Hair loss and wigs

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Permalink Reply by Daryl on September 16, 2008 at 12:58pm

Hi Natalie,
Losing your hair due to chemo is one of the most difficult aspects of treatment but it isn't permanent, that's for sure. I think the idea of getting it cut short first is good because when it starts to fall out big time, it's easier to deal with short hairs than long ones. I found the process of losing my hair to be really difficult because my scalp itched constantly and it is such a messy process to go through! Check out with your treatment centre about ideas of where to get wigs in Chicago. They will have a comprehensive list and sometimes you can get a wig for free through your cancer clinic. I had a wig but only wore it on special occasions because wigs simply aren't that comfortable. Caps, hats & scarves were way more comfy for me. There is a fantastic online store which is where I got all of mine: I believe it is www.headcovers.com. They aren't expensive but they look & feel great. Hang in there - your hair does grow back!
Hugs,
Daryl

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Permalink Reply by Daryl on September 16, 2008 at 1:00pm

I just doublechecked and the url is indeed www.headcovers.com
Daryl

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Permalink Reply by Blessed on September 16, 2008 at 1:40pm

I had never been one to wear hats before my cancer but as mine thinned out on top I bought some cute hats and wore them. I had lots of compliments. I finally had a treatment like yours where the hair was coming out. I literally would rake my hands through my hair and wind up with a small handfull. This process went on for about a week until it was about gone and then I had my mom shave the rest. Have you called the American Cancer Society in your area? They directed me to a place to get a free wig. I also ordered one through the TLC catalog. It is also from the American cancer society. They have an online store at www.tlcdirect..org. I ordered hats from there also. They have scarves too. You know, I got to like my bald head! It was easy to care for :) Now it is growing back and I am realizing that I will have to deal with how to style it, etc. Hope you can have fun with it and find some wigs, hats, and scarves that you can change with your mood :) You're a pretty lady and I bet you'll look great no matter what ... so whatever you choose - wear it proud :)

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Permalink Reply by LauraGTO on September 16, 2008 at 2:06pm

I had chemo two years ago, lost all my hair, and YES it is a very upsetting situation. Mine fell out in huge clumps, so I had my head shaved. I live just outside of Chicago. I think there's a wig place near six corners...I think on Milwaukee avenue...(if they're still there). I went to a place in Algonquin, IL called Lou-Lou's Wiggin' Out. I went there and tried some on just to see what style I liked - and then I went on line to paulayoung.com and purchased them there. They were ALOT less expensive! I didn't think it was necessary to spend $300+ on a wig... afterall IT'S A TEMPORARY SITUATION! : ) I ordered 5-6 different ones in different colors, kept the ones I liked and sent the others back.
Hang in there...you may be surprised on Saturday...I never thought I'd like short hair, and now that it's grown back, I've kept it short. In my support group - 90% of the girls have kept their hair short and they all say the same thing..."I never thought I'd like short hair". Best wishes to you...

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Permalink Reply by Dana on September 16, 2008 at 3:11pm

I asked my stylist about wigs. She had some great catalogs. I took a good friend with me to help look at the different styles & narrowed it down to 3 possible ones. (My boyfriend chose the one we ordered.) My friend even got online & called to ask questions. My stylist trimmed my hair when it was falling out & helped me put on the wig & trimmed it to make it more "me". The wig was so good, that no one knew that it was one. One of the oncology nurses suggested that I save it for a bad hair day when my hair came back in. I wore scarves at home for comfort & warmth.
Isn't it funny that when you start considering wigs that you look at people at the dr's office & wonder if they have a wig on? I know of a man that wears an awful "wig". By getting your hair trimmed short or shaved, you take control on the situation and that in itself gives you power.

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Permalink Reply by Kelly on September 16, 2008 at 4:21pm

Hi Natalie,

I lost all my hair by the second round of treatment and was going to go without, but then it was upsetting to my children. So, I invested in a great wig. When people learn it is a wig they are shock. I'm not in any hurry for my hair to grow back because my wig hair is so much better then my real hair. Anyway, I don't know what your budget will allow for but I bought a Human Hair wig from the Rachel Welsh collection ($500) and I love it. The website is called the The Wig Company. The wig is thick and feels wonderful. The downside was that I could only do an exchange once, if the color did not work, but I also understand you can take them to a professional and get the color that works for you when you use Human Hair wigs. Hope this helps. I know this is hard and I wish you the best in finding what works for you.

Kelly

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Permalink Reply by Elsa on September 16, 2008 at 5:09pm

Hi Natalie,
I have shaved my head several times, the first chemo was 8 years ago. At the time my first daughter, who was 6 yrs old at the time did it. I shaved it as soon as it started falling. ... and I felt a lot better after. When the hair is thining and falling all over the place I was getting depressed. When I shaved I felt in control and it turned out it was one less chemo side effect I had to worry about. The last time I had to shave was in March of this year. I did it in front of the camera. I edited a video and you can find it in my page, it is called: just do it. I hope it inspires you.
I never wore a wig, it was not necessary since I was comfortable with my shaved head.... I am sure you will look beautiful with or without a wig.
I Wish you the best health
Take care,
Elsa

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Permalink Reply by priscilla on September 16, 2008 at 5:55pm

Hope all these replies are making you feel better cos worrying about my hair coming out was worse than the reality in my case. I had long wavy hair. After the fourth chemo it started to get thin and I had it cut in to a bob, then later I had it cut to about a 1/4 inch; much less distressing than sweeping the hair up from my carpet. Loosing my hair has been oddly empowering, it was my biggest fear and then when it actually happened it really wasn't the end of the world. I have a wig but never wear it, I wore some lovely hats and some of my friends didn't even realise I'd had it cropped. It was a good excuse to get some really great earrings too. You will be just fine, you will still be yourself and I'm praying that like me, you will actually find it a bit of a relief when it's done. A few months down the line my hair has grown back just as strong (and curly) as ever and I'm now moaning about what on earth to do with it ...
love and very best wishes
Priscilla

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Permalink Reply by Laura on September 16, 2008 at 6:07pm

Hey Natalie - I'm new to this site but love seeing all of the support from everyone. I went through chemo earlier this year. I had long baby fine hair prior to chemo. I was on Taxotere and Cytoxin. I lost all my hair around day 21 after the 1st treatment. It took about 5 days for it to all fall out. I was pretty well prepared emotionally because I knew it was going to happen. But what no one told me is that it would hurt as it came out. Sort of like someone pulling your hair. So I cut it real short myself as soon as it started to come out. Then I wore a cap at night to "catch" the hair so it wouldn't be all over my pillow (which can be tramatic). I wore scarves that I purchased at TLC and Headcovers. A friend of mine also made me a bunch of scarves following the pattern form one I purchased. It was sort of fun trying new scarves to go with different outfits. I had to get some joy out of it. Now my hair is coming in - - short and curly. I never would have cut my hair this short but now I get so many compliments. Even from people who didn't know I went through chemo. I'm still coutning the days until grows longer. But in the meantime, I'm going to enjoy each one of those compliments.

Take care and let me know if you need more tips or just want to "blog".

Laura

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Permalink Reply by Sharon632 on September 16, 2008 at 6:43pm

Well my response is different. My hair thinned considerably and I got sick and tired of cleaning it up all over the bathroom. However, nobody noticed ( I think) except my hair dresser. If you aren't going to lose it all, just clean it up and wait for this phase to be over.

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Permalink Reply by Wendy on September 26, 2008 at 11:16am

First, I have started organic fruits and veggies but am just starting to cut down on processed foods and it's not easy. second, i forgot to tell you that there are some games online that you can play where you kill cancer cells, it helped me. and third, I know of some women who sell wigs out of their homes as well as stores that sell wigs, great hats, scarves and other head coverings that are very trendy. I had a human hair wig that people swear they can't tell the difference on and the color and texture were right on. They are near my apt in skokie and west rogers park and I would be happy to show you around introduce you, go with you whatever. you can email me at wendyh1975@gmail.com and we can talk more or i can give you my contact info for over the phone. I also cut my hair very short, and then shaved it and i JUST started to get it back- it's horrrible. the whole thing is horrible, sometimes a baseball hat or wig helps confidence though. I'll be thinking of you. All of this crap, the food, the chemo, the hair..everything...one day at a time, one crisis at a time-it's extremely overwhelming.
Wendy

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Permalink Reply by Callie on September 26, 2008 at 11:37am

Honey.. this photo is of you right.. you couldnt look bad.. my heavens you light the world up.. I read the post and lots of ladies have good suggestions.. so go for it.. but as lovely as you are.. you could never look bad with hair or without any.. I use my hair as a security blanket so i get it .. mine thinned but it stopped.. so I pray it all evens out.. this to shall pass.. follow these ladies.. and remember you ar esoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo lovely. callie

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