Starting chemo in March 2023

Just used Toppik, absolute game changer for me

Oooh - which specific product is that in the Toppik I’m having good results with the cold cap so far but any additions welcome

Jan

ps i have exact the same pyjamas in the blue - wearing them now! Love them!

Hi Angie, I had my 1st chemo on 14th, no problems apart from acid reflux over the last 2 nights  ate some ginger biscuits, drank a cup of ginger and lime tea followed by lots of water. My hair is coming out a bit when I brush it, not much but it's on its way. I've got scarves, beanies and a wig ready for various stages and my 2 daughters wear matching bamboos when they visit. Feeling supported and very positive and as im feeling good today I'm going to pot up my dahlias ( wearing g lots of protective layers of gloves of course. Keep safe and keep us updated on your progress. 

Love a good set of pjs  it’s Toppik hair building fibres in medium brown- Boots about £23, my partner sprinkled in it as he’s taller than me- I am so pleased . Glad it’s ok so far for you Jan but you might now have a secret weapon if things change x

Hi Lynda, glad you're doing OK. I somewhat nervously washed my hair this morning. Yes loads came out but I guess I am lucky in previously having a thick head of hair so it is not really noticeable yet. I partially dried it with my hairdryer on the cold setting then sat in the garden to finish it off. I don't normally like it when my hair dries naturally as it goes so wavy but suppose I will just go with the flow now. But still every time I run my hands over my head I end up with a handful of strands and I'm wondering how many more days I have left before it's all gone. I don't think I fancy the cold cap thing (maybe I don't see the point of it) and I should have my wig on Tuesday, but I think at home I will be wearing scarves and hats etc. All the best to you, keep us updated.

Hi Rubberduck, I had my 1st roundcof EC on Fri 14th, I decided not to use the ice cap for the same reasons you have. I'm doing not so far, drinking lots of fluids, grazing and doing lots of things when I can (steroid strenght) so I'll feel OK if I suffer some of the worst side effects and just have tobrest and do nothing. I've been practicing putting make up on when/if I loose eyebrows and lashes ( much quicker and can still look reasonable) I'm going on a 'Look good feel better ' make up and skincare workshop on Thursday, it was reccomended bu the wig shop; it's free and you get lots of freebies, apparently and the do on line virtual workshops coveting hair care, nail care, emotions etc so I've booked on these as well. Please check it out and keep on with the chemo updates. 

Hi Lynda - I haven't been offered any advice about wigs or make up yet, but today I am seeing the oncologist for the first time.  When were you given all this advice andby whom, if you don,t mind me asking?

Hi there,

Just thought I would hop on as I’m here. I had the same experience as Lynda. The breast care nurses are the source of all this information  - well they are in Leeds anyway. They referred me for the initial wig consultation which is part of the hospital set up in Leeds. I don’t know if this is different in different areas of the country though? Definitely they are the people however to ask.

Also the ‘look good feel better’ workshops was run at the Maggies centre in Leeds - a wonderful place with so much access to various types of support. Again, a post code lottery I think in terms of whether your area has one but do ask. If not, it might still be that the hospital runs these workshops - you can look them up online - just type in look good feel better and it will come up. They do run virtual workshops if there isn't one in your area - but I hope there is as it was fun!

The breast care nurses are worth finding today whilst you are at the hospital as it’s important for you to feel supported in all of these aspects of having cancer - it just ‘eases’ the ‘other stuff.

Hope you get on ok with the oncologist today and that you are taking someone with you - always good to have another set of ears.

Jan x

OK so I went and had my hair cut short this morning, feels much better, the amount coming out was starting to feel soul destroying. It's still coming out of course but not in such handfuls.

Hi B.eastend, I went to my local MacMillan centre and they have all sorts of courses and information about things. It was there I started my wig journey. I’m based in Surrey. 
Like JPH says it can be a postcode lottery but as far as I understand everyone is entitled to a wig it’s just finding out about where to go. You can also ring the Macmillan chat line here too, they would be able to find your local centre and hopefully point you in the right direction. There is a course look good feel better that offers make up advice etc and also they supply a fantastic goody bag full of make up and other goodies along those lines. You can do this online or go to a workshop. I did the workshop and it was great to meet others going through a similar journey. 

Here is the link

https://lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk

Wishing you all the best for your journey.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x