Hello and welcome. This website really helped me to cope. It is a struggle everyday so take it one day at a time. I can help you work with your students and family. When you are in education it is like you are standing on stage because of so many people you know. You can't go to the grocery store with running into a student or a family member of the student. So I understand.

Oh, it has been tough, especially when most people assume I am a cancer patient. However, I think it surprises people when I just say I am bald as a bat and my head is cold do I need a scarf. I also realize people will be as comfortable as I am. So I put on face and tell myself I am fierce and bold. You become what you proclaim if you do it long enough lol. Don't hide. If you start hiding now you will always hide. Right now if the only way you can get through the day is pretending then start doing it. Mind over matter. I am waiting for the day my scarf falls off. I know it will happen. I hope I am mentally prepared for it and I have enough bravado to leave it off for a while and naturally put it back on as if it did not bother me. Also, I had my hair cut in stages. Short stages, but it helped. Get one of those funky styles like punk rockers with the long piece in front and the sides and back cut to the scalp. Not bald but real low. People will just think you are reinventing yourself. We can support each other through this. Do not hide. Within a month of losing most of my hair I have now lost all hair on body (eyelashes, eyebrows, legs and etc...). I am all about big classic ear rings and bright lipstick with great scarves ;)