The Good the Bad and the Ugly ----> Look Good Feel Better!

Steve has been so diligent in reminding me I need to find out information on getting a wig.  Not just because he loves my beautiful long brown hair, but so I won't freak out when my hair starts to come out, which is inevitable.... every doctor we have visited affirms it and mentions it.  It is the most visible thing about having cancer.  And it can be so emotional having it come out in clumps.  The video from MGH had an interview with a lady that said she had it shaved so it wouldn't "beat" her and it really was the best thing that she did.  Not sure what I will do, at least get a shorter cut soon, but hmmmm shaving it?  Reminds me of a fundraiser or 2.... and actually a whole entire Relay in the Eastern Division that shaved their heads for their local Relay For Life to set a Guinness Book of World Records... (I used to hear ALL the stories being the editor of our National Relay For Life Tracking newsletter for 5 years... what fun that job was to read all the great things happening across the country).  We shall see if I can come up with something creative or have the energy...  Any ideas?  :)

In the meantime after asking each doctor.... "I am going to lose my hair right?"  thinking maybe someone will say no...  but alas, yes it is going to go and probably when I am about 3 weeks in.   So we must be prepared or yes --- Steve is right -- I will freak, as I have freaked before when I lost little patches from minor Alopecia for the first time after having Schuyler.  Yes, 2 little spots first noticed by my friend Sue Ann at a national Relay meeting and I was in tears watching my hair come out.  It has happened a few times since then but I got this great topical steroid and it comes back in.  My hair looks a little funky (magic bangs!) but I hide it well with my part.  : )  

So now the real deal, time to look for a wig and find some hats that I will wear.  I am so fortunate to have a friend that has lost her hair and is amazing how she looks in a wig.  I admire her every time I see her at National meetings, as she lives in Texas and works for the American Cancer Society.  I called her the other day to give her my news and ask for advice.  She sent me a great email the other day and I will add it to this post with her permission as it is so wonderful her thoughts, experience and humor through it all.  

We are going to the Pink Petal Boutique today, a hair salon that specializes in wigs marketing to women with breast cancer.  Cheryl Nina from Nina's salon as well as both oncologists offices  have recommended her highly.  My insurance covers one prescription for a "hair prosthesis" which I found funny, but with the cost of wigs and the cost of treatment (even with health insurance) - every little bit counts!  

I made some funny notes yesterday on the way home talking to Steve about the Pros and Cons of losing my hair so here it they are: 

Pros and Cons of Losing my Hair

We will start with the cons to get the maybe "not so positive feelings out there"...

CONS:

1. Schuyler mentioned I would be ugly -- hope that he never feels that way about his mommy... :(

2. I will not feel like "me" without my long hair

3. Took a LONG time to grow it this long!  Not knowing how long or what it will look like when it grows back! ;(

4. The bouncy pony tail in the back keeps my pace as it slaps me when I run....  :)

I am sure there are more, but I need to change my focus...

PROS:

1. Aerodynamics!  (Thanks Jonathan) - I will be faster when I run!  Less drag and less weight!

2. I will get to wear all those hats I have bought through the years that I never wear!

3. Try new scarves?  How do you wear a scarf on your head anyway?  :)

4. Learn first hand about LGFB the ACS patient service program.....  

5. I could go blonde? (Is that a good thing?  Sorry Judy... :))

6. I could go red?!  Now that sounds like fun!

7. I could raise some money for my DetermiNation and Relay For Life efforts for the American Cancer Society!  Chicago is STILL on the books and hopefully with some strength a real possibility. And YES I will be a co-team captain for our local Pack 57 ROCKS team here in Belchertown.  :)

Here is a link to my Chicago Determination Page - 

"Boston or Bust" is my team - not that anyone has joined yet, maybe Cara, Charlie and Judy will join me because I know they are signed up too.  Please leave any size donation if you are able!  More on that later.  :)

Nancy Runs Chicago!

Here is a recent picture of Steve & I as a before "hair loss" photo.  It was a champagne shoot because Cathy asked for Champagne pics.... :)  Me and my incredible caregiver!  More on him later too- he has put up with so much so far and there is so much more to come!