Scanned. X-rayed. Biopsied. Contemplated putting on my bra. Instead, picked up a leaflet. Chemo hats. Bandanas and turbans to wear after hair loss. They reminded me of the swimming caps I was forced to wear as a child. Patterned rubber, with chin strap. Bubble. Rosebud. Waffle weave. I remembered how I cried when the rubber pulled out my long, wet hair. Then a random thought—if I need to wear a chemo hat, I probably won't have any hair to worry about. I felt strangely reassured. Slipped the leaflet into my bag. And waited for them to call my name.
Maggie Fawcett lives on the North Yorkshire Coast, in the UK.