Enjoying my coffee with Sally and Crystal on Wednesday, I ran my fingers through my hair like I always do. Only this time, I usually came out with a strand or two of hair. Thursday, it was several hairs at a time. I called to see when Dragan could squeeze me in to shave my head. Actually, I put off calling him for a couple of hours, I wasn’t ready. But he could put me before his first appointment on this morning, which would be good for Sally to meet me and the kids wouldn’t miss much school. I took the appointment, though still wasn’t sure that I was ready. But this morning, I was ready. Just washing my hair and attempting to blow it dry to go have it cut left far more hair on the brush and the floor than I wanted to deal with. That’s just what I needed to see, it was time.
Dragan braided it and cut off the braid so that I can donate it. The kids did great, they’d wanted to come along. We had fun and not a tear was shed. Though, as Dragan prepared to start shaving, my compassionate little guy came over to love on me just in case I needed it.
Part of what made the day a success was the markers. Thanks to Ashley’s video, I thought to take along some washable markers for them to use to decorate my newly bald head. It gave them something to look forward to and they loved it!
I thought I’d be at least a little upset over the loss of my hair. But really, I’m ok with it. So far, I’ve gone out in my wig, a scarf, and even bared my bald head a little. I was completely ok with it, and so were the kids. They love to massage and pet my bald head! I was worried about their reaction, and couldn’t have been more pleased with how they’re doing. I knew that being without hair, makeup was going to be more important than ever to me. I’m so glad I took the time to do a good job, it really does feel like it made a difference. Since lots of people on facebook asked, this lipstick is my current favorite, Dubonnet by MAC. Seeing these pictures, I think a strong, bold lip will be important in the upcoming months, and I’m betting this lipstick will get a lot of use.
It shouldn’t go without saying that these images are so special to me. I worried seeing my hair fall to the floor might be hard. Mostly, I worried that I wouldn’t be able to hold it together if the kids fell to pieces. Watching Ashley’s video gave me confidence that we would do fine, and it made me realize that I wanted those special images of my own. I’m so grateful that Sally came along and captured this fun morning for us. I feel truly blessed to call this talented woman my friend.
Photography by Sally Brewer Photography
Run Lipstick Chemo 