Losing My Hair To Radiation

I never thought I would lose my hair to radiation therapy. I always had thick, shiny, brown hair that I loved to style and show off. But when I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, everything changed. Here is my story of how I coped with hair loss and found a new way to love myself.

The Diagnosis

It all started with a headache. A persistent, throbbing headache that wouldn't go away no matter what I did. I tried painkillers, massages, meditation, but nothing helped. I went to see my doctor, who ordered some tests and scans. That's when I got the news: I had a brain tumor.

I was shocked and scared. How could this happen to me? I was only 35 years old, healthy and active. I had a loving husband and two kids who needed me. I had a career that I enjoyed and a lot of dreams to pursue. I couldn't believe that I had cancer.

My doctor explained that the tumor was malignant and aggressive. It needed to be removed as soon as possible, followed by radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells. He said that radiation therapy would have some side effects, including hair loss.

The Treatment

I agreed to the treatment plan without hesitation. I wanted to live and beat this disease. I underwent surgery to remove the tumor, which was successful. Then I started radiation therapy, which involved going to the hospital every day for six weeks and wearing a mask that covered my head and face while a machine delivered beams of radiation to my brain.

The radiation therapy was not painful, but it was exhausting. I felt tired, nauseous, and weak all the time. I also noticed that my hair started to fall out. At first, it was just a few strands on my pillow or in the shower. Then it became clumps and patches. Within a month, I had lost all my hair on my scalp.

The Coping

I hated looking at myself in the mirror. I felt like a stranger, a freak, a monster. I felt like I had lost a part of myself, a part of my identity. I felt ugly and unattractive. I felt ashamed and embarrassed.

I tried to cover up my baldness with wigs, hats, scarves, and turbans. But none of them felt comfortable or natural. They were itchy, hot, and fake. They made me feel even more self-conscious and insecure.

I also tried to hide my feelings from my family and friends. I didn't want them to see me cry or pity me. I wanted them to treat me normally and cheerfully. But they could sense that something was wrong. They could see the sadness in my eyes and the fake smile on my lips.

One day, my husband came home with a surprise for me. He had shaved his head too. He said he wanted to show his support and solidarity with me. He said he loved me no matter what I looked like. He said he thought I was beautiful and brave.

That's when I broke down and sobbed. He hugged me and kissed me and told me everything would be okay. He made me feel loved and accepted. He made me feel hopeful and grateful.

The Growth

After six weeks of radiation therapy, I was done with the treatment. My doctor said that the tumor was gone and that I had a good chance of recovery. He also said that my hair would grow back eventually, but it might take some time.

I decided to stop wearing wigs and head coverings. I decided to embrace my baldness and show it to the world. I decided to be proud of myself and what I had gone through.

I also decided to try something new: red light therapy. Red light therapy is a treatment that uses low-level laser or LED light to stimulate the hair follicles and increase their energy production. It is safe, painless, and effective for hair growth.

I bought a red light therapy cap online and started using it at home. It was easy and convenient to use: I just wore it for 15 minutes a day, three times a week. Within four months, I noticed that my hair was growing back: finer, softer, lighter than before.

The Conclusion

Today, I have a full head of hair again: curly, blonde, gorgeous. It is different from my original hair, but I love it anyway. It is a symbol of my new life: a life that is full of hope, joy, and gratitude.

I am happy and healthy again: cancer-free and confident. I have learned to appreciate every moment and every person in my life: my husband, who stood by me through thick and thin; my kids, who gave me strength and motivation; my friends, who supported me and cheered me up.

I have also learned to love myself: my body, my mind, my spirit. I have learned to accept myself as I am: imperfect, but beautiful. I have learned to embrace myself as I am: bald, but brave.

I hope that my story can inspire and help others who are going through hair loss due to radiation therapy or any other reason. You are not alone in this journey. You are not defined by your hair. You are more than your hair. You are amazing and wonderful. You are a survivor and a warrior. You are a star that shines bright.