New Boobs, New Hair, New Teeth

Signaled a few days in advance by a head-tingling sensation, Denise started shedding her hair last weekend. It was just as some had predicted: 18 days into her treatment. First, it was more than the usual strands of hair around the bathroom sink. But by yesterday, Two days after her second chemo treatment, strands of hair became clumps. A small wastebasket is quickly filling with hair. It was gut-wrenching to witness.

The anticipation and dread of this moment has gnawed at Denise -- and me -- for days, perhaps weeks. But today, I was moved by how Denise has handled it with such inspiring courage, calmness and grace.

Thursday, after hitting her face on a steering wheel and sustaining injuries unrelated to any chemotherapy treatment or cancer prognosis, she is still able to show alot of grace and a little smile. I told her her in the ER that now we can look forward to New Boobs, New Hair and some new Teeth, she was able to smile through the tears. Brave lady for enduring so much in a short amount of time.

There were a few tears at first, but she ended it with her great big smile -- truly, a smile against which no hairstyle or sutures can compete. Denise is beautiful, not because of her hair, but simply because she is beautiful. I continue to be in awe of how Denise has fought this fight, and today was no exception.