At age 29, I lost most of my hair while in treatment for aggressive breast cancer. Over five years later, and now in remission, I'm reflecting on the experience of loss and regrowth.
This writing is just beautiful. The memories associated with your hair just brought home the importance. My father underwent chemo last year for the first time. His hair is blond and vibrant and what everyone recognises about him. I distinctly remember the hair loss process, I still find it hard to verbalise even now. This is such a wonderful post. Every line gives an emotional tug. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Anna. I am so touched by your comment <3
I’m very sorry to hear about your father. How is he doing now? You’re right that hair can often be a significant aspect of what makes our appearance recognisable. As I’m sure you discovered, chemo-induced hair loss is often a very traumatic process for our loved ones to witness, too. It’s a loss of control for everyone and can be deeply upsetting. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Sending you love xx
My dad is unfortunately terminal, but we are currently on a drug which they hope will extend his life as much as possible. The hair loss was such a huge part of it all. Although after the 3rd time we got used to it. His hair has grown back now but very thick and curly whereas before it was very straight but we love his new look! Sending love xx
I’m so sorry to hear his prognosis. It’s wonderful he’s on a good treatment right now, I know how difficult that can be to find. It sounds like his new look is a win! My hair also grew back really thick, dark and curly at first. Eventually, it returned to its normal state, but it was fun for a while! Sending you love and best wishes to your dear Dad xx
“It’s just hair” is so invalidating. I’ve also recently struggled with people who are “well-meaning” and exhausted myself from sifting through the platitudes. Hair is foundational for so many! I hope you find what makes you feel “you” again soon 🫶🏻
It’s SO invalidating. Sadly, people often don’t want to hear why their statements are hurtful. I’m so sorry you’ve also been dealing with well-meaning platitudes. You’re right; it gets very exhausting, especially when it’s likely to be said by many people. My hair is long again now, and I feel much more confident because of that, although surgeries and medications have changed my body. It’s an ongoing journey!
Hi Emma. I’m sorry for what you had to handle, and at such a young age to be confronted by this. You’re brave and strong it seems to me. Well I just want to congratulate you on facing this and writing about it. Your hair was lovely. I hope you’ll come to love your new self just as you did your regular self. Cheers to you! All the best, and good health from now on!
This was beautiful - thank you for sharing and I’m sorry you’ve been through so much. I was also defined by my long hair - and my chronic illnesses has roughed it up pretty good. It definitely impacts you emotionally (and mine isn’t the same as chemo)
I wanted to say that I lost my uterus at a young age - and it can be really hard to reconcile and avoid that feeling of being “less of a woman”. If I can help in any way - feel free to reach out.
I’m glad you’re still with us and sharing your story!
“Regain trust in my body”, well said! You are so brave and beautiful! Bravo!!!
Thank you, Wen! I really appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. It means so much to me :)
This writing is just beautiful. The memories associated with your hair just brought home the importance. My father underwent chemo last year for the first time. His hair is blond and vibrant and what everyone recognises about him. I distinctly remember the hair loss process, I still find it hard to verbalise even now. This is such a wonderful post. Every line gives an emotional tug. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Anna. I am so touched by your comment <3
I’m very sorry to hear about your father. How is he doing now? You’re right that hair can often be a significant aspect of what makes our appearance recognisable. As I’m sure you discovered, chemo-induced hair loss is often a very traumatic process for our loved ones to witness, too. It’s a loss of control for everyone and can be deeply upsetting. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Sending you love xx
My dad is unfortunately terminal, but we are currently on a drug which they hope will extend his life as much as possible. The hair loss was such a huge part of it all. Although after the 3rd time we got used to it. His hair has grown back now but very thick and curly whereas before it was very straight but we love his new look! Sending love xx
I’m so sorry to hear his prognosis. It’s wonderful he’s on a good treatment right now, I know how difficult that can be to find. It sounds like his new look is a win! My hair also grew back really thick, dark and curly at first. Eventually, it returned to its normal state, but it was fun for a while! Sending you love and best wishes to your dear Dad xx
“It’s just hair” is so invalidating. I’ve also recently struggled with people who are “well-meaning” and exhausted myself from sifting through the platitudes. Hair is foundational for so many! I hope you find what makes you feel “you” again soon 🫶🏻
It’s SO invalidating. Sadly, people often don’t want to hear why their statements are hurtful. I’m so sorry you’ve also been dealing with well-meaning platitudes. You’re right; it gets very exhausting, especially when it’s likely to be said by many people. My hair is long again now, and I feel much more confident because of that, although surgeries and medications have changed my body. It’s an ongoing journey!
I hope that you feel better soon, too :)
Sending you love! xx
Hi Emma. I’m sorry for what you had to handle, and at such a young age to be confronted by this. You’re brave and strong it seems to me. Well I just want to congratulate you on facing this and writing about it. Your hair was lovely. I hope you’ll come to love your new self just as you did your regular self. Cheers to you! All the best, and good health from now on!
Thank you so much, Tony! That is so kind. I’m glad to say my hair has returned, although as a person, I’m much changed!
Wishing you all the best! :)
This was beautiful - thank you for sharing and I’m sorry you’ve been through so much. I was also defined by my long hair - and my chronic illnesses has roughed it up pretty good. It definitely impacts you emotionally (and mine isn’t the same as chemo)
I wanted to say that I lost my uterus at a young age - and it can be really hard to reconcile and avoid that feeling of being “less of a woman”. If I can help in any way - feel free to reach out.
I’m glad you’re still with us and sharing your story!