We aren't a big nickname sort of family, but my parents have their pet names that they use for us on occasion. My mom has always affectionately referred to my sister as "Goldilocks" and to me as "Rapunzel" since we were both very young. She adored our long tresses and it wasn't until my teens that I was even allowed to have my hair cut above my shoulders. In fact, I'm surprised my sister and I have bangs in this picture! (Side note: my mom is a fantastic seamstress - pretty sure those t-shirts in the photo are homemade!) Well, one of the effects of radiation is hair loss. I'm not exactly feeling the part of Rapunzel these days. It's not as bad as it could be, but it is unnerving and an unwelcome visual reminder of all the junk my body is going through. I am actually one of the lucky ones. My chemotherapy treatment consists of taking an expensive pill - Temodar - just before I go to sleep each night. It comes with its own host of side effects, but hair loss generally is not one of them. On the other hand, my radiation therapy involves carefully targeting concentrated photon beams at what doctors refer to as the "tumor bed" which is located in the right frontal lobe of my brain - just above my right ear behind my hairline. Over time, the radiation that is killing the leftover cancer and tumor cells also kills my hair follicles. I was told it would effect my short term memory as well, but you'll have to consult with my hubby on that one, because I'm sure I'll deny any lapses in memory... Official explanation directly from ABTA.org: "Radiation (also called x-rays, gamma rays, or photons) either kills tumor cells directly or interferes with their ability to grow. Radiation affects both normal cells and tumor cells. However, following standard doses of radiation, healthy cells repair themselves more quickly and completely than tumor cells. As the radiation treatments continue, an increasing number of tumor cells die. The tumor shrinks and the dead cells are broken down and disposed of by the immune system." I first noticed significant clumps of hair coming out 2 weeks into my treatment on our campout at Zion National Park, where I was lucky enough to have a hotel room and shower. The hair loss has been consistent ever since and it has been almost 3 weeks of constant hair loss. Now for some photos: Typical daily hair loss in the shower and out, the first week's damage, my current baldness 2 weeks later (and bonus peek at my scar), and a regular ol' selfie showing my nifty comb-over technique. I can finally thank my mom for passing gone her curly, frizzy hair to me! It gives me a little volume and a way to hide my bare scalp. Don't get me wrong - I'm not ashamed of my battle scars. But it's nice when people aren't focused on my looks. It is refreshing when the conversation doesn't revolve around my condition all the time. There is a time a place for instant pity, but I'm not keen on being constantly pitied, you know?
I am not my cancer. I am so much more than that. And my mom has assured me I will always be her Rapunzel, no matter what!
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December 2020
About MeMy name is Andrea. I'm a Mormon mom in my 40's and I am fighting a rare type of brain cancer: Anaplastic Astrocytoma. |