Losing one's hair is one of the big things associated with cancer. It makes my disease known to all those around me. It reminds me that I am sick.
I was blessed with thick natural curly hair. While sometimes my hair had a mind of its own, I loved my curls. Sure there were times I wish it were straight to fit the new style, but most always liked the curly part.
This was one of the 1st questions that a cancer patient asks, "Will I loose my hair?"
The Oncologist assured me it was imminent and that I should shop for a wig. This took a while to sink in, but once it did I decided that if I was going to lose my hair then someone else should benefit from it.
I was in need of a hair cut and not knowing exactly when chemo was going to start I made the leap and it all cut off short. I had heard of Locks of love, but upon further research discovered they required 10 inches of hair. I had 9. Luckily Pantene would take 8 inches. My hair dresser came over and we did 4 pony tails. It takes at least 6 to make a wig. Now my 4 were tiny pony tails, I imagine it is 6 regular size ones.
Wig shopping
There is a cart set up in the Altoona Mall that carries wigs. Jim and I stopped by and found a fun wig. I still wanted to compare what was available out there and arranged with a friend to go wig shopping to another place. I decided the price and style could not be beat than what I found at the mall. So one day I set out to get my wig. The lady was so nice. she allowed me try on several styles and colors until I found one I liked. Then she sold me one right off the rack. I even wore it home. No waiting for it to be ordered and no second trip.
The wig lady has several attachments that would make a pretty pony tail. I have even considered getting one of those pieces while waiting for my hair to grow long again.
Hair Loss
I had read online that hair loss occurs about day 15 of treatment. I was anxiously awaiting for this to happen. I remember that morning that nothing really happened, but then as the day went on I could grab a hand full and pull it out. Then it dawned on me, that chemo wasn't first thing in the morning, but later on in the day. Once I got to the "I can pull out a hand full of hair" stage Jim got out the clippers and buzzed me down. This was on a Thursday.
I wanted to put in a picture of this stage. Apparently we took a before, but no after. Jim offered to buzz me again. I just laghed at him and said I was not parting with what little hair I have growing. The new drug I am on is allowing my hair to come in.
Come Sunday morning while I was in the shower it was coming out every time I moved my hand over my head and clogging the drain. It was time for another shave. This time he took me down to 3/16. I wore my wig that day.
After that point I wore my wig to church and political events. I had some scarves and other head coverings that I wore. As spring moved along it got too hot to wear any head coverings. And now I go bald everywhere, even to church. Unless I am cold, then you will see me covering up.
Sometimes small children will ask "Mommy why doesn't that lady have any hair?" If they are asking me, I just tell them I have cancer and the medicine they give me is so strong it makes my hair fall out.
As I am writing this, my hair has started to grow back in. I am quite excited about this and curious what I am going to get this time around. I believe I have a birth mark on my scalp. Having always had hair, I never knew this was here. I have a head of stubble. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and I am getting closer to it.
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