It’s been on my head.
It’s been to Melbourne, Florida — twice.
It’s been to Akron, Ohio.
And off it goes now to Vienna, Virginia, where newly diagnosed Michelle will wear this wig once chemo takes full effect. Michelle, just now recovering from a mastectomy, is a married, working mom of two little boys, ages 1 and 4.
Michelle found me via this blog and reached out to ask some questions — several of which were about hair. She liked the look of my “underhair” — cotton on top, human hair around the sides, meant to be worn with hats — and she was thinking of getting such a cover-up for herself. No sense in that. I have a perfectly good one crumpled up in a box in my closet, I told her, and I pleaded that she let me send it to her. She accepted, so I shampooed, conditioned, dried, flat ironed, and topped with a bucket hat. Next, I’ll box it up and mail it off. She should have it in a few days, just in time to bring her some comfort before her own blond hair is gone.
Gosh, this hair tells such a story — I ordered it because I’d tried on a few traditional wigs, and the way they framed my face screamed, “She’s wearing a WIG!” Desperate to look like my own normal in the midst of cancer chaos, I loved the thought of a ballcap on top of hair that looked real. A hundred bucks (plus) later, I had in my hands a perfect solution — the not-scratchy, cottony-soft, blond-like-my-own-hair fix that was so believable a neighbor once commented on how great it was that I had not lost my hair. I attribute the facade to the human hair, the perfect shade of color, cut to just the right length, and looking fresh and clean and bouncy thanks to the recommended Frizz-Ease products.
This wig, which ironically looks nothing like my hair now (chemo can change the color and texture of hair), brought me peace when my world was crumbling.
I think it will do the same for Michelle.
And for whoever is in line next to her.
Michelle on 2/13/2012 at 3:46 pm said:
Jackie, you are an angel! Thanks again so much for sharing. I wil take good care of her! I feel like she needs a name? Haha!
Jacki on 2/13/2012 at 4:38 pm said:
Ahhh, a name, yes! Any suggestions? I could always name her something I would have named a baby girl (that I will never have!). Packaging her up right now. Be on the lookout
KD on 2/13/2012 at 9:54 pm said:
Jacki – You are truly awesome!! So glad your family moved here all those years ago!! Will keep Michelle in my prayers now too!!
Terri on 2/15/2012 at 12:15 am said:
What a lovely thing to do! I bet Michelle will top it off with a ball cap.
so kind, Jacki!
Brenda on 2/16/2012 at 9:42 am said:
I am glad that Michelle has connected with people like yourself! Thank you.
Dr Pushkar on 2/20/2012 at 7:14 am said:
Nice blog. Looking at your blogroll, it seems you do a hell lot of work.
Sara on 3/4/2012 at 5:49 am said:
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Vickie Jean DeHamer on 3/12/2012 at 12:50 pm said:
Hi Jacki,
I just wrote about my experience supporting my boss/friend through two years of cancer treatments. She was so devastated when her hair went – it happened in the shower one night – all of it at once. We went through the head scarves, the wigs – you name it. I never saw this underhair option! That would have really helped her since she would wear a wig and a head scarf and get really, really overheated.
Anyway, thank you for this post. Here’s my story if you care to read it: http://zazou.com/blog/behind-the-soup/no-my-boss-doesnt-have-cancer/.
Kathleen on 3/15/2012 at 4:11 pm said:
Hi Jacki:
I’m sure it’s here somewhere but I can’t find a way to contact you other than leaving you this comment.
I am an editor working on a Guide to Chemo and would love to interview you about your experiences.
I hope you’ll reach out to me via my email address above. I can then send you a PDF of the guide, so you can see what it’s about before making your decision. You can also check out my company’s web site–I’ll give you more info later!
Thanks for considering this, Jacki. I look forward to hearing from you!
Best,
Kathleen
Melissa - Still in the Storm on 4/5/2012 at 11:04 pm said:
Thanks for sharing. I love how you refer to your wig traveling.
Cute
Andrea on 4/11/2012 at 1:20 pm said:
I love how you’re sharing and getting out there. I’m a two-year survivor and just wrote a book and started a blog to help women who are starting their breast cancer treatments. There are so many hints and tips I learned along the way. I’m hoping to help as many women as I can, and maybe offer a few laughs along the way. You can find my blog at http://www.baldisbetterwithearrings.com.
As We Change on 7/24/2012 at 1:44 pm said:
Check out the As We Change line of Envy Wigs. We have tons of styles and colors to fit anyone!
http://search.aswechange.com/search?p=Q&ts=custom&w=wigs
Jennifer on 11/6/2012 at 12:21 pm said:
Jacki,
I’m Michelle’s sister. I wanted to thank you on behalf of our family for your kindness. Mich’s whole family (other than her husband and kids) are in Canada and she is way off in Virginia dealing with things. It is such a pleasure to read your blog and experience such a selfless act of caring for a stranger. I hope your good turn is returned to you in many ways. Thanks from our family to yours and good wishes for continued health.
Jacki on 11/6/2012 at 12:51 pm said:
It is my pleasure to help, Jennifer! I wish Michelle the very best in the years to come!