Yesterday, there were just a few strands that came out when I ran my fingers through my hair. Today, when I showered, my hands came away from my head covered in hair. That was my cue. I still washed and conditioned my hair, and put my usual goop in it, and went about my day, but as soon as the day’s obligations were over, it was time. I set up my camera (because, really people, you know this is a photo op if ever there was one), and with the help of Adam pushing the shutter button, I shaved my head. Well, first, I buzzed it. Then Adam shaved it. And, I’m so happy to say that Meredith watched most of the process. When we were all done, she said, “Now that I’ve seen you bald, I don’t care, wig or no wig.” What a relief! Though one little oddity – she wanted to keep my hair in a Ziploc bag. Um. Ok, I guess.
You know, I thought I’d get a bit emotional, but I didn’t. I actually had fun (as you can see from the photos). I think Adam did too. Usually, it’s me cutting his hair (with the zero level on the clippers). He finally got his turn on my head.
Afterwards, I tried on the wig. Man, is that thing hot and itchy! But, Mere said, “It looks just like you, if you straightened your hair. Yep. It kinda does. Maybe I’ll wear it. Maybe not. We’ll see. In the meantime, I’m happy to say my head is a decent shape, and I don’t mind the baldness at all. It feels a bit odd, but I’ll get used to that. And if I get tired of it (like any hairdo), I can always get another wig while I plan for different styles as my hair grows back in the fall/winter.
People, we’re killing cancer here, so It’s all good.
Original Comments from the CaringBridge Blog:
You fucking rocked that mowhawk. And seriously, you have a perfectly shaped melon. I’m still waiting to see these eyebrows.
—Taunya Farr, July 11, 2015
I just have to say your cousin Jordy must be so proud of you. He once had that hair style! 🙂 Love you, and rock on!!!!
—Barb Lerman, May 8, 2015
Love your sense of humor it will keep you with a positive attitude to fight this battle. Our prayers will be with you and your family.
—adriana currea, April 27, 2015
Deb,
Your positive spirit and attitude is so refreshing and it will take you far. Thank you for sharing your journey and I’m Wishing you all the best. Adios cancer. Love ya
—michelle golden, April 26, 2015
You have a perfectly shaped head!!!
—Elaine Fox, April 26, 2015
WOW! I can’t believe how well you are handing all of this!!! I think I would be hysterical, however, your demeanor is to be so admired! You should teach “cancer classes”! I am constantly amazed!
P.S. I’m grateful it’s warm weather so your little bald head won’t get cold! 😉
—kay matton, April 26, 2015
You look awesome!! Love how it was a family affair!!
—Amy Kingan, April 26, 2015
Good for you with the positivity! My hubs survived hairy cell leukemia + 12 years ago. The best advice we ever heard was right after being diagnosed. One of the nurses hugged us & said that she always saw the best outcomes when people didn’t just give up, but educated themselves, pulled in loved ones for support, & kept their sense of humor. Sounds like you are definitely on the right track.
—Ann Barber, April 26, 2015
I see the family resemblance with Brian even better now. ? Honestly, you look great!
—Kristin TePas, April 26, 2015
Think how much you will save on hair products. Awesome!!!!
—Laura Roberts, April 26, 2015
She’s right. You are lovely either way!
—Lisa missner, April 26, 2015
I knew you would be a bald beauty! It IS all good:)
—Susan Rosenthal, April 26, 2015
Bald looks good on you!
—Janet Stich, April 26, 2015
You look fabulous!!!
—Kim DiNapoli, April 26, 2015
You look great bald! For obvious reasons, I’m going to be happier when you have all your hair back because of what that will mean. But until that happens, I’m going to admire your awesomely-shaped head and your total badass look. Go you!!
—Holly Ruck, April 26, 2015
Deb, is your wig real hair? (I guess human as opposed to a cocker spaniel!) My friend wears wigs has some cute short ones & they are synthetic. She says they are so much cooler, lighter than human. They look like real hair to me. Good luck either way!
—Brenda moskovic, April 26, 2015
You aren’t kidding – your head shape is really beautiful. Very symmetrical. Cute ears, too. I am beginning to suspect that I might be from the shallow end of the gene pool…..bean-shaped head and ears like catcher mitts…..Hmmmmmm…..
—margo barbakow, April 26, 2015
Thinking of you and cheering you on in this battle!! I know you will beat it!!
— Jodie Stahl, April 26, 2015