Very cool

I find being bald surprisingly freeing. The first night, I experienced shock whenever I saw myself in the mirror. My first thought after the shave off was conehead. (Remember them on SNL - and yes, I'm dating myself again.)

But the shock is gone. I seem to have no problem saying to people, "do you want to see it?" Colleen Maass and Melissa Dodge both visited yesterday (much to my delight) and I unhesitantly whipped off the pink bandana. They both complimented me on the nice shape of my head - lucky me - and said bald suited me. Huh.

I don't feel compelled to cover up all the time, and wander around the house, cook, watch TV, etc. sans head cover. I'm happy I feel so comfortable with it. I know others may be uncomfortable but as Jodi's dad used to say "they can look elsewhere."

Today, I go to the geneticist with my mom and sister today to get tested for the BRCA1 gene. This gene, which can cause breast and ovarian cancer, runs in my family. I'm pretty sure I have it given the circumstances. But if I have it, unfortunately so does my mom. She can do something to prevent cancer from catching up to her. And I pray it skipped my sister entirely.

Of course, once we learn who carries the gene, we'll undergo counselling to learn the options and understand the implications. When I have confirmation that I have it, I'll need to figure out when Noah and Tara should be tested. It doesn't necessarily pass to the next generation and my fingers are crossed they don't have it. But we have to make sure so appropriate precautions can be taken. One step at a time.

In closing, I've posted a picture of me bald so you can all get over the initial shock and experience a chuckle on this sunny Wednesday morning.

Have a great day!

Tina