Hair Loss

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bpatti
bpatti Member Posts: 5
in Breast Cancer #1
Having been diagnosed with breast cancer 6 weeks ago, the losing of my hair was a hard thing to swallow! We as females think that our hair defines us. I decided that I would take matters into my own hands and shave it off. Having some kind of control really empowers you and not having to go through the emotional devastation of finding it on my pillow was so much better for me. So this is what I did, I saved my own and made a hair piece of it.It turned out great! You can't even tell that I'am bald. When I wear it makes me feel like there is some kind of normalcy in my life. People are not looking at me like I'm sick or with that look of "whats wrong with her". I don't know how to post a picture on this site so if anyone is interested in looking at it or instructions on how to make it you can email me at bpatti86@yahoo.com

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  • Boppy_of_6
    Boppy_of_6 Member Posts: 1,138
    #2
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    Welcome bpatti
    I see this is your first post so welcome to the site. Sorry for your need to be here but there are great gals and a few great guys here with lots of support and info! I am about 9 1/2 months out of chemo and have a good head of really curly hair. I shaved mine of as soon as it started falling out. Like you said it is good to have control of something. It sounds really interesting that you used your hair for a hair piece. Best wishes on your journey. God Bless
    (((hugs))) Janice
  • bpatti
    bpatti Member Posts: 5
    #3
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    Boppy_of_6 said:

    Welcome bpatti
    I see this is your first post so welcome to the site. Sorry for your need to be here but there are great gals and a few great guys here with lots of support and info! I am about 9 1/2 months out of chemo and have a good head of really curly hair. I shaved mine of as soon as it started falling out. Like you said it is good to have control of something. It sounds really interesting that you used your hair for a hair piece. Best wishes on your journey. God Bless
    (((hugs))) Janice

    Thanks for the welcome!!

    Thanks for the welcome!!
  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    #4
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    Hair Loss, etc.
    Hi Patti and Welcome,

    I finished my chemotherapy about 8 months ago and I too lost all my hair. You have expressed many of the same thoughts I had such as a feeling of some kind of normalcy (when there really is none), people looking at me like I am sick, etc. It is always nice to know during this journey that someone else has gone through what you have and can relate to how you are feeling. About 4 months ago I had enough hair to feel brave enough to go out without a wig, scarf or any kind of head covering. Of course, I live in California and the weather was warm enough to do that. Now I have a full head of salt and pepper color "chemo curls." It is strange to have curls when I had always had straight hair. Sure beats the alternative though. You will find a lot of information and support on this site. Keep us posted on how you are doing. IRENE
  • laughs_a_lot
    laughs_a_lot Member Posts: 1,368 Member
    #5
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    Wow
    Patti! How creative. I think it would be good to have instructions on just how you did that. It would be so great for others to be able to use thier own hair on thier head. It would look so natural even though you might have to change the style a bit.

    I have short hair pretty much all the time so making a hairpiece of my own hair would not work. In my family we are a bunch of smart Alecks. I am going in for a consultation for chemo on 4/27. I will be getting a mowhawk. Yeah I know people wonder about this. First of all, I am part Native American so it would honor my culture and ancestors to do this. Second I had 7 brothers and I was always jealous of the extra leeway given to boys and thier behavior when I was growing up. I always wanted a mowhawk but knew it would be looked down upon by society. Well now I have bc and I say to heck with what everyone thinks of me having a mowhawk. My hair won't remain that way for long so, why not.

    I will be inviting all my grandchildren over to have a picture with me while I have the mowhawk. Since many are teens and pre teens it will be a hoot for them. I am sort of a non conventional person anyway, so this kind of act seems to fit right in with my personality.
  • bpatti
    bpatti Member Posts: 5
    #6
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    laughs_a_lot said:

    Wow
    Patti! How creative. I think it would be good to have instructions on just how you did that. It would be so great for others to be able to use thier own hair on thier head. It would look so natural even though you might have to change the style a bit.

    I have short hair pretty much all the time so making a hairpiece of my own hair would not work. In my family we are a bunch of smart Alecks. I am going in for a consultation for chemo on 4/27. I will be getting a mowhawk. Yeah I know people wonder about this. First of all, I am part Native American so it would honor my culture and ancestors to do this. Second I had 7 brothers and I was always jealous of the extra leeway given to boys and thier behavior when I was growing up. I always wanted a mowhawk but knew it would be looked down upon by society. Well now I have bc and I say to heck with what everyone thinks of me having a mowhawk. My hair won't remain that way for long so, why not.

    I will be inviting all my grandchildren over to have a picture with me while I have the mowhawk. Since many are teens and pre teens it will be a hoot for them. I am sort of a non conventional person anyway, so this kind of act seems to fit right in with my personality.

    I say you go girl!!! Maybe
    I say you go girl!!! Maybe you should dye it "PINK"! The rules for society are so unimportant when you have been told you have breast cancer. I also had my grandchildren and children come over to shave my head. Mine are younger than yours but I think it help with the shock factor. I know my daughters are freaking out thinking in 20 years they are going to be in the same situation. That is another reason why I took control of shaving my head to let them know "It will be O.K" see mom did it.

    I wish you the best on your consultation. With such a large family I hope you have support.

    Patti

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