Cut off

A bald shiny egg-head is breast cancer's trademark look. It's caused by chemotherapy -- the drugs are so strong that they literally kill the hair follicles. The hair starts falling approximately 17 to 25 days after the first chemo session and is a painful process: it falls off in clumps, and the scalp hurts like hell, tender to the touch. It is recommended to cut the hair really short before it starts falling, to minimize the pain. Did you know that not all cancer patients become bald? Interesting that the chemo drugs used for treating breast cancer cause baldness with certainty. Chemo drugs used to treat other types of cancer might cause hair thinning, but not necessarily baldness.

"Cut off" - Pen drawing and mixed media

©Copyright 2012 Eni Oken