Aidpage

I honestly think that people possibly take hair for granted.  I say that as I sit here with a purple bandana wrapped around my head because it's cold.  It's cold because there is no hair to insulate my head!  This is the third time that my brain tumor has caused such complications. My hair had actually gotten long enough that I had scheduled a haircut for next week...my first in over a year!  I was so excited!

My excitement was shortlived as it started coming out in handfuls in the shower yesterday afternoon. So...instead of walking around with softball size bald spots here there and everywhere, I shaved it. 

I'm not a vain person, don't misunderstand. I really don't care about the hair itself. It's more about the way people tend to look at me. About 50% of the looks are as if I am a freak...and then there's the 25% who think I'm a guy...then there's that last 25% who look at me as if I may die right where I stand and they feel SOOOO sorry for me.

I'm not sure which I hate more....

In June of 2008, following a small stroke, I found out that I have a 8mm brain tumor located near where my optic nerves cross. Due to complications, treatments, and medications I have been unable to work since that time. My illness and resulting medical bills placed a great strain on my marriage, and the love of my life left me in March of 2009, taking the sole income in my home and our only vehicle. I rely on family members and friends to take me back and forth to all of my many medical appointments. I will soon start seeing a neurologist and rheumatologist at Vanderbilt University Hospital which is in another state and an hour and a half drive from my home. Many times my appointments conflict with the lives of my helpers and I have to cancel my appointments. I am in desperate need of a car in which I can drive myself, when able, to my appointments. I have great hope for my future. I know that although similar illness killed my mother, it shall not defeat me, if only because I refuse to let it kill my spirit. I have been a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life since 1997, becoming even more involved after my mother's death in 2003. This year, due to my illness, I was unable to have a team for the first time in 13 years. I arrived at the relay late into the festivities and received my very first survivor t-shirt. I can honestly say I have never been more proud of a piece of cloth in my entire life. It is my sole purpose of being, that once I am past this, I want to help others who are going through the same things I am