Cancer Musings (The Hair Plan)

As I've mentioned before, I was told at my first appointment with the oncologist that I will lose my hair through the process of chemo. I can see myself wearing hats around the house or when out running errands as a head covering solution when this happens, but for work and other public events, I know I will want a wig. The thought of figuring out how to go about this and where to start that process has been overwhelming to me, so my solution for the time being has been to do nothing and pretend it won't actually happen for just a little bit longer. My good friend, Kim, knows me well and knew this would have been my default plan. So, she took it upon herself to go on a reconnaissance mission for me. She knew of a salon in the area that had a sign out front advertising that they carried wigs. The day I had my port surgically placed at the hospital, Kim was with me. The salon she knew about was near the hospital, so she stopped in there on her way home and checked them out. She told my story to the staff person she was introduced to and asked about wigs. She was thoroughly impressed with the salon that day and the staff she had met. She told me about it and encouraged me (but didn't pressure me) to consider making an appointment there. I called and made the appointment, and I was just as impressed with the staff on the phone as she had been with them in person. I spoke with Julie, and she remembered Kim and remembered my story. She asked me a few details about what my hair was like now and what I might be looking for so she could pull a few things for me ahead of time. I made the appointment for today, which is just two days after my first chemo session, and I was told I would likely start to lose my hair after the second session (two weeks from now), so the timing is right for getting this detail taken care of. 

Kim and I met at the cute little salon together. We met Julie, who couldn't have been sweeter or kinder to us. She offered us a couple bottles of water and took us downstairs to the "wig room" where we would start the trying on session. 

Julie had picked out three wigs for me based on the information on the phone. We started with those first with the option to try on others as I would like.

I was given a quick tutorial on how to put on a wig and then the trying on commenced. 

#1 - Hmmm? Maaybee?

#2 - Uh, No.

#3 - Ding, Ding, Ding. We have ourselves a winner. 

Yep. I chose #3. I didn't try on any others. I am a simple woman. 

It doesn't take me long to make a decision. 

Does this choice look exactly like the hairstyle I wear now? No. 

Does it look like it fits my face and like something I would wear? I think so. 

Do I like it? Yes. 

Is it something I can live with and wear with confidence? Absolutely.

So, I purchased this wig and walked out with the wig, a styrofoam mannequin head, and some wig hair care products (yep, that's a thing I guess). I was pretty happy with the decision. 

A few additional pieces of information about wigs:

• I chose to shop for and buy a synthetic hair wig. They are cheaper and pretty realistic looking these days. Synthetic hair wigs range from $100 - $500+. This particular wig I purchased today was on a closeout sale, so I got a good deal on it, which thrilled my little frugal heart. 
• I was encouraged by a few people to consider a real-hair wig because they are realistic looking, last longer than a synthetic wig, and can be styled with heat products. They also range in price from $1,000-$4,000+. That is just not an investment my little frugal heart is willing to make. If I'm going to spend that amount of money, I would rather have a few new pieces of living room furniture, quite frankly.
• A synthetic wig lasts about 6-9 months and has to be washed just like your hair does (Who knew? But, it makes sense). A real-hair wig lasts 2-5 years, which is way longer than I'm hoping to need it. 

In conclusion: I'm happy with today's decision, and I'm so grateful to God for my friend, Kim, and her faithfulness in standing by me in all aspects of life. I'm also grateful to God for the kindness of Julie and this beautiful little salon that met a very present need in my life right now. My mind is a little bit more at ease going into the days ahead.