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
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
Mishy, I'm on EC-T, so my hair was guaranteed to fall out. You get a wig depending on side effects of treatment. I got my wig well in advance, so I took it with me to the hairdressers, then came out looking the same! Bet you had the same plastic surgeon as me - edit as professional names not allowed as per T's&C's (?), she did an excellent job on me. Hope you get edit as per T's&C's, he's superb. Very kind and knows his stuff. X
Well Mishy, having said I wasn't bothered about losing my hair I found I was, go figure! I did find it traumatic having my hair shaved off, but I was SO relieved . Once it starts falling out it hurts the scalp. I couldn't sleep, and kept waking up with a hairball, so it really did have to go. As I said, the Newcastle Trust is very generous as regards wigs. I've also bought summer straw hats , ready made ones, and a sleep cap. I'm managing, although feel very WW11with my little turbans. As regards treatment, I can't speak highly enough of the staff . They are marvellous. The treatment rooms are large, and are always busy, so don't let that put you off. Everything will be explained to you. You'll book in with Shaun, and he'll see you right. You'll be called in one at a time, then some questions, weight and height, cannula in and away you go. Quite quite painless, honest. Take all your anti sick meds, and take a paracetamol before you go. I had a headache later on. I took iced water and drank for England! It helps with veins and flushing. You'll be offered drinks and a sandwich, too. I took mints and ginger biccies with me the first time, which is the longest session. After that I'm barely an hour, but I have a venous line in my chest. It's over so soon you wonder what you were worried about! If you have time , try to visit Maggies. Such a great support. I do Pilates there, and they'll get you on the Look Good course. I'm at clinic Thursday too, so might see you? Good luck. 🍀X
Hi Melia, it might be the same at the Freeman if you are cold capping. You may indeed have to wait. I can understand them not giving you a voucher as the assumption is you will save the hair. Cold capping is certainly not cheap for the NHS. I didn't want the extra time or discomfort with cold capping, so said from the start I wasn't doing it . If you are unhappy about treatment it is your perogative to change hospitals. Good luck. 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