In a way, this whole experience feels like a re-birth. I know that I'm the same person on the inside, but it's such an outward condition. That makes me feel like a different person. I've recently started to reconnect with my friends as "Bald Brandy". They have been sooo accepting and loving. I'm lucky to have them.

The only thing that I'm worried about is my career. Before I got diagnosed with Alopecia, I was an advertising account supervisor. Since all of this has happened, my outlook has changed dramatically. I no longer think that advertising is the right industry for me. For the most part , it's an industry with a skewed definition of beauty and knack for manipulation. Both are things that I want no part of. (No offense to anyone who works in advertising)

That being said, I'm stuck in limbo. What do I do next? I haven't found the right wig and I feel much more comfortable bald....when I'm at home. How will I ever work in an office environment again? I really need to figure things out.

I turned 28 last week and it felt more like a "coming out" party. I had a couple of close friends over and we all went to dinner. I showed them my bald head and let them take it all in. Having them see me made things real for the first time in 10 months. Until now, I've been private and quiet about this whole experience. Dealing with it on my own. It's an education process and it can get tiring at times. I don't understand how we can be in the year 2010 without a cure to Alopecia. It makes to no sense.

The ironic part about my birthday is that when I blew out my candles, I didn't wish for my hair. I was just grateful for everyone sharing my birthday with me. I know it'll be ok, but sometimes it helps to vent...especially to people who understand. :)

Thanks for listening, Alopecia World.