Skip to main content

The Nippy Noggin Club




One thing rarely mentioned on cancer support groups or other sites is how cold one’s head and ears can become from a lack of hair.

I come from a family of mostly men. At various ages all experienced follicle challenges. But even those who showed more skin than hair, never mentioned being affected by the big chill.

Not me.

It seems everywhere I go my nippy noggin comes along.  Admittedly, when summer temperatures soar in the high 90’s feeling even a hot breeze across my naked scalp is nice. However, just the mildest of air conditioning has me scrambling for cover.  

Never a hat person prior to this latest challenge, I am now. A series of baseball caps and a wide-brimmed sun hat are typical daytime outdoor attire. Inside I cover up with felt and cotton beanies while singing the praises of the crafty volunteers who kindly donate their stitchery magic to my cancer care unit.

Last week I was caught short.

Having fallen and scraping up my hands and knees a trip to the ER was necessary.

This required hours of waiting in an exam room where meat could have been hanged next to the medical apparatus. Reaching into my knapsack dismay followed upon the realization I had no head covering with me.

Luckily, most hospitals now offer delightfully warm blankets. I received two and arranged the first over and around my naked head and neck. Seeing my image in a mirror laughter erupted. I looked like the elderly version of the Virgin Mary in an absurd production of the Nativity play.

Should you find yourself a member of nippy noggin club too, find comfort that you are not alone. Gather hats and scarves of varying styles, patterns and textures. Think of this as a new outlet to demonstrate your individuality and find pride in it.

Still shy?

Take heart in the words of Dr. Suess, the author who know a little about cats in hats.

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

To Wig or Not to Wig

Recently, I discovered my early German ancestors lived in a place once called "Wigmodia." Considering my current bald status perhaps I am being led by my roots (literally) to place a covering resembling hair atop my head. But a little history lesson first (no groans from the peanut gallery, please). Curiosity is a terrible thing to waste. Ancient Egyptian, typically men, often kept their cool with close shaven heads, However, the romantic ladies liked something to run their fingers. Coverings, created from animal fur and other natural sources, became the norm. Nothing says ‘I love you’ like slapping on plaited papyrus held in place with beeswax. Should the object of desire be wealthy, it was customary to place a dollop of animal fat on the outside of the wig. Imagine snuggling up to that on a hot night in Alexandria? Other cultures from the Assyrians to the Greeks and Romans found wigs appealing, as did Asians. Then the fad died out until the 16 th...
Post a Comment
Read more

Pesky Prednisone

Chamomile  tea warming by my bedside while a massaged glob of  lavender-infused  lotion disappears into my hands. Meditation music at the mere touch of a button ready to lull me into deep and restful slumber.  Insert diabolical laughter here. Too bad the steroids, I am currently taking to combat the nasty  Rheumatoid arthritis   side effects of Keytruda, are working against my desired result. That pesky Prednisone primed to keep me upright and awake into the morning's early hours is my new norm. Aside from the above, I've tried the old standards like reading in bed, wearing an eye mask and counting sheep. The latter proved really bad idea. Prednisone also sends my appetite soaring. Visions of fluffy ovis quickly transformed into succulent grilled lamb chops before they cleared the fence. I have no need to complain. Despite retaining constant under eye bags, steroids have failed to give me an over abundance facial hair or muscles....
Post a Comment
Read more

Staying Positive

Having a healthy and positive attitude usually depends on how you handle the rain you are given.
Post a Comment
Read more