How Long After Treatment Began Did You Lose Your Hair?
About 10 days
Did You Lose It Gradually or Very Quickly?
Very quickly
What Was Your First Reaction When You Noticed the Loss?
I was prepared for it but not quite so quickly and dramatically
Were You Tempted to Shave Your Head? Did You Do It?
Yes - had my daughter-in-law give me a buzz cut with the kids hair clipper
Did You Choose to Wear a Head Covering or Not?
I bought a good wig that looked enough like my own hair that it even fooled my best friend's husband. I also used scarves but the grandchildren were upset by them. I wanted to appear and feel as normal as possible, and decided that wigs, earrings, and makeup were a girl's best friends. Look good, feel better.
How Did Losing Your Hair Affect Your Everyday Life?
It actually made my life easier. I always had pretty hair, but it was very high maintenance hair. I'd always joked that I wanted wash-and-wear hair, and now I had it. Losing my eyebrows and eyelashes and body hair was actually more stressful. I am now on my fourth chemo in 2 1/2 years, and my hair has come back somewhat and then thinned again each time, so my own hair, such as it is, is in a little boy cut; and I wear the wig most of the time.
Advice
- If you decide to go with a wig, buy a good one that is comfortable and that is shaped around the ears and adjustable. Make yourself look as good as possible, and as normal as possible.
