Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow?
My hair is falling out all over the place. Seriously. It's everywhere. Just like Doc told me, the hair started falling out about four days after my second chemo session. Now, I can't keep it on my head. It's all over my pillow, my towels, my clothes, my food. The worst is that constant itching from the hair falling down my back.
I have lost a ton of hair, and I still have this much left. That tells you how much I had to begin with. I told you it was a sturdy head of hair. You can see a little scalp poking through, but so far, no full-on bald patches. I asked Catherine if I should cut it really short, and she said no. She thinks it would show more bald patches. I contend it would probably be much easier to manage if I was dropping itty bitty hairs all over the place rather than these long, thick, wiry things. She says to keep it for now, even though I can run my fingers through my hair and pull out clumps like this:
I get the impression that she's more concerned about me going bald than I am. It would be a little strange to lose all of my hair, but just think of the thousands of dollars we'll save on hair products over the next few months.
I feel much better this week. I am running about 4-5 miles a day. I am gearing up for the Seattle Rock and Roll Half Marathon on JUne 27th. I have always been an athlete. Not a talented athlete, but very active nonetheless. I would typically enter a half-marathon as a training primer, which was my intention when I registered for this race prior to being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Now, in the midst of cancer treatment, this race could well be the most challenging of my running career.
I would not consider myself in good shape at all to run a half-marathon. My best time ever at this distance is 1:28. I imagine I will be walking a good portion of this race, so I figure it'll take me 3 hours or more to cover the 13.1 miles. I often feel a sort of tightness in my chest. Doc says it's a side effect of the chemo. I definitely feel it when I run. I have discovered that I can run through that tightness, but I don't have a lot of stamina.
I was running through Bellevue's Downtown Park yesterday, when I passed a couple of walkers. One guy said, "Hey Bill. Best of luck with everything." How cool is that? It's so encouraging to be lifted up by so many of you through this process. I appreciate it so much.
I have lost a ton of hair, and I still have this much left. That tells you how much I had to begin with. I told you it was a sturdy head of hair. You can see a little scalp poking through, but so far, no full-on bald patches. I asked Catherine if I should cut it really short, and she said no. She thinks it would show more bald patches. I contend it would probably be much easier to manage if I was dropping itty bitty hairs all over the place rather than these long, thick, wiry things. She says to keep it for now, even though I can run my fingers through my hair and pull out clumps like this:
I get the impression that she's more concerned about me going bald than I am. It would be a little strange to lose all of my hair, but just think of the thousands of dollars we'll save on hair products over the next few months.
I feel much better this week. I am running about 4-5 miles a day. I am gearing up for the Seattle Rock and Roll Half Marathon on JUne 27th. I have always been an athlete. Not a talented athlete, but very active nonetheless. I would typically enter a half-marathon as a training primer, which was my intention when I registered for this race prior to being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Now, in the midst of cancer treatment, this race could well be the most challenging of my running career.
I would not consider myself in good shape at all to run a half-marathon. My best time ever at this distance is 1:28. I imagine I will be walking a good portion of this race, so I figure it'll take me 3 hours or more to cover the 13.1 miles. I often feel a sort of tightness in my chest. Doc says it's a side effect of the chemo. I definitely feel it when I run. I have discovered that I can run through that tightness, but I don't have a lot of stamina.
I was running through Bellevue's Downtown Park yesterday, when I passed a couple of walkers. One guy said, "Hey Bill. Best of luck with everything." How cool is that? It's so encouraging to be lifted up by so many of you through this process. I appreciate it so much.
Posted by Bill Wixey at 6/17/2009 10:00 AM 
Categories: Bill Wixey, Cancer, Hair
Tags: Bill Wixey Cancer Hair
Categories: Bill Wixey, Cancer, Hair
Tags: Bill Wixey Cancer Hair
When I first started to loose my hair during Chemo, I shaved my head!! Take care of yourself and don't push yourself too hard during your runs!! Please!
Best of luck,
Shawn
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It's awesome that you're in decent enough shape to keep active like that. After seeing Lance Armstrong pull out of cancer, I'm not surprised that athletes can keep on keepin' on. Great job!
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Hey Bill,
I was diagnosed with stage 2A Hodgkins Lymphoma a year ago, and have been following your story. I also started losing my hair after the second ABVD treatment, and I remember how alarming it can be! I think you'll be surprised with how fast it all goes though. A year later I have hair again and actually feel normal!
I'll also be at the Rock & Roll marathon on the 27th, volunteering, so I'll see you there! You are in my thoughts, best of luck with everything!
Allison, 24
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Bill, you have to go on air like that. It just must be done. Shave it off and get ahead of it.
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Bill, your humour through this challenge is truly inspiring, I love the comment on saving thousands in hair products. Thank you for sharing this with everyone. I pray for you and your family every day. Go get em Bill!
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If you loose all your hair, we'll still love and support you anyway. What is a little hair, oops, a lot of hair. I pray that you will be able to run the marathon and that God will give you power sleep the night before the race so you’ll be refreshed and full of energy for the race. Blessings
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Thank you for sharing your story. You are an inspiration. I'm sure it's not easy being in the spotlight and going through something so personal. I look forward to watching your journey towards remission. Bald is beautiful, just make yourself comfortable, it will grow back!
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First I want to say how sorry I was to hear of your illness. I hope and pray that all goes well for you and your family. It's very hard. My daughter had Leukemia, she was only 21 when diagnosed. She passed away 7 years ago. Life is unreal today. Anyway.. She started losing her hair after her first few chemo treatments too, and she had hair down to her waist. We cut it up to her shoulders, then as it was getting very hard to maintain as it would start to clump together when it was wet, she said "just shave it off" so we did. It was horrible, but much easier to deal with than hair all over everything and in everything. So.. I would tell you to just shave it too. Wear a hat or go bald. Really does it really matter?
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And just think of not having a 5:00 shadow to worry about!
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Don't worry about the hair. When you really think of it, it is a small price to pay. I am getting ready to lose my hair for about the 5th time. Being female, it can get interesting. Scarves and hats help, but when the weather is warm it can be too warm. If you cut it short, you will itch even more. Get out the clippers and go for the Mr. Clean look.
It is hard for our loved ones to see us bald because it is a constant reminder of what we are going through and it is a serious reality check. Hang in there Bill. You can check out other stories of courage by going to www.thelighthousecommunity.org and chat with others going through what you are. You can find me under cancer and Kathleen. God Bless and Good Luck.
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I was just talking to my aunt and her hair grew back thicker AND fuller after her chemo. You may end up spending double on all that product with Wixey hair...The SEQUEL! Hang in there Bill.
Heather
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Bill,
I've been a big fan of yours since college (WSU). Wishing you and your family all the best and if anyone can beat this, it's you. Cheers,
Shannon
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dear bill
i saw u on a special news re your cancer, i have always liked you and your reporting, how in the heck r u able to be on the news tonite 6-19-2009, with all u have gone thru, u look great, i hope u r feeling as well
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Dear Bill;
I watched your "journey" re your cancer treatment up to #2. Amazing, how r u able to b on TV tonite? U r amazing and inspiring. I also got a chuckle as I am a phlebotomist. i enjoy u on the news, as i watch 13 every a.m.
Keep Strong
Vicky
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Hi Bill,
I just wanted to tell you that I have been a big fan of yours for a long time, your sense of humor goes a long way!!!! I wish you and your family all the best. Your an inspiration to all.
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Hey Bill~ I've been following your journey and I wanted to let you know how proud I am of you for sharing your story, your thoughts, your struggle. Cancer is a scary thing on so many levels but bringing it out into the light takes away it's strength and weakens it. Fear of the unknown has ruled so many... for so long. Love and light to you my friend. Susan Cummins
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Hi Bill,
Just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. Like so many other "fans," I am impressed with your strength and perseverance. I am so very sorry you have cancer. I know you can beat this and look forward to celebrating your success at one of our many reunions to come. Much love to you!
Lisa Love
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