I Shaved My Head Today
I shaved my head today.
I started losing my hair after the second chemo treatment, and over the past month, I had lost more than 3/4 of my hair. The helmet hair had become wispy and strange-looking, so it was time for it to go. It was falling out in bunches ever since my fourth chemo treatment on Monday. My bosses wanted me to anchor the news a few more times with hair, but I went in today and explained that I didn't feel comfortable with that look on the air. I saw some tape of me from Monday of this week, and the hair was pretty sparce and thin, and frankly, I didn't look well. I looked like a cancer patient.
Now I look like a mysterious, hairless man of leisure.
I let Will and Gigi give me the buzz-cut at the fabulous Oasis Spa and Salon in Woodinville. They're the best. I tried to get them to give me a mohawk, and you can see that I have a Travis Bickle-esque stripe down the middle of my head in the picture on the right.
I've always joked that "my hair will one day rule the world." I have no choice now but to back off from that statement. I will now only proclaim that "My hair may one day run for county office". I've been blessed with luxurient locks. I figured that beaver pelt on my melon could have withstood a nuclear holocaust. But, as it turns out, four rounds of chemo was all it could handle.
I have to tell you that sitting in that chair, watching yourself lose all of your hair is unnerving and liberating at the same time. I was also nervous about what would be uncovered under that once-marvelous mound of hair. Fortunately, I found my scalp is blemish-free--with the exception of a small brown birthmark on the back of my head.
My mom says I look better bald. She's probably the only person on the planet who remembers me bald. I was One. When she saw me, she grabbed me and flipped my head around to examine the back of my head. "There it is", she said, "There's that birthmark. That's my boy. "
Will and Gigi like it. Catherine says it "will take some getting used to". I miss my hair, but I'm looking forward to trying out a new look for a while.
I got an email from Mariner Legend Jay Buhner, who says he will teach me how to rock the bald head properly. I clearly have much to learn.
I started losing my hair after the second chemo treatment, and over the past month, I had lost more than 3/4 of my hair. The helmet hair had become wispy and strange-looking, so it was time for it to go. It was falling out in bunches ever since my fourth chemo treatment on Monday. My bosses wanted me to anchor the news a few more times with hair, but I went in today and explained that I didn't feel comfortable with that look on the air. I saw some tape of me from Monday of this week, and the hair was pretty sparce and thin, and frankly, I didn't look well. I looked like a cancer patient.
Now I look like a mysterious, hairless man of leisure.
I let Will and Gigi give me the buzz-cut at the fabulous Oasis Spa and Salon in Woodinville. They're the best. I tried to get them to give me a mohawk, and you can see that I have a Travis Bickle-esque stripe down the middle of my head in the picture on the right.
I've always joked that "my hair will one day rule the world." I have no choice now but to back off from that statement. I will now only proclaim that "My hair may one day run for county office". I've been blessed with luxurient locks. I figured that beaver pelt on my melon could have withstood a nuclear holocaust. But, as it turns out, four rounds of chemo was all it could handle.
I have to tell you that sitting in that chair, watching yourself lose all of your hair is unnerving and liberating at the same time. I was also nervous about what would be uncovered under that once-marvelous mound of hair. Fortunately, I found my scalp is blemish-free--with the exception of a small brown birthmark on the back of my head.
My mom says I look better bald. She's probably the only person on the planet who remembers me bald. I was One. When she saw me, she grabbed me and flipped my head around to examine the back of my head. "There it is", she said, "There's that birthmark. That's my boy. "
Will and Gigi like it. Catherine says it "will take some getting used to". I miss my hair, but I'm looking forward to trying out a new look for a while.
I got an email from Mariner Legend Jay Buhner, who says he will teach me how to rock the bald head properly. I clearly have much to learn.
Posted by Bill Wixey at 7/9/2009 9:34 PM 
Categories: Will, Gigi, I shaved my head today, Oasis Spa and Salon, Hair
Tags: Will Gigi I shaved my head today Oasis Spa and Salon Hair
Categories: Will, Gigi, I shaved my head today, Oasis Spa and Salon, Hair
Tags: Will Gigi I shaved my head today Oasis Spa and Salon Hair
You look so different! My husband shaved his head in 2006 when I had chemo, but mine grew back and he still shaves his. He really likes wearing it that way. Maybe once you get used to having yours that way, you will too. It is definitely a plus that you have a good head for it.
Smiles, CJ
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I saw another of those classic Mariner's commercials with Bone. He is clearly one of the experts in how to rock the bald head. I am looking forward to your future posts telling us some of Jay's secrets.
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Bill - a friend of mine lost his hair when he was only in his 20s and always said "bald is beautiful!" And remember Yul Brynner and Teli Savalas (Kojak) - they made "bald" famous!
Cynthia
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I am so impressed with you Bill! I have always enjoyed watching you anchoring the news and missed you when you stepped away from the position for other duties.
Today, after reading your recent entry, I knew I needed to comment. You are a gentleman Bill. Going through all this and having the time to share it...I am grateful. Thank you so much and my family and I send you positive thoughts and prayers your way.
You will get through this Bill!
Thank you!
Sherry
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Love the Travis Bickle comment!
looking forward to your recovery & return to the airwaves
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I think its awesome! Even though you are in Seattle, it is summertime so make sure you have sunscreen on it when you go out. Now go rock that bald head!!
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Looks good, Bill.
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I already new with or without hair you are a very handsome man.My mother in-law has been batteling cancer since 1989 they told her she had 2 years.She is still fighting & we are all thrilled.She has lost her hair a couple times,in the begining she was embarassed,but then she realized that we love her no matter what.I know how important our hair is to us,but wether we have it or not we are the same person inside.We all love you & are with you through you're battle.You are going to fight this & one day you will have that beautiful head of hair back.Love & prayers to you & you're family.Lesli Cullers
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Looking FABU Bill!!
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As a dude who shaved his head when he realized his hair was falling out (I'm cancer-free, but not baldness-gene-free), I have to tell you I'm a huge supporter of the shaved-head look. Looks great on you!
There's no way you remember me, but I had a blast doing the fantasy broadcast booth with you back at the '01 All-Star Game when I was like 16. Just wanted to say hey and send some good thoughts your way.
Love the blog! Take care.
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I learned everything I know about being bald from Jay Buhner.
Your 'proceeding' hairline will be back before you know it, and it not, you get to join the bald and the beautiful.
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I'm hoping your hair grows back into something completely different, like an afro or something. I think you look awesome, and just as handsome as before. Bald Bill FTW!
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First of all, your mother's comment about your looking better bald cracked me up! Bill, you have everything you need to beat this, a great attitude, humor, faith, great docs, a fighting spirit, strength (of all kinds) and tons of support. Remember this, when you come out of your treatment on the other side your friends will some day say "Gee, I wish I was as fit and healthy, and HAPPY as Bill. Peace and blessings.
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Bill:
I am extremely jealous of your new look. In support of your proccess I am going to join you with my own new shaved look.
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Hi Bill,
I think you are doing a tremendous job of documenting what you are going through. Not too many men or women would want to do what you are doing. It really helps others to know they are not alone in what they go through. Cancer is an insidious disease that can strike anyone at any time. Both of my brothers have had it and so far have overcome it successfully and I believe you will do the same. I miss seeing you on the news, but I am certainly pulling for your full recovery. Keep up the positive attitude, that is half the battle.
Sincerely,
Barbara Butler
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My husband and I have been watching you on the news for some time. I was bummed to hear you were sick but quite happy to hear that you got the "good cancer" as I've heard it be called (meaning how treatable it is). I have a dear friend who powered through treatment for the same disease 3 years ago and is doing fabulously now. She is a Mom and teacher and I remember many of the stresses that came with the fight! It sounds like you are doing really really well and I am so happy about that. Keep positive and stay strong. Just think of all that you are teaching your kids right now. How not to give up...how to fight for your life and still be positive and how to be a team with your family while you persevere.
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Hi Bill!
My hubby shaved his head just over a year ago. Now he uses baby oil when he shaves it. His head is so smooth. Try it, your wife will love it! Keep the faith!
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Hi Bill and family,
I just want to say that my wonderful Mother was a 7 time cancer survivor and passed away of old age. I believe that her positive attitude was insrumental in the healing process.
Hang in there brother, we are all pulling for you. Your great attitude reminds me of my Mom and has given me a new perspective on the petty stuff that irritates many of us.
Thank You for that.
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Hi again Bill, I thank you for sharing your story. I commented before. I am going through Chemo now for breast cancer, I had my first Chemo last Monday, July 13th. Wondering about loosing my hair also, but I did buy a wig or 2. I have long hair to my waist for about 25 years now. When the time comes my 16 yr old and 22 yr old sons have said they would shave my head, (if I let them give me a mohawk). So I will... gonna do pictures and all. By the way. Also wanted to let you know about Caringbridge.org which is a website people with illnesses, cancer, etc. can go to create a website to share their story with family and friends. The site is made so the patient can set who can see it. It's really nice to be able to go to one place and write once and all my family and friends go read my updates. It really frees up my time. Thanks again.
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My husband was diagnosed at the same time you were. He has a different type of cancer though. This is chemo week for him. I hate watching him melt from the chemo. His hair is thinning but he won't shave it yet. I am so glad that you are sharing with everyone. It is important for all of us. This is an education that is thrown at some of us. I just want to say how much of an inspiration you have been to him. Thank you. I also thank God for his doctors at SCCA.
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