The Shave!!

   I was told that my hair would start falling out in clumps 10-14 days after my first chemo treatment.  Several survivors as well as my nurse told me that it is better to just shave your head ahead of time, rather than to experience the clumps of long hair on your pillow and in the shower.  So exactly 10 days after chemo, I had it all planned.  My wonderful friend/stylist/childhood classmate volunteered to come over to my parents' house (close by) to shave my head.  This was nice because I didn't have to go into the salon where I was afraid people would be staring at me and making a big deal about it.  I also did not own sheers to just do it myself.
   So, Jessica started by cutting off my hair with scissors, then buzzing it short.  After each step I looked in the mirror so I wouldn't be totally shocked at the end result.  Originally I was excited to get it done, but then when the actual time came, I was super nervous.  When I looked in the mirror after the first step I got really scared!  I had to hide my face when I looked after the final step.  I never did cry (and still haven't), but I was definitely shocked at the final result.  I hate the way it looks, especially with no glasses and no make-up, but it's definitely quicker to get ready in the morning.
   I do have a wig, and wore it to dinner last night.  I used a skull cap under the wig, which turned out to be too tight and uncomfortable.  My Dad was not present when I got my head shaved, and only saw me right afterward with the wig on.  So, when I went to dinner with my parents and decided on the drive home I needed to take my wig off because it was hurting my head, I warned them I was taking it off, so my dad would not be shocked seeing my bald head for the first time. I was sitting in the front seat next to him.  I made sure he heard me and knew I was taking the wig off, but apparently he didn't know I was going to take it off right when I did, because he turned to look at me right after I took it off and screamed out and turned his head the other way and hid his eyes.  It was sooooo funny!  We all started laughing, but I think it was more of a laugh-so-we-don't-cry type of laughing. :)  My Dad was totally freaked out!

                                             My original hair (with my mom)
                                                                                                      

During the first stage (cut)

During the second stage (buzz)

After the shave with Jess

 

My Wig