hair color; Sher and Joyce

[Guest guest]

Hi Gang,

Post-transplant (58 days ago) I was told not to color my hair for

at least 3 months. They said that because of the Prednisone and

other drugs, my hair could break off or fall out. Not good. I've

let it grow out quite a bit, which I also don't really like, and it's

not really grey, it's more like white. Now they're saying they don't

want me to color it until I'm down to 5 or 10 mg. daily. ughhhh.

I'm at 25. One of my friends said it was distinguished looking -

double ugggggghhhhh.

I have in the past used the water-based temporary stuff from

Sally for in-betweens, and it's good stuff. I'm not liking this

no-color business, though.

My dad and I went to church today at a small country church where

one of my mom's caregivers was singing this morning. It was the

pastor's last Sunday there, and they had a reception at Carol's house

after church. Everyone was very warm and welcoming, and it was the

first time I've been to church since transplant - wearing my mask, of

course - and it was a lovely day. We didn't get home until 4:00, but

that includes the stop at Starbuck's on the way back. It did my dad

good to spend the day with me. The grief for my mom hits him,

and all of us, in waves. He thanked me again for teaching him how

to cry, and said that there are times when it really helps. That made

me feel very gratified - another blessing to come from the hardships.

I'm doing fine. Officially started rehab here Friday, and they're

starting me off slower than they did in San . But I can see

why they do - my pulse rate can really climb if I don't pace myself

and take it steady but easy. I've got three trips to Dallas this week

for doctors - seems like overkill but can't be helped. I think the

tubes in both ears have come out, and now my ears are filling with

fluid and popping. Sounds like tubes will have to go back in.

Tomorrow's clinic, and I do have a new nurse coordinator. I REALLY

like her, and she's very responsive and communicative. I'm not

used to that but can definitely deal just fine with it!

Sher,

Thank you so very much for the treat. It's always a good time to

think of this air family and to pause for a minute to keep them

close to the heart, especially associating them with something

pleasant.

Joyce,

I'm still sending deep breaths your way (and to everyone) every

single day. I hate your rash, damnit. Is it any better at all?

Hugs and blessings,

Gwynnie 57 Single-lung transplant 4-3-08 at

UTHSC San , TX Fort Worth, TX