Last week, I lost my first hair. I brushed my head wit my hand and, not a clump, but half a dozen hairs lay caught between my fingers. I knew it was coming, so was interested rather than shocked (also slightly relieved that if it is coming out, I'd rather it start before I attempt the cold cap again!). I gently finger combed my scalp to find more coming out around the edges of my hair. I had visions of my hair receding all round leaving me with a tufty top. I decided to make the transition to scarves, wigs and hats by wearing a bright blue scarf/hairband effect. To my amazement, I was stopped twice in town by complete strangers to complement me on how fabulous it looked! Having been a quick brush and go girl all my life, this was a first! My cancer seems to be making me feel more feminine than less.
Meanwhile, I decided to chronicle the hair loss, by using a navy pillow at night and photographing the hairs in the morning. I find the curved patterns beautiful. We all find our own way of coping and for me, it's responding as an observer, allowing myself to remove myself from the trauma, knowing that 'this too will pass'.
