As you can see, the hair is starting to grow back.
It seems to be starting with the mustache which is now bushier than ever, followed by the beard which is getting longer, and, finally, the hair on my head which is getting longer and thicker.
Chest and other previously hairy body parts are also returning to normal.
“Give me a head with hair, long beautiful hair
Shining, gleaming, streaming, flaxen, waxen
Give me down to there, hair, shoulder length or longer
Here baby, there, momma, everywhere, daddy, daddy.”
Ah, I’ve been so nostalgic for my full head of hair. It won’t be long now. I’m sure my barber wonders where the heck I’ve been. The poor guy probably misses me.
After the first round of chemo I had really curly hair. That didn’t happen this time. My hair appears pretty much like it always has been, though perhaps a bit grayer.
I can’t imagine why this experience would turn me grayer.
My weight has dropped from 210 lbs to 180. According to the charts the healthy weight for a 6′ 3″ guy with a medium frame is between 167 to 182.
I guess that means I have a healthy weight, though it seems a little skinny to me. I do have a little belly fat in reserve, which I find strangely comforting.
I had been losing about a pound a week, but that seems to have stabilized. Better yet, it’s stabilized while I’ve been eating more fruits and vegetables and exercising more.
It almost seems un-American to be this thin.
When I first started exercising again I could barely do one push up. Now I can barely do ten. I’ve also increased the intensity and length of my walks. Pretty soon I’m going to start swimming again.
Things are returning to normal.
Many of you seem curious about the hypnosis. At first I didn’t notice any results from it at all.
Then one day I ate this grape and went “Wow! That tastes really great!”. After that I noticed that most foods were tasting better. It finally dawned on me that a major focus of the hypnosis was to improve the taste of food.
It must be working.
I’ve also noticed I have more energy and stamina, my head is clearer, and I’m getting more done. Not getting that I’m getting all that much done. The fatigue is still an issue, but even that is getting better.
Though recovering from the cancer treatment continues to have its challenges, there have been major improvements even within the past week.
Things really are getting better. Much better.
Wonderful news!! It’s so good to read you’re feeling better and stronger even if you feel a bit too thin. Food seems such a big part of life, and it can certainly be one of life’s joys. Welcome back to near normal!! We’re so happy to read this!
I never appreciated how much life revolves around food. We discovered early on that nearly our entire social life revolved around eating. It really is nice that things are beginning to return to normal.
Hi Gary,
Thanks for sending the photo. I think you look really good, especially considering what you’ve been through this year. Anyway, this is the email I knew would come eventually, and I’m very glad for you and Anne. Keep’em coming!
Hugo
OMG the news from LOVELY Portland just keeps getting better and better!!! You look like your f/b profile picture!!! Again, your humor throughout this ordeal has been so beneficial to your healing as well. That said, I don’t want to make your head so big it won’t get through the door lol!
Maybe by Memorial Day you’ll be ready for that Hawaiian pizza……!
Continued best wishes!
Louise and Don
The head hair isn’t very full, the beard is a little scraggly, but the mustache is surprisingly full. I am gradually returning to my state of natural hairiness.
I don’t think I’m quite to the status of my facebook picture yet, but I’m getting there. I figure it can only get better.
Keep up the good work. With the weather braking you may spend more time out in the sun. I’m sure that will help in more ways than not.
Take care,
You’re right. The improved weather makes a huge difference. It is nice to be in the sun.
glad you’re feeling better!