October 31, 2008

Mirror, mirror

Shortly after the initial hair loss, I went through a short period of scalp regrowth, then it fell out again. I found this entry from my personal journal this morning. This was written 4 months after losing all my hair........

.....I wandered by the mirror today and you’ll never guess what I saw. So you guessed. I saw my reflection. Do you have to walk by a mirror to know what you look like? No. I knew when I looked into the glass that I would see a familiar face with deep blue eyes and ears that poke out a bit. A face with a small scar on the forehead that most people don’t notice; mom told me to stop itching my chicken pox.
A mirror is not needed to show me what I know is already there, but what happens when your reflection changes. Each time I walked by the mirror noticeable white skin was taking the place of my thick brown hair. By the third month, the skin was as smooth as a baby’s bald head. Maybe if I wander away from the mirror and then try a glimpse again the image that I knew would appear.

Rewind 15 years, as a child I was told that I had an immune disease that caused hair loss. The doctor said there was a potential that I could one day loose it all, but you never think worse case scenario.

For a time, walking by a mirror was needed to discover what I looked like.
My hair is slowly growing back now. Leaving me speechless by this time in my life. What I can put into words is that my mistakes this past year have been grand, and to see my heart being renewed is amazing.

October 12, 2008

Baby Hair

Teeny, tiny, itty, bitty, blonde hair is starting to pop up on my scalp. I'm very happy, but do not know if this is a sign of total regrowth. The hair is in patches and not very visible. I am still thankful that I have not used medication or injections to make my hair grow. There are so many unknowns with alopecia. Although forcing my body to grow hair through medication would be easy, the body could fight back and not receive the growth. A glimmer of hope and a prayer of patience as I wait to see how what my body does with this new growth.

October 10, 2008

Things Alopecians Like #7

Guys, This one's for you: No need for ear or nose hair grooming.

October 01, 2008

Locks of love

I approached a teenager today who had cut off her long hair. I told her the new style looked cute and she said that she donated the hair to Locks of Love. My heart warmed for this child's compassion. Locks of Love is an organization that provides hairpieces to children who are suffering from hair loss. I am blessed to have lost all my hair in adulthood, but I am still thankful for the way people show love to kids that are struggling. Maybe one day I can grow my hair back and donate it to help this worthy organization.