It's Only Hair - Part 3

Check out the first installment of  It's Only Hair

and It's Only Hair Part II

This morning I was losing lots of hair so I decided to get it cut. I grabbed a scarf  on my way out the door and got in touch with Kristen, the cosmetology teacher, as soon as I got to school. I told her I had a "teachable moment" for her students and wondered if they would cut my hair. She was happy to do this for me and we arranged to get together at 1:00. When I got to my classroom I realized I didn't have a camera. So I called Jennifer, the journalism teacher to see if they had a camera and needed a story idea. Of course!

At 1:00 I arrived at the Tiger Salon and there was a student waiting with a typed list of questions and a camera. We chatted for a few minutes while they were getting ready for me. When I got in the chair I asked if we could brush my hair to see if it should be cut in a cute short style or cut really short (there is a difference). Lots of hair was come out. I reached up to check it myself and clumps kept appearing between my fingers. I cried. The teacher took the lead and consoled me. She then asked if I wanted to make the first cut myself, so I could be more in control. For some reason, I smiled and that was all it took. I made about 3 passes and then let the Allison take over.

This is before the cut

I cringed as I made the first buzz through my hair.

The journalism teacher held my hand. It's the first time I've ever
really talked to her. She was so nice.

Allison seemed like a pro with the clippers

I'm actually smiling at my new look!

Allison watched some You Tube Videos to prepare for
"this special client" and arranged the scarf perfectly.

I will always remember this day for many reasons. But more importantly, the students have experienced a life lesson.   I love my new look!

Read More

It's Only Hair - Part 2

So, this morning my hair started falling out! I know! Right?
Not all at once, just a few strands at a time.
When I got to school I looked up from my desk and saw this sign I have in my classroom:

I decided that I shouldn't be pouting about losing my hair. I'm lucky because it will grow back and be even more beautiful like Carol's. 

I heard from many of you today, received extra hugs because I needed them and again I counted my blessings.

At a meeting this evening my friends suggested that I try out the scarves before I need them. When I got home I decided to brush my hair to see what would happen. No surprise - it's still falling out.

So, I finally looked in the bag of scarves my sister brought over and watched some great You Tube videos on how to tie scarves.

I'm going to be fine!

Read More

It's Only Hair

Yesterday, Doc Esther asked me if I got my wig yet. I told her I wasn't going to wear one. I thought I should try to be like all the other club members, many who have told me that having no hair was liberating.

Thanksgiving - Day 6 after chemo.
Felt bad but hair looked good

It's been 11 days since my first chemo and I still have hair. I think it's getting thinner but I'm not finding clumps anywhere.

I have to be honest with you...the hair loss....it scares me the most.

I have been obsessed with my hair for my whole life. Just ask any hair stylist in Summit county who has had to deal with me. Ask my current stylist-former student- adopted daughter-Lora about that time I came to her Beauty school class for a cut and insisted on the "Diane Keaton" look from the movie Something's Gotta Give.  I would take several years worth of school photos to Lora, pleading with her, to make me look the way I use to. LOL.
My husband will tell you that for the 26 years he's known me I have never come home from a hair appointment without going straight upstairs to re-work the hair.

Soon, any day now, I won't have any hair. I'm afraid of how I will look. I won't even recognize myself.

My sister pulled off the scarf-look beautifully. And even without anything on her head she was confident. I would reach up and touch her smooth, perfectly round head, rubbing it like a Buddha belly. She bought fabric and I bought a new serger machine to make several scarves for her.

I found a bag by the front door after Thanksgiving, looked on top and saw the familiar fabric. She is passing them back to me to use.

I might chicken out and go get a wig. I'm just sayin...

Read More

Birthdays are Fun!

Time does fly!  Today was Sally's birthday .... she absolutely hates it when I bring my camera in, it's too funny ~ she can't keep her eyes open when the camera flashes.  We finally did a little "trick"

Either don't look directly at the camera

OR

 

Wear glasses....

 



 

 

 

Update on my physical self

People are telling me I'm looking great!  I do feel somewhat better.  Just incredibly tired all the time and I know I should be exercising and eating healthier.  It's coming .....

 

My headaches have been rare.  I'm thinking the new glasses did the trick.  Didn't I mention that on day one?  Got the bill from the neurologist.  I'm not too happy that my family doctor sent me to a specialist that was out of network.  I thought they knew what they were doing so I didn't question it. That bill is high and I'm not planning to go back. GEEZE!

 

Getting frequent explosions of pain in both breasts, under the arms .... will tell Doc on my appointment this coming Monday. (Dates of stuff are on my page "About Me")

 

My hair is coming in thick, dark but not curly.  So, unless that changes, it dispels that myth.

 

 

Update on my spiritual self

God is showing me so many things.  My eyes are open.  It's not about religion, it's about relationship.  A relationship with God the Father and His son Jesus Christ. AMEN :)





Read More