Brave the shave

Hi Goldfinch 77,

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June and had a mastectomy on Wednesday 31st July @ 3pm.  My way of dealing with the disease outcome and side effects, was/is that "I can't control the disease or the outcome of the treatment, but I'll be damned if I let the disease tell me when I'm going to lose my hair.  That is my choice to make and I have signed up for Brave The Shave, no I'm not trivialising  anybody's experience, but if I can raise money doing whatever I can for the charity to help other people then I will do.  I wasn't aware that the shaved hair can be donated to the Little Princess charity, so they can make wigs for children and teens, so for me this is getting me through this experience.

Sorry I wasn't soap boxing, but it has made a difference as to how I view what is happening to me and given me strength.  I have raised money by partaking in sponsored walks, obstacle courses, etc; etc, in the past, but this is right for now. 

Take care,

Daisy Doodlebug xx

I think it takes all sorts; but having had bc myself (and not needing chemo, but Letrozole thinned my hair) however, having my daughter lose her hair not once, but three times (my profile tells you more) I feel this campaign is just wrong. It trivialises the necessary treatments for cancer, and brings back memories for those who are through it, memories that are often traumatic. Quite a number of patients, having had something like the ten years of treatment that our daughter has had (and counting) have needed counselling, effectively for PTSD and survivor guilt. 

Would you advocate people using wheelchairs for several weeks to raise awareness and money for mobility charities?

Would you advocate people going around with blindfolds on for several weeks to raise awareness and money for RNIB? 

As in my mind, this is a similar scenario and I have again written to the campaign team to say so.

there is another thread devoted to this on the bc group, ‘does anyone else dislike.....’ 

hugs xxx

Hi Daisy Doodlebug,

Thank you for your response and all the best with your treatment. I understand where you're coming from and can see this as a positive step for you.  I feel uncomfortable with people who don't have cancer doing this but again maybe they have a friend/relative who does and they are showing solidarity and this is their own way of coping.

I know many with cancer do find this upsetting but we each tread our own path.

love and hugs

Janet