MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN 40-60ish

Hi tomboy, my hairdresser did my rapidly falling hair up, used gallon of spray made sure to leave the car widows closed on trip there. I felt good all dressed up and we had a lovely time with many old and some new friends. Didn't make the distance, watched but didn't dance, a bit wobbly on the feet at times. Loved the ceremony, enjoyed some of the feast and had a glass of bubbles!

Next day my dear friend (hairdresser) took to my head with the clippers. We debated over leaving some length but in the end I asked to to make it zero. Even with a two I could still pull tufts out. The less left, the less to clean up. I don't like being bald so far. My head is tender and my brand new wig hurts if I wear it too long. Have learned to wrap a scarf. Went to local fabric store and bought some jersey in different colours. Much more comfortable for chemo days.

Had second dose of chemo today and was assured the soreness will pass. Especially once all the follicles have given up the remaining hair. Plus my wig will stretch some with Jee.

I keep reminding myself that in the scheme of things, it is only hair. Lots more challenges yet to come and hair won't be the worst. Trying to think of the upside.

Hope everyone's going along as well as can be expected! Sending good vibes your way.

Helenlouise, the last step in the hair loss is very annoying. I finally took a dry washcloth and rubbed the remaining stubble off my head. Never did find a way to deal with the wig, so I wore scarves, hats etc.

I'm really loving my bald head right now. At moments I wonder if I'll be able to go back - holy cow is it fast to get ready when you don't have to fuss with hair

My family also say it lends a certain gravitas to my appearance. Everything I say now apparently sounds wise LOL

Big smiles ladies! Thank you. I must admit yesterday I did note the 'nothing to do with the hair' sped getting ready right up. Thanks for the practical tips. May even take on asage persona once the (you look like you have cancer or just got outa jail) stubble is gone!

Thank you for starting this group, as I am 60(ish) and with reading all the other postings, it was helpful but as an older woman some of the issues just don't fit. I was dx in Dec 2017 with IDC on the left side. Mastectomy: Left; Prophylactic mastectomy: Right removal (6) left in January 2018. The doctors don't feel radiation is necessary but Chemo is with TCHP. Had my first treatment last month and boy I sure was not prepared for the side affects. (On this I do have to say is we found out I also have kidney stones). Trying to figure out if all the side affects were actually from the chemo or a combination of both. I am not having reconstruction as my thought process is that "if all you are worried about is my breasts then you can kick rocks". I am getting ready for my next infusion here in a a couple of days, sorta scared but thinking that it was the stones that made me so sick. But I feel deep inside me that "God has a plan for me and its here on earth and the devil doesn't want to deal with me". As I was a single mum of 4 boys and my second son has been my rock. He is quite leary of most medical and he has sat with me thru the surgeries and the infusion, he told me that I will walk this with you as you were there when we were all little so I will be with you thru this and what else there is.

Enjoy your day

Deb

Moth,

There are days that I actually miss the carefree, out-the-door in record time bald/brush cut hair doo. Like you my family also said it lent a certain ‘wise old soul’ edge to my ‘new normal’ look.

Then my 10 year old nephew totally blew my gravitas by saying ‘yeah, you kinda look like Yoda, he was wise!’. Out of the mouths of babes *sigh*

Hi Middies - I'm here to admit a new addiction. OH NO. I've switched from CHEETOS to CHEEZ-ITs.

I'm not sure which is better or worse for you, but a box Cheez-its doesn't last any longer than a big bag of Cheetos used to last. Edited to say, since I only ate original Cheetos (not baked for heaven's sakes), maybe the crackers are healthier?

Hope all the middies are well & thriving.

MinusTwo--One of the advantages of Cheez-Its is the lack of orange dust on the fingers and mouth--harder to get caught with them!

Hi ladies ~

I have just discovered this thread. I am 56 (57 next week) and was diagnosed just after the first of this year. Two tumors, different types, right mastectomy in January, six weeks of radiation, and now on aromatase inhibitors. I will be having another surgery (sigh) at the end of September to even out my breast/implanted breast asymmetry and remove scar tissue from rads. Not looking forward to that, but hopefully things will eventually look and feel good.

I feel I have learned a LOT from my cancer experience, had insights I never would have had and met wonderful people (as well as lost some friends). I'm married to a wonderful man who's very supportive, no kids. I'm a writer and a photographer (the latter not professionally, but obsessively).

Looking forward to sharing with you.

Hi Miranda, nice to meet you!

Thanks, Amica, moth and MinusTwo. I will check out the Arts thread.

Greetings NativeMainer...err, I mean SuperGal!

Hello all and welcome Miranda!

Thanks, NativeMainer!

Ms Secto - sorry you have to join these boards, but welcome. Unfortunately this thread isn't very active anymore. If you go to "active threads", you will be able to find great groups discussing surgery, chemo, radiation, implants, etc. There is such a wealth of information and it was so great for me to go through everything with other women experiencing the same thing in real time. Personally i think the tide has turned to cohesive gel silicone implants. Look for Breast Implants 101.