I was at my hairdresser's today getting a hair cut. I have known her for many years so she knows various events that have happened to me over that time.
In my head, I was wondering how to tell her...Did she already know or do I need to structure my announcement to prepare her? Well, she made it easy. Right from the start she let me know that she knew. That relieved the tension for me and then we just started talking about it. I was open to share anything that she had questions to. At one point while I was having my eyebrows waxed, I asked her if she wanted to feel the lump. She jumped at the opportunity because she just wanted to know what it felt like. It was a change for her to feel something like that and maybe help her understand what to look for when she does her own self-exams. It didn't bother me a bit. Disclaimer...I know that all lumps are not the same and does not mean the same results would happen; I just understand the curiosity of it.
So I am letting my LADY friends know that if you are just as curious to feel it, just ask. Sorry guys, the offer does not extend to you. :)
I too am very good friends with my hair stylist, isn't it funny how that happens. I've been going to the same person for 22 years. She came to my house and we had a bald is beautiful party where I invited only my closest friends. My youngest son, who was equipped with all of my stylist clippers, scissors and apron, shaved my head. My stylist was by his side the whole time just incase! We made it a fun afternoon! I must say there are a lot of advantages of having your hair buzzed (before it falls out) especially the amount of time it takes to get ready! :)
ReplyDeleteCherri, thank you for sharing this. I love the idea of your Bald is Beautiful party. Sounds like you had wonderful support around you as well.
ReplyDeleteI try not to go there yet until I know more, but I do think about it every so often, OK, quite a bit about that possibility just to prepare myself. Sounds scary to me.
and you may not need to go there. You will know more after you meet with your surgeon and also after the surgery . You will find out the type, the grade of the tumor etc.... and that will determine if you need additional "stuff" like chemo and radiation. Sometimes surgery is all you need! The hardest part is just not knowing! Once you know you can kind of plan for it but the not knowing is what scared me!!! Anyway, I love reading your blog. I bet it is very therapeutic! I kept a medical journal with all the notes from the doctor etc...I had my cancer doc write everything down...everything and I kept ALL of my lab work. I just asked for copies of everything just in case I needed it for anything. Then I made the mistake, when I changed doctors, of reading my file from my cancer doc and boone hosp. cover to cover. I should have made copies before I gave it to my new doc, but after I read it I was ready to get rid of it and not see it again for a while!!!! :) Best wishes this next week, I know you are waiting for next Thursday to get here soon!
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