Embracing the Bald

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited January 2009

    I love this thread! A few weeks ago, when the reality of chemo hit, I cried. Now I'm okay, in a way, even looking forward to it. I called my friend/hairdresser and set up weekly appointments with her. Just had cut #2 yesterday and I LOVE it! I've had incredibly long hair most of my life--these shorter do's are so much fun to play with. We're having a blast. The last one, two weeks from now will be a great little pixie we picked out. After that, pre-emptive shave. So far, my husband has been utterly shocked at his own reaction. Turns out he just "thought" he loved long hair. Men! ha!

    Webbie's #2 Do

    I've started a baseball cap collection with family and friends who want to help and just don't know how. I have required that each cap sent have the name of the person that sent it and the date inscribed on the inside of the bill in permanent marker. Each cap should mean something special to the donor. My dad, for example, is sending me a 101 Airborne from Vietnam. My SMom, a Red Sparkly (ewww, but it's her thing) from the Red Hat Society. Each time I wear them, I will be able to look up and know a certain individual was thinking of me and can return the thoughts on that day. When it's over, I'll have a killer collection to remind me how much I am loved.

    I pretty much knew from go that I wasn't a wig person--tho DH is choosing a few for his own perverted entertainment purposes. I'll enjoy that, but doubt one ever makes it into public view. 

    Ballcaps or bare, oh yes, I dare!

    I too will Embrace the Bald!  Soon!

    Hat's off to you, Ladies!

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  • JulieC
    JulieC Member Posts: 324
    edited January 2009

    You go Webwriter.  I bought one wig and only wore it home the day we had my head shaved.  We made it a family event - both of my daughters took a swipe at my hair with the clippers.  I wore ball caps and fun bandanas.  The ball caps came from special places, too.  My brother took my girls to the St. Louis Zoo on one of my chemo days and they brought me back a hat.

    Your hair looks really cute in the picture above and it sounds like you have the other appointments all planned out.  It is hard, but doable.  My hair is growing fast and each day it seems to bring a new surprise, twist, color, etc.

    Take care,

    Julie

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  • runner4life
    runner4life Member Posts: 54
    edited January 2009

    webwriter-  You are beautiful! 

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited January 2009

    You all are so sweet! I'm really excited about this week's cut. But NOW they tell me, because of the tx regimen I have chosen there's a chance I won't lose it after all. (I opted out of Adriamycin and am doing a dose dense 6xTC instead.)

    Do I go for the pixie two weeks from now, or renege on my embrasure of the bald?!

    (I say go for it! DH is a pessimist.)

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  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 1,519
    edited January 2009

    Webwriter, I hate to tell you but everyone who is doing TC has lost their hair within two weeks of the first treatment.  They tell you "there is a CHANCE you might not lose your hair, but you probably will."  That's what they told me.  I guess you never know, you might just be that lucky one.  But I would go ahead and get the pixie.  When do you start chemo?

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited January 2009

    That's what I'm thinking Firni. I hate second guessing. DH tends to grab onto that stuff like it's a lifeline. Me, I'm a bit more of a realist. I've been hanging out here long enough to know what the odds are, haha!

    So, we're starting 1/29. I get the short do, like this one, but shaped a little more and shorter on the 30th. (If I'm alive and kickin') Then February 5th I go pixie and the 12th I get shaved. Sound about right?

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  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 1,519
    edited January 2009

    I think most of the Dec. Devas lost their hair on day 14.  Just like clockwork.  I lost mine on day 12.  I have to be different.  You might be shedding before the 12th.  

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  • auriga
    auriga Member Posts: 315
    edited January 2009

    I thought I might be the miraculous one and not lose my hair. It's long and really thick. So I thought at least it might take a little longer. Nope. Day 13, it started falling. And it's even worse now on day 15.

    But, it really isn't all that bad once it starts. After you cry a little.

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  • BooBee
    BooBee Member Posts: 860
    edited February 2009

    Bump

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited February 2009

    I keep looking in the mirror at my darling new short cut. Friday I get the pixie-- if there's enough left to pixie. The proverbial "pony tail pain" has started. My 2nd TX is also day 14-- tomorrow. Should be comin' out any minute now. I'm ready to get it over with, tho I hope I get to check out my pixie for at least a day or two. If not, oh well. I'll catch it on the flip side.

    I'm QUITE ready to stop shaving. PERIOD. Might miss the eyebrows some if they go, but well, let's just get this show on the road already! I have got the coolest hat collection you have EVER seen!

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  • BooBee
    BooBee Member Posts: 860
    edited February 2009

    Hey Web, 

    Love your blog.  Stupid question.....have you ever published anything?

    I was such a relief to get the head shaving over with.  I'm rather enjoying being bald and the service at restaurants is superb.  I do struggle with the missing eyebrows and half my volume if eyelashes.  I have eyebrow stencil that's like a color by numbers but I would suggest you get one before they fall out so you don't look like Cruella Deville :-)

     Wish you well,

    Renee

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited February 2009

    Hey Renee! I'm so glad you're enjoying the blog! I SO need to catch it up, but well, er, #2 has kicked my can! I have a couple of quickie stories that could be shopped around. Never had the guts to do it tho. I just ramble and invite people to watch, haha!

    I think I'm going to go back Tuesday (hairdresser is out Monday) and go ahead with the shave. The "ponytail pain" is driving me up a wall. I got the pixie really short since it's so late, but it's just not short enough. Where in the heck do I get eyebrow stencils? I wouldn't MIND looking like Curella Deville so much, but my daughter just watched it for the first time. Probably not a good idea, haha! 

    I hope I look as great bald as you do!

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  • glendag
    glendag Member Posts: 53
    edited February 2009

    webwriter:

    I got my eyebrow stencils at Sally's Beauty Supply LOVE them!

    http://www.sallybeauty.com/Eyebrow-Grooming-Kit/FEMME11,default,pd.html 

    g

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited February 2009

    Thanx glandag! I appreciate that. Ordered and on the way.

    I have officially joined the ranks. I am SO embracing this newly bald head I'm not sure I'm not keeping it forever! Let FREEDOM RING!!! (Even if it is a bit chilly just now, haha!)

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  • lisasayers
    lisasayers Member Posts: 850
    edited February 2009

    I just told my daughter that I may just keep shaving my head...so much quicker to get ready! LOL  She is 18 and has alopecia...she told me, "Mom, being bald is my thing!"

    We are going to have a portrait taken of us together...celebrating our baldness!

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited February 2009

    YOU MUST PUBLISH the photo Lisa! I'm quite convinced the two of you together is going to be a BEAUTIFUL and powerful statement.

    GAWD! I love this so much I almost feel guilty for all the folks that are having such a hard time coping with this part.

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  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 1,519
    edited February 2009

    webwriter, you really look cute with no hair!!!

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  • Lainey64
    Lainey64 Member Posts: 740
    edited February 2009

    I wish I had your courage!  I'm still so shy when it comes to my head.  Taking my hat off in the wig shop the other day was a huge step for me. 

    Renee, wow, do you really get extra good service at restaurants?  That right there would be a great incentive to go wigless!!

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  • EleanorJ
    EleanorJ Member Posts: 752
    edited February 2009

    Webbie welcome to the bald is beautiful world :) You look great!

    Being bald definitely brings bonuses. I think people feel bad for us so they're extra nice. Quite honestly, with everything I'm going through, I don't feel bad at all using my baldness ;)

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  • BooBee
    BooBee Member Posts: 860
    edited February 2009

    You'll be surprised by the benefits of being bald.

    On a busy street corner with my bald head and pale skin, I bet I can out earn a one legged, Vietnam vet with a puppy holding a card board sign that reads "Please help, I'm hungry."   

    The sad thing is, if the economy doesn't pick up, I might have to try out that theory.

    I have never taken advantage of my deck of cancer cards but I did yank off my hat once when a police officer followed me for a few blocks down town.  I wasn't doing anything wrong and didn't get pulled over.

    I say work it girl, work it!!!

    Shiny hugs all.

    Renee

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  • curiousj42
    curiousj42 Member Posts: 6
    edited February 2009

    I love this thread.  I'm new to this discussion board and reading this thread made me feel better.

    My chemo started Jan 19th with a FEC/T protocol, had my second round on Feb 9th.  I cut my hair short prior to chemo but I was quite upset when I started losing my hair on Feb 4th and had it buzzed with only 1/2 inch hair left on Feb 6th.  It was a traumatic experience.  However after a few days I got comfortable with my new look.  But like Lainey64 I'm still uncomfortable going out of the house without my wig or a head cover.

    The hair is still growing but with bald patches here and there.  But what's driving me crazy is my scalp's tenderness and lately it's getting really itchy.  I shampoo it everyday using a special shampoo for sensitive scalp but it is still itchy.  Any suggestions how to handle it?  Is it better to use the clipper or a razor? 

    THanks and great thread Renee! :)

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  • BooBee
    BooBee Member Posts: 860
    edited February 2009

    Don't use a blade razor ever during chemo due to risk of cuts and infection.  I did that and ended up with ingrown hairs for weeks.  I also ended up with a severe tongue lashing from the onco. 

    It's easier to get the extra hairs off with tape if there is at least 1/8th of an inch.  You'll find the itchy and tenderness goes away as the hair falls out.  I used Nads to get the dead hairs out of my scalp.  Also not recommended.

    Because I choose to be "topless" I now shave (electric shaver) the growing stray hairs that insist on making me look like a Kewpie doll.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rose_o'neill_4b.jpg

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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited February 2009

    first of all my hair is growing back.. it is now very dark and very curly. it was kind of sandy and straight before.  i had my first round of chemo from May to Sep. of 08.  .. i let my kids cut my hair.  a little here, a little there.  we did that for a few weeks then i went to my hairdresser and got a darling boy cut.. i loved it.  i thought i was losing my hair so i let my kids give me a mohawk.. which lasted a day then i buzzed it.  it took almost a couple months for it too fall out, even tho i did the dreaded red devil.

    a few photos of the progressions to bald.

    before: 

    before

    the buzz 

    buzzed

     the boycut

    the boycut

    the pink look

    bald

    bald

    the pink look

    the pink look

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  • BooBee
    BooBee Member Posts: 860
    edited February 2009

    Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing.  Do we get the see the new hairs?

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  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 1,519
    edited February 2009

    Groceries Paid for???  Damn.  I better get over the embarrassment.  The boycut is so adorable.  Thanks for sharing your journey, apple.

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  • lisasayers
    lisasayers Member Posts: 850
    edited February 2009

    Love the short haircut!  I don't call it a boy cut, as I wore my hair that short before chemo.  Very similar to Alyssa Milano's short cut!  I call it SASSY! 

    You look great!

    If it was warm here...I would be going without the hat.  I teach fitness classes without them...some women say they wish they had the guts to shave their hair off! LOL 

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  • EleanorJ
    EleanorJ Member Posts: 752
    edited February 2009

    I know right, I better get over the fact that it's cold out if it pays that much to be bald! LOL!

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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited February 2009

    personally i don't like my new hair.. i'm - like a poodle.  i should be grateful i guess.  i'll post a pic when i learn how to style it  (maybe i should take dog grooming lessons)..

    as to the groceries... 53 dollars!  paid by a complete stranger with a smile and wave.

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited February 2009

    Apple, you are quite probably the first person I ever "met" who looks THAT good bald. I look okay, but WOW! Maybe I need to find a signature scarf. I dunno what it is, but it's lovely. And your posts are always so inspiring. I'd probably buy your groceries too! Your very SASSY "boy cut" could probably be modified for your new dark curls. I think that would be stellar on you too. Wink

    Renee (and everyone!), what kind of electric razor do you suggest? I tried our mini out this morning and it wouldn't even touch the stubble that's left. I've resumed triple blade shavage in my pits, though I still won't touch the scar with it for lack of alternative. I've got me some wirey ole hair. Help! 

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  • BooBee
    BooBee Member Posts: 860
    edited February 2009

    I use DH's Braun 8985.  Gives a nice baby butt smooth shave.  Remember to get most of the dead hair off before a close shave or you may get ingrown hairs.  Most of my hair was gone by treatment #2, TC.  My 6 of 6 is next Wednesday.  Woooooopppppyyyyyyy.

    Apple...you crack me up.

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