I will never cease to be amazed at the complexity in which the human body was created. In my journey through the world of cancer treatment, I've definitely grown to have a new appreciation for the way our bodies function. I know I've mentioned this in a previous journal entry, but I'm dumbfounded at how our veins can carry toxic chemicals without major harm, while those same toxic chemicals will destroy basic tissue.

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How our bodies respond to those toxic substances is also fascinating. Through my AC (Adriamycin/Cytoxin) treatments I experienced only one month when I didn't have a period. However, with the Taxol I've been menopausal for the last 3 months. The hot flashes were weird. When they first started, I would be cold and wearing a scarf and hooded jacket (in my house!), then in a split second I couldn't get the extra clothing off fast enough!

That settled down to where I would just be warm for a few minutes, which as a cold blooded female, I was actually enjoying! But over the last few weeks, my cold bloodedness has returned, and I've even been spotting, although a full-blown period still hasn't happened.

The way my hair is responding is also curious to me. It started to fall out precisely two weeks after my first AC treatment. My eyebrows and eyelashes didn't follow suit until after the 3rd AC treatment. Conversely, after the 3rd AC, the hair on my head began to come back! Granted it wasn't as full as it was before, but it was growing! Then I started Taxol, and what had grown in fell out, again. I've always had a few stubborn hairs that refused to jump ship, so I guess I've never really been totally bald, except for when I first shaved it all. After two doses of Taxol four weeks apart, it started growing again. I can't really tell so much on the top of my head, but my "side burns" area started to fill in, which is most noticeable when I'm wearing ball caps.

It was explained to me that hair can become resistant to the chemicals, and that's why it grows back. Cancer cells can also become resistant, and that's why the different chemicals are used at different times. But now I'm really confused because over the last few days my stubby hairs are falling out again. Go figure!

Now don't get me wrong. I still don't miss my hair. The "wash and go" thing was pretty easy to get used to. But I am starting to wish for my eyelashes and eyebrows back. I don't think I've ever achieved symmetry with the eyebrows, no matter how hard I try!

Our four-year-old son came up to me today as I was getting ready for work. I wear my fake eyelashes only when I'm working, and was in the application process when he came in. He saw them on the vanity and looked up at me with wonder in his eyes and said in his sweet sing-songy voice "Why did you take off your eyelashes?". It cracked me up! I reminded him that along with the hair on my head, my eyelashes had fallen out, and those were the fake ones. Leave it to the children to bring the laughter and joy that is so important for those who are going through cancer treatment! By the grace of God I get to keep on enjoying the joy of my children, since my treatment is going so well. I am so thankful, and will never take them for granted. At least I hope the memories of this will keep me from doing so.

Only one treatment to go, and believe me, a celebration is planned! I had the appointment with a plastic surgeon, but I'll have to wait to write about that until next time.

So until then, are you getting to know your breasts?!

Pam Daale The Happy Cancer Patient

You can e-mail Pam Daale at Pam_Daale@TheDenverChannel.com.