Short hair day

They told me that some time after chemo started, I would run my hands through my hair, and would find my hair coming out in my fingers.  That day was today.  My plan was:  on that day, I would go down to Amys of Denmark (a real place in Wheaton, not a porn theater).  They would bob my hair and take it to make a "halo" wig, which would make it look like I still had hair peeking out from whatever hat I might choose to wear.  I also ordered a regular, garden-variety wig, and bought a couple of hats.

As fate would have it, my daughter, Julia, who is almost 14, was home sick from school today with a sore throat.  I waited until she woke up and said we had a new project of the day.  She was all over it.

We got down to Amys of Denmark in the central wig district of Wheaton, behind the IHOP.  Who knew that there was a wig district in Wheaton?

The ladies, who are not Danish but mostly Hispanic, do this all day, every day.  They could tell me what do do with my health insurance.  I had a prescription for a "cranial prosthesis," that is, a wig, and now my health insurance will pay for it.  Canada, who has the best health care system NOW, eh?

They tried to talk me out of getting my hair cut today.  They said I had at least three or four days of hair left.  I said the hell with that, I was there, my wingman was there with camera in hand, and we were ready to roll.  Julia brought a backpack loaded with hats of many kinds. for me to try on to get the best idea of what was possible, and what was not advisable.

This is the haircut that resulted.  I kind of like it, but by week's end I will probably be totally bald.  It is a fun look to try for today, and for now, I am in the moment.

We got back to the car, and Julia presented me with a box.  Inside was a hand-colored bandana reading, "BALD MOMS FOR THE CURE," and on top were two life-affirming Lindor eggs.  I have the best daughter in the world.

When we got home, and I picked up Matthew for his piano lesson, he took one look, said, "You look creepy!" and burst into tears.  But smart mom that I am, I let him try on my wig.  He had a blast terrifying his siblings and dad.  He is possibly enjoying it a little too much.  That's okay for today.  I am, too.