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Losing hair......

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Posted 12/23/2004 5:36 AM (GMT 0)
Well, it had to happen.  It started on Saturday.  Every day when I wash and dry my hair, there is more in the drain, hands, brush, etc.  I figure at this rate, I'll be bald by Christmas.  I haven't gotten a wig yet, either.  I need to try and get one tomorrow.

 

I will be starting back to work on Monday.  YUCK!  They wouldn't let me extend my leave even with a doctor's note.  Thankfully, I am doing pretty well with the chemo.  I had my second treatment yesterday and the nausea is much better, since I took the meds right away.

 

Hubby is on the mend.  He's pretty much without pain in the heel, but has a hard time using the crutches.  His arms still hurt from the fall, too.  He will be starting his new job on Jan. 3.  So, I guess, things are getting back to normal.

 

 

Posted 12/23/2004 1:13 PM (GMT 0)
Kathy-
Glad to hear your hubbys on the mend.....I am sending you sympathetic prayers with your hair falling out..... mine started falling out and I decided to shave it totally off...for me that was better than seeing it all come out on its own.. .and someone had given me a tip to get all the little stubby hairs left after shaving it to use a piece of duct tape (yes duct tape!) to gently lay on your head and POOF all the little hairs come out and dont get all over everything...for me that was a good solution, I felt more in charge that way. Also, I never wore a wig (too itchy and hot!) I had a couple really soft cute cloth hats and if you wrap your head in a pretty scarf and then put the hat on it looks pretty darn good. (relatively speaking)

Just an idea.....everyone has their own approach to this!
many hugs,
Stefanie (whose hair grew back exactly the same as it fell out...dark, thick and wavy! with a few more gray hairs)
Posted 12/23/2004 1:44 PM (GMT 0)
And just who will not accept a doctor's written note that you need more time off????? I'm not sure they can do that. Do you have short term disability insurance where you work? You might not get paid if you don't but I don't think they can require you to return to work if your doctor says you need more time. And if you do have short term, you should be able to get paid a percentage of your salary. GEt out your insurance benefits booklet and read it and ask questions. I went back to work part time even for a couple of weeks after my mastectomy. And I was not doing chemo. Hugs MK
Posted 12/23/2004 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
Kathy-
(((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))
For me, the hair loss was the hardest part besides the initial diagnosis. Once it was gone, I was happy as a clam. Just that initial shock, then it was like, "OK, let's get on with things!". I am a take charge kinda gal, and for me, I had to take charge of this too. Before it started to come out, a couple days before, I had someone shave it off. THat was one of the hardest days of my life, I sobbed and sobbed. My wig looked awful. Then when it started to shed in the shower, I rubbed most of it out. I did not want to lose it slowly...but by that time it was just stubble and I was already detached from it, so I did not care.

Getting ready in the morning was much easier, for sure! Shower, makeup and go! I ended up getting rid of my wig after a couple days and got a new one which made me feel much better. I donated the old one to a wig bank, and and superstitiously have kept the other one. It is 5 years old now, I think it is time to let it go too!

And shame on those that tell you "It'll grow back!" Yes it will, but it does not acknowledge the pain you feel now. Allow yourself to mourn if you need to, and then this should be the last hard pill to swallow.

L&H,
Lori
Posted 12/23/2004 3:29 PM (GMT 0)

Kathy

I am so sorry about this.  To me that would be the hardest part about all of this and I admire those women who are strong enough to shave their heads.  I couldn't do it.  I am glad to hear that Steve is on the mend and I too do not understand why even with a doctor's note you are being forced back to work.  Something is not right there. But I do know that if you can sometimes working can be the best thing.   

Posted 12/23/2004 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
I also don't understand the doctors note not being accepted. I do, however, understand the hair loss. Wish I could give you a hug. Love, Di
Posted 12/23/2004 5:49 PM (GMT 0)
Kathy,

I'm sorry you're hair is coming out. I decided to have a shaving party, and my son shaved my head for me. I cried when I saw (what was left of) my hair on the floor, then never looked back. I had my last chemo in early December of last year, and had my first trim last week. I had stick straight hair my entire life, and now it's curly. So I recommend you place your order like I did for the type of hair you want when it grows back in. It worked for me!
{{{{{{{{{{Kathy}}}}}}}}}

Love,
Rita
Posted 12/26/2004 4:00 AM (GMT 0)
Losing the hair is very hard.  The first time I had cancer, it was devastating.  This time, I decided when to shave my head.  I handled that well because I was in control of the situation.  My boys called my GI Jane and I survived it.  It's starting to grow back now, slowly but surely.  So remember, this too will pass.  Just take charge of the situation and do it your own way, that makes you comfortable.

 

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