Wigs

After my mum had skin cancer on her head she started to get her wigs from Creative Wigs in Swanston St Melbourne. They are above Saleras jewelers and you can either go up the stairs or they have a lift in the jewelers. They are on the 2nd floor. They have a large range and mum has been very happy with them. She just gets the synthetic ones. They generally last for 12-18 months before the colour starts fading and they look a bit lack lustre. Mum usually pays round $200-250 but there are cheaper ones. The service is really good too.

@AllyJay wow that must have been a dramatic change for you, such long hair but you know what it doesn’t define you, beautiful photo with your grandson that’s what really matters that you are ‘still standing’ Very inspiring. Thankyou x

wow @AllyJay - that was some seriously long hair! 

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.

@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

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 ❤️

@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!

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 :smile:

@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 Melinda

@Kerry-Lee47 those freezer mittens are the worst - I found them worse than the cold cap!!