Support Registry Update

Half Way!

In support of
Shira Kolat
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I haven’t had an update in a hot minute, so I thought I would put something together. I am officially at the half way point of my chemo treatments; two down, two to go. Overall chemo has been easier to tolerate than anticipated, so that’s a huge plus!! Mostly, a few days after chemo I get very tiered, have low energy, have leg/muscle pain, and a little nausea. All of these symptoms suck, but they’re pretty mild and typically don’t last too long, so I still have good hours throughout each day to enjoy with the family! 

One of the most annoying side effects has actually been my loss of taste. I am SO hungry but the majority of my food tastes so bland and yucky!! This should be an excuse to lose some weight, but I’m actually quite hungry; things just don’t taste good! It took me a while to realize that this was a side effect…I almost returned a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch to Sam’s Club and was going to tell them that they forgot to add the cinnamon and sugar in that batch!! Then, I had the realization that everything I was eating seemed to have little flavor and it wasn’t just a “bad box” of cereal! Haha! 🤣 

The hardest and most emotional part has been the hair loss. Had I been told from day one that I would lose my hair, I think I would have been fine with it and prepared. However, I was told I would be a good candidate for cold capping and most people preserve 50-80% of their hair. I went in super optimistic about keeping the majority of my hair. Unfortunately, I’m in the boat where the cold capping doesn’t seem to be working so great. I have lost a significant amount of hair and am starting to cover my head. Trying to figure out if I want to get a wig or just use scarves; I’ll keep you all posted on my decision. 

In between treatments I was able to get away with my mom for a few days to relax and take my mind off things. It was an awesome get away and was the perfect medicine. Eitan and Julie have arrived for the summer!!! They have a lot of questions about chemo and my hair but have been troopers through it all. They are so amazing with Jason, and it has been a blessing to have the family back together!! 

Next week Jason and I will get the chance to spend some quality time with my dad at the Jersey shore. He is also fighting this disease right now, so it will be good for all of us to have some special time together in between chemo rounds. 

Continued thanks to everyone for the check in texts and Facebook love; all the support has meant the world to me. 

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Comments

Linda Perle

Dear Shira: so glad you are having a relatively easy time with the chemo, but I am sorry about your hair. The decision of how to cover your head is totally personal. I got a wig but I found it uncomfortable and for me it was much better to wear scarves, turbans and hats. If you get a wig don’t spend a fortune in case you decide not to wear it. I did donate my wig to someone else who was just starting chemo.
  • 5 months ago

Rachel Otsuka

The Otsuka family sends our love! And we wear our snoopy apparel in your honor :)
  • 5 months ago