Reality dawns

@Pinkisthenewblack That was my wig yes, my pic for my profile is my real hair now as I'm 16 months post chemo now :) Chemo through me into menopause, and it is savage to be honest, I didnt know what the hell was happening!!! anyway, so yes at times I did find my wig hot during the Summer as I wore it. So I'd be strategic, I'd wear it when I was able to work or to go out anywhere. Infusion day was scarves, but this was the only time, I didnt like the attention and quite private. At home however BALD!!!! everyone was used to it. My partner was disappointed when it grew back haha! I honestly didnt know which Id prefer until I was there. You'll sort out which suits you best. x Melinda

@onemargie thanks again. I am already experiencing some hot flushes (totally unrelated to this awful never-ending Brisbane Summer) so maybe the wig option is not for me either.

@unicornkisses thank you so much for sharing your experience. I do understand that everyone's is different, but knowing what's possible somehow lessens the anxiety  <3

@primek thanks for the tip! I think I've got the hang of it now  ;)

@melclarity what a generous response to my plea for advice - thank you  <3. You're a wise woman. And if that's you in your wig, holy mackerel! You look great, very natural!

@onemargie thank you so much for taking the time to share. This is all so new to me and every little bit of advice is helpful. So far the consensus seems to be - 'look after yourself for a change; work is not your highest priority right now'

I am having chemo at the moment. 3 X FEC 3 weekly and 3 X Docetaxel 3 weekly.
I have had two of the FEC to date.
First Dose, I could not focus my eyes or concentrate for 10 days then rapidly improved to work mornings on the third week.
Second dose I had Neulasta injection to boost white blood cells and was much better. Could not focus or concentrate for 5 days and then rapidly improved to work mornings from the end of the second week and the third week.
I also could not trust myself to drive while I could not concentrate.
I am self employed so can work my own hours, but am a dog groomer so use sharp impliments and the chemo made my hands shake for at least a week.

The Oncologist said, as everyone else has said above, that everyone is different in their reaction to the chemo drugs.
They did tweak a few things, such as running the chemo slower to reduce my reaction to one of them and icepacks on my head during the infusion and afterwards to reduce the intense headaches that started towards the end of the C bag. Also dosing me with Panadol during the infusion. 
So if you do get sideeffects, your team should help you work to reduce them as much as possible.
For me so far, I can only really work the last week after each infusion, and a half day is enough. I am 57 and reasonably fit and healthy, but the chemo makes me tired.

I get a hot head so wigs are pretty much out for me although I have been loaned a couple if I need them.
I have lots of scarfs and cotton and bamboo turbans. 
A soft cotton for sleeping is great in cooler weather, it is my favourite.
The bamboo ones are also good and stylish, there is a company is SA that makes them for a reasonable price.
I also have some from a company called Headcovers that are really nice, stylish and easy to wear. Wrap a long shear scarf around them and they dress up beautifully.

Good luck with your chemo and I hope you are one of the lucky ones who have minimal side effects from it.
Jennie

Hi there again

I live on the north side of bris and had my treatment at Redcliffe hospital where they had a wig clinic and you can borrow the wigs for free. I hated all of them but ended up with a real hair one which my hairdresser cut and styled for me but I never wore it as it was hot and bothersome and opted for some really cool bandanas instead. The royal should have the same service just ask them. Margie.

@jadziatoo thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it. I just saw your news about the pre-cancerous cells and prospect of a double mastectomy. I will be thinking of you x

Hi Pinkisthenewblack,
I didn't get a wig but I was told that Starkles in the Myer Centre sell them.I had TCH chemo on Friday each day and I was back at work the following Thursday then worked through until the next cycle. But everyone is different and handles chemo differently.