Friday 4 September 2015

Scalp Wars V: The Follicles Strike Back

From a cancer perspective there hasn't been much to report over the last few weeks, which I'm taking as a positive. I've been continuing with my monthly doses of chemo and only have one left now (scheduled for late September). Following this I'll have a 6 week gap before I have my first scan since my initial scans at the start of the year. 

This scan won't be able to tell us much however, apparently it's quite likely that it will look bad due to the ongoing effects of the chemoradiation, it will be used more as a starting point to allow a bigger picture to be created through combining it with future scans. 

As for the treatment itself I'm now pretty used to the effects of the chemo and as long as I rest up over the course of the 5 days of tablets I'm good to train or whatever I want within a day or two of finishing the course. 

On one extremely positive note I have today had my first trip to the hairdressers since January that hasn't involved shaving my head. Thankfully my hair is growing back all over now and without any noticeable changes in colour or thickness. I'm aware that there is potential for the chemotherapy to make it fall out again but I'm choosing to optimistically stay "scalp half full" and just believe that it will continue to grow from here. 

People tend to underestimate the benefits of being able to feel confident in your appearance when ill and the how much not looking like a cancer patient can in many ways help you to not feel like one either. I suppose this is one of the reasons I've been forcing myself to keep on training (the other being pure, unashamed vanity I suppose).



3 comments:

  1. Hi Jamie. I've been following your blog for a while. I saw you at South Brent J.C. a couple of times when you were on the mat with my 2. ( I was one of the mums behind the bar.) I don't know if anyone has told you that you can claim Employment Support Allowance as you're having chemo/radiotherapy. It won't be a massive amount, but every bit helps. Go to/ring your local C.A.B, for help with the application process - it's a long form with many pitfalls for the unwary! Good luck, keep up the positive attitude. Love the hair! Gill F

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    1. Hi Gill, thanks for that info, I am claiming ESA as I was advised to by my employer. Currently waiting for the amount to raise to the proper rate as opposed to the assessment rate I received last month. Hope you're well and if you're still at South Brent say hi to Steve for me!

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  2. taistele poika. Älä anna periksi!

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