Traditionally, in February I take a lead from Leslie Knope’s (Parks and Rec) playbook and I host a Galentine’s brunch. Galentine’s, as it’s name suggests is all about my Gals, girlfriends, lady loves. I love this tradition because since becoming a mom, its’s been harder and harder to show up for my friends the same way I could when I was single. Galentine’s is an opportunity to serve gratitude to the women who get dirty alongside me in life.

Good Lord, have my girls been THROUGH it with me this past fall/winter

I’d been planning this party for weeks and even asked all my attendees to wear a fun wig because I knew I’d be entering my Moira Rose era soon. (between cycle 2-3) However the part I did not anticipate was that this would also be the week I would start losing my hair. 

So I had to pivot.

Losing my hair 20 years ago was traumatic, I’m not even going to pretend it wasn’t. At 15 I was young, scared, insecure and that was WITH hair. Losing it, broke me.

This time around I was determined to change that narrative. While I couldn’t change the fact that I was going to lose my hair, I could at least control how I was going to lose it. I exchanged a sad, scared, shameful memory with one filled with love, support and laughter.

At the end of Galentine’s Day, I hosted a brave shave party.

I got connected (Thank you Gina) to a professional, Meredith, who made a house call to give my hair a proper send off. We experimented with a couple fun hairstyles including a spiky mohawk, chosen by my son.

I was surrounded by laughter, tears and love from my friends and family. I couldn’t have asked for anything better.

Now the real fun begins as I intend to keep it lighthearted this time around. No wig or fun head covering is off limits. I will continue to chose JOY whenever, wherever I can.

Important upcoming dates:

Chemo #2: February 12 (tomorrow)

Chemo #3: March 3

Chemo #4 & next round of scans: March 25

Thank you for being a part of my healing journey

Danielle