Friday 30 April 2010

Bandana or Wig?

Photos copyright: Maggie May

After the terrible itchiness and skin rashes that I endured following the last few sessions of chemotherapy, I find my skin is still extra sensitive, so I have been wearing colourful bandanas rather than my itchy wig, which I save for Church and then immediately take off when I get home. Why ever do I do this?

I find that I can endure a false fringe if I pad it with tissue under the base of it to stop itchiness and that fits under the scarf and keeps in place.
I think this arrangement suits my personality better too as I feel more artistic when wearing a bandana. I can colour co ordinate my clothes and ring the changes.

I asked myself recently, "Why do I feel I have to wear a wig anyway?"
The answer seems to be because other people think its more normal to wear one.
I have come to the conclusion that next time someone remarks about it again, I will say,"OK then, YOU wear it!"

I am really enjoying the prospect of not having to have any more chemo for the next 3 months. I think that is why I have got over the after effects of my last one so quickly, because I don't want to waste any of this time feeling ill.

I have a CT scan booked for the second week in May. This is for staging purposes and I have been assured by Oncology that they are not expecting to find anything bad on the next scan. After the three months are up, I will have another CT scan. I might allow my self to be worried about that one....... but not yet. I am enjoying my newfound freedom too much.

However...... I am not going to get too obsessed by hair..... just in case I have to have more chemo some time in the future.





33 comments:

CorvusCorax12 said...

i think bandannas are the way to go myself and i say do what makes you feel comfortable :)♥

Dimple said...

I am so glad this part is over! And yes, wear the bandana, your planned response for judging questioners is perfect!
Blessings!

Akelamalu said...

I think colourful bandanas can look fabulous so if they are more comfortable for you then go for them definitely. Glad you're feeling better m'deario and I'm still sending Reiki and will keep everything crossed for the scan. :)

Rose said...

Scarves are all the rage over here right now, so you are very stylish, Maggie! But most important is that you do what feels comfortable to you; who cares what other people think?

So glad to hear that chemo is over for awhile. I'm keeping you in my prayers and hoping that it's over for good.

Mimi said...

Maggie, your selection of scarves and the pic of you wearing one are really beautiful, and much more exciting than a wig.
And you're right- you have to ask yourself who you'd be wearing the wig for anyway?
Way to go, lady!
3 months with no chemo is a good prospect- you've a fabulous attitude.

Helen said...

While my niece was going through chemo for breast cancer, we loaded her up with truly amazing hats! She had one for almost every day ..... whatever makes you feel the best is most important! Take care .....

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

I think that whatever you are happiest and most comfortable in should be your choice Maggie. I must say I think the bandanas look wonderful, so bright and as you say you can colour co-ordinate. So pleased you don't have to have chemo for a while and hope you enjoy your free time and that the lovely weather comes back soon. Hope your husband is doing OK too. A x

Monalisa said...

Definitely scarves are a better choice than wigs.
Very trendy at the moment - for men and women...
Glad to hear your treatment is over for while, you can relax and enjoy the summer.

Expat mum said...

Definitely whatever you want to wear! Love the bright bandanas though.

Wendy said...

Love your bandana! And why not? Whatever makes you feel good. I am so happy your chemo is finished!!! Yippeeeee! May is here tomorrow and I remember when you started on this journey we were all wishing you well and hoping that you'd feel much better by May. It sounds like you are.

Big hugs.

MARY G said...

I wager you look absolutely smashing in what we always used to call kerchiefs.
Happy to hear you are to have some time off!

Irene said...

It seems that you've got a good choice of bandannas and those would be my choice to wear also. I think they are very attractive and give a woman style. I've thought of wearing them myself and I do have all my hair. I like the way some of the Muslim girls wear theirs.

RNSANE said...

God forbid that I ever have to go tthrough this but, if I do, I'm writing to Rajesh in Rajasthan ( did I spell that correctly ). He once did a photographic spread on the incredibly beautiful turbans, every color in the world, worn there. That's the way I'm going! Hopefully, they're pre-wound for dummies like me!

Rosaria Williams said...

Your hair will grow back even more beautiful than before. Get your rest. Our good thoughts are flying toward you.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

I LOVE the bandanna!! Tres Chic! And I preferred not to wear the wigs as well...really not very comfortable...hot, itchy...and so I gave it up...And you know what? Even though my hair has grown back, I plan on keeping it short...so much easier! I love that! You will love the way your hair grows in...although the growing process is unfortunately itchy...sorry...You are still much in my thoughts and prayers, dear Maggie...chemo may be over, but I am still praying! I love you much! Janine XO

Lakeland Jo said...

I am still hanging onto my hair but I have a new wig, turbans, bandanas, caps and headscarves ready. I might just go native!

Jackie said...

Marvelous choice...the bandana.
I used to wear a wig when I was younger. Why? (I still ask myself that question...It was in the 1970's and I thought it was 'the thing' to do.) They are itchy...and I definitely would prefer the bandanda now. Great choice my friend. Wear it with style!!! (And I know you will...)
Love to you, Maggie. I continue to pray for you...
Jackie

Bernie said...

I too went to route of the wig and bandana for several months and was so uncomfortable....I then decided to go bald and it felt wonderful, so freeing. I realized I was only trying to dress my head so the others would think I looked good, when I realized it was more important that I feel good then look good it all fell into place.
You will do what you are most comfortable with my friend, and everyone who cares about you will want you to do just that. Have a great weekend.......:-) hugs

SandyCarlson said...

Those are beautiful fabrics. I am glad you are able to move on at this point. I hope it all works out, friend.

Mickle in NZ said...

What a lovely collection of scarves, your wear them so stylishly. As the weather warms up a soft scarf seems so much nicer than a wig irritating your already tender scalp.Your comfort is the number 1 priority, dear Maggie.

Sending care and huggles, Michelle and Zebbycat

Serline said...

Whichever tickles your fancy... have a blessed weekend!

Hilary said...

You have such a wonderful outlook, Maggie. I'm sure you look beautiful in either head ware.

Sueann said...

I too think colorful bandanas are a wonderful solution. So glad that you are having a respite from chemo. I can see why you feel so free!
Thanks ever so much for visiting my blog. I really appreciated your sweet comments!
Hugs
SueAnn

Ayak said...

Wear whatever you feel most comfortable in Maggie...even if it's nothing at all. It matters not one jot what other people think..and if it does happen to bother some people, then they are really the people not worth bothering about!
xxxx

Anonymous said...

Definately the bandanna, Maggie. Teemed with gorgeous ear rings and dark glasses- classy and comfortable. Then again, if you have a nice shaped head [mine is all lumps and boney bumps-going au natural is fine...bit of fake tan, draw on the eyebrows and keep a hat handy if it's hot out.

Your time to do and be what you want.
Hooray for a long break from chemo. Huge hugs and positive thoughts for you.

Unspoken said...

Comfort, comfort, comfort! That's the right the choice. You have endured too much discomfort, to choose any on purpose.

Marguerite said...

Bandanas are a comfortable alternative to wigs and look so stylish. I think that yours looks great! Have a wonderful weekend! Blessings, Marguerite

aims said...

I'm with the rest - go with the colour and enjoy it!

Perhaps you could get more use out of your wig if you put it on a pole and used it as a dustmop.

Enjoy and laugh!

Working Mum said...

I think I would go for comfort, but I also think hats and bandanas would be much more uplifting than an itchy wig!

Tracey said...

I loved my wigs in the winter as they kept my head warm but when the itching started a bandana was for me but i always wore a baseball cap on the top.
Bandanas are more commfy i say.

Keep smiling and enjoy your 3 months of"time off" xx

What About The Girl? said...

Yes, bandana! I love that picture of you wearing blue bandana!

Joey said...

The picture of you is lovely.

Bandana.... chunk the wig.

Anonymous said...

Maggie,
After all you have been through, I would get rid of the wig and go for the bandana. You should be as comfortable as possible and I love the look of bandanas and all the different colors. They are so stylish. Do what feels right for you, your the one who has to keep it on your head!
XXXXXXXXXXX