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.”

Comments

Gone with the Wind or How Cancer stole my Hair, but not my Resolve

June 2016 April 2018 May 2018 In 2016, I underwent a full hysterectomy and was assured the small cancerous tumor on my uterus had be eradicated without any further treatment like radiation or chemo. Grateful for the fantastic outcome, I was especially delighted at not having to lose my hair. Sure, to avoid regular shaving of underarm and leg hair sounded terrific. But to bid adios to my silver mane was a step, I didn’t want to consider. Blessed with terrific, thick and wavy follicles since childhood, many had complimented me as it changed from its original platinum blonde through the brunette years to the arrival of grey strands that first appeared in my early 30s. Even then, the new color ringed my face, causing people to think it was highlights. My hairdresser told me to tell everyone, that he and not Mother Nature, was responsible. But by 2018, things drastically changed. A stage 4 tumor now invaded my body. Requiring both ...

Positivity's Power

Why keeping positive is so important to battling the Beast. Last Friday I was scheduled to give blood as I have since April prior to my chemo and now immunotherapy sessions. Last Friday, New York was also recovering from a huge snowstorm the night before. But like an intrepid Arctic explorer, I layered my clothing and set forth. Once arriving at the infusion center, one of my nurse Countess Draculas (my loving nickname for them) looked confused and asked 'why are you here?' It turned out despite being in the middle of this round's sessions, I only need bloodletting once not twice. They were so apologetic over the situation. Once upon a time, I would have adopted a put upon attitude at the inconvenience. But I had had some juice, graham crackers and spoken with funny (haha) strangers. Since my 2nd war w/ the Beast started, I have come to understand the extreme power of not sweating the small stuff. Also never allowing the big stuff to throw me off c...

Tough Talk on Dealing with Cancer at Christmas.

Put on your warrior gear, accessorized with some Christmas bling, Force yourself to smile even if your bottom lip is quivering. Go forth. Regardless of the date, you still have a beast to battle . You must continue kicking its ass.. Strength will arrive even in the darkest situations. You can do this!

Cancer is only part of my journey

Search This Blog