17 days to hair loss

Hair... Hair... Hair... an excerpt from the song by the Cowsills, and the musical Hair.  

Our hair is an expression of our identity.  I have wore my hair long most of my life.  I liked long hair to tie back, curl, and add a sense of fashion to my appearance.

When discussing my cancer treatments early in my progress, it was mentioned that I "might" lose my hair when I do the chemo treatments.  My chemo doctor inferred that it will grow back, meaning my hair will fall out, I will be bald, then my hair will grow back after the chemo treatments are finished.  Having had the covid19 hairdo since March my hair was driving me crazy anyways, but to go to a cancer hairdo or bald head.  Uhmm... might be a shocker!  First step was to cut it short, and next step is to wait...  I have been preparing since my 2nd chemo treatment, but nothing.  My head of hair remained thick and so I wasn't sure what to expect or when to expect this to change.  Maybe I would not have the same fate as other cancer patients who received chemo... haha no such luck!!  I should have realized what was coming when my head was achy and itchy for a couple days, then my hair started to fall out on New Year's Eve.  A handful of hair... and so it begins.  Exactly 17 days from my 3rd chemo treatment my hair started to fall out in lumps...  I just hoped it would stay long enough for the 4-H Achievement Awards Zoom conference on January 2nd, so I would look somewhat like myself.  Don't wet my hair, don't touch my head... and thankfully I had some hair although thinning to call my own.  I joked with my family that I will be bald before Michael!!  HAHAHA!  still makes me laugh out loud!  

However, there are mixed emotions.  While everyone was slamming the door goodbye to the piss-poor year 2020, and welcoming 2021 with the hope for better times!  I won't start to see those better times until I am done the last of my chemo treatments, estimated mid-February.  I am not sure what 2021 will bring, I just have to remain open and positive to the changes coming with a bald head.  I have a wig and hats, so there are many possibilities available to me during this time to use these great fashion accessories.  But I hear it over and over... your hair will grow back.  Yes, it will, but I am not fooled that it is a long process.  It is a long and hard process of working through cancer treatments, finding my core energy, resting when necessary to replenish my energy, trying to maintain a positive outlook, and keeping my eye on the prize to be living cancer-free, be that cancer survivor in 2021 and beyond.  It is with the continued love and encouragement from family and friends that I just keep on, keeping on!!  I ain't no quitter, and I have the perseverance to continue the fight!!  

Stay safe and healthy as this stupid covid19 pandemic continues... and stay vigilant with what your body tells you.  Now I see cancer symptoms everywhere, early detection can mean all the difference in the world!  It is said that cancer is the silent killer.  I was lucky that my cancer was found when it was... Sending many thanks and much love out to the universe...  Happy New Year!!  All the best in 2021!! 

 

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