Well, the movies got one scene right…..you know where the girl is brushing her hair and then realizes a huge piece has come out? Yep….that’s how it happens. At exactly the 2 week point since starting the new chemotherapy, EMA-CO, my hair is starting to fall out. It’s more like my brush gets caught on a large tangle and instead of stopping the entire tangle keeps moving and with barely any resistance at all comes out.
My entire sink was filled with hair last night as Brett watched me brush it from the bed. He kept asking “are you okay? are you sure? how much is in the sink now?” It’s just hair. I think it may have been more traumatic for him. I told my mom this morning and she said “I know, Brett told me.” And then she asked if she could have a lock as a bookmark……I told her I’d braid her up a nice tacky one. I decided to pluck my eyebrows this morning and they seemed to come out a little easier than normal. Maybe I won’t have to shave my legs soon or get a bikini wax.
I can’t stand the idea of my hair being all over the house. I put my hair in a pony tail today. I think it’s almost time to cut it all off. I’m just holding out until I’m sure it’s all going to fall out…..because I know if I shave my head before that point it won’t fall out. Almost every chemotherapy drug they gave me said HAIR LOSS as a side effect. BUT, they all said DIARRHEA too and I’ve never been so constipated in my life…..so they were wrong on that one. I’m thinking of buying stock in an enema company.
I’m not scared of going bald. I think I’ve already let go of fear and anxiety……now I can let go of vanity. Monks shave their head as the ultimate rejection of all things material, to let go of ego and start anew. In the military it’s a rite of passage. I can look at it as a new start. I’m reducing “drag” on my journey. Plus, I think humility is the most underrated virtue.
yep its final, I love you! you are amazing and I am so grateful that God has you in the place He has, and that you have a voice to share His goodness in a less than picture perfect scenario. I am so grateful for the way your heart perceives things! So grateful! May LBB be brave as she should at her age, for I know from your previous post that this will be hard on her.
Hi Ashley! There was this story on our local news today here in Orlando Florida about a new treatment to keep hair from falling out during chemo therapy, here’s the link if you would like to check it out. It involves wearing a cold cap.
If your hair does fall out you’re going to still look GORGEOUS!!! I loved seeing Melissa Ethridge’s bald head when she went through chemo, it made her look sexy, strong and a survivor. I was almost disappointed when it grew back in. LOL
Keep choosing Joy! You’ve inspired me to do the same.
xoxo, Jacque 🙂
wow… such a cheerful spirit!
my friend had cancer due to a molar pregnancy. she came to a point of not being able to keep her hair. we (her friends) threw her a hat party. we all gave her fun hats or scarves and enjoyed some food. then at the end her sister shaved her hair off. it was sad, but fun at the same time.
I can’t find the words to say whats in my heart, but you amaze me!
I agree with you. As I was reading this it broke my heart but jsut the fact that you wrote about it to share with others. Praying for you.
Not a day goes by when I read this and don’t come away with inspiration. My thoughts are with you and your family…XO
First of all Ashley you are amazingly beautiful. I say you can rock the look of hair or no hair. The other thing is your hair is so beautiful and long right now. Maybe if your going to lose it anyway you could cut if first and send to Locks of Love. That hair would be beautiful on a little girl in need of a wig. Good luck girl friend.
You are simply amazing….
You maybe one of the bravest woman that I know…well that I don’t actually know.LOL!!!
You Go Girl!!!!
Way to represent.
It’s been ten years since I was treated for lymphoma. Hair loss was not fun–good-bye natural blonde. But I’m here to talk about it. So bring on the highlighting appointments.
Continue to kick butt.
You are a very pretty woman…plus I think scarves and turbans are kind of chic. I think you’d look good! Your constant sunny-ness inspires me! Thank you
Thank you for sharing your chemo experience. Your spirit shines through in these posts. Boo is so lucky to have such an incredible woman as a mother. Go Ashley!!
I love your attitude. You are so brave. You make me want to be brave too. Thank you!!!!
Your outlook is inspirational. 🙂 Just think of all the cool scarves and hats you can rock with a bald head.
PS: My mom had chemo too and lost her leg hair and underarm hair but not her eyebrows and lashes. She said it was such a bonus not having to shave for over a year! 🙂
I agree with cutting it all off before it starts falling out in more clumps. I’ve seen some chemo patients (women) that hold out and they end up with bald patches before they decide to finally shave it. And what a mess!! Ugh. I shed enough as it is, I couldn’t imagine how awful it would be going through chemo.
Once your hair returns don’t be surprised if its completely different – like really curly or coarse if it used to be straight and silky.
Time to make some great hats, maybe?! 😀
You have such an amazing attitude. Praying for you.
Girl! You need to use miralax!!! It works! If it makes you feel any better I lose hair like that everyday when brushing and blowdrying. I don’t know how I have any left? My hair is curly and I blowdry it straight. I just love how strong you are! It will always grow back!
Oh Ash your one of the most beautiful people I know inside and out. I have Alopecia aka very very fine, very very thin hair and have to tell myself each day as I try to hide it that it’s ‘just hair’, that it doesn’t define who I am and that I have my health.
This story did make me feel a little more confident and beautiful even without a full head of hair… http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20457920,00.html Hugs!
Youre amazing.
You’re amazing.
Its amazing the way you reason things out. Its a gift I must say. So now you can start making cute beanies or hats for you and Boo. I know they will be adorable as everything you make is ..
Blessings, Gweny
We are all going through breast cancer with my SIL and she just shaved her head two weeks ago…so in support all our male family members shaved theirs as well…needless to say, she looked the best and the boys were all whinning about being cold. It truly does bring humility about..hang in there!!!
We are going on our fourth family memeber with cancer in five years…and still fighting tooth and nail!!!
BIG HUGS <3
You rock, you monk wannabe! Don’t you want to go to a bob before you shave it? Stay positive and strong. You’re brilliant!
Yep you rock, I am touched by your honesty and complete baring of your feeling to all of us. I am keeping you in my prayers.
Ashley, as always, you are amazing! You are such a strong woman (I think I’ve said that 100x), but wow! You are truly inspiring…
You are so incredibly strong, beautiful and amazing. I had goosebumps reading the last paragraph. I’ve told you before, and I’ll tell you again, you are such an inspiration to me. XXXX
I lost my hair years ago when I had really bad mono (bizarre I know!). I’ll never forget the moment I realised it was coming out – I was squeezing the water out of it after a shower and the pony tail just came away in my hand! I got it cut really short and I think because it wasn’t as heavy and didn’t get tangled so much it helped it stay for a bit.
Might be worth going for a short cut for a few weeks til you see if much is going to come out and then going for the shave. Less of a shock for Boo too.
You are right though being hairless is a very liberating experience.
Take Care x
Your hair (or lack of) does not define you, but it is the strength of your spirit & the way that you live (your choice of joy) that shines your light upon this world & into our hearts! <3, hugs & blessings!!
Can’t wait to see what you come up with for headwear!
Ashley, you are a true inspiration!
Dearest Ashley:) You are such a wonderful person:) I’ve never met you, but the struggles you are going through are so human and too familiar. May God guide you through this darker part of your journey and bless you and your family. May He give your hearts strength. I say a little prayer for you guys every time I see your FB posts. By the way, I wanted to shave my head on numerous occasions. I have a type of dermatitis that, when it flares up, covers my scalp in huge red blotches that ooze and itch. Pretty gross. And every time it happens I think it would be just so much easier to apply medication if I was bold:) I could totally see my hubby fainting at that sight though:D
You are so brave! My mom had to go through chemo seven years ago and I shaved her head. She felt so liberated afterwards and her hair grew in with beautiful, soft curls. Sending positive thoughts your way!
Love your attitude! You go girl!!
Ashley, your attitude continues to amaze me! You will look beautiful bald. No doubt about it!
Get it girl! PS love your purple nail polish!!
I would suggest not shaving your head to soon. Mine started falling out and I shaved it down to a stubble then as soon as I did that it stopped falling out. I wish I would have held out a little longer because I think it would have looked good in a short hair cut. The chemo I am on now does not cause hair loss but my hair is thinning out. Constipation is something I am struggling with as well. I find if I eat several prunes throughout the day it helps. Also I juice every day. I do half a beet, 5 carrots, 1 celery stalk and 1 apple. Doesn’t taste great but it will keep you regular!
You are beautiful with hair and will be beautiful without. Journey on mama!
If/when you lose all of your hair and are bald…girlfriend, you will rock it! Of that I am certain. Just keep hanging in there. We’re all praying and sending you nothing but good wishes and thoughts.
You are simply amazing!!!!!!
Again you inspire me with your strength and perspective.
You leave me speechless and full of admiration when I read your post. I am truly inspired by your words. I say go with a short haircut first and ease it in so Boo is not overly shocked. I love how you always find something positive in the things you are going through.
As always prayers from Texas.
Angie
Was there ever a daring hairstyle you always wanted to try?? Now might be the time! Mohawk??
praise God for this opportunity to grow in humility and lead others along with you.
…Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it…
I started reading your blog a long time ago because I loved all the awesome articles, tutorials etc. but now, I read it because you inspire me. I’m not sure how I would handle any of what you’re going through, I’m not really sure if i’m brave enough or have enough courage. But seeing that you are, and that you do, really stuns me. I only hope that if i were confronted with this situation in the future, or heck, even tomorrow, i would be able to handle it with all the class nad humility that you have, not to mention POSITIVITY! (sp?) you have a heart of gold and it shows. Keep pushing on, you are going to make it through all this!
do something fun for a few days before shaving it– like dying it bright pink! One good thing about shaving it all off is less hair to fine around the house.
sending good thoughts your way
Can’t say it enough….you’re amazing!
I say we ALL shave our heads! I remember how hot Demi Moore looked in GI Jane. Last August my mom had emergency surgery due to 2 blood clots in her brain. Needles to say, they shaved her right side of her head. I told her that I would shave my head so she wouldn’t feel alone. I would do it for her or anyone else that would ask me…what are daughters and good friends for?
Have you thought of cutting/shaving your head and having a wig made out of it for yourself? It would be your hair and maybe that would be easier for Boo to handle. Just a thought.
I’m cheering & praying for you in Chicago Ashley!
Ashley, you’re so strong! I don’t think I could handle it.. and your sense of humor and wisdom is so much more than I could possibly fathom.. I hate that you are going through all that, but you should know how much you inspire me if only to be thankful for what I have rather than give in to the, really, insipid complaints of everyday life.. I’ll never be as accomplished as you in writing or sewing or anything else you do, but at the very least I can live my life in a way that people will notice positivity and I can credit you for it.. God really works through amazing people and you are one of them!
You are so Strong!!!!!
And you should totally let your mama keep a locket of your hair!!!
Thank you,
You are so brave, I’m so sorry you are dealing with this, so sorry
What an inspiration you are! I can hope I would be as strong. Thank you again for sharing this part of your life!
I agree with you re: humility. How often are we (or do we allow ourselves to be) truly humbled? You are wise to embrace the opportunity & are teaching so many of us to do the same by example. Bless your wee heart. xoxo
Choose joy – what an example you are to so many. The constipation is probably from your anti-nausea meds. I had to take zofran and that was the worst side effect. I used milk of magnesia and benefiber to help. Praying for you and your family. 🙂
AMEN to your humility statement! Beautiful Ashley, you will come out of this even stronger. Thinking and praying for you and your family!
You have such amazing courage! Continuing to pray for you and your family!!
I don’t know what to say you. Sorry. Let me give you a hug.
Love your attitude. I think you should put all of your posts together…write a book and call it “Choose Joy.” You are a huge inspiration for all.
I think this is a great idea!!
You could try a fun short cut before you take it all off… You will rock the scarves and beanies though. However, silky scarves fly off hairless heads — so try something with cotton if there’s not even stubble. I know that one from experience! 🙂 Sending love your way!
You rock!
Just so you know, any time I have seen a woman (or man but it’s always a bit harder to tell with a man) that is bald due to chemo, I think “wow, that is one strong person–a fighter!”. I see it as beautiful strength. That’s what you have, bald or not. Just know a lot of us are out there that see a cancer fighter for what they are, a fighter, and you get our respect. Hair has nothing to do with the feelings of deep respect 🙂
Thank you for putting yourself out there. What I remember about the day my hair fell out was it was the day I really realized I was sick.. Like you I was always the youngest in the chemo suite by at least 20 years.. I remember those stares and sad looks!! You words Choose Joy are really spreading and it is amazing!!!!!
OH — and Miralax can work wonders. It holds moisture in your colon. I’ve had to use it with my daughter since she was 2. Something to consider!
Wow, you just continue to inspire me every single day!! You are truly amazing and I do believe that God has a plan for you to touch the lives of many. I pray for you daily and I also pray that God would make me more like you! 🙂
XO
Aimee
YOu are my hero! Your courage and perspective is not only amazing but inspiring. I fuss about lesser things. And for me, my hair is a big deal (probably because being the “chubby” girl growing up, my self esteem boosts came from the often comment ” you have beautiful hair”. But you are totally right. Hair doesn’t make you beautiful, you make you beautiful! And right now, you’re the most gorgeous woman on the planet!!!! Humility is a virtue I want to have. You’ve made me want to be better. Thank you for that. Always keeping you in my prayers! ♥
To say that your outlook and words are inspiring and encouraging is an understatement! I hope that your treatment goes well!! <3
Got teary eyed….your mom asking for a lock of hair 🙁 You are stronger and braver than I think I could ever be.
YOU GO GIRL!!
I had an artist once tell me that the most beautiful thing about a nude model was her confidence, that it made them easier to paint and photograph. That a beautiful woman with out it was just a shell, and a sad vacant one at that. When one of my patients began to lose her hair to treatment-she said finally her butterfly was allowed to emerge. She looked at it as a metamorphis, that she wasn’t going to know who she was until she was put to the test, then the real her would emerge. You’re in good company, stron women usually are. It’s our tribe!
Love you, Ashley!
Just wow – once again you’re showing such strength. Attitude is everything. CHOOSE JOY! xo
I wish I could give ya a big old hug from Kentucky girl 😉 Many prayers to you…your strength is truely inspiring. 🙂
You just amaze me. You should get a tattoo on your head. My girlfriend wanted one her entire life…and then the cancer diagnosis came and she saw a great opportunity to shave her head. She had a dove put smack dab on the middle on her head the size of an apple. When her hair grew back, you could not see it anymore, but we always remember that fun afternoon at the tattoo shop. Maybe you should get “Choose Joy” on yours;)
XOXO,
Kristina
Yes! Yes! Ashley, humility is my favorite virtue & humble is my favorite characteristic in a person. You are a shining star lady! Hang in there!
Pray for you daily. I barely know you but you seem to have such a beautiful heart. Your outlook is inspiring.
there are no words to express the admiration I have for you. You might be tired of hearing that, but it’s true. And while it might be weird to feel so admired by people you don’t know (its like being a celebrity!), I hope you don’t feel pressured by it. It’s fine for you to freak out once in awhile, but you clearly have a resolve and faith that very few people have. Your outlook is refreshing, and has become a constant influence in my life though we don’t know each other. I wore my bracelet today as I was getting my mammogram and sonogram and just kept thinking no matter what the outcome, I am choosing joy too. In the good times and the tough times. May God continue to bless you with courage, humor, and grace (with or without hair!!) Your influence is positively changing many, many lives, what an amazing life purpose!!
Ashley – THANK YOU – My journey will begin on Thursday with my Aunt that has in-operable pancreatic and liver cancer–the past year has been a blur with surgery and then remission and then more tests. My Aunt is as close to me as my own mother, and I hope that we will face this journey with just even a small fraction of your grace and attitude. THANK YOU for inspiring us to CHOOSE JOY.
Been there But I must say I cried like a baby!! You are a trooper!!!
stumbled on this…will be praying for you…
I shaved my moms head before all her hair came out…it’s less traumatic that way especially with a child. And then you feel somewhat in control of the situation ! Sending positive vibes your way ! Can’t wait to get my Choose Joy bracelets
Miralax will work wonders for the constipation. My Father and Mother-in-Law just finished up with their treatment and they both swear by it. If there is a walmart nearby they have it in the Equate brand for loads cheaper. My Mother-in-Law also went with a pixie cut. She had it for a week or so and then was able to shave the rest off. Maybe that would help with the being grossed out by it. I cleaned for her and it was much easier to clean up the short hairs. Hugs. You are AMAZING.
I can’t help but love you when I read your posts!
I have had friends who have said that losing their hair was more traumatic than losing their breasts (to breast cancer, obviously), so your outlook is amazing in my eyes. I know we are not given challenges that are too difficult for us. We are given certain challenges in order to refine us in the Maker’s eyes. You are an inspiration to so many, and while I’m not struggling with cancer or losing my hair at the moment, you are an inspiration to me – just think how much this must mean to those other readers who are dealing with losing this piece of their identity! And by the way, if anyone is going to be able to rock bald, I’m pretty sure it’s you!
You are so strong! Your hair will come back better than ever, just like you!
I was at my friend’s house the day we shaved her head (she was tired of eating her own hair as it fell out into her food,) and it was quite an amazing experience. She was so ready for it by then, I think that she was almost excited to have it over with. My super hair obsessed 6 year old daughter was there with us, and I was a little worried about how she was going to feel about everything, and it was like she didn’t even blink; she didn’t stare, didn’t think it was weird, and the only question she had was whether or not Courtney’s head felt smooth or fuzzy (and she was quite happy to pet her head to find out.)
When My friend passed away about 6 months later, my daughter came to me with her pink princess Polly Pocket. (My friend fought breast cancer 3 different times over 10 years, so pink was very near and dear to her.) My daughter had pried the hair off of the silicone doll, and she was a bald princess in a pink dress Named Courtney after my friend, and my daughter said “Isn’t she BEAUTIFUL?”
I know that although it is hard for your Boo right now, remember that you are changing her definition of beauty with everything you do, she might not understand it right away, but either now or later she will understand that you are the most beautiful person with or without hair, and she will love you more than she even thinks possible because of it.
My daughter had pried the hair off of the silicone doll, and she was a bald princess in a pink dress Named Courtney after my friend, and my daughter said “Isn’t she BEAUTIFUL?”
^ You have me crying. 🙂
You are amazing! I wish I could be that positive and brave. I would hope if I was ever put into your situation that I could be as strong as you!
I’m inspired.
Ashley I continue to be inspired by your vibrant attitude and optimism. You truly are amazing and such a beautiful person. I know you are going through a great deal, as is your family and I continue to pray for you all! Best wishes to you in the New Year! You are a fighter and it seems God will not give you more than you can handle. May He grant you infinite blessings, good health and continued love and happiness! Love to you and your family!
Oh, I’m a nurse and work with constipation issues a lot. Warm prune juice is one of the best things for it. Praying for you.
Keep up the faith! Your positive attitude is awesome. I’m a pharmacist and I second the recommendation from another commenter for Miralax. It’s OTC and works well w/o any harsh effects. Keep smiling!
I don’t know why but when I lost my hair during chemo, I didn’t have to pluck my eyebrows, wax my lip, or shave my armpits, but I did have to shave my legs! Doctors said the leg hair would continue to grow……isn’t that odd? I don’t know how long your chemo treatments will last, but new hair will continually grow in. I loved when my hair grew back in enough that I kept rubbing my head. It was so fuzzy 🙂 Sending my prayers to you & keep smiling!!
You are an amazing woman! You are an inspiration, you have an amazing outlook.
Your positive attitude is amazing! 🙂
Hair or no hair, you are gorgeous inside and out. Thinking of you!
I think you’re going to look amazing bald.
You, my friend, are famzing. I decided a long time ago that when I got cancer (as I know I one day will), I’d throw a “Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow” party. First I would color it all of the colors someone my age shouldn’t. Then I’d get the haircut I’ve always been scared to try out of fear of losing my lovely locks. In the end, I envision myself with a big smile and rainbow colored liberty spikes. Then, as a final act of defiance and victory I’d shave it all off while yelling, “SEMPRE FI”. Of course there would be food, fun, friends, and free haircuts for whoever was up for it as well.
You just keep choosing joy! If you can rock those fancy spandex pants you can rock anything!
And thanks for sharing your journey with us, lots of people are cheering you on!
The hair was the most annoying daily thing to me. Mine fell out in a nice even way. So I just cut my hair pixie short and didn’t shave it. Saoirse’s came in clumps, and she was eating it all the time, so we buzzed hers right down. She thought it was funny – giggled when she rubbed it. the mess everywhere was annoying, but I had already been having nursing fall out, so we were already in a “kezia’s hair is all over the house” routine.
As for the constipation, don’t let it get ahead of you! I felt ten times worse if I was constipated. I used senacot (well, generic). Two on chemo days before bed, one the following two to three days before bed. Made a huge difference in nausea too. Beet juice works too if you drink within 15 minutes of juicing (I love my juicer). Will turn everything red though, so don’t think you’re hemorrhaging. (I do half a raw beet with a whole pear.)
I wish I were more like you!
I love your positive attitude.
I thought I’d share one of my favorite quotes with you today by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross:
The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people DO NOT just happen.
When I was going through my bout of illness I was reminded of my grandma use to say all of the time. “your body houses your soul”, and it’s true…..so very, very true.
lots of love and light Ashley.
Tu es absolument fantastique… Merveilleuse!
Merci pour tout cet espoir!
You will always be beautiful, no matter what, bc of the amazing spirit inside you.
This is going to sound mean and a little ego centric, but I am so excited that you are losing your hair. Not because I want you to loose it, but because I don’t have hair and probably won’t unless there is some miracle hair growth that my docs have not yet tried. You are SOOOO creative and I rarely wear wigs so I cannot wait to see what great things that you come up with to do to your head.
Your story is so inspiring. One of my best friends is going through Chemo and loss and side effects but is also experiencing being hospitalized due to complications. Reading your blog helps me understand how she is feeling from another perspective
I pray that all of this crappy stuff is for the best for both of you.
Here’s to an awesome 2012!
Drink chia seed for constapation! They sell it in whole foods and maybe trader joes. Drink half a bottle and you will go! But dont drink more then half a bottle a day, Ofelse you will get diahriah!
I think you should let Boo cut it 🙂 Honestly, they find joy in cutting Barbies hair so much that letting her play barber would be an absolute awesome memory for you both. I’d LOVE to let the girls go to town on my hair with some scissors….I’m sure it’d be amazing.
XO Ahsley
This is the first time I’ve ever left a message on someone’s website. I happened to come by your blog the week that your father died, and was so impressed with your positive attitude, faith AND your creativity. You’ve been in my thoughts and prayers ever since. Please remember during the bad days that you have changed lives–one blog entry at a time. Thank you for your honesty and courage.
Wow. You are such an inspiration to so many! To be able to tackle such difficult events with so much grace. You are amazing! Praying for you & your family daily.
You are such an amazing women!! Truly an inspiration!!!
You are one Hell of a lady. Im going to share your blog with a close friend who just found out on Dec 29th she has stomach cancer. It breaks my heart for you both but she is a strong fiesty Texas girl. I will continue to pray for you both. How is Boo?
My friend at work, she is like our residential mom – she was known for her extremely long red hair. When she went through Chemo, it was hard on her but she is a bit of a spitfire. When she shaved her head, she was determined not to hide it – she walked around the entire building with another friend to say hi to all of her friends and show off he new shaved head. It touched my heart and I was tempted to shave my head with her to show support. Unfortunately, my head has weird rolls and divets so it would not have been that cute. Now here hair is growing back in as red as ever and she is doing well. I see you have a bit of that spit fire in your too and I wish you all the love and healing in the world. <3
I want to say thank you. I’m having trouble with heart problems at the moment and it has knocked the wind out of my sales a bit lately. I do my best to stay positive and fight on and your story and your attitude has been so helpful. Every new post is a reminder to me to stay strong and look at the bright side. I have found when things get tough, I hear some of your words that have resinated with me and i pick myself up, change my thoughts and keep going. So thank you.
Love your attitude girlie….as for hair…it’s totally overrated and way too much work. I wish bald would become the only way to go, think of how much easier our day would be! Besides, I’d much rather loose my hair then my eyes or ears. Stay strong and hang in there…better times are in your near future! XO
You will just have to design some cute hat patterns! Thoughts and prayers are with you.
You are AWESOME!!!! You are beautiful no matter if you lose your hair or not! We love you very much.
You are beyond amazing…..BEYOND! XOXOXO
With your spirit and attitude, you will look gorgeous with or without the hair. You impress me.
ashley. big hugs and love to you. and like commenter marshall says, “enjoy your new found freedom!” you are so brave!
You are an amazing and strong woman! You have an inspiring attitude. Thank you for sharing your story with us! Good luck during the future weeks and months of your struggle.
Ashley, whether you have long locks, a patchy scalp, or go completely bald, your beauty radiates because the majority of it comes from within.~hugs~
Team Ashley!!
Before I lost all my hair from chemo for leukemia (6 years ago!) my friends and I had a hair dyeing party. We all died our hair outrageous neon colors. It was such fun. Then a few days later we had a ceremonial head shaving party (I was the only one to have my head shaved). It was wonderful. Like a rite of passage. And I have to say that I loved being bald. I wore hats when my head got cold, but other than that I never wore anything on my head. It was so liberating.
I admire your attitude. It will take you far. Go for the bald look. You’ll love it!
So it has begun. Enjoy your new found freedom. I’ve heard it’s exhilarating and freeing to go bald. I know it won’t always be easy, but you have the right attitude. I know I say this almost every time I post, but thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. You truly are an inspiration.
You’ll still be gorgeous! Maybe you can get a wig from Kim of Real Housewives of Atlanta, ha! I would love to see that!! 🙂
Ashley;
I cut three locks of my hair and tied it in ribbons for myself, and my daughters. Sounds silly, but I just wanted to do it. I guess I was wondering whether it would ever come back. Eyebrows and eyelashes were much harder for me but they also come back sooner.
Speaking of harder, constipation was the worst part of chemo for me. Drink lots of green tea or take 2 green tea capsules every night. Also ask your doctor for a prescription for Ducolax. Who needs that crap, literally and figuratively…
Hope I’m not sounding too crass but it is what it is.
Heather
How do you do it? How do you stay so positive? I know it is God and His grace,but wow! You are an amazing lady Ashley! I hope you can feel the love and prayers we are sending your way!
Hugs to you
You are amazing! I love how you always look on the brightside!!
Wait.. what? That doesn’t look like much to me. I shed that much daily (i wash every other day and on wash days, I shed even more) and I’m not going through chemo. Don’t shave it just yet. Will be praying for you and Boo.. and for Mr. LBB since it’s so tough when you don’t know what to do to help. Thanks for helping me to Choose Joy!
And by the way you are BEAUTIFUL! I read your other post, you can skip the makeup any day!
You amaze me! You are such an inspiration! I personally have not been through what you are going through but my husband is a radiation oncologist so I know a lot about treatments and side effects. I have had numerous friends go through chemo and radiation. You are such a beautiful person inside and out! You and your family are in my prayers.
I was dreading this post… I’m sorry about the hair loss and about the whole miserable C-thing….but if anyone can rock bald, it most certainly will be you! And I’m betting that you will find a fun, creative way to showcase the new you. Your beauty goes far beyond your locks! Keep the faith…
My thoughts are with you! You can get through this, I know, you are strong!
I will just repeat what alot of others have said…you are simply AMAZING!! I’m in awe of your positive attitude and outlook you have….
Hair or no hair its how you carry yourself and what’s in your heart!! so you are ahead of the game! you are beautiful inside and out!! I recently cut my long hair into a pixie cut…(I know…its no comparison to what you are going through)…but I feel that my hair doesn’t define who I am anymore….I’ve gotten more confident wearing eyeshadow and bigger earrings that I would have never worn before and just living it up….its a new kind of freedom.
May God continue to enlighten you with his grace and mercy and continue to give you the strength, energy and positive light so that you can fight and win this battle!!
warm hugs from Florida. 😀
Sending you so much love and light the world might see a power outage..
I look for your e mail every day. Your strength in this journey, is remarkable. You give Everyone Hope. You, are touching So Many Hearts, with your account of this journey. You have chosen to share it ALL with us, how SPECIAL you ARE in SO MANY WAYS. I Pray that God will give you and your Family the strength you all need to get through these most Stressful days. God Bless.
You are so strong and uplifting. I hope that I never have to go through what you are going through, but I hope that if I do I can be like you.
You are truly a beautiful person inside and out and you inspire me …. who needs hair, it only means taking longer to get ready in the morning 🙂
Keep thinking positive and at this time next year you will be putting braids back in that hair, AND you will be healthy!
You have beautiful hair, but honestly you just have one faces that could totally pull off a bald head and look gorgeous!
You are one the strongest people I know! You certainly inspired me ,and I have made my moto for 2012 choose joy!
My sister had ovarian cancer at 13 years old and lost all her hair. The up side was her hair grew back thicker and prettier. The doctors told her to eat lots of peanuts or peanut butter because nuts make your hair grow faster. Not sure if it’s true but figured I would pass the info on just in case. Thanks for keeping us all up to date. i love reading your blog & knowing what is going on. I do know this, no matter what hair or no hair you will still be gorgeous both inside & out 😉
xoxox
It is awful to lose your hair. It’s an outward sign of your illness. But, it also means that the chemo is WORKING! When I began losing mine, I didn’t wash it or comb it for days, knowing that when I did it would come out.
I bought a wig and began to wear it. I was always worried that it would be on crooked, so my girls (ages 13 and 14) devised a code sentence. It my wig was askew one would say, “The squirrel has left the nest.” You gotta laugh, what else are you going to do?
The “squirrel” is still under the bathroom sink fifteen years later! I’m superstitious that way.
Good luck, I’m thinking of you.
Susan
p.s. Be very careful about bumping your bald head. Apparently hair acts as an early warning system to warn that you are about to hit something. I really cracked my head a couple of times!
this post gives me teary eyes..
you’re so strong and I hope people around you will be able to get through this hard situation. Just like you are.
Much love
You are beautiful with or without hair…Your beauty shines from within, you are an amazing soul. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
You amaze me with your strength and your positive attitude!
You. Are. Amazing.
Ashley, the most wonderful thing about your blog and the fact you are sharing your
experiences with cancer and chemotherapy is that you have so many of us adding
our prayers and support.
I am sure that all these prayers will lift you and your family.
Remember, your battle with cancer belongs to the Lord, so when things are tough,
let go and let him take over.
I hope if you need anything that you will write it in your blog. You touch many lives
and “pay it forward,” so never forget to share your needs too.
Hey Ashley,
Isn’t it weird when the doc says, ” Your hair will start to fall out on day 14″ …
Really? Day 14? And sure enough …
As soon as my hair made an appearance on the kitchen counter, Holly (Dannelly) & I each got a beer, headed to the patio with an electric razor & laughed while she shaved my head. It was strangely funny & liberating.
When I first met you in Winston I thought, “Wow, this girl is amazing … smart, talented, creative, fun, down to earth, a great friend to Holly … &, apparently, does not sleep”! But for now take time to rest when you need to & remember that we are all sending much love your way. Bunny Dannelly
Personally….I think that you will rock the bald look!! You are so crafty that I am expecting a painted head every week with different decorations!! Maybe a turban craft corner, bring the seventy’s bedroom look back…you are amazing and I am sure will take this in stride as you have everything else in the past months! You inspire me to be a better person and to me that has never happened!! So thank you for being you and rock it!!
Prayers, lots of hope and god wishes are coming from me to you! I think that your positive attitude and realistic way of dealing with what you are going through is amazing. You are my hero!
Amazing doesn’t even begin to define your spirit…choosing joy is a pretty powerful state of mind!
Ashley, your hair isn’t what makes you beautiful. You are absolutely gorgeous inside and out.
Hugs,
Laura
I meant good wishes but we got know that God is in everything!
xo. I’m so sorry to hear about your hair. It is hard to let go of. Great job being strong and brave- don’t forget tears are good and healing too.
p.s. try golden flaxseed meal for the constipation- it will rock your world!! 🙂
You are such an inspiration. You have such an amazing heart and spirit. My girlfriend was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer and started chemo immediately. I don’t know if it is too late or not to look into, but she used cold caps or “penguin” caps on her head during chemo and barely lost any of her hair. I was shocked to see how it worked and it is something very new. Regardless if you lose your hair or not, you will remain a true beauty.
You reached another cancer milestone – which means another step closer to getting well. Keep knocking them out, and you’ll be there in no time!
A friend told me about you and your blog a few weeks ago and so I have been following. I am going through a very similar chemo process with breast cancer. My hair is just about done falling out now. I shaved my head, like you , when I felt it was really all going to come out. Its ok though, its just hair and it will grow back. I just hope it doesn’t take too long! Your blog really is an inspiration, keep up the good work. Thank you!
You are an incredible role model for men, women and children alike! I am so proud of the way you are handling this!
You might want to check out “Power Pudding” for the constipation. I can’t get a link to post on here, but if you google it, you will find a bunch of recipes. They generally consist of equal parts of prune juice, bran, and applesauce. Some recipes also have cool whip. You just take 1T twice a day. I learned about it in a nursing journal many years ago. I am continuing to pray for you and your family. You are amazing!
You got that right Hair Shmare… Remember Gi Jane….We all wanted to be just like her! I have psoriasis and a big mole on my head so I am reading this thinking I bet she has a pretty head. ..I mean you are beautiful, so I bet your head is squeaky clean! 🙂 I continue to pray for your healing!
I read your blog all the time but have never commented. I want you to know that I am truly inspired by your strength, courage & honesty!!! What a gift this blog is to others going through cancer!!!! You are a beautiful soul inside and out!!!!
Amanda 🙂
A prayer for you, Ashley…
Heavenly Father,
You alone are in control of our lives. You see the big picture, Lord, and you know the plans you have for us. God, you tell us in your Word that you are our hope, our strength, a strong tower, and a MIGHTY God. Jesus, I want to lift Ashley, her husband and daughter up to you now. Father, I pray that you would give them strength in the days, weeks, and months to come as they work together toward remission. I ask that you would give Ashley a peace that surpasses understanding. I thank you already for the spirit of optimism, hope, and laughter that you have given her. I ask as she begins to experience the physical manifestations of this chemotherapy that you would give her courage as she is daily stared at, questioned, and observed. Use this experience as an opportunity for her to learn new things about You and Your love for her that she may have never considered otherwise. I ask, Lord, as she goes through the weeks to come that Your love and presence would be so evident in her life that others would be drawn to you through her. Give her the joy that comes with being your child. I ask these things in the powerful, living, and holy name of your son, Jesus Christ.
Amen
<3 you, sister!
I love you and your bravery Ashley! The other day I was brushing my hair and thinking about how much I loved it. It is long and beautiful! Then I thought about you and others going through what you are. It hit me that there are little girls out there who would give anything to have long beautiful hair like mine. So I have decided to cut off my hair and donate it to Locks of Love. To me it is just hair but to someone else it could be their chance to be beautiful.
My niece is a breast cancer survivor she has beautiful hair- always- blond envy :). When she shaved hers , she wore a wig for a while, hats for a while, but the most beautiful look was her natural head. My sister and I would greet her with a kiss to that bald head and rejoice that there is medicine that is harsh enough to kiss cancer butt! But also, it is okay to kind of mourn or be afraid of this change. Life sucks sometimes and you, have shown all of of how to choose JOY and stand like a giant and shake your fist at the monster! I continue to pray for you and am encouraged by your strength. Hugs
I’ve followed your blog for quite a while now and I’ve been in awe of your talent, energy and generosity. I’ll be with you every day thinking of you and supporting you.
Someone already mentioned this but here’s some more info on the cold cap in case it’s of interest…
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40718154/ns/health-womens_health/t/cold-caps-may-help-cancer-patients-keep-their-hair/#.TwOphpjyGao
http://www.thebaldtruth.com/hair-loss/penguin-cold-cap-put-freeze-on-chemotherapy-hair-loss/
Hi Ashley, I really admire your attitude as you go through this season in your life. I went through cancer several years ago, so I recognize some of the cancer terms you mention and the meds you are taking. Your blog is bringing back a lot of memories to me. It will be 5 years this March that I was declared cancer-free…whoop! This will make you stronger, although you seem pretty strong already. Anyway, please know that I pray for you and your family. Keep up your good spirits. If possible, pass along an address where I can send you a booklet that someone gave to me when I went through cancer.
I’ve been reading your blog for quite some time now but never commented about you and your cancer. Not sure why not or what I’m even about to type but I felt some pull in your direction when you wrote how humility is the most underrated virtue. Wow, you really are awe inspiring. I love your outlook on this. It can’t be an easy rode you are traveling through but you are sure managing it with wit and calmness that I can only hope if God were to choose this same path I would hold my hair falling out head high like you!
Prayers and hugs to you on this journey!
Megan
You simply amaze me every day. I wait to see what you have posted for the day. My heart goes out to you and your family. I think and pray for you daily. God has a plan, he always does. We just don’t always understand them. I know he is using this to help others. You are an awesome person and you are sharing everything. YOU ARE going to BEAT this UP!!! My words never come out gracefully, but I have truly been touched by you and I am trying to CHOOSE JOY daily. My new moto!
XOXO
You are soooo okay! It will grow back and you are so beautiful , you don’t need it as a beauty prop ! Hang in there, at least you know the meds are working. it will be okay
The other day I read and commented on your posts about your Dad. Maybe I missed it, but I did not pick up on the fact that you are also battling cancer. Maybe you did not have cancer diagnosed at the time of your father’s death. In any event, I know you are facing much struggle and pain. But you seem to be working through it all with a very courageous spirit – and I so admire you for your courage.
I cannot speak to the loss of hair feelings, having never experienced that. But to me, you show courage and strength in your thoughts. You inspire me to be better. And it is clear to me that your Dad is with you, and is very proud of you.
Thank you, Ashley, for sharing yourself with all of us.
Patricia
You are handling this with incredible grace and letting the glory to God shine through you. You have an awesome way of putting things into such great perspective. You will definately be the most beautiful bald woman EVER!
I agree with previous posts…I cannot wait to see what you come up with for headwear.
Again, you are an inspiration & thank you for sharing your life with us.
I am new to following LBB so I had no idea. Just know that although we (your followers) may not know you personally, we are all sending loving, healing thoughts your way! Now you will have some new projects to work on too! Fun head coverings!
I stumbled onto your blog tonight. I must say I have been playing the pity party card for a few months now. And well your post tonight but a lot of things in preceptive for me. Actually I am ashamed at my pity party. I will pray for you and your family. It seems like you have this thing whipped. You will beat it..
You are absolutely amazing.
You are an awesome person! Such a positive attitude about all you’ve been through. I know God is walking beside you through all this. Just know that hair or no hair, we all wish we were the beautiful person that you are…inside and out.
Oh friend I’m sorry!! ;( you will be a beautiful bald woman!!! An flax seed worked wonders for me when I had ankle surgery and was Soo Soo constipated from all the mess. Put 2 tablespoons ground flax seed in a coffee mug and then add boiling water and honey. It turns into a smoothie like texture. It works so well!!! Big hugs!
Thank you Ashely. It seems every time I start getting anxiety attacks about this, you come up with words of wisdom and inspiration that calms me down. Port is going in on Friday then let the games begin!
Hugs – nothing but good thoughts for you.
You are amazing, strong and beautiful!! Thank u for letting us all walk beside you through this… I think about all the time and wish the world for u!!!
I went through two rounds of methotrexate after I had my partial molar pregnancy this past summer. I remember the other lady’s getting treatment talking to each other about how their heads got really itchy if they didn’t just shave it all off. Hopefully you won’t get itchy. I’m sure you’ll be beautiful bald! Thanks so much for sharing your journey with the world! I remember searching the web for others stories when I was going through my miscarriage and treatment, there is not a lot out there. BTW I was totally constipated too for the first time ever after treatment. NOT FUN. Anyways, your an inspiration! I hope your treatments go well and you are cancer free soon!
Jen
Ashley – As usual, thank you for sharing so much of yourself. I often find myself laughing and crying reading each post. I always come away being thankful for my health and our shared faith. Your readers have some amazing ideas! I hope others will benefit from your posts and the thoughtfulness of your readers.
Praying for your complete recovery! xoxo
You are truly an inspiration! You and your family are in my prayers!
Humility is the most under-rated virtue!!!!!!! Perfectly said! We don’t need all the material things the world tells us we need to make ourselves feel more valuable or look a certain way to attract the wrong kind of attention! Its so liberating to truly be able to get to this point! This is the #1 thing I have always loved about you, Ash, and you have always been such a wonderful role model to me growing up! I love that when we are together we can just genuinely laugh at ourselves! PS…Can I have a book mark too!!! hehe
Love you Ashley.
xoxoxoxoox
Jen
Oh Ashley-great job on being so brave and fearless and humble. I’m so sure that this is making such a difference in overcoming the cancer. You will make it past this and grow your hair back, even more beautiful than it is now. You have so many people praying for you and rooting for you-keep your positive attitude and keep fighting through this.
I know someone that just found out that she has breast cancer, and she is scared and overwhelmed-I am going to show her your blog in the hopes that your positive attitude and the support everyone is giving you will help her. I hope you’re feeling better soon. You and your family are in my prayers.
oh Ashley, i just started reading your blog recently, but i think the world of you. You are so amazing and are just one one of the bravest people i have met. I pray for you and your family cause a family friend of ours who is fighting breast cancer told me recently that cancer really does affect the whole family. Her husband esp. was just a mess. With the right attitude that you have and all your supporters of this blog, you are going to beat this. i must say i was alittle afraid to read here when i first followed (alot of my own fears coming out), but you have such a way of putting others at ease, even in the midst of your own suffering, that i want to follow and cheer you on. You go girl 😉
Dear Ashley..I have prayed for you and you are always in my thoughts…now it is tme for a confession… I being the strait married girl that I am think that you are one of the hottest chicks I know…bald whatever..still hot..you are so lucky that your beauty shines from the inside out…we are here for you…still praying daily
Honey, I just love you. My sister went through chemo and radiation when she had lung cancer. She too lost her hair just as you described it. I am happy to say she beat her cancer and is in her second year of remission and her hair is almost the way she wants it. I hope knowing you have all these people praying for you and rooting for you gives you some strength for the journey you are going through. I wish I could give you a real hug *hug*
Hi Ashley,
My hair started coming out on day 11 and every time I touched it I felt like it was all going to come out. I decided to get my head shaved that day and thought I would look bald, but in reality you will look like Demi Moore in GI Jane. You still have color on your scalp and eventually you will lose that too, but initially you don’t look “bald”. Also, you will find that you need a cap for bed time because your head will get cold. I didn’t realize how much heat my hair held in until I didn’t have any. A good friend crocheted me a cute little pink night cap and it worked great! The beautician took pics as she shaved and it wasn’t bad at all. You will do fine. Praying every day!!
I think humility is everything. i think Heavenly Father gives us all the chance to learn it:) What an inspiring woman you are!
You are incredibly strong! It really amazes me. Your outlook will definitely help in your healing.
Plus, you have a gorgeous face to make up for the loss of hair.
J O Y
O J O Y
Y O J O Y
Y O
Y
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
I guess you can look at it as losing your hair is part of getting better? Your strength is amazing, I’m sure that I would fall to pieces if I was in your shoes. xx
Should we shave it off together? You make everything cool! Hell I decorated for Christmas in November only cause you did. :). Let’s all go bald. You have so many followers if everyone shaved, we’d all fit in… choose Joy!
“tank tu” – Myka (for the shirt, she wears it as soon as its clean) she is working on a special tank tu card for you guys!
Well Ashley, all I can say is I love you:) you brighten my day with every post! Keep up your positive attitude and you can do anything!
Ps. I think you’re going to be a totally hot bald chic<3
Cousin Ashley….you are truely one amazing woman! You are right, it is only hair. I remember when my mom lost her hair, and it when it was growing back in…soft peach fuzz, and I don’t know if your mom remembers our cousin Tommy, but he always for as long as I could remember him had white hair, but when he lost it after his chemo treatments it grew back in brown. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers…oxoxo
Cousin Vicki
Bless you… I bought your Choose Joy bracelets and they came the other day.. I am so thankful for them. 🙂
Hey Ashley:) I had to comment on the hair as well. I know mom (Bunny) told you her story earlier in the posts above. She, much like you, is a major clean freak. So hair everywhere was not going to fly. It started falling out & she said let’s do it. Walking out to our patio with clippers & beer in hand I think made both of us feel like we actually had control over something that had taken control of all our lives (without our permission). Who knew you could laugh & have so much fun shaving all your hair off (granted I got to shave & keep mine). Next step- cute, warm hats you get to don this winter;). Sending lots of love your way!
Holly Dannelly Finch
I just found your blog and I am so touched by your love and courage. Your story about your dad was incredibly moving. I’m choosing joy and praying for you!
I am truly amazed by your spirit. I can only hope when faced with a challenge, I can have the optimistic outlook that you have! You are blessed, as are you friends, family, and all of your blog followers! You are an amazing inspiration!!!
You have the most amazing attitude! Your beauty definitely shows from the inside in addition to your outer beauty. You are going to look fabulous no matter what happens. Keep kickin’ butt!
When my first day my hair started falling out in clumps from chemo, a couple of my friends came over and we had a hair cutting party. She did several different cuts getting shorter each time so I could see what it would look like as it was growing back. In the end we just shaved me bald. It was freeing and so much better than watching it come out in huge pieces in the shower. One thing that was kind of funny, the whole time I was bald I shampooed by bald head every day anyway, I guess it made me feel sort of normal.
I’m rooting for you!!!!!!!
You are so creative that I am excited to see what kind of head wear you will come with it! You are so beautiful that I know you are going to look amazing! You rock!
ashley, you don’t know me but thankfully because of lilblueboo i know and follow you on a daily basis. i have so enjoyed your creative talent and projects and now your inspiring ability to share your journey with grace, humor and such a giving spirit. i am truly in awe.
i thought you might get a laugh out of my ‘shaving of head’ story…..
when my dear friend was battling breast cancer at the age of 38 i didn’t know what to do at that very moment to support her besides impulsively shaving my own head (i let me kids to the honor). she hadn’t lost her hair yet but i wanted to support her by shaving mine off first. i didn’t tell her about it but when i walked into her house my very witty and sarcastic friend blurted out, ” you are such an idiot!” “what were you thinking?!” and the last but best line?….”don’t pin this on me!! this is the ONLY thing you have never done to your hair!!” we had a great belly laugh and only her innocent neighbors standing by looked on in horror at her “mock angry” and “oh-so-sarcastic” exchange. anyway, i’ll never forget how hard we laughed then and now and i don’t ever regret shaving my head. it’s easy for me to say it was liberating shaving my head but i know it’s not the same as being sick and having no choice. oh, and my dear, wickedly sarcastic friend, who at the time had a big battle ahead of her is now fully recovered and has been cancer free for 5+ years and has never been healthier than she is today.
i look forward to your uber-creative and oh-so-chic projects you come up with to fashionably rock your beautiful head!
you are in my prayers and i’m willing to bet you have quite a few admirers in ‘high places’ that are in your corner!
when i pass out your ‘choose joy’ bracelets to my clients and tell them about you that’s one way i’m spreading the love baby!
you truly make the world a better place 🙂
It’s very hard to see your hair fall out. I had major surgery last year and am very deficient in vitamins and am severely anemic because of it. My hair comes out in handfuls every day. I’m on the road to recovery with iron IV treatments weekly.
I feel for you 🙂
Ashley…the bravery that is bundled up in your tiny tall frame is gigantic! You always make me check myself and my attitude. You, my dear are a beautiful person…period. Hair only emphasizes that beauty, it doesn’t make you beautiful! I can’t wait to see what creations you come up with for yourself as well as for others going through this journey of chemo. Love ya and praying for you!
Beth
You are so strong and brave! PrayIng for you and your family:-)
Hey Ashley – I have been reading silently for a while. I am so moved by you, your courage, your optimism, you choice to choose joy. I hope you have an ounce of an idea as to the impact you are making on your readers. You move me daily and I check my google reader constantly to see if you have updated (and then link directly!). You are in my prayers, as is your family. Thank you for reminding me to choose joy. Everyone has a battle, but everyone has a choice as to his or her reaction. You are incredible.
Ashley,
I have never commented before, but have been reading your blog for close to two years. I LOVE your stuff, your ideas, your creativity, your photography.. and most of all, your positive and God honoring outlook on life, especially in the face of your recent “bumps” in the road.
I just wanted to say – You are beautiful and will Definitely be one of those “gorgeous even bald” women if you do lose your hair. =)
Joia
I have been following you for about a year now and you are simply amazing….inside and out!!
Your a Rock star….hair or no hair:)
Chin up! This too shall pass!
Hugs,
lots of vit C always does the trick for me and the kids to keep the plumbing running smooth. and you can have a lot of fun with mohawks, strange 80’s styles, etc if you want to before buzzing it all away. but you’ll come up with an original way to celebrate your hairloss, i’m sure 🙂 love to you, Ashley, many times over…
I was just thinking…what if you shaved it and made bookmarks and sold them to all your LBB fanatics and then donated the money to ……..???? LOL. I mean, seriously there are people that would PAY for an original Ashley hair bookmark.
Creepy…..but true. LOL!!!!!!!
(PS, I’ll skip buying the actual hair bookmark and still donate to your bookmark fund……)
Love your guts! The end!
When my ! year old grandson had cancer and went through chemo,he to lost his beautiful blonde hair….but you know what,it came BACK THICKER AND PRETTIER than it was before!!
Ashley, you are so gorgeous (inside and out) if anyone can rock the bald head look its you!!! Thank you for sharing your life with us! You’re amazing!!! Sending you love, prayers and healing thoughts!
A new reader here, mostly lurking. Wanted to throw my support in. Good for your attitude “it’s just hair”.
Hey, on the positive side…just think of all the wig magazines you can request now…or look on line…then the different hair styles and colors you can now try out…there are some sites out there that you can upload a pic, then put the different hair styles…Think of all of the fun you can have…maybe you can start your own wig business, then you can be like the blond gal on the Housewives of Atlanta…lolo
What a beautiful lady. What a brave woman. God bless you.
I was going to say that this is all the storm before a beautiful rainbow, but I am wrong……you are already there radiating your gorgeous colors for us all to see! Giving you a big virtual hug. XO
Hair or no hair – you’ll still be pretty, awesome and fabulous! xx
I had the chance to meet you at Creative Estates and you by far were one of the best speakers and genuine ladies that shared their business with us. I have been reading your journey from afar and you are a true inspiration.
You are beautiful inside and that’s where beautiful counts!
Happy New Year
From a male point of view: You’re beautiful, inside & out, with or without hair.
Your strength and beauty amaze me!!!!
Greetings from Hamburg, Germany!
So, are you going to go brazenly bald like Gail Porter (UK celeb, google her), shockingly fun like Samantha on Sex and the City in her pink tumbling curls, or cutely Mia Farrow cropped like Kylie Minogue?
hugs
Claire Bear
What a brave woman… hold on!!
Without hair the focus will shift to your beautiful bright eyes and wonderful smile. Give them a chance for some praise! And it’s fun to wear great earings when there’s no hair in the way. I’ve donated 12 inches of hair 4 times now leaving less than an inch on my head each time. I know our circumstances are different but it’ll be OK. It will grow back and when you first do it your head will feel so much lighter! It’s oddly freeing. Stay strong. Prayers from WI.
God bless you as you go through all this. My husband has a non-Hodgkins Lymphoma which after 9 sessions of chemo (2+ yrs ago) has been able to “treat” with natural means. What he does will help anyone with cancer (it’s nothing he sells, you can get it either over the internet or at your local health food store). He just wants to help everyone who can benefit from his experience and knowledge. By the way, he’s 74 yrs old and still works full-time.
I think your attitude is amazing. You are truly choosing joy in the face of the worst.
I think you will be simply gorgeous without hair. It is always harder on the family, in my opinion. Watching and wondering how tormented you really are. I can see the newest LilBlueBoo fade coming in… Take care and prayers go out for you.
Make bald the new black, right Ashley? 🙂 Hair is an accessory that you’ll only be without for a short while. When you see your head in the mirror, make it your reminder that you’re kicking cancer’s tail to the curb. When others see you, they will be inspired by your courage and strength, not shocked at your beautiful baldness. And don’t be afraid of what Boo will think of a hairless Mom. Children are capable of looking past things that most adults cannot. They are amazing little creatures and her love for you is just as fierce today as it was yesterday. Hair or no hair. Go on lady!! Praying for you 🙂
I don’t even know you but I love you.
I read this last night and didn’t comment but still can’t get you off my mind. I’ve started commenting a lot more lately. I just want you to know we are here listening, reading and being more amazed by you everyday. I know the hair loss was to be expected but I still hate you are experiencing it. I can’t really put all my thoughts into words but just know we love you and you are AMAZING!!
I agree with so many posts – we’re here listening, love you, admire you, you’re such an inspiration, truly amazing. I know in my heart you have helped so many take one more step forward. We all love you so much and we here every step of the way. God bless you!
once again you are amazing! your words are inspiring and full of strength as are you!!!! in my prayers.
I know you will look beautiful without hair as you do with it!!!
You have such a great attitude about the whole thing. My hubby’s friend’s wife had breast cancer & lost her hair. She would wear cute hats & big hoop earrings & looked very stylish.
Your positive attitude is amazing. I so admire the way you face things. Sending you love from New Zealand.
Rosie
I’m not gonna say losing my hair was any kind of fun, but dreading it happen is alot more traumatic than when it actually happens. And no shaving and an easy morning routine are definitely two pluses. 🙂
after my good friends mother burnt off my hair on purpose when i was 14 I got so depressed. ( she wanted her daughter to be the prettiest thing around)My parents were going to sue her and the people at my high school would say you used to be pretty . what happened ?i wouldnt touch my hair for 3 years or let anyone else. my hair ruled my life. my mom will tell you my hair didnt grow back. she must have used some pretty harsh chemicals. When i had my first child i lost some hair and all of those harsh feelings came back . My excuse for not having another child was i am scared to lose more hair. A few years went by it grew back and i finally got up enough nerve to go through another pregnancy and then right after pregnancy for some reason my Thyroid got out of wack and i lost more hair than the first pregnancy . I remember it was all over the shower floor when i washed my hair. My thyroid went back to normal about 4 months later and my hair started to grow back.
I remember not taking a walk with my husband on the beach right after we got married because in San Francisco the winds were so strong that day and i could see my hair flying and i just couldnt deal with it being messed up for the rest of the day . my hair ruled my life that day
I am older now 40 and watching my daughter at the same age as i was when my hair was burnt off and i still cant imagine someone else doing that to a young girl.
Hair has nothing to do with who you are and what you can accomplish. Its dead. I have missed out on a lot of things because of the trauma of losing my hair that i cant take back. Dont even think twice about the hair loss because it will grow back. Keep going , keep creating and show people hair isnt important .when i was young i was egocentric and just felt differently. Now i walk out of the house not even remembering to brush my hair and my daughter reminds me mom do something to your hair. I dont care about hair I care about life. I am praying for you.
you have the best attitude!!!!! keep it up girly!
I stumbled across your blog today because I am putting a blog together and google top best craft blogs and there you were. Then the first post I see is about your experience with chemo! As fate would have it, the only blog I have now is my cancer blog, which I made during chemo 3 years ago, and now I am well and feeling creative again searching for an outlet for all of my creative juices. My heart goes out to you, I remember that fuzzy feeling in my head when I tried to be creative during chemo and all the nasty aches and pains that took over my thoughts and good intentions for each day! Your blog is lovely and don’t underestimate the value it has for those reading it. Your journey will touch many people! God Bless you! My cancer blog is mimisinthepink.blogspot.com Just a lil fyi. I had posted a hair video of myself and my HAIR STORY! Not even sure if it is up on the blog anymore, but if it is watch it! (I am a hairdresser, losing my hair WAS an ISSUE! ) HUGS!
i’m sure this has been mentioned already, but just in case it hasn’t…miralax. you can buy it overthecounter at target. just mix it into your morning/afternoon/evening drink and it will help ‘clean’ you out. it worked wonders for my little guy years ago when he had intestional issues.
as for you hair…have a shaving or cutting your hair party! i’ve heard of those. my girlfriend went through rounds of chemo/radiation for lung cancer and ending up shaving her head bc it got too itchy loosing the hair. and then the gorgeous wigs she purchased scratched her head.
wish i knew you personally so i could give you a tight squeeze! next time i’m in palm desert and some strange momma with a swarm of littles around her approaches you with open arms…it might just be me 🙂
Ashley, as it has been said in all the other posts, you are truly amazing and an inspiriation. You lift me up. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
With your bum, who needs hair!??! 😀
In seriousness, you’re in my thoughts and prayers. I love these posts.. but can’t wait for them to be over because you’re well again. I hope you can find peace with everything, and I hope you realize how beautiful you are inside and out… hair, no hair, pink hair, blue hair… you’re pretty darn inspiring.
I would like to speak better English to be able to write this comment…
You are a true inspiration. You are always on my mind and I decided to choose JOY months ago reading your blog.
Don’t worry about your hair…I am sure you will be beautiful… and who cares about hair when there is a wonderful person smiling?
Ashley,
Quite simply – YOU are *amazing*!
(((hugs)))
Kirsty
You are beautiful Ashley. Hair or no hair. You are so right about humility. I admire your ability to give in to grace and choose joy. Allowing humility to shape your journey will surely be an avenue for God’s grace in your life. I pray for you and your family often. =)
Hair schmair! Who needs it!! How about a really cute short shag on your way to beautiful and bald? I think it would be just darling on you!! Maybe it would make it a little easier for Boo and Mr. LBB too. I will say it again, you are wise beyond your years my friend. Praying for you and yours!!
Have you seen the recent documentary, “forks over knives”? It is phenomenal. It discusses the benefits of a completely plant based diet, and it’s uses in healing cancer and heart disease. I cannot recommend it enough, I am putting my entire family on a plant based diet. Stay strong, you are such an inspiration!
1. Have you thought about clippering a message into your hair?
2. How about a new funky color? (plant based dye of course!)
3. Going short, may be a nice idea first even though you can’t stand hair everywhere… humans are lumpy, warty and hairy!
4. This could be the start of a new fashion line!
5. Cutting 10 inches now, for locks of love. Keep the rest and style, style, style.
You will make the best of the situation, you seem to act with plenty o’ grace. Thanks for sharing your experiences, I think it’s pretty awesome!
Oh… regarding the miralax advice. If that doesn’t work for you or you can’t stand it and you are tired of creatively adding “dried plums” to every meal… some very successful foods are both macadamia nuts (a handful!) andif you like them, avocado. Slice the avo’s and sprinkle seasoned or sea salt… eat 1/2 as a snack or add them to your salad. If you really like them and eat the whole avo, you’ll really have success and it won’t be violent. Both foods work are gentle. 🙂
Holy cow… I don’t even know where to start. I found a picture of you on Pinterest and that led to your blog and that led to me reading your blog and THAT lead to me reading your entire cancer adventure with huge tears in my eyes! You are SUCH an inspiration! I pray and hope and wish that if I ever encounter anything like this that I will be able to have the strength and attitude that you do. I’m so glad I found you and have been able to read this. I have been struggling lately… a lot. I had a horrible marriage… an ok divorce… but horrible divorce aftermath… great new boyfriend/soon to be husband… and a beautiful daughter. I have many, many fears that I have not been able to overcome. I struggle with horrible anxiety and worries… most worries are not even a part of my life anymore. My poor boyfriend/hubby (soon) has to deal with it and has been absolutely amazing! You have helped me tremendously!! This blog has helped me tremendously!!! I love the words Choose Joy. I find myself repeating it constantly throughout the day. I so admire you and your strength and your love for your family and friends and even your love for God. I am LDS/Mormon and can not even begin to imagine my life without God and being thankful for his blessings. I am praying for you and I pray the best for you and your family!
Hi, so sorry you are going through this. One of my best friends was diagnosed with breast cancer when we were 27 (we are now 39) and she started loosing her hair and decided right away, to shave it. Less time she said to agonize daily over the clumps coming out. So she did it, got a couple cool wigs! After a year or so of treatments ect., she is cancer free 🙂 “knock on wood”. Her hair grew back longer and thicker than ever 🙂 Stay strong and high five to your amazingly positive attitude 🙂
I had cancer as a teenager, so the hair loss was a big deal for me at first. I met a girl named Jess who was going through chemo at the same time. She used to take me shopping and one day she whipped of her wig in the middle of a store and started trying on hats. You should’ve seen the looks she got! I was mortified until she pulled mine off, kissed my head and slapped a hat on it. She told me to get over it. From then on, my wig stayed in a cupboard and I embraced the battle.
See your bald head as a symbol of your inspiring strength. Go forward and go strong girl.
You go girl! You got this!!!!
Stephanie @ All Artful
Ash, hair is only a decoration for our heads, we should all decorate our heads alittle different every once in awhile! Thanks for sharing your journey, God bless.
You are amazing.
A M A Z I N G.
I just found your blog – and this is the first post I read.
All I can say is Wow. You are amazing.
Your outlook on life is absolutely fantastic – wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all thought the way you did.
I am now off to read your ENTIRE blog. I love it.
Sending you my best with all ! You are truly inspiring !
You are amazing- just thought you should hear that 🙂
Girl…You are amazing…AND BEAUTIFUL…. My best friend lost all her hair…breast cancer….(8 years cancer free now…PTL) and I swear…she was the most beautiful bald headed…blue eyed….long tall lady……And her attitude was like yours……go change the world….rock on! God is good in All Things…it is hard to see it going through it…but when you have prospered through….you will be an inspiration for many……Prayer List – you are on it!
YOU are far more beautiful than your hair, Ashley. Sending you lots and lots of hugs and prayers,
~Varada
Hi found you around blog land wanted to say Im pray in for ya. And its easier for me to say but we are not our hair check me out… lol I think Indie Arie even sings a song “I am not my hair” Google it its so uplifting. Thanks for sharing your life with us I just lost my dad to a long term illness and he like you went through every emotion but didn’t express himself as well as you. Now I have new understanding.
Wow, a lot of comments. I don’t know if you’ll even notice mine but I have to tell you Thank You for your posts. My sister found you late last night through eighteen25 and I spent my morning reading your cancer chronicles. I just got diagnosed almost 3 weeks ago with large b cell lymphoma and had my first chemo a little over 2 weeks ago….and my hair has just started falling out. I’m also pregnant so it’s going to be an interesting few months until I have my little baby. But THank You for your attitude, particularly about losing your hair…which is a hard thing for me. I’m going to chop mine off today…I just can’t take all the hair everywhere anymore. I look forward to watching you beat your cancer as I work to beat mine!
Dear one,
I found you via an instagram of Pleated Poppy 🙂 I just wanted to come over and show some support. I want you to know I truly will be thinking of you and have been in the chemo/no hair thing…TWICE, and have come out the other end! 🙂 Life is just lovely and I treasure each and every moment. I pray for your health, be strong sweetie. And if you ever need someone who has ‘been there, done that…’ I’m your girl!
I have a section on my blog all about cancer…and here is a something I shared at relay for life last summer, here is the link to that particular post.
http://melody-mae.blogspot.com/2011/06/blessed.html
be blessed,
Melody
Every time I read one of your posts it gives me goosebumps. Your strength encourages all. YOU are totally amazing and I admire you, even though I do not know you personally. I think your positive attitude and the way you look at the world is awesome:) Positivity is so many things, basically I just felt the urge to write something today, that little voice in my head:)
You are so amazing and so encouraging! I ran into your blog today through facebook where one of my old friends made those really cute sock bunnies! Then going through your blog, wow. You are such an amazing woman and mom, and SO encouraging to so many people. You truly are a jewel!
we are with you
🙂 My Dad had cancer as well and his hair fell out with the chemo just like that. Of course it was shorter but anyway…I think it’s a good choice to shave your head 🙂 Takes some of the power away from the dis-ease and a little strength back to the one making the decision. It’s just hair. Don’t let it bother you. Just get rid of it all until it’s ready to grow again. Not a big deal! 😀
I have come to the conclusion that you are an utterly beautiful person where it counts the very most. I mean this all so genuinely, God bless you.
Just stumbled across your blog while pinteresting for things to do with broken china. 2 hrs later I’ve read a lot of your posts and am just so … awestruck at the strong and decent person you are, the wonderful child you are raising, and your outlook on life. Gonna keep reading, and praying and routing for you in a big big way! Just keep swimming, luv!
Becky, in NH