Me again, September Ladies - after I posted this morning I couldn’t stop thinking about how the hair loss is affecting some of us, and how hard it is to come to terms with it and deal with the practicalities, particularly for people on tight budgets. Although I picked up all the information leaflets in the hospital and read them before I started the treatment, they don’t really go into much detail. So apart from the hair loss and the nausea, it didn’t really sink in how the treatment could affect me until I had my meeting with the nurse just before treatment started, when she explained about the range of SEs I could get, and the importance of oral hygiene and skin and nail care.
Even then, I had no idea how much ‘stuff’ - apart from the wig - I was going to need to deal with the hair loss until I was actually in the situation, so it has been a challenge for me to stay one step ahead, get the wig fitted and order the other headwear I was going to need in time. But I am all too aware that I am one of the lucky ones because I am able to afford what I need, whereas I know that some of you are struggling to cover the cost of all of this on top of the cost of normal life. I also have the luxury of time to plan ahead a bit, as I have no children or other caring responsibilities, and my employer has also allowed me to take sick leave during my treatment (as things turned out, there’s no way I could have worked during my first cycle anyway). I therefore want to do anything I can to help others who have lost or are losing their hair who are not so fortunate as me, even if it is only point them in the right direction of what headgear they will need and where to get the cheapest available. I’ve therefore done a bit of searching around the forum and online and have identified the following sources for the basic essentials. Here goes:
Sleeping Caps
It is essential to have a good supply of these for wearing under hats and scarves and in bed at night. You probably will need at least a dozen of these to allow for washing and wearing and layering to add warmth. As the winter draws on, you’ll find you need to wear at least 2 or 3 in bed to keep your head warm. I am already wearing 3 in bed (then that’s probably just me!). Another Member has advised on another thread (see Tips and Tricks) that the cheapest options are the undercaps that Muslim ladies wear under their hijabs, which can be obtained by searching on ‘Hijab Undercap’ on Amazon. These cost from as little as @ £1.88. The cheapest specialist chemotherapy ones are available from Annabandana and cost @ £2.15.
Turbans and Hats
There is a wide range out there with several companies specialising in this type of headgear, but some of it is horrendously expensive. The cheapest turbans and hats I have found are from Annabandana, they look smart, come in lots of colour choices and cost from @ £4.00 - £6.00. You will probably also need at least a couple of outdoor hats for the winter, because you won’t want to risk your expensive wig in really horrible weather (I took a bit of a risk wearing mine on a walk round Sutton Park on Sunday, the weather was fine and dry if a bit breezy, so I don’t think I’ll be doing it again!!!). Hats 4 Heads has a good range at reasonable prices (e.g. Beanies from around @ £5.99, Fleece hat @ £9.99).
Scarves
These are likely to be a much cheaper option than purpose made hats and turbans and pre-tied scarves, widely available from markets and high street shops. And if you already have some suitable scarves, they’re free! The Breast Cancer Care leaflet on Chemotherapy and Hair Loss (downloadable from this site) explains how to tie a basic scarf, and there are also demonstrations of scarf tying available on You Tube.
I hope this mini practical guide to chemotherapy headgear options is of use to those who are losing their hair despite their best efforts with the cold cap. I also hope that anyone struggling financially has been able to get the support they need - if you are really worried about this, there is advice on the Macmillan website.
All the very best to everyone, virtual hugs to all.
