12 Plus Inches

I donated about 10 inches prior to surgery when I was first diagnosed to Locks of Love.  I had my first round of chemo in February 2006 and lost my hair about 10-14 days after my first chemo.  My hair started growing back shortly after my last round of chemo which was the end of June 2006.  I think it was early October 2006 that I finally went around without any head covering.  So this photo below is about 6 years in the making.  My hope was to donate my hair once more but for it to be MY choice this time.

Before photo that was taken just a week ago, August 16, 2012

It was getting to the point that it was too long and I was itching to get it cut.  However, I wasn't ready to part with my long hair either.  The bangs was my interim to get some movement.  I wanted to donate this time to Wigs for Kids because the wigs are given to children completely free.  Locks of Love is still a great organization.  They give out their wigs for free or on a sliding scale basis.  This time around I wanted to do it simply for free and thought it would be 11 inches.  When it came down to the big day, I found out Wigs for Kids require 12 inches.  12 inches!  That's a lot of inches!  You're probably thinking its only 1 inch difference but that seems like a lot when I've been growing my hair out for so long!  I flip flopped back and forth between 10 or 12 inches that entire afternoon.

I had an appointment at Birds Barbershop which is a total Austin place.  They serve you Shiner while you're waiting (too bad I don't like beer) and a gal name Cricket with tats cut my hair.  I told her my dilemma and that I wanted a lob and not a bob.  I even showed her some photos.  We agreed that I would show her how short I wanted to go and that we would go from there.  

That is what she did.  We didn't even measure it because we knew it was at least 10 inches.  From there I told her I wanted a lob but that she's the expert and for her to do her thing except that I didn't want the back to stick up and perhaps some side layers would be nice.  

I found out when I got home that it was over 12 inches!  I also couldn't believe that I stressed out so much...especially when its hair that will grow back!  Especially since I now have hair! 

Over 12 inches to donate!

After Photo August 2012

A few things prompted me to cut my hair even though it was close to time to cut it anyway.  I saw my before photo.  It was just time because it looked so dated.  Secondly, my last post about saying good bye to another young survivor.  It was a hard death for me to cope with so the cut felt like it gave me a chance to be  a new Runi.  I'm also hoping to donate it in honor of the last two fallen angels.

Dug this up from the archives:  After Photo December 2005

I'm uncertain if I will donate my hair again but it felt so good to do it on my terms and not cancer's terms!