Hi newbieC

Glad your actual chemo seems to be going well so far.  I will begin that journey next week dv. I dread the hair loss too, I am a hat and facinator person so there is no way I can get out with a bald head. I have ordered some turbans  just in case I  need to go outside. I order scarfs to wear during the day just incase someone call me on video chat and I forget my head. I live alone so I will take pics and if I feel like sharing them after the journey them I will. For now, no one will get the pleasure of seeing me bald.

I have looked at wigs I just google wigs for chemo.  Thinking I may get one for those special occasion when we get back to normal. 1k for a wig sounds very expensive to me.  I am not sure the criteria on NHS to get help but I know you can. 

I do not think you sound ridiculous,  everyone is different. My nana use to tell us the hair is our beauty and the thought of loosing mine doesn't sit well with me either.  I keep convincing myself that it is a small price to pay for a second chance at life. I have bought some castor oil to put on my bald head throughout, I am just hoping it will not freak me out and that I will still be able to love the bald look after I get used to it.  It will take a lot to accept and live with but it is a journey so here I come.  Good luck

Fagie 

Thanks Fagie 

best of luck with your treatment ! Let's hope this is our biggest challenge over the coming months and our road to recovery is less stressful than our appearance! 
 

good luck x

 

Hello Newbie,

just wanted to say Trendco is a reputable place to get a wig. They cost about £300-£500. Ellen Willie ‘stimulate’ range are very good and last ages. 

I am permently bald from an autoimmune condition. So cancer wasn’t the cause of my hair loss and it’s probably been a blessing. I didn’t have two things to contend with like so many women do. 

Yes hair loss is horrible especially when you are reeling from a cancer diagnosis and the treatment of course. 

Take care and good luck. 

Kebb. 

Really appreciate your honesty Newbie C. I feel the same about my hideous scar, loss of my left breast and strange new armpit and now will be adding hair loss to all that. I feel enormously relieved to be starting Chemo and like you, feel that hair loss shouldn't be such a big deal amongst it all, but I know it will be and I know I won't want to be seen by anyone. I put a very brave face on and people are amazed at my strength etc but I'm desperately sad inside and can't really talk about it to anyone for fear of upsetting them. I haven't really got any words of wisdom to give you other than we will get through it, come out the other end somewhat battered and bruised, and eventually recover and move forward. So hang on in  there, you aren't alone. You aren't ridiculous,it's a huge thing to deal with amongst the many many huge things that cancer throws at us, but it will be over one day, and there will come a time when this will al be an awful but very tiny blip. 

sending you love, strength and companionship 

Carol 
 

C

Hi, I completely understand, I found it very traumatic losing my hair, especially as my cancer nurse told me that I wouldn't on the chemo drugs I was having!

Mine started coming out on 20th Feb and I had clumps come out every day (which I've kept in a bag, don't know why?!) and 'luckily' I was able to go to a few wig shops and try a few on and buy one before lockdown, I got an acrylic one (£400 including cutting/styling it and aftercare products), not sure of the make as the shop use their own numbering system, probably to stop people buying them cheaper online but I was happy to pay this for their expertise and advice on the different caps, fit etc. If I'd bought one through the wig lady who supplies my hospital I'd have got c£70 towards it but she didn't have any that were quite right although out of desperation I nearly took a £1200 real hair one from her after convincing myself it looked ok (it didn't!).  I just wanted something that looked as similar as possible to my own hair. It would be pretty hard to order one online as the colour swatches aren't great and I think you do need to try them on, maybe some places have extended return periods now or could perhaps do a consultation over FaceTime? 

I now just have a few wispy bits left, it's like baby hair but I can't bring myself to cut them off and the baldness is worst on top. I ordered a turban style hat in black and taupe but look like mystic meg, a navy cap and look like a bus conductor, I struggled to find anything I liked or felt comfortable in and I just like neutrals and nothing way out, now I'm shielding I'm not wearing my wig every day (just when I'm FaceTiming as I don't want friends to see me without hair) but do just want something comfy to wear around the house and in the garden.

I've recently discovered this charity who have been great: www.cancerhaircare.co.uk/

They sent me a basic black jersey headscarf which is very comfy and they spoke to me about fringe hair pieces and I can see how they could be effective - you may wish to contact them?

I hate looking at myself in the mirror and although people keep saying it will grow back, the reality is it will take years. I've never had or wanted short hair, plus you read about it coming back grey or black and curly, I was quite happy with my dark blonde!

Let us know how you get on. My chemo has now been stopped due to Covid and my last treatment was 5th March but no sign of any hair regrowth yet...

Ruth x

Thanks Ruth , whilst I'd prefer no one else had to deal with this it is reassuring that I'm not crazy 

I will certainly look at those recommendations and wish you the best of luck 

Hi,  

I also had my last chemo early March and waiting for sign of growth. I already had some regrowth during chemo but nothing more since I finished. However, it does seem to be getting slightly thicker. 

I spent the whole time and still am in a jersey beanie which I got from Amazon for about  £7. Brand is Desiree. They are breathable and so easy to wear I wear them by myself all day. 

I  also kept the long bits as long as possible as when I had the beany on it looked like I still had hair. It looked frightful when it was off though. You plan for baldness but aren't prepared for the transition. Glad I kept hair though. Bought a couple of wigs from Amazon , average £20, which were good enough quality but not for me. Cancerhaircare charity are brilliant. 

Good luck xxx

Thank you [@Potterylady]‍  - that's really helpful! 

 I've just ordered a Desiree one too.:-).  Think I've ordered one if everything I can find. 
 

im at the coming out in clumps stage so just avoiding anything which will make it any quicker 

hope the regrowth is quick for you x

Thank you [@bustersmum]‍ 

it sounds like you are being amazing ! Like you I wish I could be just as positive behind closed doors as I am with  everyone else 

your advice is greatly appreciated - best of luck to you too