Hi Joemic, it’s daunting going back to work. I think people mean well but often say or do things which we find insensitive. It’s very difficult; if you issue a set of do’s &don’ts that may seem a bit ‘diva’. But say nothing and you risk exposing yourself to behaviour which will ‘set you back’. I didn’t have chemo, so I can’t comment specifically on hair loss. But I have encountered a lot of ‘interest’ in my appearance. And it is hard to cope with at times. People do seem to have a fascination with what cancer does to us visually, but we have to remember they are subconsciously testing their selves, not testing us. It’s a physiological minefield.
Without some context to where you work, what you do, and obviously you wouldn’t want to share that, it’s hard to know what to say. But possibly you confide your fears in one or two sensitive colleagues on the basis they will spread word you are uneasy. There is if course also the fact you are covered by the Disability Discrimination Act. You cannot be teased because of your illness. If someone has suggested people will try to touch your hair/head, or make inappropriate comments, your manager should step in, without question, but in a way you feel comfortable with. No one should have to endure bullying behaviour, even if it is passed off as ‘banter’ and certainly not someone who has endured cancer yet has made it to the point of returning to work. Well done for getting that far.
I can’t begin to imagine going grey - I’m a brunette too, I spend too much time and money having my roots done. You are in a different space on this, but would you maybe feel better if you splashed out on a consultation with a posh hairdresser, someone you could ‘name-drop’ to these colleagues of yours? To put a positive spin on the situation and give you a bit of confidence… top hairdresser in town is only person allowed to touch/discuss my hair.
You can’t go around thumping people, but you can work on a plan of attack. I so hope you find a way through this issue and wish you success in your career. PM me if helps.