Wigs
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I bought both my wigs while I still had hair. The lady at the wig shop put a stocking thing tight on my head that contained my hair tight and my wig fit fine when I got it. Going to a specialist wig shop with a wig fitter helps. Mine was $500 but I got a health fund rebate and also some money from cancer council Qld.1
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Hi @Kerry-Lee47 I’ve only just seen this thread so you might be sorted already but just in case, I bought my wig from the individual wig in Sydney and I did buy it before I lost my hair. It made me more confident that I had something ready.
Dont buy real hair - that’s when you end up spending $2000! The synthetic hair wigs are amazing. You really can’t tell the difference especially if you get a monofilament one with a lace front.
The only difference between real and synthetic is that the real one you can colour and style - curl and blow dry etc - the synthetic one stays in the style you buy it. Mine cost $450.
When I took the plunge and had all my hair cut off I did find that it needed adjusting and so I took it back, and they took it in for me to make it more snug and a perfect fit. They did it while I waited.
I sometimes wear a beanie over the top, which is great in winter and also makes me feel more secure.
How are you going with your chemo?
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Hi@Kerry-Lee47 , if you're in Melbourne, the Think Pink Centre on St Kilda Road will fit you with a new on at no cost to you. The Cancer Council on St Kilda Rd has a wig library, as does Peter Mac, they are pre owned. I bought mine from Creative Wigs on Swanston Street.A lovely blonde synthetic one which looked like my hair only like I'd straightened it. It was around $300 . The staff there are wonderful ! Good luck with it all x2
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Sorry but couldn't write after photo uploaded. The above wig is called Rosa and I bought it from the Big Wig on the Gold Coast many years ago. Only need fluffing with the hands. Has fitted very well as I usually wear it over long hair.0
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Blondy! That wig looks bloody amazing0
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Thankyou for all your help and advice, I haven’t bought a wig yet, I’ve back peddled. I think I’m still in abit of denial as I’ve always had long hair and am struggling to let it go, there has been so much loss to deal with, with the double mastectomy and stepping down from my job for 6 months unpaid. It’s just another thing.
i tried the cold cap for 3 hrs very painful but made worst by the fact I had cold hands and feet mitts on to to prevent neuropathy.
Next Chemo week on Monday, not sure I can go through that again for Vanity but I know it’s gonna take soooooo long to grow back!0 -
@Kerry-Lee47 If it's any comfort, most women seem to cope with losing their hair better than they expect to. You do get used to it rather quickly, and there are unexpected small pleasues like the sensation in the shower, and the savings in money and time not having to deal with hair care! While you do have to learn to cope with looking like someone who is having cancer treatment, you do benefit from the kindness of strangers as a result. One of the first things that happened to me when my hair went was I was given a free ink cartridge when refilling the printer at home! A little thing I know but $25 is $25 and the man was so jolly & nice! Big hug, K xox0
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@Kerry-Lee47 those freezer mittens are the worst - I found them worse than the cold cap!!0
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@Kerry-Lee47 it is so overwhelming and you're right it's just another thing to try and deal with. I had beautiful long blonde hair, so coming to terms with losing it was so incredibly hard. My Oncologist was honest about the cold cap, in majority of cases it doesn't work, I had friends do it, varying results, some abandoned it and others persevered to still have to wear hats because it thinned too much. It's alot of pressure on top of what is already an extremely difficult experience, I was lucky that my wig literally was cut into shape the same as my existing hair. Was it hard for 9 months??? absolutely!! going to work partly before I too had to stop due to being so ill. I was off 4 months unpaid and then 2 years on income protection which is inbuilt into Vic Super an education fund (nobody tells you about) I worked however 3 days a week and income protection for 2 days a week. Im now back full time and its not easy.
When I let go of it all and realized I had no control, I couldnt work through it, nothing I was told was true for me...it was a very long haul and recovery...BUT I got there. Denial is super normal, I dont think we ever accept any of it, why would we?? I don't, like grief, we just learn to walk the path with it as best we can. One thing at a time, but honestly I was angry at the time, giving up work I couldnt afford to, Im financially ruined and raised 2 kids at the time alone and 1 was in VCE and diagnosed with a mental illness. It was hard going, so realise none of this is permanent. Be super kind to you!!! you at this point are all that matters...do what you feel you need for you. Let go and give yourself this time now. x Melinda0 -
Hi @Kerry-Lee47 - yep, found it definitely one of the most confronting things about breast cancer treatment - losing my hair - but please don't think of wanting to feel confident about how you look, as vanity.
I think it's awesome that there are amazing people who are comfortable going out into the world with no hair - but I'm not one of them and I don't consider myself to be vain - I think that the people who are following their breast cancer path wearing a wig, or scarf, or hat, are just as awesome and just as amazing!
I don't hide the fact that I'm going through breast cancer treatment, nor that I wear a wig - it's actually a great wig - but it's a very different look for me - I've gone from dark blonde to brunette - so as most people know that I've lost my hair, it's obvious that I'm wearing a wig - but that's cool! I've had great wig conversations already LOL.
It's simply a matter of whatever makes you feel good about yourself and confident to walk out that door. You need to do what's right for you and you're no less brave or courageous or resilient or awesome because you choose to wear a wig.
Here's a pic of me before (just come from the hairdresser hahaha) and a couple of pics with my new look - dark for winter! It will eventually grow again
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@Kerry-Lee47 I never went out bald. Always wore a hat. Eventually I drove the car bald a bit (it was summer) and would occasionally whip off my hat when having a vicious hot flush in public, but only if I was with friends. I echo what @Eastmum said, do what's right for you. Some of us are wig people, others are hat people and a few are boldy bald! It's all good. The only person you have to please is YOU!3
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Thanks girls, this support network is so fantastic, @Eastmum you look divine in your wig. I am gradually coming round to the idea, think I might just go and get my long hair cut to a bob today.... take control. Much love to you all ❤️1
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@Kerry-Lee47 - that’s exactly what I did! Here’s a pic! The minute it started coming out in handfuls - which was about 3 days after my 2nd AC treatment, I had it cut really short and I’ve just let the rest fall out on its own - a lot comes out in the shower! Now I look a bit like golem from Lord of the Rings! A smattering of hair here and there - my husband is the only one I’ve allowed to see it. I think the kids would be really challenged by it. I don’t wear my wig around the house but do wear a turban or cap xx
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Here's my before, during and after hair experience. First one taken just before the Lopping of the Locks,,then my son giving me a #2 Military Buzz and then about a year later...feeding the pigeons with my beloved grandson.
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