Friday Things #478
1. Dominic completed another cycle of immunotherapy and low-dose chemotherapy last week. It was one of the better weeks he has ever had of this treatment; we were grateful that he wasn’t too sick and too knocked out most of the days and even asked to go to the playroom multiple times. We will head to New York next week for a new set of scans… as we do with each and every scan, we are praying that they are finally clear, but just hope that there is continued improvement 🙏🏻
2. The kids did a tennis clinic this week! It was fun seeing them learn something new; they all had a good time and want to play more 😊
3. Can we talk about thinning hair? My hair has been thinning since last summer, and I assumed that it was just the stress of Dominic’s situation. My hair stylist also mentioned that they are finding a connection between thinning hair and having had the ‘rona, which I had in January 2022, so maybe I got a one-two punch?! In any case, has anyone been down this tried and found something that helped? I tried biotin vitamins, but they don’t seem to have done anything. I know there are some specialty products and shampoos, and some other types of vitamins. Who has recommendations?!
4. I wanted to pass along that for Joseph’s first communion, we got him a custom-made rosary that was just beautiful. The woman who made it is local and also has an Etsy shop. We were so thrilled with it and I wanted to share in the event someone else is looking for a special rosary.
5. Interesting! Making friends as a grownup is hard, right?! Everyone is busy! >> Is the 3:6 Rule the Secret to Making Friends as an Adult?
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6. If you are celebrating Father’s Day this weekend, what are you cooking or baking? I love a homemade coconut cream pie or no bake heavenly Oreo dessert as dessert options 😋
7. This may be old news, but have you heard of or tried Rakuten? You use an extension on your browser, and anytime you shop on a participating website, you earn cash back (real, actual cash!). Sometimes it’s just a few dollars, but depending on the deals, you can sometimes get 10-20%, which is enormous! If you want to try it, you can sign up here. If you use a desktop computer, once you are signed up and have the browser extension, you don’t have to do anything… if you are on a participating website, a little box will show you the cash back, and you click to accept.
8. I love this list! >> 100 Simple Ways to Immediately Improve Your Life
9. Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve been watching McDonald & Dodds on BritBox. It’s a British crime drama, but not terribly heavy and an easy watch.
10. TGIF! This sweet boy has a BIG birthday in a couple of weeks! 🎉
Such good news for Dominic. That little man is a super star for sure. I continue to pray that is scans improve and clear very soon.
Such a sweet picture of duke. I remember when you brought him home as a puppy…shortly after you married It seemed not that long ago but given his white fa, I guess he is getting up there.
Oh, gosh…the hair dilemma is so real. I have been dealing with it for a number of years. It started with some post surgery loss and then over time a few other health challenges and lots of stress. I am obsessed with making things better and have thrown a lot of different treatments at it. First, patience is key.Nothing happens overnight. Second…preventing shedding that is not normal. I use a shampoo that has a DHT blocker…essential. I use a apple cider vinegar shampoo from WOW but there are many others.
A hair serum that is massaged directly into the scape, especially is very thin areas is also essential. I use a product called REVELA but there are many others The Ordinary makes one that I heard was very good. Again, patience and it takes time to see results. I take biotin, D3, collegen AND I have been taking Viviscal for about a year and have seen a noticeable difference in volume and density in tanned areas. Finally, keeping it natural…I massage rosemary oil into my scalp about 3 times a week…in the evening before washing my hair the next day.
I am a bit obsessed but I have seen an improvement over time so it is worth it.
Happy Father’s Day to your hubby. I am sure the kids are excited to celebrate.
I don’t know if you have tried Natures Bounty Hair, Skin and Nails. 5000mg. Really helped my thinning hair problem. Get it at Costco.
Continued prayers for you and your family.
Thoughts and prayers for upcoming week, have a fun Father’s Day “at home”
Regarding thinning hair…
I am 52 and am in perimenopause. Along with some other unpleasant symptoms, I have been noticing my hair thinning!
I have been using Babe Original densifying hair serum for three months and am starting to notice a difference!
Hi! My hairdresser told me about a supplement to take for thinning hair. It is Siberian rhubarb. I buy it from Life Extension and it’s Menopause 731. It is inexpensive. It is a tiny tablet. I have seen good results over long term use. Praying for Dominic and your family!
Oh! One more thing; you might try plain old B vitamins; just a B complete for your hair.
You’ve GOT to watch ‘A small light’. It’s about the woman who hid the Frank’s during WW2 and it’s just really well done. I cant stop thinking about it.
I think too that you can register a credit card on Rakuten so that if you use said card at a store you also get the percentage.
have a nice day
Although I had a very mild case of covid in 2020 (almost symptom free), I did have some more severe long term symptoms, including some hair loss (I was shedding hair like a golden retriever). I heard that taking Vitamin D3 is good for hair loss, so I tried and it seemed to help. I noticed a big improvement within 1-2 months. Fortunately, all of my long term covid symptoms are finally gone. But I still take a VitaminD3 every day to help try to prevent any future hair loss or thinning due to stress or just getting older. Good luck.
I tried biotin for my peeling nails and thinning hair and really didn’t see any improvement. Collagen seems to have helped more than anything, so you might consider that! This is what I use: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WZVX3L1?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Have your thyroid and iron, and vitamin D levels checked.
Hi Michelle, I’m always happy to see your family pics. And we are praying for continued wellness for Dominic.
As for the hairloss, I strongly recommend a visit to your physician and having a blood test done to scan your levels. I know there are some metabolic issues that can cause hairless.
Take care of yourself!
I’ve got my fingers crossed that Dominic’s scan will be clear (or at least better)! Safe travels,
Such great news about Dominic. Hoping & praying that your visit to NYC brings more happiness!
As for thinning hair…it is a challenge! The two things my hairdresser recommended that have worked are Nioxin shampoo, that takes a while of continued use to be fully effective, and Current styling spray. Both are pricey and temporary fixes but they do help.
Hi, Michelle,
Like you, I recently experienced hair loss – A LOT I could see scalp where I normally have thick hair. Mine, too, was from stress. My hair stylist recommended biotin gummies and I switched to biolage shampoo and conditioner. It took a few weeks but my hair is back!
I, too, ordered a specialty rosary for a First Holy Communion a few years ago. I was so pleased and proud to present it. He loved it, top. Definitely an Etsy fan.
Good luck for Dominic. I say prayers for that sweet boy often. Be blessed.
Judy
Continued prayers for Dominic to have a clean scan- thinking of your family!
I have the same issue with my hair, which I’m attributing to both having had covid and age (40 – peri). I’ve been experimenting over the last year or so. After a lot of trial and error, this is what I’ve landed on: collagen in my coffee (I use vital proteins), olly heavenly hair gummies, vegamour serum (I do this at night), and Lush’s montalbano shampoo bar. I think the most helpful has been the shampoo bar- it doesn’t weigh my fine hair down at all.
Nioxin shampoo did nothing for me. I also tried the nutrafol supplement but my stomach could not handle them – they are fairly pricey too!
My family requested your chocolate chip scones for Father’s Day – I’ve been making them for over a decade (long-time follower)! Have a great weekend :)
I had major hair loss during a time of great stress. After trying all of the usual gimmicks – biotin, hair loss shampoo and foam, etc, – I found that increasing good fat in my diet helped a lot! I have kept it up and haven’t had any issues since. I added avocados and almond butter and coconut oil. I also have a poached egg a couple of times a week. Good luck with that.
I’ve been praying for Dominic daily. Hoping that he continues on his positive path toward good health. What a trooper!
So glad to hear Dominic had an easier time with his treatment last week. Prayers are always going to all of you and hope next weeks scans will be happy news. Glad the kids all enjoyed tennis lessons! It was a cute photo of the 3 kids playing together.
We loved all of the McDonald and Dodd series for it’s quirkiness!
Duke is still a beautiful dog!
Yes we have fewer friends as we age, but the ones we have are cherished 😊.
Love & prayers for each of you
Jean Spangenberg
The hair loss post C is real. There are whole support groups on Facebook etc about it. I found that by taking collagen with biotin, omega vitamins, zinc,C and D ( a lot I know!!!) the hair grew back well and thick. I also prayed and blessed my hair! 😁 It really started coming back in after 3 months. It took a while to grow back to the length I wanted, but it does come back! Also, making homemade gelatin with grassfed gelatin really helped my hair post baby. Praying for you all!!!
For thinning hair, there isn’t just 1 cause,, but many. One culprit that is often overlooked is low blood iron levels. It’s worth looking for, but many doctors believe that a lower range is normal when it’s not.
You and your family will be in my prayers as you head to New York. Dominic is a rock star. Dr. Jen Ashton from GMA had a similar hair loss after covid. She made many changes, so I’m not sure which one worked for her. A year later she has noticed an improvement.
Best wishes
With everything that you’re dealing with, it makes perfect sense that you’re having thinning hair. Prolonged stress and illness can take a toll! I have thin and fine hair and have struggled as well. Menopause is a real killer for hair.too. I have never really found a particular product that worked, but I started working with The Women’s Health Network in Maine to look at supplements that might help my overall health and well-being. Shifts in diet, sleep, and water consumption has also helped. I have friends that swear by Hair and Tail shampoo and conditioner. Me? I keep it short, and purple, teal, and magenta. Lol. Sending hugs and prayers to your family and little Dominic as you go thru this. 🙏🙏🙏
With everything that you’re dealing with, it makes perfect sense that you’re having thinning hair. Prolonged stress and illness can take a toll! I have thin and fine hair and have struggled as well. Menopause is a real killer for hair.too. I have never really found a particular product that worked, but I started working with The Women’s Heakth Network in Maine to look at supplements that might help my overall health and well-being. Shifts in diet, sleep, and water consumption has also helped. I have friends that swear by Hair and Tail shampoo and conditioner. Me? I keep it short, and purple, teal, and magenta. Lol. Sending hugs and prayers to your family and little Dominic as you go thru this. 🙏🙏🙏
Praying for Dominic every day. Let the group know of any recommendations of hair thinning
My grandson is making his 1st Holy Communion next spring. I will check out having a rosary made by your recommendation
Check out the newer company, Divi.
Their science beats the competitors on thinning hair and bald spots. No exaggeration to say it’s life changing
Collagen! I put it in my coffee every morning. You can also take it in capsule form, I think.
I hope things go well with the next scan and you get the results you are hoping for!
Re: you hair, I have a coworker who had COVID and it caused hair shedding and took a while to reverse itself. Biotin can work, but you have to consistently take it for months I have heard. I take silica supplements for my hair/nails because I break out with too much biotin.
Hair follicles also go through dormant phases, so that could be a factor, a long with the prolonged stress. I try to use products that keep my scalp healthy to minimize shedding. I recently started using function of beauty shampoo and conditioner, which allows you to customize your formula for your specific hair needs – I got it at Target and an liking it so far.
I can’t take biotin either b/c I break out as well. What silica supplement do you take?
Hi there! I started using women’s Rogaine and it’s definitely helped w thinning hair. It’s a foam that u use daily. It’s really working. My issue was not all over thinning but thinning in a few spots. Ive been happy with the results. Hope this helps!
Praying
Dominic and your family continue to be in my prayers!
I will also be checking for recommendations for thinning hair–I have chalked mine up to stress and age?
What beautiful rosaries! My son also made his 1st Communion this year and he got my grandpa’s rosary from my mom…so it is over 90 years old. Each decade is a different color. It made me thinking that my daughters need a special rosary that they can pass on–that Etsy shop has beautiful one’s that would be perfect. Thank you for sharing!
Happy Friday!
Michelle,
Sending continued prayers to you and your family.
I’m praying that the next scan will be clear. I also hope some of the comments regarding thinning hair work for you. Stress does do strange things to one’s body.