Hi SueW
Its helped me when water has tasted awful and wouldnt go down! Mint herbal tea has been good too.x
Thank goodness for the things our mums told us. We will be experts in every remedy going by the end of this - hopefully!! Thats why these forums are soooo helpful. I am just thinking that this time a week ago i barely took a paracetamol! This time thos week my bpdy must be thinking whoa!! Hang on a minute! Hoping everyone jas a good day today. Lots of love xxx
Good morning ladies, sorry I was a little awol this weekend but I’ve really struggled with fatigue since my first FEC last Monday. Saw my consultant yesterday and he’s given me some tablets and adjusted my chemo so I’ll only be on EC for the next two cycles.
My question this morning though is about wigs. How much do they cost? I’m decaying whether or not it’s worth it for the next few months or just embrace the gorgeous scarves out there!
Love to everyone xx
I got 2 wigs and stick on eyebrows for £450 but you should get a nhs voucher toward a wig think the amount depends on health authority xx
I’m not sure whether to get a wig or not. I’m hoping to get away mostly with hats as it’s over winter anyway. I’ve ordered a sleep cap and a scarf to wear around the house. My sister gets married in March so might need to buy one for that.
Cassie x
My wigs are synthetic but I much prefer them to real hair when I was looking as they were lighter when I tried them on and the maintenance is less so thought if I felt a bit crap would I be wanting to style real hair
The eyebrows are fab in the packet not tried them yet as chemo starts 13th do still have my own eyebrows currently. They are made from real hair loads of shape and colour choices been told you wear them for a week take them off clean them and can put them back on and with continuous wear should last about 3 months they were £50 ish can’t remember exactly x
I have bought some bandanas from Clare’s accessories they were buy 3 get 3 free but also got some really cheap turban type headwear of ebay about £2 each so got loads of colours to coordinate with different outfits as I know I won’t wear my wig in the house etc x
I’m leaning towards scarves and hats. Shops are getting winter hats in now. Fenwick’s had some wooly hats that were lined with really soft fleece like material. They weren’t cheap but very nice.
My mom came to hospital appointment for blood test this morning and when we got back produced a woolly hat she had knitted me ?x
Hi everyone, back from first chemo treatment. All went ok apart from sitting with the cold cap on for about 15 mins before realising it wasn’t working! They had to switch machines but after that it was ok. For all those cold capping this week it isn’t that bad. The first 5-10 mins are the worst then after that it was ok. I just couldn’t talk for those 5-10 mins and concentrated on deep breathing. I took 2 ibuprofen and 2 paracetamol an hour beforehand and I also took a blanket and a scarf as the back of your neck gets quite cold. I also managed to have lunch there which was ok although I did let OH eat the jam sponge and custard. Hope I don’t regret it later. Now just relaxing on the couch.
Whytefawn, I thought I’d have to pay for a wig as I didn’t think I’d qualify for one on the NHS, but the oncology dept asked if I wanted a wig consultation which is done through a cancer charity centre located at the hospital and when I went they said I would get a free one. So I’m getting one even though I probably won’t wear it all the time. I’ll probably be going into work so may want it then.
Good luck for tomorrow Karana and Chaffinch!
Well done meesh x
My bc nurses said everyone is entitled to wig voucher regardless of earnings etc
Also wigs for chemo patients are vat free so if you buy from a hair loss shop make sure they take that off the price xx
Thanks SueW, I didn’t realise that. Also meant to say they didn’t give me any injections so I guess they’re going to see how I go with my blood count. They’ve also given me anti sickness to take before my next session so I won’t have to have it through the drip next time. Head just feels a little woozy not sure if that’s the cold cap or the chemo!
I think you will have blood test before next chemo to see if you need injections x I know 2 weeks after my first chemo I got to meet my onco before 2nd one
When you lovely ladies provide so much info on your sessions I worry less about my approaching 1st one
SueW, I agree. I wasn’t really worried about having the chemo (apart from the cold cap as wasn’t sure I’d tolerate it as I really am a wimp and if I can do it then anyone can) but that’s because everyone has shared their experiences. What worries me more is the next week or so and coping with the side effects! Fingers crossed I can cope, I have lots of good ideas from the forum to help and also know there are others sharing the experience (as much as none of us would like to). You seem very prepared and knowledgable on everything you will be fine next week. Hope your tests all go well.
Hi SueW also meant to say lovely of your mum to knit you a hat and that’s the good thing about having chemo over the winter hats knitted hats don’t look out of place! I crochet so made a couple last year never imaging I’d need them for chemo!
Is your mum doing hats to order SueW? I have a form to hand in to get a £70 voucher against a £120 wig but haven’t done anything with it yet.
Well done on first chemo Meesh. All I would say about the first week so far in my experience is don’t put yourself under pressure to do anything. If you’re tired sleep. If you’re hungry eat. If you don’t feel like getting dressed, don’t. Take drugs you’ve been given when you need them and don’t be afraid to call your helpline even if you think it sounds stupid.
This is day 6. Starting to feel more human today. Went out for a walk with the dog and been chilling. Eating almost normally with still some taste differences.
District nurse just phoned to see if I was ok. I said I was fine just watching films and colouring in.
Cassie x
Hi Ladies
Good advice from Cassie. The first week is challenging because of the fatigue. You may not feel unwell, just lethargic, so resign yourself to rest in front of the telly and let others look after you!
Best wishes to all you lovely ladies going through chemo this week.
Sue xx
Thank you Whytefawn and SueC, planning on a few days on the sofa and see how I go. Whytefawn the colouring sounds a good idea, a couple of people bought me those adult colouring books a couple of years ago for Xmas and after the initial excitement I’d completely forgotten about them. Will have to dig them out as Daytime tv is pretty awful.
Yeah Meesh don’t overdose on daytime tv thats really not good for anyone. I’ve been watching films or things on Amazon prime. Got colouring in books and puzzle books to keep me occupied. I’ve found staring at screens like laptops or tablets make my eyes more tired. So been sticking to old fashioned entertainment.
Cassie x
That’s the best first week advice Cassie, I wish I’d done exactly that!
I switched from NHS to private (using my husband’s work BUPA cover) after the surgery and after my daughter was born, so I don’t think I’m entitled to the wig voucher unfortunately. I may go along for a consultation just to see though. Or I may call Maggie’s to see if they have any advice.
Has anyone heard of or taken part in any Look Good Feel Better courses?