I(2)Y

Recovery

Any cancer survivor knows after treatment, a recovery period is usually necessary. As a two-time cancer survivor of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma I understand recovery is half the battle. In my first diagnosis at age 16, I underwent heavy doses of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Part of my protocol was a process called maintenence where I would follow up once a month for a small dose of chemo. By the time I was 18, the maintenance chemo became less demanding and I decided I would, as I(2)Y says “get busy living” and apply to college.

 

Once I was accepted to Syracuse University, I was excited but nervous about going away to school. Of course, the normal things like living away from home but also some questions regarding my health. For example, where would I go for my last few treatments when I was away at school? How would I get to them if I didn’t have a car? And would I realistically feel well enough to make it to class?

 

In my first semester at school I faced some struggles but I really jumped in with two feet. I decided I would make up for lost time and join as many clubs and committees as I could. It felt great to be part of this new community. Recovery and survivorship can be the icing on the cake after managing a painful period of your life. But getting back to life after cancer is often different then it was before. When I got to campus I wanted to be active but often would have to put things in perspective. I was often still tired so I went to bed early so I could manage my school day without falling asleep in class. I also had to build up my endurance so I planned plenty of time walking to class since I walked slow and the hills were tough for me at first. The most important thing for me was to understand that after I was past cancer I could resume a normal life, even if I needed to make some routine changes. Each day became easier and life soon felt like normal. This is when I realized my recovery was over and I survived!

Heather Buchan

Heather Buchan is a two-time Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor from New Jersey. Her first diagnosis was at age 16 in 2008. After high school and first semester in college she relapsed in 2010, requiring more treatment and ultimately a bone marrow transplant. After a perfect match transplant from her older sister, her cancer is cured and currently attends Syracuse University in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Finding THE Perfect Wig

As a 2-time cancer survivor of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma I found finding the right wig made me more comfortable going about daily life. I wasn’t much of a scarf or turban girl even though I owned several of each. I will never forget that morning when clumps of hair fell out in handfuls as I showered. When I slept, hair would come out on the pillow. I lint rolled my bed and head to try to keep away the reminder that I would soon have no hair. To conquer the fear, I built an army of blonde wig heads shortly after shaving my head.

I started out with synthetic hair since it was cheaper. I picked out a short style but found that since the back of my neck showed, the hairline did not look natural because when I changed position so did the wig. So I decided to try a long hair wig. This time I had a problem with the itchiness and heat it produced. Even with a “gel band” a strip of squishy silicone that had Velcro at the hairline and a wig cap, I was still uncomfortable.

 

A funny story I like to tell is driving with my synthetic wig. As it got hot and itchy I liked to take it off and throw it in the passenger seat. One day as I was driving, a mailman was walking on the sidewalk and saw me take my wig off. The look on his face was priceless as he did a double take. He had no idea what happened.

 

The benefits of a synthetic wig is when you wash it, it will keep the original style and shape. For curly hair this might be best. I wore a curly wig to my prom and dropped it off at a hair salon for them to add some sparkly hairpins. A huge disadvantage to a synthetic wig is you cannot style it with a curling iron or straighten it; the synthetic “plastic” will melt. Also the cap is not exactly fitted to the shape of your head so you my need double sticky back wig tape to keep it in place.

 

All these discoveries lead me to get fitted for a human hair wig. I feel in love with it right away. The cap breathed better and was not as hot as my synthetic wig, even though my synthetic had a monofilament “super breathable” cap. I could style my human hair wig on the wig head. The hair was beautiful and soft and I finally felt secure with my wig. I knew it wouldn’t fall off.

The best way to make sure your new hair looks real is to break it up in someway, either with headbands, bows or hair clips. Some girls even cut bangs so you can’t see the hairline. The hairline is the give away. There are many styles to order or cut that look natural such as layers or side bangs or a face frame.

 

Going through treatment is hard enough but loosing your hair can be even worse for some people. Not all people feel comfortable wearing wigs. Some people like a hat or just going out with no hair. Find something that makes you comfortable.

Heather Buchan

Heather Buchan is a two-time Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor from New Jersey. Her first diagnosis was at age 16 in 2008. After high school and first semester in college she relapsed in 2010, requiring more treatment and ultimately a bone marrow transplant. After a perfect match transplant from her older sister, her cancer is cured and currently attends Syracuse University in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Keeping Friends and Staying In Touch

After my diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma my friends and family were shocked. Many people react differently. There was a network of people helped me get through some tough times including some people who I was never all that close with showed their true colors and were unbelievably supportive. It was easy to see who cared enough to stick around. But it is not always black and white. People who I thought would be at my side drifted away for all sorts of reasons. I found that the main reason was because they might be awkward themselves and had a hard time being put in a situation they probably have never been in before, or if they have been in a similar situation it might not have had a good outcome. Some people don’t know how to react especially school friends. Adults usually can figure ways to show they care. StupidCancer.org is an outlet for feelings that might be hard to express. Send them a link or a bracelet because it is easier to joke about giving cancer the bird with the clever middle finger StupidCancer band then it is to feel sorry for you, since after all, you don’t need the baggage. StupidCancer.org is a way to express feelings the way we all need to.

Heather Buchan

Heather Buchan is a two-time Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor from New Jersey. Her first diagnosis was at age 16 in 2008. After high school and first semester in college she relapsed in 2010, requiring more treatment and ultimately a bone marrow transplant. After a perfect match transplant from her older sister, her cancer is cured and currently attends Syracuse University in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

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