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Mandy

42, Female

Fort Wayne, IN

United States

Profile Information:

Relationship Status:: Single
About Me:: My story in a nutshell...
I found my very first spot on April 28th, 2008. It was in the center of my head on top about the size of a quarter. I didn't think much of it...just thought I must have pulled it out somehow or something. A couple days later I woke up to see another spot about the same size a little to the side of my head. I kinda freaked out but pushed it aside pretending to myself like nothing was wrong. Then at work my friend came to talk to me...I was sitting and she was standing over me so she could see 2 more big spots in back that I couldn't really see myself before. So yeah...I had 4 spots in a week...the 2 in back were very large (check my photos - they are dated). So I went to the doctor that week on May 2nd. He diagnosed it right away as alopecia areata. I was terrified to be honest. I had never heard of AA. He did the first treatment of injections that day for treatment. I was so in shock that I didn't really know what was going on. I was very upset for the first couple days. I LOVED my hair. I was always blessed with some pretty kick butt hair. LOL. But anyway, I found this website right away after diagnosis. The first thing I did when I got home from the doctor was jump on the internet and research, research, research. Found this website in the process and I read every single blog post and every single forum discussion and response since its inception. I got more knowledge from this site than anywhere else. It's always better getting the facts from people that have actually gone through it, I think. After seeing all these brave women on this site as well as getting a phone call from my boss who basically said "get over it and move on with your life" I snapped out of it. I realized...I can either feel sorry for myself and be sad about what I've lost or I can accept the disease, move on, and be happy with what I HAVE. And I've honestly been fine ever since. It's ALL about attitude and acceptance. Your attitude affects the way your life will be. You can be perfectly happy with AA if you want to be. It's up to you! :o) This is mainly why I decided against the injections...they didn't work for me for one thing, but I also didn't see the point in it for so many reasons...I'm fine with letting what's going to happen just happen.

Overall, I have learned that treatments don't work for me, and honestly, even if they did, I wouldn't do them. It only adds stress to your life thinking of yourself as broken and needing to be fixed. Think of all the money and time you will spend trying to fight the hairloss...wouldn't you rather be living life? I love helping people and am more than willing to help in any way I can if you need a friend, some support, or want to talk about wigs and how to make pretty bandanas and scarves. But honestly, if you're looking for advice on treatment, you won't get that from me. :) I will only try to help you love yourself for who you are and move on.

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I started a Chicago group as well as a Fort Wayne, Indiana group (I'm from Chicago, moving to Ft Wayne for school so I'll be there a while). If you're from either area, please join the group so we can start planning some get togethers! :o)
Do you have alopecia?: Alopecia areata
Are you age 18 or older?: Yes - I am 18 or older

Comment Wall:

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carly

hey
i just put an email that my uncle sent my on my page under my favorite quotes - i wanted you to see it!

Sep 20, 2008
carly

hey ik that is my fav too

Sep 26, 2008
Drew

Mandy, how is everything? hope all is well with you...

Sep 28, 2008
Jennifer

hi Mandy, I love that new hair style. It is so super cute!!!!!

Sep 29, 2008
Celeste Edwards

Hi Mandy! I'm new here!! I absolutely LOVE the new do!! Please tell me where you got it, etc. THanks!! BTW, I am in Fishers, IN.

Sep 30, 2008
Jessica

Hey Mandy,

What's going on? Glad your doing well. Life has been pretty busy here so I'm very sorry it's take so long to write back.

I saw your message about Bald Girls Do Lunch will you be able to make it?

Yes my hair is falling out again. The small spot on top has really thinned out and the under side of my head has like 4 spots the seem to be blending together uggh i wish it would just all fall ou or stop.
I did go look at some wigs the other day and may try to check out the salson Rachel posted about.

well hope all is well

remember to take a break and relax a bit.

jessica

Oct 3, 2008
Celeste Edwards

Hey You!!
I dropped a small fortune on the wig yesterday!!! I REALLY like it ... in fact, feelin some LOVE :) I think mine is a bit lighter than yours???? I'll upload a photo soon. Thanks again for the info!

Hope you are well ;)
C

Oct 9, 2008
3mee

Thank you very much for taking the time to read my blog. I really appreciate it. After receiving all the encouragements, I feel much, much better. Thank you again!

Oct 19, 2008
Jessica

Hi Mandy,
'

Oh not yet I was going to go out the other night but Jason was unable to go with me so I'm going to with in a day or two. I picked out Audrey from Rene of Paris . It's dark brown with some red highlights for the winter and it's only $130.00 the only bad thing is it does not have a Mono top. I'm going to give myself a few more weeks and I'm going to shave it again. Jason and I took some new pic's of my head and I have many new spots I'm starting to think it may be seasonal for me I had shaved my head the first time in Dec. we'll see if I can make it that long I can't stand to see all that hair on the ground you know.

How are you doing?? Did anything ever come from your regrowth>>
Jessica

Oct 20, 2008
Roger

Hi girl!

You remember me =)=)=)

Oct 20, 2008
Carol

Hey sweetie! I had a low run for a bit but I'm on a super high right now. CAP asked me to apply to come to their conference in August as a guest speaker and Julia's book should be out anytime now and my story is in it - I'm pumped! I never would have been able even think of going to Philadelphia for CAP's conference if my ex was still living here too. Things are looking up. I still get a bit lonely from time to time but I have my kids, friends at work and all the wonderful alopecians online to keep me strong. What's been going on with you, how have you been?

Oct 20, 2008
Jessica

Hey Mandy,
a
So I'm glad you like it cause the last wig I picked was not that great on me and i don't want to pick another stinker.lol
So yeah as soon as I get a new camera I will add pic's of me new baldies. Jason and I took a sharpie and outlined and numbered them I have 7.
well I will chat with yo soon.

take care
jessica

Oct 20, 2008
carly

hey mandy, havnt heard from you in a long time.. wats up? hows work?

Oct 22, 2008
Royalty

Hi Mandy thanks for having me as your friend!

Oct 23, 2008
Jennifer

hey Mandy! i havent been on here in a while. I got myspace and facebook and 3kids running around!!! LOL I think I might go looking for wigs in Decemeber????? I'm still wearing extensions,but they are starting to get nasty. I do like my brows a lot better now!!! How are you doing? How is the wig treatin' you?

Oct 25, 2008
carly

LOL what are you going to school to be again?

Oct 26, 2008
BrandyLynn

Love the new hair!! It's GORGEOUS!! I look at your photos of the hairloss and that's EXACTLY what I looked like only with brown hair. It's bringing back memories. I remember the piles on the floor...just crazy.
Anyway, I'll talk to you more about the whole situation later when I can email you after friend approval.
Again, love the wig. I'm envious!

Oct 28, 2008
Roger

Oct 28, 2008
BrandyLynn

Where'd you find your wig??? Just out of curiousity..I love the cut but I wouldn't look good in that color. We are very limited w/wig salons in my area..there's only one..urgh!! I like going places where I can try them on you know?? I bought one online and it was horrible..and it cost more to send it back to them then what i paid for it. So here it sits....
Is there a place you suggest??

Oct 29, 2008
Shana and Taylor

You like video games i am guessiing!?

Nov 2, 2008
Shana and Taylor

I have never ever met a woman adult that loves videogames!!! That is awesome though! I love them too

Nov 5, 2008
BrandyLynn

Do they have a website at all?? We are so limited up to salons that offer wigs. It really is a shame. If they have a site let me know..that would be neat if I could order from them and then just have a friend of mine who does hair just cut it for me.

Nov 8, 2008
Erica

Loving your short wig Mandy. Now I'm torn. I was going to go long with my next one but you've starting me thinking I should try short!

Nov 12, 2008
Jessica

Hey Mandy,

thanks for having me over, it was great getting to hang out and meeting your friends there are great!!
I'm going to post so new pics but since you've seen me last I now have about 25 new spots I look alot like the Alopecia Areata group head.

talk to you soon
jess

Nov 12, 2008
Karina Louise

Hi Mandy!
How are things going? I love your short blonde wig!
K.

Nov 16, 2008
JeffreySF

Hi Mandy,

Havent heard from you in awhile so figured I better stop in and say hello.
All is good here. How are things with you? Are you planning on attending next years NAAF Confrence? You still have 219 days to think it over.

Hugz,
Jeff

Nov 17, 2008
Jessica

the Blad Girls lunch was great wish you were there how have you been?

Nov 20, 2008
CSue

MyHotComments

Nov 27, 2008
Karina

Are the wigs comfortable

Nov 30, 2008
Rachel

i just noticed you guys talking about twilight...i LOVED the books...i read them so fast. i couldnt put them down. it was like i couldn't read them fast enough ....must...know...what...happens!!! the part in the movie where bella first sits by edward in class was so much funnier than i imagined it in the book. but the books were so good!!!

Dec 5, 2008
Roger

Hej!!! =)=)=)

Dec 5, 2008
Billie

Hey Pretty Gal! Just stopping by to say hello. Been busy round here so I have neglected to keep up with everyone. Hope all is well your way!
Have a wonderful Christmas girl. Hope your wishes come true!!!!

Dec 15, 2008
Roger

Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year.

Roger.

Dec 21, 2008
Roger

Happy New Year Comment Graphics
Comments & Glitter Graphics for Myspace, Hi5, Orkut, Friendster

Dec 31, 2008
carly

hi mandy its carly!
i know we have not talked for a while but what is new with you?

Jan 28, 2009
Hilary Megan Lockhart

Hi I'm new I love your hairstyle! if you don't mind me asking do you wear a wig ? i wear one! its long and blonde i feel so much better but my worst problem is that i have none to talk to about our condition could you message me bk please!?

Thanks

Hilary

Feb 8, 2009
Billie

Hey girl- Hope things are goin well for ya!

Feb 17, 2009
Juliet

Mandy.. You look awesome.. I just heard from Jessica about your hair!!! We really need to get together..

Feb 23, 2009
carly

hey mandy! i love your picture! and your so lucky that your school is almost over for you!! and thats great about your hair! the whole back of my head needs to hurry up and grow! lol

Apr 19, 2009
Jessica

hey mandy,

you look great !!I am so glad you hair has returned!!!!! I am going out with Juliette tomorrow so I will talk with her about hanging out with you when you get in. Hey will you be going to see Harry Pottery while your here maybe we could go together?

talk to you soon
jessica

Jun 18, 2009
Samantha

Hey Mandy....I haven't been on here in a while....I was looking at your pics and not sure how recent they are...is your hair growing back?

Jun 25, 2009
Karina

Mandy...I´m from Argentina...I´m very scared cause my hair is falling down since last year. I went to a derm and told me that is only stress. But...I want to ask you how many hours were you wearing wigs and if they are comfortable. Did you tell peolpe about this?

Jul 2, 2009
Karina

Mandy...can you tell how many hours did you wear it? And if they are secure?

Jul 6, 2009
Karina

A wram happy birthday from Argentina!! Enjoy it!!

Jul 7, 2009
JeffreySF

Happy Birthday Mandy!!!

Jeffrey

Jul 7, 2009
Samantha

When did it start growing back? Were you doing any treatments? Anything at all that you may have done different? Out in the sun? I swear that sun might have something to do with it. Congrats on the regrowth..that has to be super exciting!

Jul 7, 2009
Andre

nice page wall....so many video games!!!!

Andre

P.S. - your page's background just gave me an idea so i thank you for (indirectly) insipiring it. another thing song 2 and song 3 rocks!!!!

Aug 19, 2009
Donna DeHoog

Hi Mandy! I am Donna! How are you? Wow I wish I had your outlook on this alopecia thing. I definitely struggle with it most days! I just love your short wig. It is beautiful!!!!!!!!! Where did you get it? I hope to talk to you soon :)

Oct 13, 2009
Stephanie

Hi Mandy,

How are you? Wanted to know if you were going to be in Chicago for the holidays we are going to meet and wanted you to join us!

Let me know!
Steph

Dec 5, 2009
Jessica

ok Mandy,

so funny ,i was reading a comment that you sent me on one of my pic's it was a year ago today... so sweet, was a nice pick me up. i miss you
jess

Jun 7, 2010