losing my hair now

lisamm
lisamm Member Posts: 17
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi everyone! Monday evening I started losing my hair. I'm 2 weeks out of my 1st Chemo treatment. The nurses told me to expect it in this time frame, so I knew it was coming. My husband and I made an appt at a wig specailty shop almost 3 weeks ago in preperation and we both had a difficult time during the consult. And thought we could handle it. BUT WOW, this is way MORE difficult then I dreamed. I lost over half my hair on Monday and yesterday was just as bad. This morning I lost alot too. And the day hasn't really started. I realize it's just hair and it will grow back. And it is temporary issue.
I asked my Mother-in-Law why women have such a difficult time dealing with the lose of our hair. She didn't say much, but did tell me she will be supporting through this and have a hard time with it to, for me. I guess we as women find our hair to be of comfort in the world. Something to hide behind possibly. I also feel strongly that having a bad hair day, makes me feel crappy the whole day. LOL Sounds stupid don't it. I just needed to talk my feelings this morning after brushing my hair and watching it all fall into the sink. I go for my shave and wig fitting tomorrow, my husband it going with me, but I'm sure it's going to be difficult time for the both of us. Thanks for reading.
Lisa

Comments

  • sassysally
    sassysally Member Posts: 150
    #2
    Lisa, I can relate to you whole heartedly, for I have gone through Chemotherapy 3 different times. Bald seemed to be a way of life... But at least I still have a life to live Bald or not. I am not sure why it is such a big issue, but It can be for some. My son was 3 when my hair was long and I had my mom shave my head to a crew cut and my son got one as well. He thought it was cool, I thought it would make the transititon to bald for him easier... not as big of a change. Bald is beautiful. You will learn to appreciate those NON bad hair days, and the fact that your hair can look FABULOUS in a matter of minutes. Dont get me wrong, natural hair is great, but this is part of the journey. The part about losing the hair stinks, but I didnt have to shave my legs all summer that year... HOW GREAT THAT WAS. They were always SMOOOOOTH. You and your husband and your mother in las will get thru this too. Hang in there. With great admiration and hugs. From one who has been there all too often .

    Sassy
  • kamehameha6470
    kamehameha6470 Member Posts: 33
    #3
    Hi Lisamcm:
    I'm sorry about your hair loss. That's about the same point I lost my hair. It sucked big time. What hurt most for me, I think, is that I had long hair which was a cultural issue (I'm Hawaiian). It's funny, but I never thought of it that way before the hair started going.

    I guess what helped for me was that I took a family picture while I was still healthy looking and had the long hair. Then it was off to the salon to have it chopped and donated to Locks of Love. I'm a hat person, not a wig person, so the thought of making a sick kid happy made the loss not so bad.

    Of course, the good thing is it will grow back when you're all done. That, and you the fact that you also may not have to shave your legs while in treatment either. Think of what a time saver that will be. (I hope that put a bit of a smile on, because I actually did like that part.)

    Take care, and best wishes to you and your family. It's definitely a shocker, and not at all something you're alone in feeling.
  • chessie
    chessie Member Posts: 40
    #4
    Hi Lisa, I can also relate to what you're going through. I had chemo earlier this year, and finished in May. I remember bending over my bathroom sink and after a week of shedding hair, I decided to just shave away. I had shoulder length straight brown hair. It was hard, but I did it in private, and cried the whole time. But I agree being hairless does make getting ready to go out a lot easier. No blowdryer, etc. In the summer when it was hot, I just donned a baseball cap and felt great. You will be amazed at how well you adapt. I think my 18 yr old son had a harder time. One early summer evening, I whipped off my the wig without warning after arriving home. He was startled and said "Mom give me some warning when you're going to do that." My husband talked to him later and gently told him he will have to deal with it, and to be more supportive. My son soon became used to my 'going topless' and of course, in the summer it was a necessity at times. In early Sept, I was able to do away with the wig. Here is the best news: My hair came in beautiful - I am now blonde,(with help from my friends at Loreal..) with very soft baby-like curls. So,although it is difficult to lose your hair, it will come back beautiful. I know it is a small consulation right now, but soon you will not even care about the hair loss, and you will be concentrating on getting well. Take care!
  • shemiya
    shemiya Member Posts: 17
    #5
    Hi Lisa,
    I can hardly write this for my tears. I know exactly your feelings. This time last year I was bald. I had bought a wig but I could not stand to wear it. I ordered the turbans from tlc and really liked them. But right now I have almost shoulder length curly hair. Never had curly hair before,really love it. I say I'll never have another hair cut but will probably change my mind eventually but not right now. I finished chemo the 23rd Dec. 2003.
    Take care,
    Shemiya
  • lisamm
    lisamm Member Posts: 17
    #6
    Thank you everyone for responding to my post. I read each one very carefully and felt pretty good about each one. This morning at 10:00 my husband and I headed to my appt to have my head shaved and wig fitted. My stomach was in knots for the hour it took us to get there. She shaved my head immediatly. My husband just watched and smiled as she went. I kept my eyes closed most of the time, except for looking at my husband. After all was gone, I looked in the mirrow. I cried at the sight, which in turn got my husband upset. But as time went on, the wig was fitted and thing were looking up. I love my wig, but boy is it hot. My hotflashes are more often and lasting longer with the wig. I came home with the wig on, knowing my daughter (15 yrs)was home with the flu today. She turned and looked at me immediatly and she gave me the "THUMBS UP" when she seen me. But then she asked to see me without it. Shocked, is the only word I can say. But I tried on a couple sleep hats that I bought, and after an hour or so, she seems to be doing better with it all. Now I just have to show my son(14) when he gets home from school. He's my emotional one through this whole battle. I'm sure he will adjust too, may take a little longer but I know he loves me and that's all that matters to me.
    My head sweats alot, so even the sleep caps keep me warmer then I like. So I'm sitting here with a bald head and the air feels good.
    Once again, thank you all for helping me with this. I really appreciate it greatly.
    God bless and the best of everything,to you all.
    Lisa
  • mom62
    mom62 Member Posts: 604 Member
    #7
    lisamm said:

    Thank you everyone for responding to my post. I read each one very carefully and felt pretty good about each one. This morning at 10:00 my husband and I headed to my appt to have my head shaved and wig fitted. My stomach was in knots for the hour it took us to get there. She shaved my head immediatly. My husband just watched and smiled as she went. I kept my eyes closed most of the time, except for looking at my husband. After all was gone, I looked in the mirrow. I cried at the sight, which in turn got my husband upset. But as time went on, the wig was fitted and thing were looking up. I love my wig, but boy is it hot. My hotflashes are more often and lasting longer with the wig. I came home with the wig on, knowing my daughter (15 yrs)was home with the flu today. She turned and looked at me immediatly and she gave me the "THUMBS UP" when she seen me. But then she asked to see me without it. Shocked, is the only word I can say. But I tried on a couple sleep hats that I bought, and after an hour or so, she seems to be doing better with it all. Now I just have to show my son(14) when he gets home from school. He's my emotional one through this whole battle. I'm sure he will adjust too, may take a little longer but I know he loves me and that's all that matters to me.
    My head sweats alot, so even the sleep caps keep me warmer then I like. So I'm sitting here with a bald head and the air feels good.
    Once again, thank you all for helping me with this. I really appreciate it greatly.
    God bless and the best of everything,to you all.
    Lisa

    Lisa,
    Have your oncologist give you something for the hot flashes. I take effexor, it works for me. I wore my wig for about 7 months, my hair starting falling out at about 3 weeks so I shaved it. I had curly hair before and now again. It's growing in good now. The minute you stop chemo it will begin to fill back in, slow but sure. My kids never liked my bald head so I kept it covered when they were around, but the minute they went to bed that cap or wig came off my head.

    Terry

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