Hats Shopping

I am completely with you on the hair issue, it was devastating because to me it's the face of the beast!

I cut my hair into the style of the wig I bought, then after my second chemotherapy I shaved my head and put the wig on. I wear hats around the house, I bought some great stuff on annabandana, sleep caps too.

I got a great lace front wig from Lanza Parrucche which are amazing - especially the Ellen Willie and Raquel Welch ones. Unfortunately the web site is only in German and Italian but the prices are very affordable. 

Basically, my wig has been a game changer for me, I put it on and my face changes, and so does my day...all the best! x 

Thank you for the information Maggiemee, I went on the annabandana website and made a purchase to get me going. I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and make an appointment for a wig (I even hate the word, I have issues). I just can't be bald and I need a clear, positive mind to get through the rest of my treatment without worrying about my appearance. 

You sound so positive, you've inspired me to pick myself up and sort it out. I'm looking to change my game too - onward and upward for us both.

thank you again xx

Hi poppy

Losing your hair can be a very emotional experience. I lost mine during adjuvant chemotherapy after I had a totally hysterectomy for aggressive serous endometrial adenocarcinoma and yes, I can understand your reactions. It is a big deal and people don't always get it. I had two wigs, both from an excellent shop recommended by the hair loss support worker at the hospital. The first was bought using my nhs prescription charge towards it. It got good comments from my daughters and was reasonably close to my own hair style. The second one was bought a few months later at the end of treatment when I was just starting to see some sparse regrwoth. It lace fronted, cooler to wear and looked natural on the parting. I wore scarves around the house but never allowed my daughters to see me without my wig - they're adults and coped well with my diagnosis etc but it was somehow important to me that they always saw me looking as normal as possible. The second wig was very well received by my daughters and a nurse I hadn't met previously was convinced it was my own hair. I finished treatment 14 months ago and now have a full head of grey hair that I was able to have cut into a style I liked for my daughter's wedding last month.

Wigs, scarves, hats, jewellery and makeup all have their place in helping us to feel good about ourselves at what is a very difficult time. Have fun experimenting and find what makes you feel comfortable and gives you confidence. If you haven't already done one, ask your specialist nurse or Macmillan centre about the Look Good Feel Better course. It's a 2 hour practical session done in a small group, about applying make up and generally making the most of your features. You get a fabulous goody bag to use during the session that's yours to take home afterwards. My adult daughters were very impressed with the quality of contents. I only ever wore mascara before the course but I'm a bit of a convert now! Sending you lots of good wishes for your recovery x

You're welcome Poppy!

You'll need a bit of time to get used to the wig, I cried when I got mine, I hated it, so can I suggest you wear it as much as possible initially so it becomes 'you'. Don't forget you can adjust the style or cut it or wear clips or headbands to make it look (to you) more natural. I say 'to you'  because I was completely paranoid about it but I've been asked by medical staff if I've had hair issues because they can't tell it's a wig, but then I do tend to wear it a bit messed up so it looks more natural!

I'm also like Fairycake in that I don't do the bald thing infront of the kids, I don't want them calling me dad by mistake!! : )

But, the other morning I found myself singing, 'I feel pretty, oh so pretty' in front of the mirror because now I've finished the Adriblastina, my hair has begun to regrow, albeit slowly, it's about skinhead length (I finished the reds the 9th of April, now I'm doing the whites) so technically you're only completely without hair for 3 - 4 months.

I also went on a massive dangly earring spree as I had long hair previously so never wore them. They make me feel more feminine with hats and scarves too. Lace front wigs, make-up and a smile really are the answer...xxx

Thank you Fairy cake, I've booked an appointment to see the hair piece specialist as I know I will feel a little more like me with something resembling my hair. I've started getting my eyebrows tinted and shaped as I think that helps me a little. Make up, hmm, that might be a challenge, I'm so lazy, I can't be bothered to take it off at the end of the day, let alone apply it in the am... but we'll see! I've heard about the course, I'll have a look and see if I can book onto one at my hospital. 

Your enthusiasm is contagious and I feel quite inspired. I hope the wedding was a wonderful day for you. I'm hoping to be in a good place to make a friend's wedding in August, fingers crossed. 

thank you again, onward and upward to you xx