Shaving my head denies cancer even smallest victory

by Sheryl Jedlinski

This time around, my hair started falling out just two weeks after my first chemotherapy treatment. It was sooner than expected, but I was ready, determined to deny cancer even the smallest victory. Our long-time family barber was on “high alert,” standing by to shave my head as soon as the first telltale clumps of hair clung to the palms of my hands.

I wear my “new look” like a badge of honor earned on the battlefield of life; rather than as a reminder of something that was taken from me. Hair was never intended to be permanent, anyway. If it were, we wouldn’t spend so much time and money having it cut, restyled, and re-colored to reflect the image we desire.

How we approach the medical challenges in our lives accounts for differences in outcome when we face off against incurable conditions, like cancer and Parkinson’s disease. This is why I refuse to feel sorry for myself or allow even well-meaning friends and family members to portray me as a victim. Regardless of how “unfair” it is that I am challenged with multiple health issues, all of us must play the cards we are dealt and make the best of them. Dwelling on things we don’t control and wishing they were different only depletes the strength we need to overcome our challenges.

And so, I will give the fight my all until the final bell sounds. I will not quit, no matter how slim the odds of victory. I still have much to accomplish with my life.

6 comments on “Shaving my head denies cancer even smallest victory”

Suzanne English
January 25, 2019

You go girl! What an inspiration!! Best of luck in this new journey of yours.

Reply
Marsha
January 25, 2019

Bless your heart, Sheryl. Always a good read.
May you continue your fight and know you have
a big fan club who love you.

Reply
Karen Handler
January 25, 2019

God bless u Sheryl!

Reply
Carolyn Schmidt
January 25, 2019

Love your attitude. You’re a great role model.

Reply
Cathy Hughes
January 31, 2019

Sheryl
I share with you the thought about cards. I was dealt a hand like yours. I like yourself choose to win and continue to fight. You are an inspiration.

Reply
Becky
February 2, 2019

Sheryl, I hope to follow your example of how to face life if/when my life threatening illness comes, as it will for most of us.

Reply