The Real Fallout From Breast Cancer Treatment? My Hair

My surgeon told me that the first question women ask after a breast cancer diagnosis is, “Will I lose my hair?” followed by “Will I lose my breasts?” Seldom is the first question “Will I lose my life?” I thought this was odd until I lost my hair the first time I had chemotherapy almost 10 years ago – then I got it – being bald is miserable, especially for the vain at heart – like me! Two weeks after the first chemotherapy treatment all those years ago I was standing in a store making a purchase when I ran my fingers through my hair and my hand came out with a clump of bright blond hair. I quickly stuck it in my purse so as not to alarm any people nearby, and then headed home to have my head shaved by my husband. I wore a wig anytime I left the house. I still have those same wigs, so I figured I was prepared until I landed in the hospital for three weeks during which time my hair started falling out. I got a friend to pick up a nurse’s operating cap from a uniform shop. They come in pretty colors and are light and easy to wear. After I stuck it on my head I thought the hair would just continue to fall out. What actually happened had me wishing that I had just shaved it off. The hat snagged on existing hair and started to pull at my scalp. My hair turned into a massive thatch of tangles on top of my head. My sister brought me scissors and I cut it out, but my scalp hurt for days from the pulling. My Gollum Look This time around I am not favoring the wigs...
Source: Life with Breast Cancer - Category: Cancer Authors: Tags: Breast Cancer breast cancer treatment cancer hair loss chemo radiation Source Type: blogs