Hair loss has deeper consequences

Well this has been a tough week. I did pass the 1/2 mark of radiation, 3 weeks down, 3 to go. The only serious side effect is stomach cramps, which I think are from the Chemotherapy and/or stress. My appetite has taken a nose dive and Holly basically forces me to eat. Not eating much has brought my energy level down.

I have lost just about all the hair on the right side of my head. Last week I posted some pictures on the start of this with a note about how I did not care about it. I'd like to clarify that statement. I do not care about how it looks. What I did not expect is that the blaring bald spot is a daily reminder of my condition. I used to look at the MRI images on my computer and get depressed about how much of my brain is affected by this tumor. This was easily avoided by not looking at the images. Now every time I see my half bald head in the mirror I contemplate the situation I am in. It is going to be more difficult to avoid the side of my head than it was avoiding the MRI images on the computer.

I am also concerned about my family in this respect, especially the kids. Until now they have not seen any physical evidence of the tumor. I started wearing a hat to keep them from being reminded on a daily basis.

The Radiation Oncologist nurse said that the total radiation dose threshold for growing back hair is 5000 cGy, I am just over that at 5400 cGy, but also said she thinks it will grow back.