Mom is now experiencing the most noticeable side effect of chemotherapy: hair loss. We knew that it was coming (2-3 weeks after her first treatment), but it arriving doesn't make it any easier. A chemotherapy patient can hide the side effects of fatigue, bone pain or stomach issues. However, they can't hide hair loss. I personally think that this is going to be the hardest side effect for mom to deal with. She could work through the nausea, the bone pain and fatigue, but hair loss is not something that can be worked with or worked around. Now will be the time to wear hats and scarves (once we figure out how to tie them!)
Mom started mourning losing her grey/brown/white curly short hair yesterday. It is now coming out in clumps. A person that doesn't know what she is going through might not notice it, but of course she does. I told her that it is okay to mourn her hair, it is all part of the process. This is a big thing for her, because now she will look like someone who is battling cancer and all along, she hasn't looked like that at all. She hasn't looked like she had breast cancer (but, really who does?) I told her that now she will have a badge of honor. She is battling to make sure that cancer doesn't come back. And she is going to win this battle!!
I haven't seen her yet and I won't see her until Friday morning, when she has her treatment. I already told her that she is beautiful to me no matter if she has hair or not. That is the most important thing.
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How about a hot pink wig? Or a metallic silver one? You could bring it as a joke gift if you think it would help lighten the mood. Loosing your hair has got to suck.
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Stay strong.
The hair thing does suck but its the eyebrows that are the worst part. Mine thinned out alot...and to me I looked weird. The hair thing you can cover up with hats and stuff....the eyebrow thing? Not so much.
ReplyDeleteI know a place you can get a great terrycloth character turban!! :)
ReplyDeleteSeriously though, let your mother know we are sending loads of love to her. We love her with or without her hair-- it's just nature's little accessory. She's gonna get through this... ALL of this.
*hug*
Thanks everyone! I'll pass along the suggestion of the sassy colored wigs, Adrianne! Dale-LOL on the turban! :-) I might take you up on that! Barra once again thanks for your help and insights!
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