March | 2014 | Keeping A-Breast: Cancer Lessons

Cancer Lesson: 47: We rarely get what we deserve.

People were overwhelmingly kind to me when I was in treatment. In addition to the cards – which I know numbered over a hundred – I received flowers, fuzzy blankets to keep warm during chemo, a lovely handmade wool wrap, more meals than I could count, books (both to read and to color – my friends are nothing if not creative), visits, several soft hand-knit caps for cool nights, plants, home-baked goods, candy and Caramel Frappuccinos.

I’ll admit I hinted pretty heavily to get the Caramel Frappuccinos, but mostly, I felt undeserving of my friends’ generosity and fretted about to repay such kindness.

Then, my friend Kathy – who’s smarter than me – said, “Don’t you know that’s what grace is, Kym?”

She was right. I didn’t ask for those things (other than the Caramel Frappuccinos <blush>). And I understand now that most people share an inherent compassion that makes them want to help others.

So, if you find yourself besieged with goodies, try not to feel guilty. Instead, accept the gifts with grace and gratitude and reflect on how lucky we are to have such people in our lives.

Because no one “deserves” to get cancer either.

“In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.”

— Anne Frank

Cancer Lesson #46: What to wear on a no hair day.

When your comb starts to look like this,

and you decide it’s time to do this.

It’s important to remember wigs, scarves and hats can offer protection for self-confidence by dented hair loss. In this post, I present options – some serious, some not –for anyone forced to deal with those dreaded no-hair days.
While you may want to saddle up and ride west,
escape is only a temporary solution.

Some days, when you’re feeling
particularly fragile,
a hard hat and safety glasses
can add extra protection.

The Shady Lady is popular.

So is the Motorcycle Mama.

Day-glow pink will brighten
the dreariest of days.

And there’s always that American favorite,
the baseball cap.

If you have crafty friends,
they can knit a cool hipster
cap
(especially nice for
cold winter nights).

But the most comfortable
headwear I found
is made from an old
t-shirt.
Here’s a link to the
directions on the
American Cancer Society
website: http://lookgoodfeelbetter.org/beauty-guide/new-hair-looks

Since I lost my hair in the summer,
I frequently didn’t bother with any of these options,
choosing instead to go bare.

Whatever you decide, I hope you’ll remember what I forgot
when my hair started falling.
It’s only hair.
It will grow back.
Be glad you’ll be there to see it.