So they tell me I’m going to lose my hair. It’s the least of my worries about chemo – considering I could also lose my hearing, my digestive health and my sense of touch… But, as I get closer to that possibility, I’m really cherishing my time with hair (as well as hearing, touch, and … digestion). As a matter of fact, I’ve grown accustomed to having hair. I mean, it’s something I have in common with all the other mammals. Not saying I will suddenly join the reptiles when I sport my Teli Savalas, but hair is something we’re used to seeing.
And I’ve been told that it will probably grow back a different color. Unlikely to be naturally purple, but it could come back grey and immediately advance me a decade. So I have some trepidation around the whole thing. It doesn’t help that it’s in the 30s with freezing rain outside.
Will I be bald and proud? Will I do the wig thing, or the scarf thing?
Enter Stuart and Antonio. Two of my dearest friends from way back. They know me well. We have danced crazy dances together in Spain. And New York. And Israel. And the living room. We’ve tried on an accent or two together and dressed the part. They knew just what I needed.
A box of WIGS! A BIG BOX of wigs. A wig for any occasion. Do I feel like cake? How ’bout a little Marie Antoinette? Am I feeling jolly? How ’bout Santa Claus? Am I feeling as funny as a clown? Or confused like “80’s dude wig”? Would I like my long hair back, but without the curl? Or am I feeling sly, like the Russian spy girl bob? Don’t worry, there is a feather boa to complete any look. Feather boa, you complete me!
A couple of weeks ago I lead a storytelling workshop for 50 leaders of a multi-billion dollar 
company. I had hair. Now, I see all the possibilities I have to reinvent myself. For the next workshop I’ll keep them on edge as a Russian spy. Tomorrow I start Round 3 of chemo and I may just show up as a blond. I’m sitting in a coffee shop and The Bee Gee’s “Stayin’ Alive” is playing. Yes. I will definitely be a blond with bangs tomorrow.
Who will you be?
Hello beautiful friend! Fyi my girlfriend at work is a healthy breast cancer survivor whose natural hair has now grown back in…and it is strong, long, and gorgeous!
Love to you! dobre den (spelling is off but says good day in Russian 😉
So totally love these and you all! Allison, you will beautiful no matter what’s on your head. Will be with you in my heart this week.
I will be your biggest cheerleader!!! Your diary entries make me laugh and love better. We love you Allison!!
Hey beautiful woman. These pics are wonderful. Michael looks so full of joy surrounded by his amazing parents. As always, sending you strength and love this week as you kick cancer. xxoo
Allison…you are amazing…beautiful, strong and funny. These pics are fun and it’s good to see the family being silly and having fun. I’ll be thinking of you this week and send love and positive energy your way. xoxoxo
I prefer Michael’s original combination of 80’s hair guy + Santa Claus beard.
Hi Sweet friend! your loss of hair will be an eventual gain, I know, as you always seem to make lemonade from lemons!!! Awesome seeing your beautiful family and the love you all share!
Holding you close to my heart as well this week and for those to come XXXX
blond, brunette, short or long, wig, no wig, bald or hairy, shiny or smooth- we will take you however you come. Thoughts and prayers headed your way.
Al, you can make just about anything, even cancer, funny. Bald, gray haired, or bewigged, your light shines so strong. Thanks for the inspiration and the laughs. Much love to you, Kate