Have you ever thought about the role hair plays in your life? Especially us ladies. It’s huge! Our hair can make or break our appearance. I mean…we cut it, color it, curl it, straighten it, braid it, twirl it, pig-tail it, pony-tail it, bun-it or some days say F-it and put a hat on. There’s a HUGE industry revolving around hair products…you name it , it’s out there. So what happens when your faced with losing it? I’m rolling with the F-it scenario just mentioned. It’s not an easy one to “roll with” either. From the day the oncologist said “yes, it’s the type of chemo that makes you lose your hair” I’ve thought about it on the daily. (Yes, cold caps are an option, but I’ve decided to pass).
I just scheduled my wig fitting. I have to chuckle a bit when I say wig fitting, not sure why. I’ve been blessed with great hair. Thick, manageable hair that cooperates on most days. Now, age has forced me into coloring it, so that’s annoying, but I can’t really complain otherwise. Many aren’t so lucky, so again, I can’t really complain. BUT IM GONNA! I’m going to whine more than complain, I think. My body has been a surgeons best friend lately, yet hair is what I’m whining about?!?! Quite a weird perspective.
Remember Samson? You know, biblical Samson, along with his buds David, Goliath and lady lover Delilah. Good ol’ Delilah had a bit of an evil streak. She ordered Samson’s long locks to be cut so he would lose his strength. Well, that plan was foiled because his prayers were answered and his strength came back with a vengeance! (The rest of the story doesn’t really compare, so let’s just stop there). The moral of the story for me is that hair doesn’t equal power.
I’m choosing to go GI Jane style and shave my head in a couple weeks. Like almost everything I do, it will be an “event”- Seems to soften the blow when others are involved. My husband and few male friends have mentioned they’ll join me. I don’t expect them (or anyone) to shave their heads with me, but a head-shavin party does sound fun! It gives me anxiety to think about being bald but I’ve been practicing…tucking all of my hair into hats & bandanas asking everyone in my household if I look good?
Soooo, why do we lose our hair during Chemotherapy? These drugs are quite powerful and attack rapidly growing cancer cells. Unfortunately, they also attack other rapidly growing cells in the body — including those in our hair roots.
Chemo may cause hair loss all over which unfortunately could include eyelash & eyebrows—major bummer! Therefore, a visit to the dermatologist for some Latisse has me working the preventative. The rest of the (glorious) places that will suffer hair loss can just stay that way – lost! It would be fab if I could tell the chemo gods exactly what hair cells to kill.
Tuesday is wig-fit day with a couple of my fuzzie pals. I suppose I’ll keep it simple and go with my current look. Maybe add a side of sass with a 2nd one. We already have Dora, Ariel, Cruella Daville, Things 1&2, and a Hot Pink number I wore as Nikki Minage for Halloween one year so I could have a menagerie of looks to pick from on the daily.
Ok, enough about hair. I’m off CVS to pick up my latisse & rogain ✌️
***Combining humor, sarcasm and some facts along the way, I hope to help others going through this to laugh & learn during a rough time in life. Feel free to forward via social media or email. Each post goes to my #FOMO Facebook Page and Twitter handle @dsanfillipo
Love you Girl! Thinking about you and sending much love and prayers your way. Kick cancer’s ass!
You will look beautiful with your bald head, a wig or any other type of head cover! I always told my patients when they were down and sad about losing their hair that it means the chemo is working! You are exactly right! Chemo can’t pick and choose what cells to attack so good and bad are both affected.
YOU GOT THIS! ❤️❤️❤️ Much love! And prayers still going up!