Sharpie Brows and Wigs… an Update

09.06.2025

25 chemo transfusions done, 5 to go (for now). Woof! Can you believe it? It feels like an accomplishment I didn’t even know I wanted to conquer. And hell yes, I’m proud.

It’s been way too long since my last update, and I figured it was time to return to inform the masses (lol, right). Truth is, it hasn’t been all that eventful. And honestly? I’ll take that. Happily uneventful has been the vibe: just the day-in, day-out rhythm of chemo weeks.

Even in the monotony, I’ve been learning a few new things along the way.

Wigs
I decided it was about time to get myself a new do. Up until now, I’ve been living in ball caps. But when they allow back out in public again, I may want some hair…just to not look like a cancer patient everywhere I go. It’s one thing to be a cancer patient, but who needs to know at first glance, am I right? I have not yet mastered the wig situation, but by the end of my research phase, you all might be calling me Moira Rose.

Brows
Oh, brows. Let’s just say mine have decided to pack up and leave. They’re not exactly giving “lush fullness” anymore. And you better believe I cannot settle for that. Learning how to “paint” (aka draw) them on is an art form I have yet to perfect. If you see me out here with a look that screams “Sharpie chic,” just know I’m still working on it.

Shaken Brown Sugar Espresso Drinks
She wants Starbucks without going to Starbucks. And honestly, I probably should just go to Starbucks. It’s like trying to recreate your favorite dish from a restaurant at home …it’s better if someone else does it.

On to the Updates
Things have been moving in the very right direction. This past cycle, I got the good news that the chemo continues to kill the cancer cells. The scans look fantastic. My doctor even said to me, “I need to go take care of sick patients, you don’t get my time today.” Okay, byeee Doc. The best rude comment anyone has ever said to me.

Then what’s next?
One more cycle to go. Then I get some time off after my 6th and final round for my body to recover before surgery. During this break, I will be going to a wedding in Galveston where I get to be around people and do things! People! Do things! It’s exciting to look forward to something “normal” again after being cooped up for four months. I’m already daydreaming about the sun, the ocean, and …. people! Did I mention I get to be around people?!

Surgery is mid-late October, where I will be getting a bilateral non-skin-sparing total mastectomy (I’ve learned big words). What this means is that they are taking one breast, all of its tissue, and its skin. You know, just get ‘er done, doc. Clean her out and leave no trace behind. This ensures clear margins and that all of the tumor is removed.

Then I will have a real, big-girl break. Six to eight weeks of recovery. And the best part is the plan is that I get to go back home to Nashville during this time. I. am. thrilled. I can almost feel my couch (did you know I’m obsessed with my couch?) and my own bed calling me. Then back to Houston to round out treatment with radiation.

Gratitude Moment
I want to stop for a moment to express my gratitude. This journey has opened my eyes to all the love that is around me. So many people have reached out to extend their love. People I am close with and others I have never met. There is so much love that has carried me through. I want to thank everyone. For the people checking in on me, the ones who don’t make it a big deal when I don’t respond (sorry!), the ones who have traveled to Houston to stay with me, the ones who allow me to feel “normal” through this, and for all the donations. I am not one to care a lot about money, and it’s a weird feeling to ask for it. But the donations make certain things a lot easier, when you don’t have to worry about how expenses will be covered. It’s a weight lifted.

I will forever be grateful to my company, Moxie, for their unwavering support. From the very beginning, when I insisted on continuing to work, they made it feel okay to do so and ensured I had everything I needed. To be part of a company you genuinely like, one that contributes to your healing, is truly rare.

Thank you to everyone who has stayed to follow along, and even asked me to update my blog! I appreciate and am grateful to every single person and every gesture. Your love and support fills me up.

This sounds like an award acceptance speech… And I am not even sorry. Sometimes I do feel like I am the one winning in life with all this love.

— Kendra