by Melody Hearndon

Created on: August 19, 2011

Hair loss particularly for a woman is devastating. Our hair is our crown. We keep it groomed, well mannered, styled or whatever accolade that’s befitting. When undergoing chemotherapy, it’s no longer yours to manage. More than likely it manages you.

From that first realization that it’s thinning, or it’s lost its bounce and luster, you’re on alert and knowing its coming can’t possibly prepare you for what it feels like as it slowly betrays you and gives way to the menacing drugs that flow through your veins in an attempt to save your life.

Anger

Initially, the anger was slow moving. Because of my shock and the incredible emotions of sadness and shame (yes, shame because of possibly going bald), I had yet to embrace the other emotions that were raging through me, like a fire out of control.

All I could do was try to picture myself without hair. That’s not as easy as it sounds. A woman, who prides herself by caring for her hair, and identifying with it completely, lacks the necessary words to express adequately the fear of going and or being bald in public and or family situations. Is that vanity run amuck? Yes! It’s also human nature too.

As the tears flowed, so did the feelings of anger, sadness and shame. I found my tears to be soothing and healing all at the same time. They are the last expression on someone’s face that is either happy or sad, therefore they serve a purpose that must be embraced and defined. In the end, the decision is up to you.

Acceptance

In life, we must come to terms with what is and what is not acceptable. When it comes to hair loss and undergoing treatments of chemotherapy, what other alternative is there? You can deny, pretend, ignore, or become angry, as these are all acceptable emotions, however, in the end, the hair will fall out, and you will be the same person you’ve always been, just without hair…temporarily.

What do you mean it’s just hair? I’ve heard that for weeks now, and though I understand that friends and family mean well, they are at just as much of a loss as we are. What do you say to someone going through this? You tell them the truth!

You don’t have any idea what it must feel like, but you want to offer comfort and support. You wish they didn’t have to experience this, but you are here to offer a shoulder to cry on, whatever words of wisdom you have and no matter what…your love and support.

Action

As people, we are designed

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