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 pu​rplelilly I got my wig after my first chemo session. The nurse gave me a voucher which was converted to a prescription. Fortunately this was all done at Christies hospital where they also have a wig shop. The wigs are really good, plenty of choice in styles and colours. I was really surprised. I could have paid towards a better quality one but didn't I did buy the special shampoo though. Every one who saw me in my wig though it looked great and they weren't just being kind. The company supplying the wigs was called Dimples try their website. It was a synthetic one and the only concern is you have to avoid a high heat source so no cooking in it. Hope this helps.

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

Thank you for your reply river, I will ask when I next go to the hospital about wigs as I would imagine there has to be a supplier local to me (South Dorset).  I do feel more optimistic about NHS wigs, my mums was a long time ago and things have moved on since then.  I can just remember thinking how the thing perched on her head looked to awful. I don't see the point in paying vast sums for, what I hope will be, a fairly short time -fingers crossed with that.

i did tell hubby about the heat source and no cooking, just seeing his panicked face at the thought of being ' chief cook' was priceless.  There are a few magic moments in this rollercoaster ride I'm pleased to say.

Thanks again and best wishes xx

Hi River,

Thanks for the information. They are hoping once the centre is completed to get a local comany to  go to the centre to offer advice ect. Thanks again, Brian.

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.

Hi Purplelily

I start chemo tomorrow and went to a hairdresser near to where I live (I found them by googling), last week who also specialise in wigs.  I was nervous about going but it turned into a fun experience as they were so helpful, not only with the hair loss but also with tips on makeup, ie eyebrows and eyelashes.  I tried on some wigs, which were actually nicer than my own hair and you honestly wouldn't have known they were wigs - I have quite long hair so like you it's been a concern for me.  I'm going back this afternoon as they've ordered several more wigs and have also offered to cut my hair into a Bob so it's not quite as shocking when it comes out. X

Hi sallyk it is awful when your hair falls out no matter how prepared for it you are. Once mine started to come out I used to stand over the sink every evening and run my fingers through my hair. It came out in handfuls but I then only lost a few hairs during the night so did not have the awful site of a pillow full of hair. I never thought about eyebrows and eyelashes so that surprised me. Although mine came out towards the end of my treatment and grew back very quickly I did use eyebrow pencil and eye makeup at this point. Hope everything goes well.