Hi Purplelily,

I am on a committee for the new Macmillan Horizon Centre bieng built in Brighton and this is one of the things that was discussed a couple of years ago. Up until then I hadnt realized the emotional effect hair loss has for you lovely ladies. From memory, you should be given a voucher from the hospital which can be used to help purchase a wig. Hats and headscarfs were also discussed. Things have improved quite a lot in the past few years I'm told regarding the range of wigs available through the N.H.S.

I will give you a laugh now. When we were discusing this emotive subject, one of the ladies who knew I had recieved radiotherapy asked if I had suffered hair loss as a result. I relied yes, but as the radiotherapy was on my prostate, it was in an area thats not on public display (thankfully) which caused a laugh.

I feel sure if you ask next time you visit the hospital, someone will point you in the right direction. Please let us know how you get on, Brian.

Hi Purplelily,

I am on a committee for the new Macmillan Horizon Centre bieng built in Brighton and this is one of the things that was discussed a couple of years ago. Up until then I hadnt realized the emotional effect hair loss has for you lovely ladies. From memory, you should be given a voucher from the hospital which can be used to help purchase a wig. Hats and headscarfs were also discussed. Things have improved quite a lot in the past few years I'm told regarding the range of wigs available through the N.H.S.

I will give you a laugh now. When we were discusing this emotive subject, one of the ladies who knew I had recieved radiotherapy asked if I had suffered hair loss as a result. I relied yes, but as the radiotherapy was on my prostate, it was in an area thats not on public display (thankfully) which caused a laugh.

I feel sure if you ask next time you visit the hospital, someone will point you in the right direction. Please let us know how you get on, Brian.

Hi Brian something for your centre to look at - Christies hospital has a dept called" headstart" it is run by volunteers and sells headscarfs and not really hats but headgear. They also show you how to do the fancy bow s flowers etc. Some of these elaborate designs are fantastic and I know of one person who wore one for a wedding and then her wig in the evening. I bought a couple of simple ones to wear for my chemo and round the house. They sell them at a small profit so they are cheaper than elsewhere and the demonstrations are free even on a one to one. I cannot praise this service highly enough.

Hello Brian, thank you for your useful advice and an even bigger thank you for your sense of humour! Not the first time you have made me laugh out loud......I do enjoy your pictures and tales of wood turning.  My dad had a lathe and I was fascinated by the wonderful natural patterns in the wood that appeared in bowls etc.

thanks again, and best wishes xx

Hi Purplelily.

So pleased to have been able to help and even better, glad you had a laugh. Life would be very drab if we couldnt have a laugh every now and then. I was just the same while having treatment. One or two people seemed to think I should have been going around feeling sorry for myself but thats not my way. I made fun of my cancer and the side effects of the treatment and it was my way of dealing with it and it worked for me.

Mrs B often tells me she cant get any sense out of me as I am always joking around. She has paid me a big complement recently. Over six years ago when I told her I had cancer, I was very concerned as she is a big worrier but she took the news very well. A few months ago she explained that the reason she took it so well was because she knew I would get over it as I have always been so positive and have never let things get me down.

Sorry for rambling. Take care and I hope you are able to get the help you need. Best wishes, Brian.