As I’ve Been bombarding the forums with cold cap questions it’s probably clear that I’m trying the Cold cap. However, I would like I back up just incase the worst happens. Ive avoided all thought of a wig until now as didnt want to tempt fate! I spoke to my chemo nurse and she didn’t seem at all keen to give me my voucher. She said I’ll only get £100 Anyway. I’m really worried about this as I’m not expecting a thousand pound real hair wig but thought the nhs voucher would be a bit more. I’m on a low income and with 2 kids it’s not money I can pull out or was expecting to pay. McMillan said I can get the cost of a full wig but is that limited to the £100 the nurse said. I really don’t want a synthetic wiggy looking wig as I wouldn’t leave the house!
How much has everyone been given for a wig, I’m wondering if it’s an area thing. But I know people getting treatment a few miles out from me have got over £300. Totally stressing me out x
Hi Melia
It might be worth asking Macmillan for a grant…I think you can get up to £400! I asked for a form the other day from my BCN! Anyone with cancer can apply!
Thanks Sandra they told me to apply when I called them. We really just curious to see what others got and whether you get more depending on region as I thought it would be a standard thing x
Hi Melia, I’m at the Freeman Hospital, in the Newcastle Trust. My Onco gave me a signed prescription, which I exchanged for a voucher at the appliances desk. I was given a leaflet with the name of a local firm. When I presented the voucher I was told I could have any (synthetic) wig I wanted and there was no price restriction. I tried several on, and ended up with a lovely short layered one looking just like my own hair. She advised a hand woven lace cap for lightness and a natural looking parting. It really does look like I’ve just come from the salon! Sorry, never even asked the price, just SO pleased to look good. ? I know I am lucky as just a few miles away the Trust there gives a measly £70 contribution. Now you would end up looking like Coco the clown on that! Macmillan will help get you sorted. Also, ask on here if anyone hasn’t worn theirs. Wishing you good luck. X
Hi Annie, I’m going to be treat at South shields. I rang the chemo nurse today and she was so patronising and talking over me. She’s adamant she won’t give me my voucher because I’m cold capping. I have to wait to see how I go! It’s really upset me. I really feel like switching to the Freeman or qe where i have had all my other treatment and they have been amazing. Xx
I meet my oncologist on Thurs coming Annie your chemo is at Freeman where I will be, how are you finding it? Now it’s approaching fast I’m starting to get apprehensive, I’m unsure about cold capping I’m dreading losing my hair, it’s very thick and I have always been obsessive about it!! I look awful with short hair let alone none as I haven’t got the right face for it! Some ladies look lovely with v short hair or shaved but me ugh I know it’s necessary to do it so I’m accepting it’s part of keeping me well, as for the cold cap I’m really unsure I’ve been flicking through various posts and have noticed a lot of the ladies still lose lots of hair and it’s not a very nice treatment of don’t want to make a rash decision then regret it!!
I’m also dredding the chemo in terms of side effects, suppose it’s the fear of the unknown I have felt absolutely great following my surgery still doing my thing and it’s not even found it hard in terms of recovery apart from the first 2 to 3 days I think the physiological impact of the whole diagnosis thing and up coming treatment for me has been worse on the whole I’m very positive about everything just nervous about chemo changing me xxx
Thanks for replying Annie yeah I might see you on Thursday on the whole I have nothing but positives really my treatment so far has been second to none and my surgeon was a lovely woman who made me feel at ease the whole way through its probably pre treatment nerves I’m sure all of you probably had them although you don’t show it!!! The advice really treatment is much appreciated and didn’t realise you could have a wig off them!! It sounds as though it’s really not as bad as I think it is, I will also have a look in maggies to see if there is anything I might like to join x
Yeah it was edited as professional names not allowed as per T’s&C’s She was fantastic from start to finish with me x I had a few changes from original diagnosis to post surgery and she explained everything so well and reassured me as well as lovely job and neat scars! I don’t know ow type of chemo yet find out on Thursday at onc meeting x
Hi Melia, I did cold cap but my unit unfortunately messed up and forgot to give me the cold cap with the right treatment on my second session. I would do it again and encourage anyone who wants to to try the cold cap to see how you get on. I did keep my hair for longer before it started shedding and even after that I did not lose it all. Even though I was cold capping they still gave me a voucher for a wig as you might still lose hair with cold capping. The voucher with us in Wales is around the £90/£100 mark but I paid £80 extra to have what I would call a nicer synthetic wig. I felt comfortable going out in the wig and the amount of complitments I have had about my new “hair cut” has been amazing. The majority of people don’t know it is a wig unless I tell them. You don’t have to break the bank to get one that looks good and real and gives you confidence when you are out. Good Luck xx
I know it’s necessary to do it so I’m accepting it’s part of keeping me well, as for the cold cap I’m really unsure I’ve been flicking through various posts and have noticed a lot of the ladies still lose lots of hair and it’s not a very nice treatment of don’t want to make a rash decision then regret it!!