Gone with the Wind or How Cancer stole my Hair, but not my Resolve

June 2016   April 2018

   May 2018

In 2016, I underwent a full hysterectomy and was assured the small cancerous tumor on my uterus had be eradicated without any further treatment like radiation or chemo.

Grateful for the fantastic outcome, I was especially delighted at not having to lose my hair.

Sure, to avoid regular shaving of underarm and leg hair sounded terrific. But to bid adios to my silver mane was a step, I didn’t want to consider.

Blessed with terrific, thick and wavy follicles since childhood, many had complimented me as it changed from its original platinum blonde through the brunette years to the arrival of grey strands that first appeared in my early 30s. Even then, the new color ringed my face, causing people to think it was highlights. My hairdresser told me to tell everyone, that he and not Mother Nature, was responsible.

But by 2018, things drastically changed. A stage 4 tumor now invaded my body. Requiring both radiation and then chemotherapy, keeping my hair was not to be.

It stayed through the 10 radiation treatments, but by the second chemo session it was evident things were thinning. I cut it shorter, but it was not enough.

Running my hands across my hand made my fingers hair-covered. Clothes and pillows became covered, but the worst came the day I got into a taxi.

Opening the window to let in fresh air, the gust blew hairs from my head and onto the driver.

Thankfully, having driven me to several of my medical appointments, he knew my situation and remained fairly cool. Still, I was embarrassed and decided the time had come to deal with my pate problems.

With scissors in hand, I faced my mirrored image.