Hair today, gone tomorrow . . .

“My hair started falling out on Wednesday last week, and I . . . had my hair shaved Friday. It was not nearly as traumatic as I thought it would be, and I’m quite comfortable walking around the house bald. Who would have thought!”

These words from a friend now undergoing chemotherapy reminded me that all I ever knew about chemotherapy before being diagnosed with cancer was that it made the hair fall out. With all the trauma that comes with a cancer diagnosis, somehow this seemed the ultimate indignity. My friend, and many other women, responded much better than I did.

While I realize that she is one of many women who are beautiful bald, unfortunately I did not think I was one of them. Bad hair days had always been serious matters in my life, and no hair days just wouldn’t do during chemo, particularly in my very public job. So, early on, before my first chemo treatment, I went off in search of a wig.

To my amazement, rather than this being yet another traumatic experience, it became a new adventure -- with positive benefits. As a child I had been a towhead and, despite darkening and/or graying strands of hair, had always seen myself in my mind’s eye as a blond. This was my chance to be a blond again! Having found a shop that specialized in wigs for cancer patients, I admit I got rather carried away. Over the course of my treatment and recovery, I accumulated four wigs. Each was a slightly different shade and style, but what woman doesn’t change her hair style and color periodically? Doing my hair each morning was quick and easy. My hair was perfect. As I look back at photographs, I must admit I never looked better!

And speaking of looking better, I could have taken advantage of another resource. Did you know that among the free classes offered through the Cancer Center is one called “Look Good Feel Better”? Here you can learn makeup and hair styling techniques to help manage changes in your appearance that may occur during cancer treatment. The Cancer Center can also steer you to resources, and, in some cases, even provide wigs. I’ve watched the beautiful women who come to this class. They are kindred spirits. They share experiences. Often, I hear an explosion of laughter coming from the class.

For more information on classes and support groups, please check the Cancer Support section of the Virginia Hospital Center’s website. If you have been through this process, and would like to share your experiences, we welcome your story.