Coping with Noah's hair loss

Chemotherapy and hair loss

Everybody associates chemotherapy with hair loss. It's a very physical symptom of what the chemotherapy actually does. It targets and kills all dividing cells, good and bad. Not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss, but unfortunately the drugs Noahs is having does cause hair loss. The information provided to us said it would be 2-3 weeks post chemo that we would start to see a change. All children are different but I remember one of the nurses telling me 99% of kids will loose their hair. Whether that's an accurate figure or not, we're basically expecting it.

Days 12-14 (post chemotherapy)

I know Noah loosing his hair is the most superficial side effect and it will grow back. But it is such a big part of his identity to us. To him, his blonde hair is what makes him different and special in our family. Wherever we go people admire his sunkissed surfer hair.
My head is telling me its the least of our worries but seeing his hair fall out makes it feel so real. The hair falling from his head is a physical reminder of what's going on inside his body. As it falls out in my hands I can see the Chemotherapy plaguing his little body, making him feel weak. The lack of hair on his head will be a constant reminder of this. It will be like a flashing beacon to all that we meet. Nothing says Cancer like a bald head. Everyone we meet has commented on how he's the same old Noah, to his peers and his friends he's the same little boy. Having no hair will stand him apart from his peers and this saddens me. His hair is so beautiful and special to me, being so different from mine.
When we got admitted to the Hascombe ward for the second time, it was nearly the two week mark from his chemo. On day 12 it started falling out, strand by strand. When you stroked his hair it was falling out like a cat shedding its winter coat. On day 13 it started to matte and small chunks were coming away. This was very uncomfortable for noah because the hair would fall in his mouth and down his top. It was covering his bed and clothes. We were kicking ourselves for not getting his haircut sooner.
On the following day it was falling out so much it was becoming impractical and very uncomfortable for Noah. Ollie brought our clippers from home and we decided to cut it very short so it wasn't such a shock when it fell out even more. We didnt know how fast it would grow back after treatment. Or whether it would grow back a slightly different colour or texture. So I carefully took a big lock of hs hair and put it in an envelope, and off it came. He's still as adorable and charming as ever of course. Hopefully it will prepare him a little for when it's so bad we have to shave his head.

Braving the Shave for Macmillan 

As soon as we found out Noah would be having chemotherapy, Ollie almost immediately announced to me he was going to shave his head to show some solidarity for Noah. That was that! We decided we may as well try to raise some awareness about Retinoblastoma and some money for charity if he was going to do it. Ollie set up a 'Brave the Shave' page with Macmillian. Im very proud of Ollie being so hell bent on going bald just like little Noah. Every time Noah is in pain or discomfort we just look at him and wish it were us. Ollie can't take his place but this is one thing they can go through together.

Macmillan are an amazing charity and we can't believe how many people have donated already. Thank you so much everybody! I've added the link below if you want to donate.

https://bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/oliver-blanks