So, my hair is definitely gone! The materials said it would start to fall out around the 14 days after the first treatment and it did. (And so my playlist has been updated to add a few hair-related songs!)
One quick note: there is a thing called cold capping that many women are successfully using to prevent their hair from falling out. Given the short length of my hair and the effort it is to use the cold cap, it was a conscious decision that I made not to do it. But I did want to drop a reference to it, so if one of you reads this and has to face the similar choice, that you can make an informed decision as well.
We did get some family pictures in before the chemo cycle started. (The featured image is from that set!)
And then the hair itself started falling out while we were in California. We had family pictures scheduled for Day 17 after chemo, so I kept my fingers crossed that the hair would hang in there enough to look decent there. And it did!
But the next morning after pictures, the shower was absolutely disgusting with hair falling out everywhere. So it was time to get it shaved. I headed to a barber in California that I had never met before, but he was a very sweet tattooed ex-Marine who understood the emotional side of this cut. Even for a short-hair girl, I didn’t love being forced to shave it. But it basically was at the point that it so gross, I was ready to be done with it!
At this point, I have been wearing mostly head scarves and I have learned to tie them a few ways. Generally, I like it. I also don’t entirely hate how I look bald. But there are also some patches of little stubble, so it still looks a little odd. So, I’m not quite comfortable walking around bald. We will see if I ever am.
The thing about the head scarf is that is seems to identify that I am part of this cancer club. So far being identified as someone going through chemo has only related in positive interactions with strangers or new acquaintances, but I’m not convinced my luck will continue. SoI am looking at getting a wig for the times that I want to be a little more incognito.
But for now, I enjoy a little extra color on my face even during a chemo treatment!
Comments
5 responses to “Hair”
Dang it I lost a long comment I left but I love your colorful wraps. I’m sorry you had the horrible shower experience and I can empathize with how much it sucks. I’ve had mine just fall out in handfuls. My hair has just never recovered from 2014. I can’t wait to see what your hair does when it grows back. Some people have it curly or a different color!
So glad your tumor has shrunk. So sorry about your hair. I didn’t realize it happened so quickly and early in the chemo process. So much to adjust to so fast. Thanks so much for keeping us all updated. Much love ❤️ Lori
Hmmm… I thought I posted a comment. Anyhoo… thank you for keeping us up to date and informed. I certainly didn’t realize the hair loss happened so quickly. Even tho expected, I’m sure it’s still shocking to experience. Glad to hear the tumor has shrunk. Continuing to think about and pray for you, John and the boys.
I love how you wrapped your headscarf in this photo! It’s a good shape and looks great. Thanks for sharing these updates, I hope you also get some relief processing and explaining things by posting, too. <3
In anticipation of your upcoming next round of chemo, I’d also add “Too Sweet” by Hozier to your playlist if I could! A taste buds related song, but also in case some dark vibes and intense feelings might be what you’re in the mood for.