I pop down to the corner shop wearing a cashmere hoodie and no make-up. I pick up five copies of the Times. The owner gives me a big smile. “You look different,” he says, “what have you done?” “I’ve got no hair,” I reply. “You’ve cut your hair?” he asks. “No, it all fell out,” I answer, lifting my hoodie a fraction to show him. “Oh,” he says, “how did that happen?” “I’ve had cancer. The treatment makes your hair fall out.” I reply.
It feels odd but positive to be talking about it so casually, as if it were the weather. But it has taken a long time and a lot of blogging for me to get to the stage where I’m not ashamed to tell strangers that I’ve had cancer. One of the reasons that I started writing Chemo Chic was to try to get past a lot of the secrecy and shame that still haunts this all-too-common illness.
Back at home, I settle down with a nice cup of tea to read the Times. If I have had any qualms about sharing my situation with strangers I’d better get over it pronto. On the cover of the Weekend section there is a full-page photo of me with no hair.
If you can’t get hold of the Times, the article is also on Times Online but without Lizzie Fleetwood Hartnoll’s wonderful photographs. http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/article6876701.ece
9 comments:
What a great article in today's Times. I have also blogged about it. You can follow my blog at www.wearmyhair.blogspot.com.
Very brave and encouraging to others. My sister was too. Take care and get well soon, Joanna
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Above comment is interesting - thank you. I too have read that Vitamin D and iodine supplements can help to keep breast cancer at bay. Also there is some concern regarding dairy products, which contain high levels of hormones. Lots of love, x
I do take a vitamin D supplement. I also have been taking a regime of other supplements that were recommended by a naturopath to keep me healthy through the chemotherapy. They include: selenium; zinc; fish oils; resveratrol; milk thistle; co-enzyme Q10 and a Japanese mushroom extract called Trammune. I have to say, I have fare well with the chemo, so maybe they have done their work. As far as dairy goes, I have decreased my intake dramatically. But life would not be worth living without a cup of tea. I stick to organic milk which I believe does not have added hormones.
Yes, definitely organic milk,I go with that.What a wonderful article in The Times, I only wish I had the courage to do something similar 2 years ago. My second annual mammogram was negative last week....thank god. My daughter is now 7 and I need to see her grow up. Since my hair grew back,I've kept it really short, something I would never have had the guts to do had I not had to 'start from scratch'! Love to you all out there, together we can beat this horrible disease xx
Dear Chemo Chic
Simply wanted to say that I love your words. I'm not going to comment on which vitamins, etc., may be advisable to take or not but I do want to say, 'pleased to meet you, albeit virtually'. I straddle 2 cultures the Sicilian one as well as the British one. My grandmother and father had cancer and my baby sister is 6 years in remission from it. It's the 'family' disease, what can I tell you? In Sicily we don't even refer to it as cancer but as 'that bad illness'. I take my hat (and everything else) off to you for speaking (so fabulously) about your situation.
Keep writing.... for you, for us and for everyone. (Oh dear, I think I just sounded like Michael Jackson!!!)... Peace, love and happiness.
Betty Boop Sicula x
Great attitude, haven't read the article yet but someone I'm following on Twitter mentioned it... The pic on the cover of that section is lovely. x
Great Blog and article in the Times. I would like to draw your attention to www.boldbeanies.com.
My reaction to my battle with cancer. I started the business just a few months ago and like myself it is going from strength to strength. I will be going on my first holiday in four years tomorrow, but would welcome the chance to discuss a Chemo Chic Bold Beanie with you when I return. Kind regards, Emilienne Rebel
Emilienne, I love the beanies! Hope you have a wonderful holiday.
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