Wigonometry

Knowing I would lose all my hair, I decided to embrace the hairless look with a positive attitude and lots of cute hats when I first was diagnosed and faced chemo. I did pretty well throughout my treatment, although, I really missed my hair.

Now that I feel better and chemo is over, I’d like my outside to look like my inside feels. So when a friend recommended a fancy hair replacement place, I decided to check it out. They were nice, informative and gave me a wonderful private consultation. Once I learned that my insurance would cover most of the shockingly high cost of the hair piece, I was even more on-board and decided to go for it.

The best part was the description on my doctor’s prescription and on the insurance claim; I was applying for coverage of a cranial prosthesis. While fighting working with the insurance company to cover my “durable medical device” at the higher percentage, I called almost every day for 2 weeks. Each time, when they asked what the device was, I’d say, “Well, I call it a wig, but you guys call it a cranial prosthesis.”

Once I succeeded in getting the insurance company to approve my faux-follicles, I ordered the in-stock piece from the fancy salon. When it came, I had an appointment to get it cut and styled to my taste. After not having a real hair on my head for weeks, it felt strange—almost comical—to sit in a salon chair while the stylist cut the long locks that laid on my head.

Looks pretty real, doesn't it?

My new head piece has been quite the boost in my spirit. As my body starts to feel better, my confidence has been lifted as well. No more out-of-place winter hats worn in heated meeting rooms or cancer-y sympathy-provoking head scarves. Now I’m just an average woman with plain hair stopping at the store for tofu and dog treats on my way home, like everyone else. What a luxury it is to feel like “everyone else” for a while.