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My daughter has Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  She has lost her hair.  How does she wear a cap for graduation in June?

April 14, 2011 by  
Filed under Survivor Stories

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  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001849427320 Jose Guillermo Ruiz

    Hi, she doesn´t wear a cap for her graduation…. She can use a pretty wig.. there are beauty wigs…

  • isela ruiz

    Hi, I think she can use a beauty wig… No problem.. The girls can use it.
    and they look so pretty…No problem..

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1426845921 Alexa Suart

    She should wear a wig :]

  • http://www.facebook.com/LeahAShearer Leah Shearer

    Hi Amy,

    I think I will chime in this since I’ve heard a lot of experts give their thoughts. The experts being our teens right here in Rochester.

    I really don’t think there is a right or a wrong way. In fact if she prefers to go without a wig it would be just as acceptable. It’s all in what she is comfortable doing. Letting her take the lead is the best way to approach this. No one should feel an obligation to wear a wig.

    Consider this: coming from me—a woman who wore the wig but only temporarilly– there are many things to think about besides the overall look. Wigs at times can get a little hot. So if the ceremony is under the hot lights of a stage or on a hot day outdoors it might be something to consider. Then adding a cap can make it a little hard at times.

    There is something freeing about the cap toss of celebration…have your daughter remember this aspect too. Whatever she chooses it will be amazing…because she has made it to this milestone despite such a difficult challenge.

    SO I say whatever slice it—hair, no hair, henna tattoo underneath…Seize the day.
    Congratulations!

    Leah Shearer
    TLC Program Coordinator
    Rochester, NY

  • Kerribecktell

    I was just finishing up chemo treatments when I graduated from high school, still sporting a very shiny bald head. I wore a wig underneath my graduation cap, I had a local hairdresser help me pull it back so the hat set nicely on top. With some good wig tape holding it onto my head, I knew right where the bobby pins were that held the hat to the wig, so I was able to join in the hat tossing tradition without any problems.

    It’s all about what makes her comfortable, I was not quite ready for the world (aka my small town, all of whom would be at graduation) to see my bald head. And, looking back, I wouldn’t change it. She will want all of her memories to be about the night and the experience, and not about what people thought of her hair or lack of it.

    Congratulations to you both! Enjoy the moment fully!

  • Jessykapimentel

    She could wear a wig or she can go bald and beautiful! Whatever makes her feel more comfortable. And I hope she is doing great! I had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma too. I had it three times so I know it’s tough. Tell her to keep her head up no matter what! (:

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