Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

FIRST THINGS FIRST
A friend posted the following question on her Facebook status this morning: 



"Based in your own personal experience, is the world full of selfish people? Is anyone going out of their way to make your life easier, better, etc.?"

It's a great question, and I'm not sure how I would have answered it a few months ago. Today, however, I can honestly say that in my time of need, I've experienced a remarkable affirmation of my faith in the people who surround me. I admire and appreciate the way that so many of them have stepped up incrementally -- friends have become good friends, good friends have become great friends, and so on. People I don't get to interact with very often have gone out of their way to express their support and willingness to help. And my family - PRICELESS. But, what's cancer got to do with it?


Pardon me while I pontificate for a second. (Actually, pontificating doesn't suit me so I'm just guessing.) During the many "normal" phases of our lives, the times that are relatively uneventful, maybe we just assume that our life's cast of characters are plugging along just as we are. Maybe that helpful, selfless side of ourselves only comes to the surface when we become aware of a need for it. Whatever the case, seeing this side of people is such a beautiful thing. I'm certain that it gives a measurable boost to the medicinal side of treatment. Don't you wish they could bottle it?!


HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW
As I mentioned a few posts ago, the thing many people fear most in the cancer treatment process is losing their hair. I felt pretty "flip" about it at the start of chemo, knowing that I will take what comes my way in stride. (As long as the treatment works...) However, as the time grew near, my emotions went through some unexpected peaks and valleys. I guess losing a "body part" that has always been with me necessitated a bit of a mourning process along with everything else.

The caregivers had mentioned the hair loss would start around day 12 - 18, and would occur fairly quickly. Right on cue, early last week I was noticing an increase in the amount of hair in my brush. Within a day or two, that had roughly tripled and I could run a hand through my hair and come out with a few dozen hairs. That wasn't so bad -- I just wanted the bulk of it to "stick" until at least Friday, when my little sister arrived for a visit. I'd promised her she could shave my head, and that we'd try to make it fun!

I tried not washing or brushing my hair Thursday or Friday, but did so Saturday morning. Lots o' fallout, but it still looked okay to hit the hometown spots on my sister's visiting list, plus a pedicure. Nobody looked at me sideways, and believe me I was watching for that. ;)

But she would be leaving Sunday after lunch. That morning, I thought I'd brush thoroughly and get out all the hair that was loose. After barely touching the brush to my scalp and pulling away a whole BUNDLE of hair, I felt a little sick to my stomach. Decided we'd better go straight for the clippers. 

We got all set up out on the back porch for the deed. Laughed and laughed as my sister first gave me a handy Dorothy Hamill cut, much like the one I had in sixth grade. We decided she missed her calling, and may want to visit beauty school if her gig as a CPA doesn't work out. My husband was taking pictures of this most auspicious occasion. Next came the clippers, and 20 minutes later, I was bald! If any of the neighbors happened to see us, I'd love to know what they were thinking. As for me, I felt a bit unsure of my feelings, although there was a certain liberation in not having to do any drying or styling after my shower. 

As a finale, we had a little fashion show of hats and wraps I could wear, deciding on a straw beach hat over a green bandana to wear for a birthday party later in the day.  

One funny endnote - I was reading through message boards online, looking for tips on various cancer / treatment-related topics. Someone asked how to get the stubble out once the head is shaved. The suggestion - giggle now - an adhesive lint roller!! 

Also, once I get the courage up to look at the pics my husband took, I'll try to post some of them so you can get a gander at my bare melon. As always, your feedback and suggestions are welcome!