Short Hair, Long Hair, No Hair
When I first found out I had cancer, I thought " o.k. - I'll have some radiation, a little lumpectomy and move on." But, when my surgeon told me I was going to have some chemo and I would be losing my hair, the big alligator tears welled up. " I told my kids I wouldn't lose my hair."
So, a few days passed and I realized it wasn't the end of the world- it would grow back, and there are plenty of cute scarves and hats etc. I even went to get a wig.
Then, with several recommendations to cut my hair I thought it was time for a change.
I haven't had my hair short since high school (a long time ago) so, I was due for a change. Turns out, I think I like my hair shorter anyway! Who knew??
I'm not so sure I'll love my next new 'do' but, it comes with the territory I guess-
PS. Note to Santa
Dear Santa- all I want for Christmas is to keep my hair!!!!
Before After
So, a few days passed and I realized it wasn't the end of the world- it would grow back, and there are plenty of cute scarves and hats etc. I even went to get a wig.
Then, with several recommendations to cut my hair I thought it was time for a change.
I haven't had my hair short since high school (a long time ago) so, I was due for a change. Turns out, I think I like my hair shorter anyway! Who knew??
I'm not so sure I'll love my next new 'do' but, it comes with the territory I guess-
PS. Note to Santa
Dear Santa- all I want for Christmas is to keep my hair!!!!
Before After
Angella,
Wow!!! I am so sorry that you are having to go through this. It is just not right. But having said that.....you have it and you have to deal with it. You are a tough girl and you will get through this. My own thoughts are this. Please look into holistic/naturopathic/mind/body additions that can help you get through the allopathic solutions to this terrible disease. I truly believe that you can help yourself through nutrition and supplements in addition to what ever else you are doing. I have also heard that yoga and visualizion are very helpful. It can't hurt the cause.
There is a clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale that works with all kinds of health issues. It is called Invita Medical Center. I have not used it, but have heard that people come from all of the US to see the doctors there. It is a naturopathic clinic. It is worth a call if you believe that it could help you.
Girlfriend, you will be in my thoughts. Thank you for doing this blog for us as well as for you. We need to go through this together. You never know when it will happen to you. We all need support.
XXOO, Wendy
Reply to this
Hey Wendy-
Funny you should mention- I went to a Naturapathic Oncologist the other day- But I will post more on that later- I'll look into Invita-
Stay in touch-
Reply to this
Angella, we met at Trilogy the summer after I had completed treatments for breast cancer. Like you, it appeared that it would be nothing, a simple lumpectomy, and good to go. Unfortuately, after more and more tests the non-invasive cancer became invasive cancer. Everything was moving so quickly around me, surgery after surgery, mastectomy and chemotherapy. It was amazing the number of people who seemed to come out of the wood work, the number of people who wanted to help and whose lives I had touched and didn't even realize it. I too had my inner tough girl on full force and I was able to handle all of the surgeries but the chemo, well, that really knocked me down and while I got up every time, it was more challenging. Yes, I lost my hair, when it got to the point to where it started coming up in chuncks with a simple tug I decided it was time to shave it, it was just too traumatic to see it the other way. Dear friends of mine stepped up and either cut their hair very short, 4 of my guy friends and I had a shaving party - it was very emotional for me but they let me shave all of their heads first and then they did mine. I learned quickly that the wig thing was not for me so I have quite an assortment of bandanas, some handed down to me some another survivor, as well as the ones I added to the bag. We both agreed that the bandana bag would be like a torch that we would pass on to others as a sign of support and encouragement.
Yes, cancer does make you stop and think about your life, what's important, what your priorities are. It helps you to learn to say no when you need to and say yes only when you really want to. For me it was, and is, my "wake up call" to take care of me - something I was never very good at doing.
I started to write a book - Cancer Sucks! Never finished it. I got a tatoo of a pink ribbon on my ankle with the date of my 1 year post diagnosis - it's just for me as my reminder (never ever thought I'd get a tatoo, it was something I was compelled to do.
If I learned nothing else, I must tell you that it is CRUCIAL to go to therapy and be a part of living/breathing support groups as much as possible. There is a post treatment depression that can come up and bite you in the A** if you have not been dealing with the emotional side of the cancer, I know, it took me down fast. My inner tough girl wasn't enough, I needed more. I had to ask for help, go get help. Do what you need to do. You need to have a safe place to cry. Don't hide it from your children, you are human, let them care for you as you care for them - they will want to do what they can, you will grow closer, don't push them away in your time of need.
Look up a book called Cancer Vixen, you'll enjoy it I think.
Call on me whenever you need. I'm running our of characters here.
You're in my thoughts. Thanks for the Thai Chi! Use your Chi and everything you got, accept help and don't be afraid to ask for it.
Reply to this
To my red head fiesty friend-
You are just the kind of gal I think of when I read " Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips" - The Cancer Vixen is part of that book - I will look at that too. I'm not 'should'ing you or anything- but it would be great to see your book. Believe it or not I thought about a tatoo for the first time in my life- just as a reminder to stand up, to be strong, to enjoy life more. But I think I'll hold off on that one-
You're lucky with the head shaving party- my husband already shaves his head so of course he offered to shave his head too
I am planning to use everything I have in my tool box to get through this thing- I kind of feel like I was preparing before I even knew I had to prepare.
Thanks for being a part of this-
Angella
Reply to this
My Girl.....
I don't think I can adequately express how shitty I think this is - or how much I wish I was there. I'm almost at a loss for words. Almost. Stupid f***ing cancer. I'll write more inspiring words later. Right now, I'm just too angry. I do have a few little tidbits of advice to share. They come from friends of my mom's who have had cancer:
- Bring a tape recorder to the doctor with you. If your mind goes a little numb and you can't digest it all, you have the information to review later.
- Get a 3-ring binder so you can collect everything and keep it in order by date.
I thought those were some good suggestions. I'll add more as I hear them.
LOVE you, my girl! Big, big hugs.
Stacey
Reply to this