Saturday, March 04, 2006

Getting Bald (by Venita)

This is Venita only speaking here. I know with chemo there is a 90%+ possibility I will lose the hair on my head. I was planning to be proactive and just shave it in advance, and not wear one those do-rags or floppy hats you see on people undergoing chemo. Just be bald and proud.

In fact, I’ve always been a little curious about the whole shaving head thing that men do these days as a fashion statement.

But I’m kind of moon walking on this now. Jim and I have tickets to go to a dinner theater a couple weeks after I would have my head shaved. I’m thinking how shocked the folks in the room would be—-the whole, “OMG is this infectious?” or “Look at that woman, she is dying” thing.

I know I won’t be infectious or dying. And I know the do-rag/floppy hat only minimizes the effect on other people, it does not change the facts of what they see and feel.

I do not at all mind the people I see everyday seeing me bald. A few (men) have offered to shave the same time I do. (No women takers yet.) I am a little queasy about my first few trips to the grocery, discount store. . .... The overly long looks; the quiet whispers.

Your thoughts about my new feelings? Don’t even suggest the wig thing!

1 comment:

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

I ran into a bumper sticker yesterday that seems appropriate to share.

"Don't worry about what other people think, They don't do it that often"

Unfortunately too many people hide who or what they are or what they have gone through because they are afraid of other people's reactions. Well you could just be the one that inspires someone to be strong when they need it most.