Shaolin Kid

When we were kids, movies were always a treat for me. All the more so if we were watching kung fu movies. I have always been amazed by the fighting styles and the characters' ability to take flight. I am also touched by the hardships and the trials that the heroes have to go through in order to become a full fledged kung fu fighter; more especially so if they have to shave their heads (towards the end of the movie) to become fighting monks. *sidebar: hmm, I wonder if all these have any effect on me subconciously? - trials, hardships, head shaving, only thing lacking is flying...LOL* Anyway, I always went home happy for the heroes who were able to overcome all trials and hardships thrown their way.

Last Monday, a cousin from Cagayan de Oro dropped by the apartment to visit. Niño last saw me this January, when my hair was still long. So, it must have been quite a sight for him to see me bald. When I poked my head through the door, his initial reaction was a very big toothy grin; a million dollar smile! Then, he blurted out: Oh, my! Wow! Shaolin kid!

That sent me into peals of laughter. With Niño, there will never be any malice or hidden agenda. He just says what's on his mind. With him, there will always be an air of naivete, which neither age nor wisdom can take away. With that one comment, Niño more than made up for the upset I had earlier in the day, he turned the day around.

Way to go, Shaolin Kid!

Slow Dance

SLOW DANCE
a poem by a girl with cancer somewhere in NY City

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask How are you?
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say, "hi"
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day
It is like an unopened gift
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.

I received this poem in my email today. Made me sat back and thought if I have hurried through life most of the time...

Rude Awakening

When I was home trying to overcome the fatigue I was feeling last Monday, I received a phone call shortly before lunch. I was asleep then, so I groggily reached for my phone and answered it. It was a friend who called to say that he'll be passing his phone to one of the healing ministers of his church. I barely had the time to grunt when this booming voice came on.

I winced at the volume but bravely kept the phone to my ear. The intentions were good, least I could do is to try to listen what the person on the other end has to say. So the booming voice went on about his credentials, nothing made really much sense. Words like PGH, Cancer Institute, Lord, pray drifted in and out. I'm still trying to make sense of what's going on. Mind you, this is all in a span of less than a minute.

Then the booming voice fairly shouted into my ear, which really woke me up quite rudely! It repeated itself, and finally what was being said registered through my sleep fogged mind: YOU HAVE TO GO TO CONFESSION! A FULL CONFESSION! WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU HAD CONFESSION? I was waiting for the "huh? huh? huh?" after that but none came, so I figured the voice was quite serious.

Wait a minute! How DARE this voice wake me up and DEMAND that I go to full confession???? It didn't even asked me how I am that very minute! The nerve! I woke up from my stupor and shouted back: I NEVER WENT TO CONFESSION! AND I DON'T INTEND TO BECAUSE I'M NOT CATHOLIC! I TALK TO THE LORD DIRECTLY!

And the voice went: oh. Ok, let's pray. I said thanks to the voice after the prayer, even if I'm really pissed off. I'm not rude and I don't want to start with him.

Dead Buds

Since Saturday, I've been stuffing myself silly, trying desperately to find taste in the food I eat. What used to be too salty is now too bland. What gives me headache from being too sweet is now just right. Gives me the creeps to think how my blood chemistry would look like nowadays. =)

I think at the back of my mind, I'm using this phase as an excuse to eat, eat and eat some more. Perhaps if I eat more, in variety and in volume, sooner or later, one of the flavours will bound to come through for me! Twisted logic; twisted way of thinking; twisted me! I can feel myself slowly gaining weight (although the scales said I still weigh the same last week)...I really have to go back to sensible eating and lose those pounds I may have gained. No more excuses!

As all diet goes...I'll start tomorrow. =p

Lance Armstong 

Lean, Mean, Riding Machine

I thought I missed the Oprah Primetime last Sunday. I was so waiting for the show as Oprah's guest is Lance Armstrong. The show was aired sometime last February in the States, here in the Philippines, it was just last Sunday. Good thing I was able to catch the replay around midnight.

To me, Lance Armstrong is the person behind the yellow Nike baller IDs. It never meant much to me - just another fashion statement, just another fad. But after I saw him guest on Oprah, Lance instantly became my hero. (See his website here.)

He was diagnosed to have cancer at the age of 26, given a 50-50 chance to live. But Lance fought back, and after all the treatments, he went on to win Tour de France not only once, but SIX times! Not only that, Armstrong also put up a foundation to help people understand as well as educate them about cancer. The foundation also have cancer research plus a lot more. For a dollar, one can get the signature yellow baller ID with "LIVESTRONG" on it. Proceeds of the baller ID sales goes to the foundation to fund the cancer research.

His is the one of the most amazing stories I have heard. If Lance can do it, then so can other cancer patients. And so shall I.

Undefeatable Fatigue

The past two days is just a flurry of eating and sleeping cycles. Fatigue has set in, and it seems it's here to me company for quite a while.

Yesterday, I called in sick and stayed at home; for when I woke up, I felt more tired than I was before I went to bed the other night. I was pale and listless. Everything became such a chore, answering phone, going to the bathroom, eating, talking, even smiling leaves me bone weary and tired. I don't even have the energy to whine, =) which I think is a blessing to Olive.

Today, I felt better, I woke up more energized. I even drove to work (thinking of taking a cab leaves me more exhausted than I want to be). It is almost noon and my energy level is depleting fast. No worries, I'll recharge during lunch hour.

I have to look for an exercise alternative; to help my body recover faster. I guess all the "fitness" I had during the past years are now all used up. Olive's suggesting yoga or pilates, I'm looking into skipping rope, or biking; but I guess I might just be asking too much. Or am I?

What's the Correct Term?

Recently, after I shaved my head off, I have developed this unexplicable fear (?) of seeing people in wigs. I dunno why, but I can't quite grasp the weird reaction I have everytime I see a healthy person in a wig.

It is as if a cold hand will clutch my heart and I would scan around and sure enough, there's a man (I have yet to see a woman) wearing his wig/toupee; sitting, smoking, eating, walking, having a good time.

I think maybe I see them with a dead animal on their head. Or maybe it just reminds me of my sickness on a subsconcious level? Sometimes, it just makes me want to take off my hat in public and show off my chrome dome.

So, is there a term for the phobia of wigs? Or am I just weird? I think it's me! *LOL*

A Question Never Asked

After having people find out that I have cancer, and judging by their reactions, I guessed I have a question that I have never voiced out; maybe bacause, as unbelievable as it might seems, it never occured to me until recently: why me?

Maybe it's the way I deal what life doles out to me as I go along everyday. Maybe I don't believe in wasting time pondering over things that obviously have no clear answer at the moment. Maybe it's because when life throws me a curve, I still go with it, trying to catch it and make sense out of it.

Easter Sunday musings, 9AM, why me? As I take stock of my battered body - collapsed veins, bruises that ran from my wrist to a third of my forearm, bald head, scars, dry skin, Thelma looking straight and Louise looking up, the chronic fatigue that justs hit you from nowhere - it just occured to me how much I have went through the past three months! Has it only been three months? Yep, three months. And I'm just halfway through the chemo treatments! Then, there's the radiotherapy of 6 weeks; and who knows what after that. Man! It's enough to tire me out and send me back to bed for a nap!

And when I woke up at 1215NN, still no answer in sight. It was a good nap, no dreams apparently, to reveal to me the answer of my question. So, instead of pondering once again for the answer, I will just revert back to the "wisdom" of NOT trying to answer that question. Time will reveal the whole picture (I don't know when) for I have a glimpse of it when I realised that I can help other cancer patients and survivors of my support group by just being there for them, even in very small ways. Why worry my pretty bald head over it? My chemo fried brain will overload!

In the meantime, I intend to live each day to the fullest, take in my share of laughter and tears, try to help at least a person a day - in any way I could. I will go along, sit back, relax and enjoy this roller coaster called life.

Thank you

I have finally discovered how to put the links on this blog. Took quite some time, but I'm thankful I was able to finally do it.

I'd like to thank a dear friend who now lives in New York. Her sister send me an email and told me that I might like to read her blog. So I clicked on the link in the email and was pleasantly surprised to see the latest entry. I was the topic of her entry! Tears were streaming down my face as I read through her entry. I was so touched. At one point, I swear that the person being described there wasn't me. But my picture was there, so there's no denying that it was indeed I.

Thank you again, Reflections2! You made my day!

Eating like There's No Tomorrow

Wednesday afternoon, I was able to sleep from 3 to 5. Not bad. I woke up and took an anti-nausea pill together with antacids. No hyperacidity experienced. Yay!

Yesterday, I woke up at 7AM, feeling hungry. So I took my meds and had a big breakfast of cereal and hash browns. For lunch I had a chunky vegetable soup and siopao. Had raddish cake for snacks. Dinner was the best! I had Salpicao from Cafe Adriatico, fresh mango juice and finished off with a plate of fresh fruits! I never ate so much! Whatever happened to losing one's appetite the first few days after chemo treatment because of the metallic taste in one's mouth? What metallic taste? *blush* Best of all, no hyperacity experienced! Double yay!

Today, I woke up 9AM. Had oatmeal for breakfast, veggies, sardines (in corn oil with no preservatives, according to the label) and my beef soup with the Chinese herbs. For dinner, Olive will be preparing a pasta dish. So, it looks like I'm going to eat a lot again. *sigh*

As I always say when I tend to binge, I will be more disciplined with what I eat from now on...until the next chemo comes along and I feel like I'm entitled to binge again! Bad Vanj! It's a wonder that I haven't gained weight.

3rd Cycle

Last Wednesday, I had my third chemo cycle. We were at St. Luke's Hospital's Ambulatory Care Unit bright and early. Olive and I got there at 8AM, as agreed upon with my Oncologist. It turns out that the doctors hava an early morning conference.

I was able to start my chemo around 930. Since the veins on my hand are really thin, my doctor decided to stick the needle on my forearm. It was a bit difficult, but we managed to get it in. I was done by 12nn.

My white blood cells count is not as good as before. Last time, it was at 6.1 before chemo, this time, it was just 4.8. Good enough to administer the chemo, though. I was also feeling tired that day. I'm suspecting that I should have not played badminton so near my chemo sked. That plus all the excitement of seeing a lot of friends again must have taken its toll. And since my immune system is compromised these days, it probably takes longer for my body to recover from such activities. Well, doctors probably know best. Maybe this the reason why my Oncologist wanted me to finish ALL my treatments first before doing any strenuous activites!

I should listen to my doctor, she knows best. Enough of the "I know my body and its capabilities" stuff.

Lab Rat

Yesterday, I went back to National Kidney Institute for the HER-2 Neu lab test. It was quite a trip. From the office, I passed by St. Luke's Hospital for my slides and doctor's orders. It took me longer to find a parking space than picking up the slides and the orders.

At NKI, waiting for my number to be called also proved to be a longer wait than having myself interviewed and then having my specimen received.

This morning, I went to another laboratory to have my mandatory blood test before each chemo cycle. My veins are already collapsing from the chemo drugs. The technician, who's an expert at blood extraction, can't locte my veins on my right arm. Since the left arm can't be used for extraction, we ended up extracting blood from the vein on my wrist where the last chemo cycle was admistered. A couple of minutes after the extraction, my vein swelled to a quarter of an inch thick, but only an inch either way from the extraction point.

This got me thinking, if these minor hitches got me complaining a lot, just imagine the pile of complaints of the lab rats if they can talk! What can I say? Go rats?! *LOL*

Mall Rat

Sunday, Olive and I started out from home with the intent of going to my aunt's place to drop off something and then do our grocery shopping at Cash and Carry.

We ended up going to my aunt's place and then Rockwell Power Plant Mall. We got there a little before 4. Had a cup of coffee, did our grocery shopping and then, went to a couple of shops. And then, I felt hungry. I checked the time. 730! No wonder I'm hungry!

Time does fly when you're having a good time. It's been a long time since I spent the afternoon in the malls. It was fun.

Am a mall rat again, if only for a weekend.

O, Happy Day

Last Saturday' is probably one of the best days I had so far this year.

My day started when I went to National Kidney Institute to have my HER-2 Neu done. But when I got there, the section of the lab performing this test was closed. However, I got to talk to one of the lab technicians and she's very helpful. She also gave me the minimum requirements they need to perform the test...my medical history...clinical pathology...stained slides...etc. So, I called up up my Oncologist and arranged to see her in the afternoon to get all these requirements from her.

I got a call from my Oncologist around 1 o'clock, saying she can't go home to pick up my slides so she'll just see me Monday. Now, I'm left with the rest of the afternoon with nothing to do. I don't want to go to work.

Well...my surgeon did gave me clearance to play badminton already...on the condition that I clear this with my Oncologist. Hmmm...but my Oncologist is very adamant about my playing ONLY after ALL my treatments, including radiation therapy, which means September. Tsk. Bummer!

And then again, people have selective hearing, so do I. Hehehe...yep! you guessed it! I played badminton. Just one game. I'm happy that I was able to finish the game which lasted for around 20 to 25 minutes, even when my partner and I got creamed in the first set; although I was tired after (what can I expect?).

But above all, I was happy to see a lot of good friends in badminton. Some have no idea, and probably still has no idea, that I'm sick. Those in the medical field knew right away (or it may took a few minutes) what was wrong with me when I showed up with a hat. And then there were a few who must have felt real bad when they kidded me about me wearing a hat all the time as if I'm undergoing chemotherapy!

Friends were interviewing me about my sickness, one at a time, so I found myself reapeating my story to different people for two and a half hours! I think I got tired yakking away more than playing badminton.

The highlight of the day is probably when I said hello to the daughter of my good friends. The kid can hardly look at me in the eye; I don't know if I scare her or what. But when her mom asked her if she remembers Tita Vangie, she can't contain her amusement and blurted out with a giggle: Kalbo (she's bald). I laughed. Okay, at least the kid isn't scared of me. She just finds me weird. Maybe.

Cleared

Last Friday afternoon I decided to text my surgeon to say hi; and more importantly, to ask when can I engage in strenuous activities (translation: play badminton) once again. He texted back to say that I can already do strenuous activities two months post operation.

Two months! Wow! It's been two and a half months! So, it means I can play already! Woohoo!

BUT, as big as Jennifer's butt, I have to clear things first with my Oncologist. Thud! I fell flat on that note, for my Oncologist have made it crystal clear that she would not want me to play well until I am through with all of my treatments - chemotherapy and radiation therapy as well.

And since when do patients REALLY listen to their doctors ALL the time? *devilish grin*

Angels From All Over

Last week, I got a lot of unexpected help, from unexpected sources.

The company I worked for and the sister company that I help out in each gave me something to help me out with my treatments. Then one of my friends in badminton, who works for a drug company, promised to help me out with my meds (as long as it comes from that drug company). And then a little help also came from some relatives in the States.

The week that was - really an awesome week.

New Employee

I found out last week that I've been creating some confusion among our colleagues from the warehouse.

One of them saw me at the office walking around. He thought I'm a new employee. So, when he got back to the warehouse, he asked the people there if they knew of a new employee who is bald. Now, he's confused of the new bald employee's gender, for that bald person have something in front that looks kinda like boobs! =) So, they investigated and around. They finally found out that it was me!

It took me around ten minutes to stop laughing. Oh, boy!

What A Party!

It was a great party last Friday. I get to meet around 30 people from my egroup/cancer support group.

I am left in awe of these women. There we are, a bunch of cancer survivors, some in remission, some still slugging it out, and then some who are fighting it again. I am amazed by their strength, their beliefs and their ability to embrace life. Their willingness to help other people with cancer. Theirs is not just a fight for their own life, but they include others as well. This is a bunch of women who are not seeking fame nor glory, they are just sincere in their cause of helping others who are going through terrible times because of cancer.

We all had a great time. We ate, laughed, exchanged stories, funny anecdotes and ate some more.

I started out wearing a cap, thinking that others might not want to be reminded so rudely about their condition with a bald head. But thirty minutes into the party, I was sweating like mad. When I took off my cap, my head's all shiny from sweat. I decided to leave the cap off. Well, no one minded that I was walking around bald. They know the discomfort of wearing a cap/bandanna/wig. Others can stand it, I just can't. So, I wear my bladness proud.

The party started at 5 in the afternoon, we broke up at 12:30 in the morning. Great party! And we are all sooo looking forward to the next one.

Purpose Driven Life

This morning, I got a text from the founder of I Can Serve, asking if she could talk to me. So I gave her my office number. After an hour, she texted me again, requesting if I could call her back since she can't get through the phones.

I called her up. She asked me if I am willing to help out. To be one of the "movers" behind the foundation. It will entail me helping out in planning for outings, parties and the likes. I am floored by her offer. We just met last Friday, and already, she's asking me to help out!

After gathering my wits back together, I gladly accepted. I said I'll be more than happy to help. This is an honor. To be able to help people, especially those with cancer, in any way I could, I couldn't be happier.

Now I know why I got the big C. Now I know my purpose in life. Ain't that great? =)

I Can Serve

I Can Serve is a breast cancer advocacy group founded by a breast cancer survivor. It provides information and counselling (if you want) on breast cancer. The hotlines are manned by cancer survivors and everything is treated with utmost confidence. It has an egroup that comprises of cancer survivors (most have breast cancer but others have different kind of cancer).

The egroup also serves as a support group for the members. We may have not meet physically, but virtually, we are very close; sisters in sickness and eventually in health. Everyday, when I open to check my mailbox, emails from the group are something I look forward to. Here, we discuss everything about cancer. No question is too silly, no thought too profound. No comment too provocative, no fear too big.

Later, we are going to have a get together party. I'm so excited. Finally, to be able put faces to the names of the people I interact with everyday!

Good Days, Bad Days

The past week has been the most trying yet. Good days are very much appreciated. Of course, bad days are also there.

I have been fighting hyperacidity since last Thursday. So far, I was luckly to keep it to a minimum - until yesterday. I woke up around 3AM yesterday in pain. I took antacids and ate crackers. It was an hour after before I felt better; boy, was I miserable. *sigh*

So last night, before I slept, I took an extra dosage of Maalox. I was blessed to be able to sleep through the night. I woke up at 6 this morning and I can feel the onset of a major hyeracidity. I quickly took Maalox again and slept again until 7.

Throughout today, I've been playing hide and seek with the hyperacidity. I can feel the gas filling up my insides. I have to keep belching lest I pass the gas the other way - hmmm, that's not good. *yuck!*

Today's one of the bad days; but I am glad - for it is a reminder that I still have a long journey ahead. And I know that tomorrow, all things will be better! =)

So, being bald. Not so bad. What’s there to smile about? Life is wonderful! Can’t stop smiling! Here are the lyrics to Louis Armstrong’s song What A Wonderful World. Let’s learn to appreciate everything given us!

I see trees of green........ red roses too
I see ’em bloom..... for me and for you
And I think to myself.... what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue..... clouds of white
Bright blessed days....dark sacred nights
And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world.

The colors of a rainbow.....so pretty ..in the sky
Are also on the faces.....of people ..going by
I see friends shaking hands.....sayin’.. how do you do
They’re really sayin’......i love you.

I hear babies cry...... I watch them grow
They’ll learn much more.....than I’ll never know
And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world

(instrumental break)

The colors of a rainbow.....so pretty ..in the sky
Are there on the faces.....of people ..going by
I see friends shaking hands.....sayin’.. how do you do
They’re really sayin’...*spoken*(I ....love....you).

I hear babies cry...... I watch them grow
*spoken*(you know their gonna learn
A whole lot more than I’ll never know)
And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world
Yes I think to myself .......what a wonderful world.
 

Hello, World! So, here I am, in my glorious bald self. Pensive. Thinking. I only wear a cap or hat when commuting. At work, I wear a skull cap I made; sometimes, I even just go bald. My colleagues are getting used to me being bald. Not too much of a shocker already. Except for my boss, who doesn't know where to look when he's talking to me! Poor guy! *LOL* 

During the seven days following each chemo cycle, I would feel easily fatigued. I would feel okay one moment, and then feel dead tired the next. Thus, I’m not allowed by my doctor to drive. Well, I would not dare drive myself either!

So, I have to rely on the public transport - and it has to be a cab. Can’t ride the FXs or the jeeps; and I don’t want to think why right now.

So, this is how I look, flagging down a cab. So far, I have not have any trouble hailing one yet. But I won’t be surprised if they refused me.

One other thing that I can’t do easily right now is to go to the bank. If you were the security guard, would you let someone looking like this into the bank? =)
 

I'm Awake! I'm Awake!

Post chemo day 1. Woke up early (7AM) because I was getting hungry. Afraid of hyperacidity, I rose to have something to eat. Had soup and crackers. Since I've eaten, I'm on the get go. By, 830, I was working on the report I brought home. Now, now, don't frown or scold me, it's a very important report that I have to finish by early next week; for our bonuses depend on it. Besides, I'm feeling energetic enough to work!

Hap a nap in the afternoon. But still didn't finish my report. Packed up work after dinner to watch some VCDs. I was already feeling sleepy by 11:00PM, but somehow, I feel wired. So, when Olive said she's gonna watch a second movie, I said go ahead, hoping it will make me sleep. 2AM, I'm still awake! Oh, no! Is this insomnia? So, I did a trick that always worked. I turned off all the lights. Sure enough, I went out like the light, too.

This morning, post chemo day 2, it was raining when I woke up, so it's a bit dark. But from the stillness and quietness of the surrounding, I think it's still early. Sure enough, it's 6AM! Waaahhh! I wanna sleep some more. Tried but I can't. And then I got hungry. Damn, I'm always hungry!

So here I am, chewing on my ever reliable crackers and rambling on; letting you guys know how I'm doing. =) Now, I'll try to catch a few more winks!

Have a great day, everyone! *kisses!*

Two Down, Four to Go

I had my second chemo cycle last Thursday. Unlike the first time, my nerves weren't shot. Perhaps it's because I know now (or so I thought!) what to expect.

I went to the ambulatory unit of St. Luke's for my chemo. On the way there, I discovered I left my Philhealth form (this is in replacement of the medicare before), and my cell phone. At the hospital, I discovered I left my patient card, also forgot to bring water! Ay-yay-yay! What's happening to me? I was focused on bringing my lab results for this will determine if I should go through my treatment or not; and so i forgot the rest. Excuses! Excuses! Good thing I can blame it on the chemo! *LOL* Next time, I'll make a checklist.

I was at the hospital at 9AM. My treatment started at 10AM and lasted until 1PM. This time around, I'm wiser. I'm not going to wolf down food, nor am I going to get hungry. I had a sandwich at the hospital around 12NN. So when I got home at 2PM, I ate some crackers before getting a nap; for somehow I feel so tired. Stirred from my sleep at 4PM, tried to wake up, but I just simply can't; too tired and feeling a bit nauseous. I took my medication for nausea with a glass of water and slept again. Finally woke up at 6PM. Whew! That was cool! 6PM and still no vomiting! Wow!

After dinner, by 930, I was already falling asleep again. Good! And then I woke up 1030, in pain. I'm getting hyperacidity again. I took a couple of antacid, but I don't think it worked. It wasn't until I took one of my meds that I fell asleep again. This time I slept till morning.

All in all, it wasn't eventful. How can it be? I slept most of the day away! =)

A Great Day

Yesterday is one of the better days I have. It was a happy day.

In the morning, I got a couple of queries as to why I haven't have any new entries. Oh my, I didn't know my ramblings were being so closely followed. I don't know if I should feel pleased or embarassed. Or perhaps I did, a little of both. Pleased that people would take an interest in the ramblings of someone like me; and embarrased that I should be pleased! Kinda confusing. Hehehe.

Lunch time, just when I was about to drift off for a nap, my cell phone rang. Oh! Oh! It's a bunch of friends from the States! Wow! It's better than winning a bald (oopps, no pun intended here) statue!

And then late afternoon, I was able to get in touch with a friend who happened to be a priest. He's happy to hear from me, and that I'm doing great. When he found out that I'm bald, he goes "What? New look again?" =)

Friends are excited to see how I look when bald. If only people won't stare so much, or be frightened, I'd probably be walking around with my shiny top. Even when I'm driving, I have to wear a cap, lest the sun shine on my head and blind the driver of the oncoming car. Now, we don't want that driver crashing into my car, do we?

I'm going to borrow a digicam. Once I have my picture taken, I will post it here. Proud to be bald! *gives a flying kiss and a royal wave*