Since losing my hair it has struck me as being really unfair that no one bats an eye at those of the male gender who wander around with their heads bald as coots. Some are attractive I admit but others are frankly quite ugly. So what about us of the female gender? Well I have been ruminating about this for a while and finally decided action was needed. But would I have the courage? Initially I covered my head with a range of hats and was reluctant for family to see my pate, not because of embarrassment on my part but for fear of it upsetting them. But the hats made me flaming hot! I have a wig which I have worn once on a theatre visit and spent most of the time sitting ridgidly for fear of it slipping. My so supportive husband did get out the double sided sticky tape and offer to apply it. Needless to say I declined but having got on the bus with a driver who was determined to drive at speed through every pothole in the road until reaching the terminus I began to doubt my judgement. I have also bared all ( only the head mind you ) in governers’ meetings at friends’ houses and am quite happy to do that. Well I have recently begun to refoliate ( I hope that is a real word) I’m between peach fluff and soft felt. So if I was going to do something the time was right. The last couple of week’s I’ve been whipping the hat off when I’ve got off the bus and walking home. People’s reaction is quite strange, some smiles , one lady said hello, but the men seem to look away. But today I thought I go for the big time. Well it wasn’t really the big time, it was just a supermarket shop Sainsburys to be exact. It had been snowing a little and my hat was a bit wet. Well I did it. Got through the doorway whipped off the hat and did the shopping and then went into the café for something to eat with my bald head. And do you know after the initial trepidation it felt good! So tomorrow ,courage willing I’m going to get on the bus minus hat and I am going to shop in town minus hat And I will hold my head up with pride.
Take care all
Kathx
FormerMember
I was beginning to feel very vain and odd for not wanting to trot out and about bald. At the moment I am using a cold cap, and getting thinning hair, but my hair may all go, I know. If I do lose all of my hair, I think I would feel happier and more comfortable with myself, if I cover the baldness. So I have had a hairdresser friend trim a wig to look and feel like my own hair ( may never wear it!) , have scarves ready, keep looking out for hats and it all feels a big deal to me, not to be without hair. It is to do with feeling comfortable and self-image, so thanks Gill for saying that, as not everyone feels they want to be seen bald. Are we cowards? At the moment I like being out and about, in Asda or wherever, and feeling 'normal' as I don't have a big sign saying I have cancer. And being bald would be like wearing that big sign. Feeling 'normal' amongst strangers makes me feel good and helps me to cope,but I suppose that does mean I am trying to hide the fact I have cancer. I certainly don't want the sympathy looks or any rude comments. Anyhow, I love Gill for saying "so long as each individual is comfortable it really doesn't matter which category ( bald or not bald!) you fall into, so long as you're happy!!"
