@pollyanna1 - I paid for the ones from headscarves by Ciara because there’s a long wait to get a wig at my NHS Trust - they can’t see me until late May and I wanted something in the meantime that wasn’t too expensive. I’ve also been to see a private wig person as a back up as I’m not too hopeful tbh. I am cold capping but have no idea if it will work and wanted something just in case I lose too much hair!
Your wig looks amazing @pollyanna1 - I hope mine looks as good as that. Whatever I tried on at the wig fitters a couple of week ago, my daughter said looked better than my actual hair which is very fine and straight. To be honest, even if I do keep some of my hair, I’ll need something to cover the grey as it’s really starting to show now x
@ivy-cat thanks so much, it’s a wig provided by the trust. My daughters both said the same, I’ve very curly hair and normally takes an hour or more to dry and style. Hopefully you will get sorted xxxx
Wow @pollyanna1 that looks amazing , and well done for braving the shave, I did mine last week and now use a lint roller on it every morning to remove the little bits,
My nhs trust was really good and I’d ordered and went to collect my wig on Thursday but I hated it, they’ve found me a new one which is a heat fibre one that I can curl or straighten but it’s coming from Germany and have to wait 2 weeks for it but hopefully it will be worth the wait xx
@elle16 thank you. I was amazed and it’s not real hair. No one saw that it was a wig, I didn’t think it was a brill match, but it obviously was, and just off the shelf! I’m happy with it, just feels odd, and I’m v aware of it. Currently my own hair fine
Thanks loads @altoan @ivy-cat @gromit12 @elle16 @isthisreal @pollyanna1 your well wishes mean loads. Thanks so much for the support. All went well and home after a wee walk
Ladies your wigs look amazing!! I hope mine looks that good when I get it. (. Hoping for an app soon).
Hope that you get on well tomorrow ivy-cat and you on Wednesday Pollyanna!
That’s very brave @pollyanna1 , I’ve got short grey hair already and I guess I hoped that it would just sit there quietly! I can’t imagine having it shaved, sounds vain but I’m even finding it hard not to wash it as often because it looks so horrible. I think I’m at the same stage, where even if I touch it it’s dropping.
Thanks for your input all, Amazon order placed, got to start somewhere
Looks great!
Hi @elle16 and @pollyanna1 im due to start my second round of chemo on Thursday. How do you get a wig through the NHS? I know I wouldn’t qualify for a free one but do they offer you one at a reduced price? I’m currently having my chemo using my works private medical insurance. They offered to refer me to a private wig lady who was saying they would be up to £1400 yikes! Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks x
Hi @hc1973, I’m in Northern Ireland and everyone is entitled to an NHS wig regardless of circumstances. I know England is different as is other parts of UK. Although I looked at my wig and it was £220 to buy, we are entitled to a free wig every 6 months up to 18 months from the 1st one
Hi @altoan, I was more upset every time I touched my hair and it fell out I had baldy patches. I actually feel better that it’s all shaved off at least it’s not patches all over my head. I’m not vain but have found this one of the hardest parts as I feel it’s a reminder of being a cancer patient. I hope this makes sense xxxx
@hc1973 My Breast Cancer Nurse provided me with a “voucher” which will cover part of the cost of my wig, through a private supplier. I think it’s around £100 in value, so am expecting to have to top up by at least the same but it maybe worth asking at your clinic?
Yes it absolutely does make sense @pollyanna1 . For me, so far I have kept things close to home - even after surgery I found it relatively easy to be my normal self around people who don’t know. The whole chemo thing has meant that I’ve had to share my situation with a wider group in anticipation of looking/behaving differently and I find both the “fuss” and the changed identity very hard. It’s part of coming to terms with the situation I guess, this forum gives me a lot of confidence about dealing with it
@altoan, I feel exactly the same. I had kept my diagnosis to myself and close family. After surgery I also was doing really well not having to discuss it with many people. At my sisters funeral Mass last week I just felt so vulnerable as everyone was constantly asking how I was and I hated that. I have her cremation this afternoon and am dreading it as my sister was my best friend. I’ve an amazing supportive family whom are constantly watching me and asking how I am but I put a big front on because it’s so tough for everyone.
I’m so glad I have this forum as I feel I can be me. From talking about side effects to wigs and scarves has been a good distraction.
I’m for next cycle of chemotherapy tomorrow all being well. My abscess has cleared so hopefully everything goes ahead.
Starting to ramble on again lol. Just want to thank all the lovely ladies on here as it’s been my lifeline last few weeks xxxxxx
Hi hc2973
My oncologist gave me a form that entitled me to a free wig, I’m under the royal trust newcross hospital ( West Midlands) I believe the policy here is that if hair loss is cancer treatment related there is no cost and it’s not means tested