Did you know that not all chemotherapy drugs cause you to lose your hair?
But for those of us who need the nasty hair removal chemotherapy, you have about two-three weeks from your first infusion before your hair begins to fall out. Like everything else in my life, I had a plan for how I would take some control of the situation.
Before starting treatment, I had shoulder-length hair. I had my hair cut into a cute pixie style before my first chemo appointment.
On day ten post-chemo, I noticed my hair was feeling dry and brittle. When I gently tugged on it, a few hairs came out. This was a strange, emotional moment for me. I took a couple of deep breaths and called my girlfriend, Jen.
Her assignment was to get our group of friends together for a party. It was a specific group of people that I like to refer to as my tribe; I had emotional connections with each person who was invited to The Buzz Party.
I chose to turn this emotional experience into a celebration, and A few days later my tribe gathered together at our home. We shared a meal together, then it was time.
We enjoyed a beautiful evening outdoors, and each member of my tribe took a turn first trimming off my hair and then buzzing my head.
I did not have a mirror to watch; however, I could see my reflection in one of the windows of the house.
I would watch my hair fall to the ground. I could see the bowling ball that now sat on my neck. I felt emotional, but it wasn’t about my hair.
I looked at each of these special people in my life, knowing that each one of them loved me; on this particular evening, the connections were stronger than ever. One friend even shaved her hair off in support.
We took so many videos and photos of that evening, and I will always remember shaving off my hair as the wonderful experience that it was.
