Before my lymphoma days, I was a total wild card with my hair. I used to volunteer myself to model for new hairstylists and get my hair cut or colored quite often. Even after my diagnosis, my hair was not my biggest concern, mainly because I had hope that it would not fall out.
But as my second chemo approached, my hair began lightly to shed on my pillows while I slept. By the time my fourth chemo session rolled around, I saw significant thinning. My 10th chemo session arrived, and finally, it was time to shave my head.
People react differently to hair loss caused by chemo. For example, there are those who, unlike me, want to shave their hair off before cancer has the chance to gain any sort of control. But I wanted to see what would transpire if I left chemo to do its thing.
Hair loss isn’t what I expected it to be. I created a video chronicling my hair growth journey through cancer and recovery.
Losing hair is one of the main physical indicators of major sickness. It has an impact on self-image, and it is one of the hardest things to go through.
Yes, it’s just hair. And yes, it will grow back. But it is part of identity for many, and part of bodily transformation through cancer and recovery.
It has been such a joy to watch my hair grow back because it represents my body’s healing from cancer.
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Note: Lymphoma News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Lymphoma News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to lymphoma.
