Last Hair Day

[bex77]

Today is my last day with hair for awhile. Here's one last look at my luxurious locks! I am going to have it all shaved off at a salon tomorrow.



I don't want to go through the "coming out in clumps" process that chemo causes. My sister and a theater pal are going along to hold my hand and take photos. I have a long brown wig, and hats to keep my head warm.

I will admit to moments of terror about being bald. I am not someone who fusses about her looks, but my hair has been one thing over the years that I could control and be proud of. And I really don't want everyone to look at me and whisper sadly, "Cancer, you know." I've never worn hats or wigs, and don't know how dealing with all that will be. And what shape is my head anyway? There will be photos of my bald head. Eep.

But I've been trying to look on the bright side. It will grow back eventually. People have suggested fun things like henna designs! I've had fun chatting with the men around me with shaved heads and trying to listen well to their joy of low maintenance. And I am very happy to avoid the beauty salon nerves and cost for the rest of year!

So think good thoughts for me tomorrow afternoon!

Comments

[bedfull-o-books.livejournal.com]

Sending along good thoughts.

Also: One word: Phrenology....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrenology

The henna tattoo idea is wonderful.

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Thinking of you, and thinking about how hard this must be. I've never seen myself bald but I have imagined myself losing my hair literally hundreds of times. I'm glad you found a wig you like. I'm sure it's going to look fantastic. And it's a temporary break from dye, gray roots, and all the stuff we 40-somethings deal with.

Sending strength!

[read-alicia.livejournal.com]

Are you sure that you're going to get any hair loss? I hate to keep bringing my mother up, but she had four major chemo treatments in her life - far more intensive than yours - (plus her double mastectomy) and she never lost any hair. She had a wig and everything ready, but never ended up having to use it.

Just sayin', it doesn't always happen.

Have fun gettin' your wig on though! You know that performers like Cher keep their heads shaved too so they can swap out different wigs easily :)

[bex77]

Amazing about your mother! I've been hearing about people who didn't lose their hair during chemo. According to my doctor and studies online, it varies greatly depending on the particular drug. I am on two drugs which have been used and studied for a long time. The main one, Andriamycin, has a 92% chance of complete hair loss. My doctor said she has never had a patient who did not lose all their hair by week 3. Hair salon lady at MGH said 17-21 days. And I am not in a position where I can deal at home or in a hurry if it starts... I had to make a plan - I need a salon appointment and people with me etc. If I turn into Cher, I will be very happy. ;)

[greenlily.livejournal.com]

*hugs* I completely understand about not wanting everyone to look at you and whisper. It's none of their darned beeswax. (I like the henna idea too.)

[ron_newman]

Tell 'em you've adopted Sinead O'Connor as a new role model.

[dpolicar]

I think you would look awesome bald, but I totally support the wig thing, too.

[http://users.livejournal.com/urban_faerie_/]

you are beautiful and you always will be.

[mdm-sosostris.livejournal.com]

This.

[zendzian.livejournal.com]

+2

[ayelle.livejournal.com]

Yes. You are gorgeous.

[muffyjo]

+3

[aphrabehn.livejournal.com]

And a +4

[audioboy.livejournal.com]

+5 - +10 ;-)

[earthling177.livejournal.com]

I don't know how to say this, so I'll try the simplest way -- you have way more than just your hair to be proud of, even if you do have lovely hair. Plus, the hair will be back, don't worry about it. You are a beautiful person inside and out.

Anyway, hang in there, you'll be better in no time.