In the midst of all the drama re the cost of herceptin - see previous posting only a few minutes ago - nearly forgot: I am no longer wearing hats! Yesterday at my sister took my hat off for the afternoon, last night slept without any covering (was too cold and itchy before to do so) and today arrived at first gym and now work without a hat/cap (the doctors do not count as they are used to people with/without hair).
It is very short but fine, I think. Might post a pic later.
Last had chemo on Tuesday April 14 so it's nearly three months. And it's still micro short! But in the scheme of things, to use the radiation oncologist's words (again, see previous posting), it's ok. Ag, the hair loss was a trauma, not going to deny it.
I live in Johannesburg, South Africa, where I was diagnosed with breast cancer on Thursday January 15 2009. This is my journey with cancer and other musings as surveyed - initially temporarily hairless - from under my hats.
Showing posts with label chemo and hats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chemo and hats. Show all posts
Monday, July 6, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
a tip
A tip on how to wear a hat when your hair has fallen out. Buy an alice band (well that's what we called them, perhaps a head band, an elasticated fabric one) and wear it at the edge of your head closest to your head. Then the hat fits properly because without hair, the hat will seem too big, not filled-in enough; essentially the alice band provides bulk. Alternatively, wear a tight little cotton hat/covering/type of turban underneath it for a better fit.
Still finding hats a bit of a nuisance - they give new meaning to getting dressed in the mornings - and whip them off the minute i get home, to be replaced by a scarf, preferably silk.
Still finding hats a bit of a nuisance - they give new meaning to getting dressed in the mornings - and whip them off the minute i get home, to be replaced by a scarf, preferably silk.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
the hassle of wearing hats
Wearing hats has become such a nuisance. It makes getting dressed such an issue as have to work out my outfit around my headgear. Just had a quick thought: what am i gonna wear to work tomorrow and, oh, dear, which hat? But think I know what am going to wear. When my mom died two weeks ago, we found she had a cute little blue material hat. It was for the rain, said my sister. So going to wear that with my blue skirt.Took quite a few of my mom's clothes. My aunt popped in during one of our sessions of going through her possessions - my dad had requested we do it as soon as possible - and said if we did not take things, we would be sorry. Ironically my mom had taken one of my tshirts which she loved, a bright multi-coloured one, on my last visit to Cape Town. Now it's back with me again. Also took some jerseys and some t-shirts, some of the latter the same organic cotton ones from Woolworths which I have.
Makes me feel sick to speak of my "late mom". Makes it a reality which until I speak like this I can pretend is not real.
Makes me feel sick to speak of my "late mom". Makes it a reality which until I speak like this I can pretend is not real.
Monday, March 9, 2009
how to wear hats
http://www.tlcdirect.org/articles.aspx?art=129
Just found this brilliant site (see above) on how to wear hats if you have chemo hair loss. Wish I had read it before I went hat shopping!
Anyway, shivering here in the office. Think gonna unpack winter clothes tonight
Just found this brilliant site (see above) on how to wear hats if you have chemo hair loss. Wish I had read it before I went hat shopping!
Anyway, shivering here in the office. Think gonna unpack winter clothes tonight
Sunday, March 8, 2009
being a different person
I am a different person:
* I wear hats and now not only have to decide what to wear, but have to decide which hat/cap suits it, is different to the one I wore the day before or the last time I went to that place (or decide that does not matter);
* I eat differently so cannot merrily walk into a shop and buy food; I have to think about whether I can actually eat it/want to eat it; and also have to choose restaurants based on what I eat there rather than whether the place itself appeals;
* I feel different. I have to remind myself not to be too exuberant or, what I really mean, not to be too physically active (although today's stroll around a supermarket kinda took the cake....) and also not to stand too long - else I feel dreadfully dizzy and yuck.
None of this would be a hassle though, it's kind of an adventure, if only I did not feel sick. Don't enjoy the feeling yuck part. But having different tastes is not so bad as an interlude.
* I wear hats and now not only have to decide what to wear, but have to decide which hat/cap suits it, is different to the one I wore the day before or the last time I went to that place (or decide that does not matter);
* I eat differently so cannot merrily walk into a shop and buy food; I have to think about whether I can actually eat it/want to eat it; and also have to choose restaurants based on what I eat there rather than whether the place itself appeals;
* I feel different. I have to remind myself not to be too exuberant or, what I really mean, not to be too physically active (although today's stroll around a supermarket kinda took the cake....) and also not to stand too long - else I feel dreadfully dizzy and yuck.
None of this would be a hassle though, it's kind of an adventure, if only I did not feel sick. Don't enjoy the feeling yuck part. But having different tastes is not so bad as an interlude.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
bullshit shavathons
Yesterday was Cancer South Africa's (Cansa) Shavathon day which encourages people to shave their hair in solidarity of those who have bald heads cos of cancer. I think it's bullshit. Really. My friend wanted to go have his done - his dad is in remission - but besides being busy, I declined to go with him as I think it is total bullshit.
What does it prove?
Rather give money to a worthwhile cause like this DJ who clearly does not have medical aid and needs money to pay for his chemo:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=55582032419&ref=nf
Funnily enough, a friend of a friend at Dance Umbrella last night said: Oh I thought you had taken part in the shavathon, and could not believe it when I heard yours is for real (which really just proves that one might as well go around bald since everyone knows if you're wearing a hat anyway - although did think last night's black and white pin-striped trilby from Young Designers was pretty cool. Oh and apart from that and a few curious questions from friends I had only had internet correspondence with so far, managed to have a fab night without cancer or my hair loss being an issue, although do feel I tend to walk around less and go up to less people at functions now. Must overcome that.
On the other hand, got this broad smile of recognition from a woman at the Listeners' Library today. She clearly had no hair and not from some damn shavathon; she wore a tiny scarf. She was so excited to see me but think I merely gave a sheepish smile back. Smack!
CANSA'S SHAVATHON CAMPAIGN:
http://www.shavathon.org.za/cgi-bin/giga.cgi?c=1890
What does it prove?
Rather give money to a worthwhile cause like this DJ who clearly does not have medical aid and needs money to pay for his chemo:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=55582032419&ref=nf
Funnily enough, a friend of a friend at Dance Umbrella last night said: Oh I thought you had taken part in the shavathon, and could not believe it when I heard yours is for real (which really just proves that one might as well go around bald since everyone knows if you're wearing a hat anyway - although did think last night's black and white pin-striped trilby from Young Designers was pretty cool. Oh and apart from that and a few curious questions from friends I had only had internet correspondence with so far, managed to have a fab night without cancer or my hair loss being an issue, although do feel I tend to walk around less and go up to less people at functions now. Must overcome that.
On the other hand, got this broad smile of recognition from a woman at the Listeners' Library today. She clearly had no hair and not from some damn shavathon; she wore a tiny scarf. She was so excited to see me but think I merely gave a sheepish smile back. Smack!
CANSA'S SHAVATHON CAMPAIGN:
http://www.shavathon.org.za/cgi-bin/giga.cgi?c=1890
Thursday, March 5, 2009
mixed signals
Had a brief encounter yesterday which lingers in my mind. David, one of the employees in the office, came up to me and said: "You're looking really good these days" - or something to that effect.
I responded: "Oh I have cancer" - even as the thought crossed my mind that he was probably referring to my new habit of wearing hats.
My response was inappropriate and blunt but it was not a good day. Day three after second session of chemo and was nauseous as hell.
But it does prove the point that the Yoga Guru pointed out a few days ago and which I wrote about: that headgear in SA today is a black thing. For David, who is black, my wearing hats was attractive and I took the compliment and shoved it back harshly.
Meanwhile, went to Dance Umbrella tonight. Saw Boyzie Cekwana's piece. Intriguing, puzzling, frustrating cos of the lack of dance, but kinda haunting.
I responded: "Oh I have cancer" - even as the thought crossed my mind that he was probably referring to my new habit of wearing hats.
My response was inappropriate and blunt but it was not a good day. Day three after second session of chemo and was nauseous as hell.
But it does prove the point that the Yoga Guru pointed out a few days ago and which I wrote about: that headgear in SA today is a black thing. For David, who is black, my wearing hats was attractive and I took the compliment and shoved it back harshly.
Meanwhile, went to Dance Umbrella tonight. Saw Boyzie Cekwana's piece. Intriguing, puzzling, frustrating cos of the lack of dance, but kinda haunting.
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