Shedding my Thick Skin

Just FYI, I'd like to share with you a little definition. Isn't it interesting that one little word (ok, one long hyphenated word) can be so multifaceted? LOL

thick-skinned  (thĭk'skĭnd') adj.

1. Having a thick skin or rind.

2. Not easily offended.

3. Largely unaffected by the needs and feelings of other people; insensitive.

I read somewhere that Chemo can cause your nails to fall off. YUCK! I am on a very low dose of the whimpiest chemo but it still makes me a bit nervous. So I thought I would document my beautiful, long nails before anything happens. I do like to be prepared! LOL
My smooth, long fingered hands BEFORE:

Well fortunately my nails are hanging in there. But unfortunately I have developed a bit a leprosy or something. ;) The week after a chemo treatment I can't seem to keep my poor fingers from shedding. I can put mega-moisturizer on them every hour and I still end up looking icky. What a pain! But i am grateful that it is leaving my nails alone. Let's pray it stays that way! ;) Here's parts of my hands SHEDDING my 1. thick skin:

Also interesting to go along with my little "shedding my thick skin" analogy.

I am admitting that I am not always a fun loving positive person everyday. In fact, I'm sure that my little family could complain tell you some pretty persuasive stories to the contrary. Dang! Gotta work on that. But in my defense, after my diagnosis, I worked really hard to be a little more soft spoken and flexible. That worked great for a bit. Unfortunately with each chemo, my old tendencies are returning. My poor hubby gets the brunt of my 2. easily offended chemo PMS (that's what I call my irrational, rude behavior). Whew! Hopefully I can work through that. Sorry to my cute little family!

Lastly, going through this Adventure has made me 3. largely affected by the needs and feelings of other people and hopefully a bit more sensitive those that go through medical issues. Because I have never had any major health issues, I was in the dark with how to react and what to do for people that were. I am hoping that this was God's way of allowing me to help out those in the future that face challenges. Tough way to learn that lesson but something I can do if it's His plan.
Here's one last picture of what happens to the back of my hands if I don't keep them moisturized. Crazy!