The Kramer Look - Wednesday, February 17, 2010

It has been silently occurring for some time right under my nose, or rather, under "Abby’s" (the wig) nylon net. Have you guessed yet? You are right. My hair has been growing all this time. The amazing thing is how many different looks I have had since this whole process began on the fourteenth day after the first chemo treatment. First, there was the "Biker chic" look. If you will recall, I mentioned that my hair gradually turned an ever brighter shade of orange after using henna instead of the Naturtint I was accustomed to applying. Then, it morphed into the "Uncle Fester" look, sans lightbulb. After that, I resembled Pope Pius XII, without the wire-rimmed glasses. When my hair started the regrowth process, I suddenly found myself looking like my brother, Rob. Do not misunderstand me. He is a good looking guy. It is just that I did not enjoy looking EXACTLY like him. I think there should have been at least some distinction. Now, as I am nearing the final phase, meaning the remaining period of time before I rid myself of Abby forever, I find myself looking rather oddly like Kramer from Seinfeld. I have only watched that show once. It was not that impressive to me, but his hair was unforgettable. Anyway, a strange phenomenon occurs each night while I sleep. When I awake each morning, the hair that did not fall out from chemo is standing straight up in the form of a triangle, transforming me into a Kramer look-a-like. Thank God, no one but my sister sees it. It is rather unsettling to view. Thank God, also for a spray bottle and a comb. After a moment or two the tuft is tame again until it gets smashed underneath the nylon cap that Abby sits on. This weekend I plan to have the hairdresser trim those unruly hairs and perhaps in a few short weeks I can do without Abby’s services forever.