Mia Caybut

My Cancer Story


Hello dear friends and family,


As many of you know, I’ve had Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma 2 times before and now, just 5 months after treatment for my most recent bout, the cancer has returned for the 3rd time. To say I was shocked when the new diagnosis was confirmed is an understatement. 


Because my cancer came back so quickly, my oncologists have recommended a pretty intense course of treatment, which basically involves destroying my immune system (on purpose) so that they can rebuild it so it’s able to more easily fight off the cancer (that’s the hope anyway). It’s a fierce schedule: 2 different 6-day hospital stays, each followed by 6 weeks of being confined to my home (for immunity reasons). After that, I will have a blood and marrow transplant. 


I’ve received many treatments over the years, including radiation and chemotherapy, and I’ve been blessed to have had the ability to work all the way through, leading as full a life as possible. But here’s my new bottom line: 


I will not be able to work for at least 5 months. Yes, it’s a lot! I’m still trying to wrap my head around it, but I am strong and I am positive! 


And I am grateful: I love being a hair colorist. I never knew I could find a life I loved so much and stay true to my creative self. Being a hair colorist has blessed me with a family I would have never known through my clients and fellow stylists. It’s allowed me to see the world and make many of my dreams come true. And it’s given me the independence and confidence to believe I can do anything, including beating my disease time and again. 


I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your support, and every word of hope and encouragement is like drinking a shot of wheatgrass—it makes me stronger, more joyful and more resilient. Thank you for everything.