The head shaving went very well. I was really worried that it would be a very emotional experience and actually it wasn't at all. It was fab!
My hairdresser took me upstairs to the training area of the salon so that we were on our own and I swear he must have spent 2 hours doing it! He took such good care of me....
First he cut, then he shaved and got closer and closer each time. He is so lovely - he then went out and bought a razor and foam at the local chemist and did a wet shave three times (!!!) to make sure it was as close as possible.
He then cut the wig again - it is amazing how much of a difference having no hair makes! He must have taken almost an extra inch off the fringe - he did a really great job.
I then went to see a friend who took some pictures of me as baldilocks and with wig. He is going to choose a couple and email them to me so I should be able to post them soon hopefully. I hate all photos of myself - I think I (genuinely) look rather pig like... which is unfortunate but true!
Just after I arrived home, our youngest son (Emmet - aged 9) got back from 3 days away with the school and was shocked to see me with new hair! He doesn't mind the wig too much but he hates my bald head!
I think Brendan (hubby) found my head quite shocking too. I really felt for him - I could see tears welling up in his eyes.... but he hid it well by going into the kitchen to get Emmet some ice cream. I'm yet to see Patch (Patrick - our 12 year old).
As I was remarking on how much I had got done over the last couple of days, I tossed into the conversation that when I had my little op (lumpectomy to you and me) they discovered that my veins aren't very good for taking medicine so they offered me a special thing to help me with that in future and that was what my new bandages were - I had to say something as these bandages are impossible to hide. He pretty much ignored me though as he just wanted to watch TV - perfect!! I hope Patch is as disinterested when he gets home later.
The nurses who have been dressing my wound asked if I would pop in to show them my shaved head. I popped in this afternoon - complete with wig. Both of them had a go at wearing it and they loved it! We decided we should start a club where we all buy wigs and then swap them between us..... They were so enthusiastic - it was lovely. I must say - even though it has really only been half a day, I am really happy I have done this and I'm really happy with my wig!
I am really looking forward to getting started with chemo on Monday.... I'm expecting nothing of myself initially - I'm just going to see how I go and do what I feel able to.
Brendan is coming with me as I've been told not to drive immediately afterwards - it will be his first visit to the Cancer Centre so hopefully it will be a good one.
I'll let you know how I get on.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Noj x
FormerMember
Well... he may be a smart kid but.... I picked him up from his friend's house (complete with wig) and he just grinned at me.
When he got in the car I asked what he thought and he said he loved it!
When we got home I asked if he wanted to see my bald head and he was shocked because he just thought I'd had my hair done!!!!!
Muppet!!!!
Anyway - he thinks it is fun because without hair he looks even closer to being the same height as me but they both agree that they want me to wear the wig when we go out together.... and I agree!!!!
They are both happy with the explanation of the port bandage and again I have told the truth throughout!!! Woohoo!!!!
Well done you!! I think you are extremely brave and I admire what you have done today. I'm thinking of doing the same but i'm so worried about it. I go in hospital a week Monday (15th June) for a stem cell transplant and will have high dose chemo on the 2nd day and have been told I will lose my hair...so I got organised and got my wig on Tuesday this week. I have been contemplating shaving my hair off and going in with my wig and some turbans/headscarfs because I am dreading losing it and especially in hospital. I'm going to be in there for about 3 weeks. You sound really happy about it which is making me think that it can't be so bad...I think it's better than going through the upsetting process of it falling out. I plan on reading your blog over and over to inspire me to do it....i'll let you know what happens!!
It's great that your children took it so well, mine have too, they keep telling me to shave my hair off so I can get my wig cut again so it fits better....I think I may listen to them for once!! lol!!
Good luck to you for Monday, hope you get on ok, shall be thinking of you.
Thanks for puting your blog on, it's certainly given me some encouragement.
I am glad i am not the only one that felt better once the hair was gone. Mine started falling out 2 weeks after my first chemo. When i came home from the second chemo i had bald patches everywhere which stressed me right out. My brother came over that night and shaved it all off for me. He was more nervous than me but bless him he done it for me.
I love it, i can either wear my bandanas or my wig, my choice. I just look at it, at the end of the treatment the hair will grow back thicker and better than before.
The funny side of shaving your head in advance - as us girls would be a little less familiar with - is the rate at which your hair grows back - WOW!!!
Is anyone old enough to remember the childrens game of fuzzy felt - where you had a fuzzy board and could stick felt shapes on jus by placing them??? Well.... that is what my head is like now!
Also - just two days after I had it done I was cleansing my face with a wipe and, as I had been applying moisturiser to my scalp, I gave that a wipe too.... only to find that most of the wipe got stuck in the bristles and so needed a really good wash to get it all out! I even think some fluff from the towel was left behind after drying!
LOL!!!! I'm sure this will resolve itself in a couple of weeks but I will laugh if it turns out I'm one of the ones that would not have lost my hair!!!
