I wasn’t sure if I was going to do a blog post about this next topic …. but it’s kind of a big change I’ve been dealing with so I figured why not put it out there. Sooooo… the topic of today’s blog post is Hair Loss, which is a common side effect from the type of chemo I’m receiving.
Being that I’ve gone through chemotherapy before, I did experience hair loss with my first time on chemo in 2011. But just because I experienced hair loss the 1st time doesn’t mean this 2nd time is really any easier. In the last few days I started to notice larger chunks of hair beginning to fall out rather quickly. I knew the time was coming to say good-bye to my hair, again. Each day always seems to hold something new.
Since it was time to do something about this hair loss thing, I talked it over with my husband and we decided to do what we did the 1st time this happened; shave my head. For any cancer patients who may be reading this I highly recommend shaving your head with a pair of clippers that have a 1 inch to 2 inch guard so that a little bit of hair is still left around the head. I’ve heard trimming right down to your skin may cause irritation.
It’s an interesting feeling watching my husband set up his clippers knowing its not to shave his head but mine. With the anticipation rising, my husband and I basically looked at each other and we were like “Ok, lets do this!” My husband did an AWESOME job. Now my hair is super short, about 1 inch long. I have to admit it was actually kind of a relief to get it done, another thing to check off of my to-do list. And while its a bummer having to do this, unfortunately its part of the process.
Meanwhile during all of this, my son Aidan was home the whole time. We were very open with him about my hair loss, explained to him why its happening and why dad’s going to shave mom’s head. Aidan was so wonderful about understanding this process. We made sure to make it sound fun and keep the explanation very simple. We asked if he wanted to join in on the “fun” and at first Aidan said no which was totally fine. But about halfway through, next thing we know, Aidan decided to join us and hang out with us while my husband was shaving my head. It was very cool that Aidan wanted to be part of everything too, I think it made it even more easier for him to understand this new change that was taking place. When the hair cut was complete, I was a little nervous about how Aidan was going to take it all in, and I guess what calmed my nerves down the most was when Aidan said to me now I have a “Rocker Girls” hair cut which in Aidan’s book it’s a good thing! I thought his comment was GREAT.
But I’m going to be honest, I don’t have the guts to walk around in public with my super short hair right now and it is still continuing to fall out. I needed to make a decision on how I wanted to handle this new “hair” situation. During chemo the first time I decided not to wear a wig til my chemo was over, instead I wore a scarf with a hat over it. Maybe it’s because I’m going thru this a second time and I want to change things up, so I decided I’m going to try to wear a wig throughout the duration of the chemo I am getting now.
Here’s the part of my post I’d like to give a shout out to: The Headquarters Salon, Spa & Wig Store, primarily a huge props shout out to Cathy who is the Wig Specialist for The Headquarters Wig Store. If you’re a cancer patient dealing with hair loss in North County San Diego I highly suggest setting up an appointment with Cathy (760) 744-2911 to discuss with her your situation. Cathy has over 30 years of experience with providing wig services and her experience certainly shows. This is my 2nd time going back to Cathy. She has been just as wonderful and helpful as she was when she helped me get fitted for a wig after my chemo was complete in 2011. Cathy is so very thoughtful when it comes to patients going through chemotherapy. The Headquarters Salon & Wig Store is located in San Marcos on Twin Oaks Valley Road. You can find their full address on their website.
A little pic of me in my new wig.
I’d also like to add, since wigs can be rather costly for certain individuals such as myself, Cathy and her son Tim have put together a non-profit foundation called Feel Great Look Great Foundation, Inc. If you are a cancer patient and have hair loss from your treatment but have been discouraged by the cost of a wig due to a tight financial situation I suggest contacting Cathy and her son Tim to see if they can help you at 760-744-2911. Their foundation is based upon wanting to give women the gift of feeling good about themselves while going through chemotherapy. The Feel Great Look Great Foundation, Inc. made a generous contribution towards my wig which I am super thankful for. They helped me purchase a beautiful wig at an affordable price for my current situation. If you are a cancer patient searching for help with hair loss in San Diego, Cathy is an excellent person to consult with, and could possibly help you get into a wig that is just the right fit.
I always want to help where I can especially to those who are cancer patients. I hope this post has been helpful and informative!
being PINK 