How Long After Treatment Began Did You Lose Your Hair?
My hair starting shedding 21/2 weeks after taxotere/cytoxen infusion.
Did You Lose It Gradually or Very Quickly?
One morning I found handfuls of hair in the shower. It fell out quickly.
What Was Your First Reaction When You Noticed the Loss?
S---, the reality of cancer is now seen on the outside. I was devastated at the thought of losing my hair. However, I maintained a positive attitude because I knew my attitude would have a powerful impact on my recovery.
Were You Tempted to Shave Your Head? Did You Do It?
Yes, I was tempted to shave my head, but my wise hairdresser made the decision for me. He cut my hair short and left the rest to fall out on its own. This was a good decision because the side burn hair stayed and looked natural under head coverings, and I did not appear bald.
Did You Choose to Wear a Head Covering or Not?
Yes, I am still wearing head coverings. It takes about 6 months for hair to grow 3 inches or 1/2 inch a month after treatment. I did not want people to feel sorry for me, so I was determined to look my best. Headwear has become a passion with me. I found if you take a basic headwrap and top it with a colorful scarf or hat the casual observer would have to look carefully to realize I was not merely dressing in high style.
How Did Losing Your Hair Affect Your Everyday Life?
My daily life is the same wearing fashionable head coverings. The professional world and friends treat you as a sick person instead of the same person you were, who is trying to regain her health. Looking fashionable gives me confidence to continue a normal life. I realize the importance of looking good.
Advice
- The best fabrics to use for head wraps are cotton, rayon, challis, and cotton blends. Silk and polyester are elegant, but tend to slip and will not stay securely on your head. Instructions for a Basic Headwrap are: 1) Lay a square scarf (36"x36") flat; wrong side facing you. Fold scarf into a triangle and place the scarf folded about 1 inch below your natural hairline. Tie the ends into a square knot behind your head over the triangle point. The flap should be beneath the knot. 2) Pull any excess scarf from under the knot so you have fullness. Wear the scarf with ends loose or tie in a classy bow. Hugs to You!
