Getting ready for Chemotherapy

Monday, 16th January 2006

While I was in hopsital I was advised to get my hair cut very short to prepare myself and others for the most visible side effect of chemotherapy: hair loss. I have spoken to a lady recently who is going through chemo and she thought this was good advice. I have prepared the children for the change in my apprearance by saying that I am going to be taking very strong medicine and that this will make my hair fall out but, when the medicine stops, it will grow back.

I wondered about going to a hairdresser and worried a bit about how I would feel so in the end I asked one of the Mums from school who runs a hair salon from home. I felt better about being with someone I knew however I had never seen myself with short hair so was a little apprehensive. Frankly this is the least of my problems yet it seemed like a very big event. In the end it was fine and all credit to Yas for being so chirpy with me looking like I didn't want to be there. I was immensely relieved when it was all over and I felt fine. The reaction from family and friends has been favourable and I now feel ready for the next round.


Bryan and I went to see the oncologist on Friday. The oncologist was in good form and spoke to me a bit like Captain Mainwaring would to one of his fully trained Home Guards. " Now look here, this is the commando section, it's going to be tough but it's the Gold standard. You no longer have Breast cancer but we must not drop our defences. We have to reduce the risk of the enemy coming back so I'm going to put you on a 30 week assault course"

I wanted to jump up, salute,click my heels together and say" Yes Sir Captain Mainwaring!"