I wrote this poem about a year after chemo, and later published an article with Coping With Cancer magazine (link below), but this is mostly a photo journal.
age 21--my preferred length |
It was part of what defined me.
Hair doesn't make a person, though,
does it?
So why do I feel as different
on the inside
as I do on the outside?
First I dyed my brown hair red
for fun, I said.
When the red hair began to fall out
I cut it short
to lessen the mess, I said.
Going.... |
Going... |
except for two stubborn strands
and I shaved them so I could feel
that bald was my choice.
It wasn't.
Gone |
Long brown curly wig,
Short red sassy wig,
Scarf topped with hat.
Before I lost eyebrows & eyelashes |
Not one hair left on me--this was the worst I felt. |
trying to figure out who I had become.
No hair yet but now in remission! |
very
very
slowly.
Marine recruits had more than I did.
Hats were still my best friends.
3 months post-remission |
and people tell me, "Cute."
But still I mourn my old hair,
and the old me.
7 months |
One year |
Two years |
Three years (goofy bangs!!!) |
Link to Coping With Cancer article
Your real hair will always be my favorite, but that red wig is a close second.
ReplyDeleteHa, ha, me too, Robert! I'm keeping that red wig in case I ever need it again, but hopefully I never will! :)
DeleteWhat a wonderful blessing to share your story with others. I've followed you from the beginning. What you have shared through the years has taught me a lot about how to react to suffering. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diana. You're a sweetheart AND you're making me blush. ((HUG))
DeleteThat was a terrific photo journal, Katy. You are so strong, and you were one gorgeous baldie! When my sis and mom were suffering the same effects of chemo, they both went the bald with a scarf route--but I have to admit, that red wig was pretty awesome, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ann! I didn't feel gorgeous when I was bald; I felt like a Galapagos tortoise. (Actually I didn't mind the "feel" of the bald head, but it was really difficult to look at myself in the mirror.) Scarves are definitely more comfortable than wigs! :)
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