Usually occurring as a side effect of chemotherapy,
Hair loss is the thing that marks us out as cancer patients.
This isn't easy for most of us so be kind to yourself through this process.
Try and be aware that the people around you will be struggling with their own feelings and may not always say the right thing.
I am not going to tell you this is easy and I'm not going to suggest you just think positive.
Be grateful for treatment and suck up any side effects.
Of course we are grateful for our treatment and yes of course it's just hair but that doesn't make any of this easier to process or deal with.
Don't let anyone minimize how challenging this can be.
Society tells us that femininity in particular is embodied in hair and so it can be really hard to lose it.
Particularly if you're also having surgery to remove body parts associated with femininity.
But it's hard for everyone regardless of gender expression.
Chemo is not easy and you're likely dealing with a lot of emotions and fears.
This is all totally normal and understandable.
It's kind of like a grenade has gone off in your life and in the lives of the people you love and it takes time to process it all and often we don't have a lot of time before treatment starts and we're in the thick of it.
So let's take some time to relax.
If you're sitting up and you'd like to lie down now is a great time to do that.
Breathe in deeply through your nose and slowly blow the air out your pursed lips.
As you breathe in direct air to your belly hold for a moment at the top of the breath and slowly exhale out of your mouth.
One more time feel your belly expand and your lungs and exhale slowly.
Feel your body grow heavier as you relax into the floor or bed or couch.
Feel the air moving in and out of your body.
Every time you exhale try and relax a different part of your body starting with your scalp,
Your face,
Your jaw,
Your shoulders,
Your upper arms,
Your forearms,
Your hands,
Your upper chest,
Your back,
Your lower chest,
Your belly,
Your thighs,
Your calves,
Your feet and your toes.
Breathe in deeply and let a wave of peace roll down your body as you breathe out.
This is your safe place right here right now.
I'm assuming you are somewhere warm and quiet where you can relax.
It doesn't matter what you look like when you're here,
All that matters is that you are here and doing the best thing you can,
Resting and being gentle with yourself.
This is a process that can involve grief and it's important to acknowledge that.
If you feel like crying,
Cry.
It's the best way to help yourself move through a tough situation.
I'm here with you as are the other people who listen to this meditation.
We are all sending our support to each other.
Bring your arms up and give yourself a hug or maybe hug a pillow if you prefer.
Feel your feelings whatever they are.
Acknowledge and name them,
Accept them and know that you are strong enough to get through this.
You might not feel it today but it's okay,
You'll feel it tomorrow or the day after.
Breathe deeply into your belly and let's relax with the music for a minute.
There are going to be some challenging days and you'll go through a lot of different stages as you lose your hair and then it grows back.
It can feel like you've lost control and in a way you have but also you can control many elements of this process and you can choose to return here,
Lie down,
Close your eyes and relax.
I'm so sorry you are going through this but I'm grateful that you're here with me and I hope this meditation has been helpful.
Thank you for spending this time with me.
