Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Operation fuck kancer: Bald on my terms


Here's me in my bald glory. I may have not won the genetic lottery as far as cancer goes, but I did luck out with a well-shapen head. We didn't go shiny bald, as I've started chemo and my skin is already feeling pretty sensitive, but we got pretty darn close.

A huge thank you to my hairdresser, Sherry, and today's entourage - George Smeltzer, Bret Taylor and Patti Catroppa. After the big shave, hubby, friends and I headed for Granville Island, where I purchased a new cap at Edie Hats. The breeze feels pretty awesome on my head, but it can get cold, so I thought a new hat was in order.

Why I cut it off

A few people asked me after my last post if I was certain I wanted to go this route, and I gave them an emphatic yes. Enough of my life is now beyond my control because of breast cancer. I can control my hair. And if what little I have left doesn't fall out, it will grow back.

I met Sherry, a fellow warrior who has beaten cancer to a pulp, early in my diagnosis. She cut my hair shortly after my surgery and mentioned that if I found out I was going to lose my hair, she'd be happy to shave it for me.

I pretty much decided then that I would rather be spared the experience of waking up with my hair detached like some sort of dead animal on my pillow. She was the first person I called when I found out I had to do chemo.

Sweet liberation

As a woman, my hair has certainly played a role in my life. Cutting, growing, dying, braiding, curling, perming, flat-ironing. I worried this morning that I might cry when it was shaved off, thinking of what I was losing. Instead, I felt liberated. When it comes back, I will be healthy. And I will be a new me.

18 comments:

  1. You rock. That's it, that's all I can say, because I have tears in my eyes from the beauty of this post.

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  2. I know you've walked the walk, Diane, and your feedback means a lot to me. Thank you.

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  3. Captain Lori,
    You've always been inspiring, and even more so now.
    I had no idea of what you were going through until I read your post in April. Thank your for sharing.
    Diane said it - You rock.
    Karen

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    1. Thanks, Karen. I was looking at the photos from the women's dragon boat race we did many years ago, wearing the super girl shirts, and your fabulous self was up front - what great memories :)

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  4. WOWZA! You look marvelous !!!

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  5. Rock and fricking roll. You are one amazing woman, with amazing family and friends. Love you!

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    1. Love you too, my friend - it's all of you, family and friends, who are getting me through this. And for that, I thank you!

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  6. Bella! You're looking like the gorgeous warrior you are. Love the power lipstick ;)

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    1. I think the red power lipstick really pulls it all together, Sharon - it is my go-to accessory now.

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  7. Umm...this hairstyle looks good. Like...real good. DAMN. You can really pull off the shaved head. Move over Sinead...there's a new rock star in town!

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    1. Thanks, Melissa, I'm kinda thinking I'm done with normal hair. And the wind blowing through my stubble feels pretty awesome.

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  8. Yes! You look fabulous and strong. There is something to be said about not having hair to get in your way when you're heading into battle. like how does Wonder Woman do all that flying & fighting with that mop on her head? I often wonder.

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    1. Exactly! I'm thinking she must use a lot of hairspray, like Final Net or something. Seems like an awful lot of effort to go to before battle though. I'd rather focus on battle stuff.

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  9. You look powerful! Hey, I might be going to Northern Voice. The person who started F*** Cancer is speaking. Cool! I miss you. http://2012.northernvoice.ca/using-personal-passion-build-online-community-0

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    1. I'm having a look at the Northern Voice website and I might go on June 15 - I have a wedding on the 16th. Trying to figure out what time Yael is speaking...

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  10. You look awesome! I was at the False Creek Women's Regatta this weekend watching the Breast in a Boat flower presentation and thinking of you. There were 7 or 8 teams representing breast cancer survivors and I was both cheered by the number of woman who aren't letting cancer hold them back and saddened by how many women have had to face it.

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    1. Thanks Sharon :)

      Last night, I went to an event held by rethink breast cancer (http://rethinkbreastcancer.com/) and met two women who are paddling. One said she feels stronger now than she ever did before cancer. I remember watching the rose ceremony that the breast cancer survivor teams hold at the Vancouver festival years ago and it was incredibly powerful, I just wanted to cheer for them and scream and cry at the same time.

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