Had 2nd FEC last monday. Feel slightly better than the first one but not a lot. Get lots of scar pain where lump and lymph glands were removed. Supposed to be normal I hear, but has anyone else experienced this? Feeling sorry for myself tonight - hair looks bloody aweful. Really thinning now and all I see are adverts for hair products!! Sorry for moaning. Bought a wig on Tuesday and decided it looks nothing better than Roland Rat on my head, so went out and bought two black ski hats instead. Not a lot better I must admit. Has anyone got any good suggestions how we get through this horrific time. Sorry again for moaning and look forward to hearing from anyone - thanks Pam xx
Hi Pam
Pease don’t apologise for moaning - believe me we’ve all done it!
I am just approaching my 2nd Fec next Weds following mastectomy on 13th Nov - my hair started falling out yesterday in handfuls so hubby clippered it last night. I too have a wig that looks and feels like a hamster sitting on my head. I bought beanie hats but I have to say the best thing I have bought (following another conversation on here) was a buff - they are absoutey marvellous. I had never heard of them but if you google buffwear you should find them (not sure I’m allowed to say that anymore - moderator might remove it).
Know what you mean about hair products - every woman’s magazine I pick up at the moment has artices about how to do your hair for xmas - and all the various styes you can choose - not a great many variations on a grade 2 lol - though I have bought loads of fun santa hats and neon party wigs - if they don’t cheer me up they’ll make other peope laugh !
I have been getting pains around scar, mainly under my arm (had all lymph nodes removed) - but have been assured this is normal and part of the healing process
Hope you get on okay
Margaret x
Pam - I think the stage you’re at now is the worst part of it. Once my hair was gone I became more resigned to it. I got some really good indoor and outdoor hats from (edited by Moderator) an American company but they ship to the UK. Also, got some bandanas very cheap (about £2 each) off ebay but I’ve preferred the hats. I’m not keen on my wigs either but my family say they look fine so either I’m paranoid or they’re all lying, ha ha! Thinking about wigs, I had two from the proper shop then got one off ebay for about £25 and the ebay one was the best one.
Anyway, I think you’re entitled to feel sorry for yourself. I had to cover up the bedroom mirror initially with pictures my kids had drawn for me but after a few weeks I felt able to take the pics down. Also, I keep telling myself that it will grow back and that those I care about don’t mind that I have no hair. I did get my hair cut short when it started to thin then when it really started coming out my husband did a No1 trim which reduced me to many tears but at least I then only had little short bits coming out rather than long bits.
Don’t apologise for moaning - I think we’re entitled to! Take care and remember there are lots of us here in the same boat and you’re not alone in all this.
Nicola
Thanks girls for your comments. You really have made me feel like I am not the only one, and especially the bit about the ones that really care for you don’t mind anyway. I suppose the time of year doesn’t help either. Never mind “tis the season to be jolly”.
Thanks Margaret for telling me that your scar is also painful. I know it doesn’t help much but at least we have both been told the same thing.
Good luck to you both and much love to you as well - Pam xx
Hi Pam
I’m 2 days behind you in treatment and have also lost a load of hair. I had a bit of a blub when my mum came round to chop off what was left of my hair, but am desperate to clipper it all off - I think it looks awful. Although I think my hubby is more attached to my hair than I am (having said that, he has been very good and said I look nice with short hair). I’ve got a few wigs from ebay, which I really like, especially when I put a nice hat over them (I’ve got a trilby and a baker-boy style one). The hats seem to hide the fakeness of the wigs, although I’ve had lots of compliments about them. Checkout girl at B&Q today stared at me, so I think I’ll wear that wig with a hat in future!!
Hope your scars stop hurting soon.
Vicky
Hi Vicky,
Don’t think it will be long before I shave my head, although saying that it is quite tender. My sister-in-law suggested a hat on top of the wig but it just seems that the wig is quite high already in the front, so I thought a hat would only make it worse. Still might give it a go. How far have you gone with your treatment and how are you feeling.
Pam x
Hi Pam
I agree that when it is coming out it is the worst bit. You will find your way to get used to it, I think all the fine ladies and gents on here will agree.
Get yourself a nice buff (sorry I don’t know where from but a friend of mine wore one and loves it and it looks great) and Accessorize do some lovely little caps and wooly hats. Look on the bright side, it’s winter so hats are really appropriate at the moment.
Hope you jpick up from the chemo too. I had my mastectomy and lymph removal after chemo so can’t comment on the pain you are experiencing but I’m sure you will find loads of advice from others who had the same treatment.
Big hugs
Cecelia. x
Hi Pam
Do you have a Headstrong service near you? I went last week to the one at West Bromwich (there are details on this site) and it was brilliant. You get shown different ways to tie scarves (and can choose a free one to take home) and you can also try on lots of different hats and headgear and buy or order them while you’re there. The ladies there were really nice and helpfull and I took my sister with me and we had a good laugh. Spent a fortune though as everything seemed to suit me!
Angela
x
Ooops - hadn’t realised we aren’t allowed to mention websites, sorry mods. About the buffs though, I bought one over the internet then found out that Christies hospital (Manchester) sell them much cheaper for about £6 each I think - this was from the Headstrong ladies who were really lovely and kind to me. Even if you’re not being treated at Christies but live nearish then I suspect they’d still be happy to help - they’re only there at particular times though so best to phone up in advance.
Nicola
Hi Pam
BCC have a Headstrong facility at Purley if this is any help to you. For further information just follow the link below.
breastcancercare.org.uk//content.php?page_id=6725
Kind regards
Emma, Moderator
I have finished chemo now and hair is beginning to grow back (grey and fuzzy)…BUT I remember well how upsetting it was when my hair started to fall out on the FEC, so I do sympathise!
My tip for making your wig look less “wiggy” is to buy headbands or narrow scarves to tie around it. This also makes your wig feel a little more “secure”. Accessorize do lots of different ones. (I can’t wear a hat on top of my wig either)!
xxxx
Hi
I had my wig cut at the hairdressers, I am still self concious and only wear it when I go out. When I went to the hospital to have a line flush i was really hot and the lady next to me said she knew how I felt she new whata hot flush felt like. I told her it wasnt that but Iwas wearing a wig and it made me hot , she said she hadnt noticed!! dont know if she was telling me the truth or humouring me!!!
Lesley
Hi Pam
Well I guess you are a bit further down the road for losing your hair than me, I had my second chemo dose on Wednesday and I dont feel too bad today, although the big worry is my hair, its sort of coming out but not, I have used the cold cap but I couldnt keep it on for the full time on Wednesday, I just wish my hair would come out and then I think I would be able to cope, its pretty awful not knowing what will happen to it and if it will grow back - lots of people say it will I certaintly hope it does. I have always had long hair so its come as a bit of a shock to get it cut short, but its still thick at the back so any advice on how to look after it would be welcome.
I have reverted to using baby shampoos and conditioner what do you think?
Like you I had some pretty horrible scars after the lumpectomy and lymph glands were removed and I found the best way toreduce the lumpeness was to use E45 cream. It seemed to work for me, still cant wear an underwired bra though!
All the best
Christine