The Ultimate Bad Hair Day

I thought I'd experienced bad hair days until I was told my hair was going to fall out. Hearing it is one thing, the reality is something else.

Important Note: Not all chemo causes hair loss!

I loved having long hair. It made me feel younger. So many woman get to a "certain age" and get their hair cut super short with a permanent of tight curls. Both my Nana's wore their hair that way. I convinced myself that long hair equalled youth. Of course, that is nonsense but then alot of my logic is considered a little crazy.

At the time I was told I would need chemo my hair was long, longer than it had ever been.

I guess I should share with you that I never expected chemo was going to be necessary. I thought the surgery would eliminate all the cancer and this life challenge would be in my rearview mirror. More of my "mzdavinci logic."

In fact, the day the doctor told me I would have to have chemo as a follow-up to my surgery, I went through all the activities of the day in a daze. Even now thinking back on it, it seems like a slow motion movie.

When I met with the chemo nurses to learn about my schedule and procedure, they explained that this particular "cocktail" would make my hair fall out. They said that it would start to fall out about 2 weeks after the first treatment.

Let me reiterate, not all chemo treatments result in hair loss. Every person, every situation is uniquely different.

The nurses suggested that I get a wig before my hair fell out. They also said it would hurt. Bald men never complain that losing their hair hurt. I had men friends who had lost their hair and never complained. It sounded ridiculous.

Let me assure you now they were right. Something less than terrific goes on with the hair follicles on your head thanks to chemo and your hair does hurt. Very strange but true.

The Saturday before my first chemo treatment, I went to a salon and had my hair cut and donated to locks of love. It made the whole process of losing my hair feel worthwhile. To find more information about Locks of Love go to www.locksoflove.org
Having my hair short for a couple of weeks helped me get used to the idea.

The nurses advice was helpful.

I knew I didn't want to be standing in the shower and watch my hair tumble off my head down to the drain. Once my scalp started to tingle and my hair hurt and started to come out in my brush I went to buy a wig.

The clerks that helped me select one were kind and encouraging. They offered to take me into a private area and shave my head so this ordeal would be over. I said yes.

Even now I can't say I enjoy wearing a wig. It is hot and I miss my hair. I admire those women who go out in public with their heads bald or wear a scarf or hat. I'm more comfortable wearing a wig. Everyone needs to do what makes them feel best. You need to do whatever you makes you most comfortable and at ease.

Surprise! When they say you will lose your hair they don't mean only on top of your head. They mean ALL your hair will fall out. It just didn't click that I would lose hair everywhere!

Losing my eyebrows and eyelashes has been the most emotional consequence of hair loss for me. It feels as though I have lost expression. I've tried to apply false eyelashes and pencil in some eyebrows. Apparently, these aren't where my talents lie. It looked like a caterpillar died on my eyelid and the attempt at eyebrows was a total disaster. I wish you more success.

Thank goodness here in Florida wearing sunglasses everywhere doesn't seem too out of place.