Frocktober: reflections on the head turning hats I wore during cancer treatment

Today’s Frocktober prompt is “head turning hats”.

Surprisingly, the easiest part of my cancer treatment was losing my hair. While I was scared because my hair is brittle and slow growing due to my Ichthyosis, it was the opposite during chemo. It did fall out after my first round, but it didn’t hurt, my scalp didn’t bleed and my hair has grown back thicker and healthier than ever. I loved my bald head. It felt so smooth and soft, and I stood tall.

And it was fun to play with headwear. Hats: scarves and headpieces – I loved them all. Here are some of my favourites that I wore last year. I made a headpiece out of a cheese box, to wear to the Melbourne Fringe Festival food themed gala! How fun.

You can donate to my Frocktober fundraiser via this link. Please share this post if you cannot donate. Funds will go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation to develop an early detection test for Ovarian Cancer, better treatment options and improved outcomes for patients.
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Image: a collage of photos – they are of Carly, wearing fun hats, scarves and headpieces in October 2024.