Hi, I start my chemo on 14th June and was told by my oncologiest "you will loose your hair", there was no "maybe" about it. Went wig shopping today, with my fantastic supportive husband. The shop assistant said that the Cancer Council gives people who "qualify" a voucher (I'm away the have a wig library but want to buy my own wig/s). I've check out both the natiional and state (Qld) Cancer Council sites and can't find anything. Does anyone know about these vouchers? Also, any advise on how to manage loosing my hair? The oncologist said I will loose it from 2 weeks after my first treatment. Should I wait as close to that time and get it cut really short and if so, how short. I am very attached to my hair and this is going to be really hard for me. So I'm trying to work out the best "emotional strategy". Thanks Julie

Hi Julie, As far as I understand the hair loss is based on the cocktail of drugs that you are given, the time it takes to fall out will be based on how strong your hair is. I have not heard about the cancer councils' voucher, would be best to phone them. Each state does differ. If you have privatehealth cover your oncologist can write you a letter stating why you need the wig and they may cover a percentage of the cost. Also keep every single receipt as you can claim many out of pocket expenses when doing your tax. As far as your hair I had mine cut quite short before it started falling out. I bought myself a couple of chemo caps (plain cotton) and a satin pillowcase as it doesn't pull on your hair as much as the cotton pillowcases. Once my hair started fallling out I would pull it out with my fingers before I got in the shower, just so there would be less mess. My head is cold and I have bought a few hats and beanies. Ask around about the wig, your hairdresser may know and will have contacts to ask around. All the very best for the 14th. Welcome to the pink ladies. Maria333

Hi Jul ie, I am in the same situation as you are. Here in WA we get a $160.00 voucher from the hospital towards the cost of buying a wig. I asked the nurse for the voucher when I had just finished my first round of Chemo, and then you give it to the provider of the wig you purchase. It may not be the same in Qld . I am in private health cover , and they will give me back 85% of the remaining cost of the wig. I too am thinking of getting my hair all cut off end of next week, as I cant face the thought of it dropping out on it's own. All the best with your treatment . Chas

Hi Chas, Thanks for replying. I don't think the Qld government is so generous as the WA government, however I will be checking with the private health insurance. I was presently surprised at the prices, as I thought they were gong to up in the high hundreds. Compared to what it costs me every 6 weeks at the hair dresser I'm going to be saving money. Well then again, I've chosen two wigs and I think I may develop a wig fetish. Good luck with getting your hair cut, cooincidently I have a hair dressers appt. next Saturday, however I'm thinking of cancelling it as I think it's going to be too overwhelming and emotional for me. I'm thinking of getting one of those hairdressers that make house calls. At the end of the day, it's not a hairstyle I'm keeping. I always new I was over the top about my hair, but as the time is getting closer I'm finding this hair thing is really affecting me. I think it is the one thing that has really hit hard. I'll be thinking of you when I get my hair cut Chas. Thanks Julie

Thanks Julie, and good luck to you on the 14th. Funnily enough I was thinking of "chickening out" of getting my hair cut on the 9th, for fear that I may be getting it done too soon! However , I want to take some of my "power" back , and being the one to "choose" when it goes . I will probably still go along with it, like you , I too am hair obsessed , but I have got a nice wig, so " number 2 " here I come ! Chas

Hair Loss and Wig question | BCNA Online Network

16 Replies

Julie_A
Member
14 years ago
Hi Chris,

Thanks for the reply and good luck to you too. My veins are horrible and chemo does effect them. I'm sure you already know this, but make sure you drink lots of fluids, at least 3-4 litres of water the day before your chemo and the morning of your chemo and also keep the arm that you have your chemo in very warm. I heat up a weat pack and have that on my arm for at least 30 minutes before my treatment. I also have trouble when it comes to blood tests, so I do the same.

I have been blessed with an very compassionate oncologist that bulk bills (I know I still can't believe it) and I have no out of pocket expenses with my chemo treatment. I think I will be about $1400.00 out of pocket with radio therapy. Are you having radio therapy after chemo? I will be finding out more about radio therapy after my second last round of chemo (after 17th Oct). Will let you know, if you haven't already found out. I have decided to take a break between chemo and radio therapy. It's been a very tough road for me, both emotionally and physically. People I know say that I'm one of the toughest people they know. I sometimes feel like I'm an imposter when they say that. However, it is what it is and it's not easy sometimes. Crying is very natural and it's a release ( so my very caring GP tells me). so I tell everyone that I "release" a lot.

Have a great break and I hope the weather is good, but not too hot. My husband and I were down in Sydney last weekend. The first time, I was well enough to hope on plane. I don't take anything for granted anymore.

cheers

Julie
Sockett
Member
14 years ago
Hi Julie,

So far, touch wood, my chemo has not been too bad. Next 1 is on the 4th, everything is going well at the moment. Lack of sleep is a bugger. Eventhough I am exhausted!!! II hope you get through your next lots without too much illness.

And my hair is still there at the moment. Will get my beautifull hairdresser to give my wig a trim. I have 3 to pick from.2 are mine 1 is borrowed. I will be having a few days up the coast in my caravan (Forster) maybe the salt water will wash my hir away!!!! Better be prepared and take my scarves hats & all as I don't want to scare anyone.

I live in Sydney, and am a Private patient. Costly, but am so glad to be in it, as my care has been 1st class.

My veins are Ok so its through my veins at the moment .

You take care Julie and have a good weekend too, and you are helping me with my hair decisions,

Take care,

Chris
Sockett
Member
14 years ago
Hi Julie,

So far, touch wood, my chemo has not been too bad. Next 1 is on the 4th, everything is going well at the moment. Lack of sleep is a bugger. Eventhough I am exhausted!!! II hope you get through your next lots without too much illness.

And my hair is still there at the moment. Will get my beautifull hairdresser to give my wig a trim. I have 3 to pick from.2 are mine 1 is borrowed. I will be having a few days up the coast in my caravan (Forster) maybe the salt water will wash my hir away!!!! Better be prepared and take my scarves hats & all as I don't want to scare anyone.

I live in Sydney, and am a Private patient. Costly, but am so glad to be in it, as my care has been 1st class.

My veins are Ok so its through my veins at the moment .

You take care Julie and have a good weekend too, and you are helping me with my hair decisions,

Take care,

Chris
Sockett
Member
14 years ago
Thanks for you reply Julie I spoke to my couciller today and she advised to wait and see how it goes. It will definately be gone when I have my next chemo on the 4th October. so I have purchased wigs, hats & scarves etc. I know it will hit me when it happens. But I also know that I have to do this as its a precaution just in case.

How many chemos did you have & did you have radiotherapy also?

I cannot wait till the last chemo I suppose you can say that I am 25% there, be nice to get a type of normality back.

Wish you well with the rest of your treatment., are you nearyly finished?

Regards,

Chris N
Sockett
Member
14 years ago
Thanks for you reply Julie I spoke to my couciller today and she advised to wait and see how it goes. It will definately be gone when I have my next chemo on the 4th October. so I have purchased wigs, hats & scarves etc. I know it will hit me when it happens. But I also know that I have to do this as its a precaution just in case.

How many chemos did you have & did you have radiotherapy also?

I cannot wait till the last chemo I suppose you can say that I am 25% there, be nice to get a type of normality back.

Wish you well with the rest of your treatment., are you nearyly finished?

Regards,

Chris N
Sockett
Member
14 years ago
I have just come across your post regarding hair loss. I feel exacktly like you. Do I go and get it shaved or not. I am in the 11th day of my 1st chemo and I still have my hair. A friend did not loose hers until her 2nd roaund of chemo. Am so undecided as I like my hair too. I have already got a wig & hats /scarves etc.I would be really interested in what you decided to do.

Take care

Chris
LynnW
Member
15 years ago
hi Julie - I'm receiving my treatment at QEH in Woodville (SA) and was given a voucher for $150 towards purchase of wig...

Good luck with chemo.

Lynn.x
LynnW
Member
15 years ago
hi Julie - I'm receiving my treatment at QEH in Woodville (SA) and was given a voucher for $150 towards purchase of wig...

Good luck with chemo.

Lynn.x
Chas
Member
15 years ago
Hi Louise, I got $160 voucher from Sir Charles Gairdener Hosp. You have to ask for it, they don't volunteer it !! I found out about the voucher from the lady that I bought my wig , I went through "Wigs on Wheels" which was more convenient for me , as she came to my home , due to the fact that I was housebound at the time with damaged ligaments to my knee. I am going public, as they offered me a quick treatment , and as you know SCGH is the "Cancer " hosp for WA.There is also the Wig Library at SCGH, where you can borrow wigs for as long as you need it, I wanted to buy my own. All the best Chas .
louiseg
Member
15 years ago
Hi Chas

I live in WA and wasn't given anything for my wig...from the hospital or the Cancer Council or anyone?? Did you go public or private? I was private which may be the difference... I also unfortunately only had hospital cover so my wig wasn't covered under my health insurance.

I bought two wigs on-line from America and was thrilled with them (website www.makemeheal.com) and I also hired one (free) from the Cancer Council.

My boys shaved my head a week after my first chemo! It put me in control of the hair loss and let them get used to the idea of mum having no hair a lot quicker :) They also really enjoyed shaving my head (little buggers!)

Louise