So Mad I Started a Blog
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I'm about to lose my hair.

12/27/2016

7 Comments

 
I had my first round of chemo on 12/16/16. The pharmacist talked to me for a long time during my treatment. He said the hair was non-negotiable, and it would fall out less than two weeks after the first treatment. I had already purchased an awesome wig with the help of a close friend and Lisa at LBL  in Cedar Falls. But I made the pharmacist repeat it--I will lose my hair. I could tell he wondered if I even had a plan, but I needed to hear it out loud. It’s going to fall out right around Christmas.

I’ve been trying to research what to expect, and I found a great beauty blog from someone who has permanent hair loss. She has a post called, “6 Things Not to Say to Someone Experiencing Hair Loss (and 3 Things You Definitely Should).”  If you have said some of these things to me or anyone else—no worries, we all find ourselves saying things like this thinking they might help.

A few years back, I stumbled upon a great article called, “How not to say the wrong thing.”  It’s spot on. My cancer is about me. I get the benefit of saying whatever I want about my cancer. It stinks. I’m mad. Others have to tread more lightly.

If someone has gotten any sort of bad new, please don’t use these two words back to them: At Least. “At least it will grow back.” “At least you still have X, Y or Z.” At least. Years ago when I was a teen, my mom died, and of course kids don’t know what to say. But I do remember one note: At least you still have your boyfriend. What?!? No. Just no. But they were kids just like ours--which brings me to a conversation I had with Lucy and Jude.

I asked them if it’s going to bother them when I lose my hair, and Jude said, “No, you’ll just be bald like dad.” So thank you, Chris, for forging the bald path ahead of me. You make it look pretty good, so hopefully I’ll be as lucky.

The other day I saw a note at a store that said, “Laughter is the best medicine” and I thought, unless you need chemotherapy. Then chemo is probably the best medicine.

1 chemo down. 7 to go. Then 6 weeks of daily radiation. Cancer—I’m going to kick your ass this time. I get to say that.
You don’t. :)

7 Comments
Terri Inouye
12/27/2016 01:24:46 pm

Sarah,

I can empathize with the struggle of losing your hair due to chemo.
I go back to May of 2009, when I, too, lost mine. A woman's hair is like her "crown."

What I know of you though, hair or no hair, you will still be radiant. I'm here, along with many, many others to remind you of that truth. I have seen that radiance shine through you and that will never change whether you have long hair, short hair or no hair at all.

Sarah, you ARE radiant!

Lovingly,
Terri

P.S. You'll be amazed how fast you can get ready in the morning without your hair. That's one positive. *grin

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Patty
12/27/2016 05:11:05 pm

I like what your friend wrote. "Radiant" is a word that defines you, in particular your smile!
You are in my thoughts and prayers, Sarah. My Grandma Niichel would always say, "God bless you and keep you safe." That is my wish for you.

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SHARON SADDORIS
12/27/2016 07:26:59 pm

Sarah.......just wanted to remind you that I LOVE you!

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Jan Urbanek
12/27/2016 07:49:16 pm

Sarah...when I look at you, I don't see hair. I see your beautiful smile and life shining in your eyes. I love Jude's take on this...children are so wise. You are in my prayers.

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Carrie Zimmerle
12/29/2016 07:15:02 am

Great perspective, Sarah. The hair loss thing taught me a lot of things that I didn't expect, and you might too. One time I was feeling really self conscious and a friend said the following to me: "Your beautiful bald head is a physical sign to everyone of how strong and courageous you are. You very well could be an inspiration for somebody else when they see you." I have no doubt you will radiate strength and determination as well.

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Liz Ali link
10/3/2017 08:31:46 pm

Hair loss effects most men and some women during Later part of our lives, my husband and I have both suffered. After reading comments on your blog its good to hear others comments.

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enter link
12/9/2017 12:00:58 am


This is a good post. This post gives truly quality information. I’m definitely going to look into it. Really very useful tips are provided here. Thank you so much. Keep up the good works.

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    Sarah Corkery is a mother of three, wife, friend and marketer. 

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