Dear Annie,
Ah, yes, hair loss! It stinks. When I started to lose mine, I decided I
would do it on my own terms, so I went to my hairdresser and had my head
shaved. We caused quite a spectacle -- my hairdresser couldn't stop
crying, and I kept giggling, and I had my husband got it all on
videotape!
My daughter had said something interesting: "it's not fair that people
with cancer have to run around trying to protect everyone else by hiding
their cancer." And I thought about the message that I kept getting
everywhere, as if the sign of "handling your cancer well" is to disguise
yourself so well that no one knows you have it, as if it's a shameful
thing.
So I decided I wasn't ashamed, and I refused to hide it and pretend
nothing was happening. I refused to wear wigs, found some fun hats
(which I normally can't wear because I have too MUCH hair), and let my
bald head (or parts of it!) hang out with pride. I even found a beanie
with a propellor! For me, it was therapeutic to allow a physical
reflection of all the changes going on. A fringe benefit? Seeing that I
was open about it, friends and co-workers seemed more comfortable with
my cancer, and we could joke and talk about it. (and hey -- I did it
before Demi Moore made it fashionable! sigh, I'm always ahead of my
time :-) )
Now Annie, I admit this isn't for everyone, but the key is to find a way
to do this hair thing ON YOUR OWN TERMS! Don't let IT control YOU.
You are in my prayers!
Joicy
PS
3 years later, and my stick straight hair grew back wavy! I've always
wanted curly hair. But strange as it seems, there are plenty of mornings
I kinda miss being able to just squeegee my head and go! :-)
> Hi Everyone!
>
> I went to the American Cancer Society today and ordered a wig - it's
> free. It will probably arrive on Friday. I'm not sure it's my style,
> but it was the best I could find in the ZsaZsa Gabor catalog. I will
> probably still get another wig at the local wig store or somewhere in
> Columbus.
>
> Lost a lot more hair this morning. Every time I touch my hair, I lose
> some more. I used a lot of hair spray this morning to see if that helps.
> And I'm doing my best not to touch my hair so that the loss might be
> slowed down.
>
> >From the beginning I've accepted the fact that I would lose my hair.
> But once it really starts falling out, it's kinda depressing. But I'll
> get through this!
>
> I've bought several magazines for my hospital stay. My appointment with
> Dr. Fowler is at 10:30 tomorrow. Then I go over to the hospital for my
> next treatment. We should get out earlier on Wednesday than last time.
> I think it was 5 or 7 o'clock before they started the chemo last time.
> This time we might be able to go home by mid-afternoon.
>
> Jean - I mailed a package to Michael today for his birthday - keep an eye
> open for it. When it arrives, he can open ONE present, and Shannon can
> open the one I sent for her. I'd like you to wait until his birthday to
> open the other presents. This might teach him a little restraint.
>
> Mom - the iris's that you planted behind my garage are starting to bloom
> - pretty purple!
>
> While I was at the post office today, I discovered that they have a
> Sylvester and Tweety stamp out. Of course, I bought some!
>
> Love,
> Annie
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