Today was a big day for me, I had a complete bone scan this morning and went shopping for wigs this afternoon.
The bone scan was not as intimidating as I thought it would be. Last night I read a lot of stuff about having a bone scan and saw that a radiation substance will be injected into my arm. My anxiety level went up because the idea of having another radiation substance enter my body was very scary. I am still traumatized with the four radiation shots I had before my lumpectomy! They didn't give anything to freeze the nipple area and those suckers hurt like hell!!!! I felt the dye going in my breast slowly but surely with a burning feeling. Yikes!!! It is something I never want to experience EVER again!
Anyway back to the bone scan, I arrived at the hospital with two minutes to spare before my 8:45 a.m. appointment. Rob, the technician, was very friendly and assured me it won't hurt a thing, he was right. It was completely painless!!!! Whew! I lied down on a scanning thingamabob that looked like a piece from Star Trek! Rob injected the radioactive tracer substance into my left arm. He took a couple of "shots" and asked me to come back in two hours. As instructed, I drank lots of liquid, peed as much as I could to get rid of any of the radioactive substance that does not collect in in my bones. I had two hours to kill. So I stayed in the hospital, read, drank coffee, read, drank water, pee, read, drank water, pee, etcetera, etcetera. The actual bone scanning took place around 11:15 a.m., the longest scanning took 20 minutes and three additional "shots" at five minutes each. And that was it! Pain free. :)
Next, wig-shopping! I called my girlfriend, Bles, and asked if she can help find a wig store in our area. I needed a second opinion and it should be with a close friend. And away wig-o ;) (grin).
Bles and I went to two-three places and we only liked one. It's a wig store close to where we live. The husband and wife team who owns the store made us feel welcome and they were very nice. I explained to them about my situation and they helped us a lot! I must admit I was a bit nervous shopping for wigs. Losing my hair to chemo is one of my biggest fears. Looking for a wig is daunting. Will I look good? Will I feel good? What style should I get? Can people tell the difference if I'm wearing a wig or not? Short? Long? Chin-length? Black hair? Brown hair? Blonde hair (not!) ;) Questions that's been on my mind since I was diagnosed.
I'm really glad I asked Bles to go with me because she made that daunting experience into a fun one. We laughed and giggled like we were two little girls playing dress up. :) I was more relaxed and enjoyed our wig hunting.
I tried a few wig samples they had in the store and was quite surprised with the quality of the wigs - they felt almost like real hair. But one things for sure, no bangs for me!!!! Scary sight! ;)
I'm still in the process of finding a reliable wig store. Another friend of mine at work prepared a list where I can find a wig. Let's hope I can get one before my chemo starts. On second thought, I have to have one soon!!!!
What comes next? Check my benefits if my company covers purchasing a wig for medical purposes. I sure hope so because wigs are not cheap at all, especially the human hair type. I'll find out soon enough, I'm going back to work on Monday.
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