as a society and a world that will take us collectively out to the other side. You are in my thoughts and prayers always, dear friend, and hugs and positive thoughts are sent your way tonight. Your friend, John
Great to see your Dad, Ari, and you…How much do you look like Ari, as you stated?!!!! You're all beautiful—Your Mom is with you and she's so proud, I know!!! All the best Meta
I am SO glad, I'm practically dancing a gig that you are going to clay camp!!!! :-)
Best wishes on your continuing ability to handle all these challenges! This feels like focusing on a trivial part of your story, but I LOVE your dad's stance on tilapia! I am also a non-tilapia eater, as a result of having one as a family pet for many years, rescued by a med student from a UW lab (maybe your dad's?). He seemed to have so much sociable personality! After many years I convinced myself to try tilapia- it was delicious, , but ea ting ir still feels weird ...
It was wonderful to see you at Shareii Shamayim Becca! Have a great time at clay camp!!! Hugs, Kimbery
Your pictures and stories continue to warm my heart, Becca. Your life sounds so richly full of love and family and friends - you and your brother are particularly luminescent together. I echo John's thoughts that we're collectively in a profound healing time, and your walk with overflowing grace is creating more healing ripples than you can possibly imagine. I walk with you, dear friend. And your walk will take you to clay camp! Hooray! As a clay fiend myself, I'm thrilled for you. I wonder what wild creations you'll come up with - please share some pictures! Namaste with big hugs, Leslie
Oh Becca, how wonderful that you can go to Clay Camp! Hope to see some of what you create! Reading your entries, I'm struck by the breadth and depth of your daily life--and how much love connects you to family and community. You and Ari look beautifully bald together! Sending hugs, Sonia
Becca, Go girl go!
Thank you for these updates. Thank you thank you. Sending many healing thoughts and much love.