Riding for Roses

At the oncologist on Friday, I commented to Spencer’s nurse, Jennifer, that Spencer’s hair wasn’t so much attached to his head as it was resting peacefully. Yesterday afternoon Spencer wanted to go for a swim and we wound up proving those words. Since I didn’t want to clog the pool filter, I asked Spencer if I could brush his hair with my hand to get the loose hair off before we went swimming. By the time I was done, Spencer was mostly bald with a few clumps and strands of hair that are actually slightly attached at the root.

Spencer does not mind being bald, so it’s not a great emotional moment for him. The only thing that bothers him about being bald is when people comment on it too much. I can tell when he has had one of those days because the next day he wants to wear a baseball cap or bandana to cover his head. It isn’t even just insensitive comments (which are thankfully rare) that bother him—just getting too much attention to his baldness is annoying.

He is severely immunosuppressed, so he is staying home and avoid contact with people. His days are mostly playing games, reading (more accurately being read to), swimming, and walks. Yesterday, he took a trip to Target, wearing a surgical mask, because he really want to get new sunglasses so he could go for a walk. Friday, he met a kid at chemotherapy who had Ninja Turtles sunglasses from Target. Saturday, Spencer conveniently misplaced his sunglasses that we bought in Boston a couple of weeks ago. Coincidence? Or scheming five year old? The gambit failed when the nearby Target had no Ninja Turtle sunglasses.

Today I am at Tour Watch 2005 watching as Lance defend the yellow and wondering if he will defend it enough today. While I am here, I am promoting the Lance Armstrong Foundation and Spencer’s Ride for the Roses. Please donate to support cancer survivors and directly funding the Lance Armstrong Foundation which offeres support for cancer survivors.