Hi,
I found out two weeks ago that I have breast cancer, oestrogen positive.
Since being diagnosed its been a bit of a roller-coaster. I’m 28 and been with my partner for quite a while, we were planning to have children in the next few years so this has really effected us.
My doctor has been really good and found me a funded place in a clinic for IVF, that is going on at the moment with pils and injections each night for that.
I have my op on the 11th then chemo, radiotherapy and hormone drugs. I think they are throwing it all at me.
I have some strange questions but no one else to ask so here goes:
When’s the best time to buy a wig
People have commented that you get a prescription from the NHS for a wig, where can i use this
Has anyone got any recommended sites to get a wig, hat, scarf
Does hair loss happen as soon as you start chemo
As you can tell most of my questions are about the hair loss. All my friends and family have been great but my hair is such a thing for me. I’m all prepared to shave it off when i need to but just want a back up plan for after.
So sorry you had to join us. There’s nothing wrong with worrying about your hair, I think we all do. I got my wig before chemo started. Some hospitals have wig departments but it will depend where you are being treated. I got mine from a shop. Check out the Yellow pages as there’s bound to be one near you. Have you considered trying the cold cap? A lot of ladies have had success with this and it may reduce the amount of hair you lose. Personally, I didn’t bother; as soon as it started to fall out, which was 2 weeks after first chemo, I got it shaved off. I didn’t waer my wig that often and mainly stuck to scarves and hats. I had chemo in the winter so had to sleep in a hat as head gets v cold! I’m out the other side now and hair about 2 inches long.
Welcome to the Breast Cancer care discussion forums, I’m sure you will find them a great source of support and information.
As well as the support you will receive from the other users you may find it helpful to order the BCC resources pack, it has been specifically designed for those newly diagnosed and includes information to help you better understand your diagnosis, test results and the various treatments available. If you would like to order a copy just follow this link:-
I thought I’d give a bit of an update with how things have been going for me. I read a lot of these posts and even thought i dont comment on them they answer some of the questions I have. So, i thought that my situation might help someone else.
Following being diagnosed my consultant has been brilliant in finding me funding for some private IVF treatment. For about 10 days it was daily tablets with 2 x nightly injections to stimulate my ovaries to produce some eggs. There were many trips to the clinic for checks and last Wednesday we successfully froze 3 embryos as a back up in case my ovaries don’t work after all the chemo.
I had my surgery Monday and was second down to theatre. It all went well and i was able to go home that night. Its been a few days now and i’m still waiting for the pain to start. I only had 4 lymph glands removed and from what i’ve read on here the problems seem to occur when you have more out.
Although i look like i’ve been bitten by a shark, the nurse says i’m healing really well with a nice clean cut.
I get my results on the 26th so that will be the start of the next chapter.
I know each story is different and i want to share with you that sometimes it does go easy and with positive results.
Hi M1ej,
glad to hear that the surgery went well and that you have 3 embryo’s in storage. I also had IVF prior to chemo and am pleased to say have 4 embryo’s waiting for when I finish the tamoxifen (it may be a while :-(. I am new to this forum and it’s re-assuring to know that there are others going through the same thing. I am 38 and diagnosed last year, i have survived surgery, chemo (my hair is now 2 inches long- yay!)and radiotherapy. So along with all the other c**p that goes with having BC treatment fertility is another stressful issue!
Its not an easy time at all but it is amazing how you manage your way through. Take care
jo x
I am 37, and I have just had a lump removed and 2 lymph nodes and I am Er positive. I am going to have to have chemo and rad and tamoxifen. I am going to the fertility hospital in the morning to find out what can be done about having children. I havent got any children but I would like to be a mum one day.
I am scared about losing my hair with chemo, but I know it will come back again. I am going to go wig shopping this week to try and find one before I start chemo.
x
Your situation sounds similar to mine. I hope the visit to the fertility clinic helped you. I know when I went I was really pleased that they were able to help. Fingers crossed that we wont need to use then in the future but its good to have a bit of a back up just in case.
The hair loss is a bit scary, but i think after visiting the wig shop and finding something that looks just like my hair now I felt alot better. The frustrating bit for me is that i’ve ben trying to grow my hair for about 2 years and I will have to start all over again. But on a positive note i’m going to get a longer wig and cheat!
I’ve read a couple of other threads with some good tips re the hair loss, benefits brow zing’s are great for when your brows thin (i’ve brought some from ebay at a fraction of the price from benefit) and some natural fake eyelashes for when you want them.
I know its going to be a horrible time, but to make myself feel better i’ve checked out some short crop styles for when it grows back and i think if Demi Moore and Natalie Portman can pull it off then so can we! Not that i think i look like either of them!
It sounds like we might be starting chemo at the same time, i’m waiting for my Onc appointment for the next step, maybe we can compare notes as we go along
Hope you are well, I had a lovely experience at the fertility clinic the staff there were so lovely and helpful and caring. I was able to start fertility treatment straight away. I now feel like I have something to look forward to and that something positive has come from BC. The whole process is only going to take two weeks.
I go back on Friday to get a date for my chemo. I thinking positive and I am planning nights out for next year so I have little things to look forward to.
Thats good that the clinic are able to do something for you. Mine were very good and considering me and my partner thought that children were out of the question now, we are very happy that we have a fall back option.
The arm has been good, not really had any pain just the occasional ache. I go back on Tuesday for the results of the surgery and am still waiting to hear from my Onc for an appointment for chemo.
Making plans for things is a good idea, I have a few things lined up and a holiday to Vagas planned for when its all over!