Breast Cancer 11 years later...

Breamom

I am sorry about your recent BC diagnosis.  I have "been there, done that" in terms of treatment including double mastectomy, chemo and radiation.  I have been reconstructed, however I have no nipples (I just never bothered).  I have lost my hair which was the hardest part of it all.  It was the vanity of losing my hair, that was oh so important to me, that was the toughest.  I was 41 at the time.  I was a mom of a 3rd grader and 6th grader.  It occurred to me as I found this site that those of you recently diagnosed are being encouraged by others recently diagnosed.  This is wonderful as you should all encourage each other.  Some of you are months ahead of the others and can share your experiences.    I just wanted to barge in and tell you that from someone diagnosed 11 years ago that it's all ok and you have an exciting year ahead of you.   I wanted to chime in and tell you that it will be alright.  This may be your legacy or like me, it may just be a distant memory.  The scars will always be there but for me they are scars of victory.  You will be blessed one hundred times over by what will transpire in the next year.  Trust me on that.  Like I said the hardest part was going bald.  You can hide everything else but if you are half as connected to your hair as I was, then it may be difficult.  It is so much cooler (hipper) to be bald today than it was even 11 years ago . My advice:  buy a super cute baseball cap and some bandanas.  Wear the bandanas babushka style (folded diagonally, with fold at forehead and tied with a knot at the nape of your neck) then put baseball cap over bandana.  so much cuter than bald head with just cap.  The bandana adds color and style.    Sure you can get a wig too.  I just found wigs to be hot.  11 years ago my kids cut off my hair and we video taped the scene.  It is the only video tape I have and I have no pictures of any of my BC experience.  Take lots of pictures and make lots of videos.  I want to share my haircut video with you.  My God Bless your journey and know that you are not alone.  http://youtu.be/XyH11P0xtZ0 (this video can only be watched on a computer)