It seems a little strange to start off a post about a haircut, but it's a big change for me and is one step in an interesting journey I've been on this summer.

On June 10, 2016 I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  What?!?!?!  I know, nuts.  By the time we got to that point I pretty much new it was coming.  I found a lump and since I hadn't had my first mammogram yet I decided I should go ahead and have it checked out.  After being immediately sent for a second mammogram and a biopsy I knew it was a good possibility. And here we are!!

I had surgery in July to remove the lump and some surrounding tissue.  That was successful as they got the entire thing and the margins around the tumor were "clear".  However, they also took one lymph node during the surgery and found cancer there.  Given the size of the tumor and the fact they found it in a lymph node my cancer is classified as stage IIb. Good news, that's still considered early detection, bad news, instead of just radiation following surgery I'm also having chemotherapy, hence the haircut.

On August 19 I had my first chemo treatment.  It's been an interesting process.  If you are interested in a more detailed account of how the treatment is going I'm keeping a treatment journal. Feel free to read along.  I'll try to keep up with it as much as possible.

I've already learned a few lessons here, hopefully if anyone else is going through anything like this some of these things might help.

1. Get your regular check ups  and pay attention to anything that's different in your body.
2. A positive attitude goes a long way.  Not only from yourself, but from those around you.  Avoid negative people.  It's OK for them not to be in your life when you need just the opposite.
3. Take people up on their offers of help!  You'll need them, and it makes life easier.

Back to the haircut.  I decided to do it for two reasons.  First, an excuse to do something drastic and fun.  Second, because I figure it will be less traumatic when it starts falling out. I don't think I've  had hair this short since the 9th grade. Next on the list is to plan a celebratory trip when this is all over!!