(cross posted from Coffee and Chemo)
A week ago, after swimming, I sat in the locker room combing out my hair…. literally.
As I combed, more and more hair came out in the comb.
It took me a few minutes to realize what was happening.
A few weeks ago, I commented to my oncologist that my hair did not seem to be falling out and, perhaps, I would not lose my hair this time either.
“Don’t count on it,” he responded, matter-of-factly.
I still have not figured out what I want to do.
I am reluctant to just “shave it all off,” since I have met women who did not lose their hair with Taxol.
Some women just lose the hair on their heads; others keep the hair on their heads but lose their eyebrows and eyelashes; other women lose both; some women lose ALL their hair (including the hairs on their arms and legs).
I had always thought that I would be one of those bold women who just shave everything off. You know, the “get them, before they get you” approach.
If I knew for certain that I would lose it all, then that is what I would do. But I don’t.
So I am waiting is out. Holding on to what is left. And wondering, if it all falls out, will I ever have red hair again….
Mothers With Cancer 
I read a great saying a long time ago that I still recite to myself every now and then…
” If you don’t know what to do…don’t until you do.” a simple saying but it works in so many situations.
I also waited until the very last minute but then shaved my head because the hair that stayed was actually becoming painful. But that was on AC, taxol may just thin your hair.My kids actually filmed the shaving and put it on Youtube. Now that I have some hair back it’s funny to go back and watch it.
Good luck with the Taxol…I hope the side-effects are bearable and that you get to keep your hair!
I made my husband shave it when it started coming out in handfuls. 🙂 Everybody’s got their own timeline though. I agree with Mary Beth. You’ll know if it’s time. 🙂
thanks!!
Mary Beth — I LOVE that line!! I think it is destined to become one of my mantras.
Frances Barrie — please send the link!! Either include it in your comment or send it to me at: coffeeandchemo@gmail.com
Throws Like A Girl — my husband is amazingly supportive, but I don’t think he’s about to shave his head!! I would be happy if I could get him to stop combing out his natural curls!! *sigh*
I had a head shaving party! It was spontaneous – a friend came over to shave my head and my sister, brother-in-law, mom and two friends all came over to cheer me on. We drank wine and it was actually quite lovely. That was the right thing for me.
My hair came back EXACTLY as it was before I lost it. Maybe there was a tiny bit of wave but that’s long gone. I amcertainly more gray but when I tried to blame that on the chemo my husband reminded me that I am also OLDER.
Rivka, here is the link. If it doesn’t work you can google youtube mom’s cancer haircut.
My 14 year old added the music. enjoy.
Laurie — thanks for sharing!! It sounds like such a great way to take control!
Frances — what a great clip! the music was great! (though I was kind of curious to hear what you were talking about!)
Thanks!!
OOps. I made my husband shave MY head when it started coming out in handfuls. Heh. Need to proofread. 🙂 My poor hubby is already losing his hair so I would never make him shave his head. 🙂
[…] few days ago, I posted here about losing my hair. Mary Beth Volpini, commented on the post: I read a great saying a long time […]