After I was recognized with breast most cancers, my life broke in a single earlier than and one. I underwent chemotherapy for 5 months, a unilateral breast amputation and proton radiation. I misplaced a breast. I misplaced the life I believed I used to be constructing. And I nearly misplaced my reflection.

However I didn't lose my hair.

That solely element was typically rejected when cosmetically wore an enormous psychological weight. As a result of for me, and for a lot of others, her was not alone her. It was id. It was company. It was one of many final exterior symbols that also felt like mine in a season wherein a lot had been eliminated.

Research present that as much as 14% of breast most cancers sufferers are contemplating suspending or avoiding chemotherapy due to concern of hair loss. That statistics is each superb and never shocking. Hair loss is usually the primary seen sign for the world that you’re sick and it not solely adjustments how others see you, however the way you see your self.

Within the textual content wires with different girls within the remedy, hair loss was a frequent topic. It got here early and sometimes, normally with unhappiness. Some girls have been destroyed by how rapidly it occurred. Others shared that their youngsters responded otherwise to them as quickly as their hair had disappeared. Some mentioned their companions had problem adapting to the change. Many discovered wigs uncomfortable or unnatural and didn’t wish to put on them, but in addition didn’t really feel secure or seen with out them. What struck me essentially the most was what number of girls mentioned they didn't even know she had recognized scalp cooling was an choice. The selection was by no means talked about. Prices and entry have been additionally vital boundaries, particularly for girls of colour, girls with restricted monetary sources and those that solely navigate by way of care. Repeatedly I noticed how one thing that would have supported their psychological and emotional effectively -being was merely not supplied.

That was what struck me essentially the most.

Earlier than I began chemotherapy, I investigated each attainable option to keep each my well being and id feeling throughout remedy. I first got here throughout scalp cooling because of the suggestion of a good friend and a Google search. After I met my oncologist, I used to be relieved to listen to that it was included within the affected person schooling session. I used to be fortunate, not everyone seems to be instructed that it’s an choice.

Throughout my seek for rabbit gap I discovered a variety of on-line chatter. The reactions have been heartbreaking; Many ladies had by no means heard of it. Others mentioned they have been instructed that it was too costly. Some have been instructed that it will not work, or that it was not value it.

The reality is that scalp cooling is an issue with the fairness -specific energy. This technology-colored expertise can lower by chemo-induced hair loss, however with a money of $ 2,000 $ 3,000 or extra, it’s handled as a luxurious. And for girls in marginalized communities it’s typically utterly out of attain.

Now we’re at a vital second. With new CPT codes that have been just lately authorized by the AMA (set as much as come into pressure in January 2026), scalp cooling has the prospect to change into (not further) care as customary (not further) care. However implementation won’t occur mechanically. Most hospitals aren’t but outfitted. Insurance coverage firms are sluggish to maneuver. And sufferers nonetheless have no idea that it exists.

After I began utilizing scalp cooling, I didn't know if it will work. I simply knew I needed to strive it. And each time I regarded within the mirror and nonetheless noticed me, it jogged my memory that I used to be greater than what I went by way of. That mattered. That anchored me.

Scalp cooling doesn’t eradicate the trauma of most cancers, however it illuminates a chunk of it. It provides sufferers a second of grace in a world of scientific choice containers. It permits a lady to look at work, along with her youngsters, or simply in her personal pores and skin, with out a direct clarification.

If we actually consider within the remedy of your entire affected person, we should acknowledge that survival isn’t the one benchmark for fulfillment. The preservation of the self -feeling of a lady, her dignity, her id, her autonomy is simply as important. This expertise ought to by no means be a privilege. It ought to be a proper.

As a result of should you combat to your life, you shouldn't combat to your reflection.

Picture: Natali_mis, Getty Photos

Kia Lee is a printed creator who’s dedicated to elevating girls by way of tales about resilience and innovation.

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