mysecondchance's Hair loss (alopecia) Experience

Hair loss (alopecia)

At my first visit with my oncologist surgeon he told me I would look a lot different the next time he saw me. I looked at him and he said, you are going to lose your hair. I told him I didn't care if I was bald for the rest of my life as long as I was alive.

I begin losing my hair 13 days after my first chemo infusion. I found hair on my pillow and on the backs of chairs I sat on. I hated that mess. I washed my hair in the sink to see how much was really falling out and when I saw how much I decided it was time to take it off. I called my hairdresser who had promised to come to my house when I needed her to. Then I had a good cry. I told my mom, it's harder than I thought. But once it was off, I felt great and I liked the way I looked. Everyone remarked on what a beautifully-shaped head I have. I would never have known that. My mom referred to me as her mannequin. I had ordered scarves but didn't like the way they looked. They were the paisley-printed cotton scarves I had worn in the seventies. I told people I didn't look as cute in them as I had back then. I really didn't feel the need to cover my head. It was a freeing experience. I did not feel self conscious and never saw anyone look twice nor did I hear any remarks. Even children did not seem to notice.