My story

[LiveStrong]

Hey sly guys, just thought I’d share my story.  I want to give a thanks to the people here for helping to give me strength as well as possibly provide some inspiration to others contemplating making the plunge of going sly. 

I’m 26 right now and this is the second time in my life I’ve lost my hair.  I was diagnosed with cancer when I was 23.  So I was a sly guy from July ’04 until about Sep or Oct ’05.  I never embraced it, always wore hats etc.  You could say I had a bad self image associated with being bald, but really that’s because I looked like I was dying, not because I looked bad bald.  Still this winter my hairline was getting worse, and it aggravated me that I was getting stressed about something so vain and trivial, especially after what I’ve gone through.   A few nights ago I finally did it and shaved my head.  Buzzed it down then mach 3’ed it the next night.  I did it for myself mainly, but also for a friend.  I met someone about my age during my chemo treatments that was also going through chemo and recently had a recurrence and he starts chemo again tomorrow. 

Call me crazy, but shaving my head symbolized so much more.  I’ve had no evidence of disease for a year now, but much of that has been spent living in fear.  Fear that my cancer will come back, fear of what people (esp girls) will think of my scars (and boy do I have a lot ), fear of what people will think of me balding.  Well I don’t want to live in fear anymore and while of course I still am scared of a recurrence I can certainly work on the other things in my life that scare me.   Since shaving I feel a lot better, and if anyone gives me grief about it, well I don’t really care what they think.  I will have to start a few conversations with “No im not back on chemo again” though haha

btw if anyone has questions about my cancer or whatever, go ahead.  Nothing is off limits for me

 -Mike

EDIT:  oh yea and being bald rocks!  haha i was missing being bald anyways.  I'm pretty fair skinned though so my noggin needs a bit of sun to match up with my face. 

[NAVRN2]

Great Story!!!  I am an oncology nurse and completely understand where you are coming from!!  Stay strong!!

[Tyler]

Mike, it's great to have you here at Sly Bald Guys!! Welcome. 

I'm really glad that this site has helped give you strength and overcome some of your fears.  It's also great the you're willing to be an inspiration to other; just by being willing you will be.

I look forward to getting to know you.

[Tha_Dave]

Stay strong homie the bald brother hood is at your service feel free to add me to all your messengers and if you need a friend to chat with n e time i am almost always on.


dave

[LiveStrong]

Great Story!!!  I am an oncology nurse and completely understand where you are coming from!!  Stay strong!!

Nice   Oncology nurses and doctors are incredible people.  I still visit the floor where i got treatment occasionally.   Of course i'll be there tomorrow too for my friends first day of chemo.  Sucks that i have to go for that reason but i still will be glad to see my old nurses.  They will recognize me again because i am bald too haha. 

[mikesj]

Welcome to SBG Mike, you'll find lots of support and good advice here. Thanks for sharing your story and look forward to getting to know you.

[Cam]

You're going to inspire a lot of people with that post. You're an inspiration. Never forget that. Ever.

[blondeguy]

You've got friends here, LiveStrong!

[young_n_sly]

Great story LiveStrong...I am right here with you.....I am also a young cancer survivor.  Started as Testicular and jumped to my spine...shattering it in 4 spots......I also rock the sly look for three reasons 1) symbolize my perseverance and strength 2) Show support for those that are dealing with cancer especially those that I have made special bonds with 3) Sly is the way to be.  I am proud and healthy now at the age of 24 and have had more experiences then most have by mid life.  I am happy and so greatful for those around me.  I am also open for anyone that would like to talk or discuss cancer   God Bless and welcome to SBG

[Beer Barron]

Welcome aboard LiveStrong.  Glad to have you!

[Paul]

Welcome Mike, glad to have you with us and glad you shared your inspirational story, it was awesome

[Ian]

Welcome to the forum LiveStrong,its great to hear these stories & how people overcome problems in life...

[Tom McGarry.]

Great story and great name Livestrong; I too am glad that you've joined the SBG family. I hope that you continue to post in our forum and continue to be an inspiration to others going through a simmaler problem.

[KALBO]

Thanks for sharing your inspirational story LiveStrong...and welcome to SBGs! 

[herronm]

Welcome LiveStrong.  Great story.  I'm sure you will be an inspiration to others.