Time to buy a wig,any suggestions please.

ppurdin
ppurdin Member Posts: 1,181
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi,well after crying all weekend making decision to take Chemo.I V DECIDED THAT I have to do every thing I can to fight this monster of Cancer.My Cancer Dr. has already told me that I will lose my hair after the second treatment.I want to have a nice wig and maybe some hats ready.Its something that I really dread is my hair comming out.I know I am not alone.Any one have any suggestions on what and where to get a nice wig.This has been really hard for me about losing my hair. Thanks and God BLESS.

Comments

  • aztec45
    aztec45 Member Posts: 757
    #2
    Wigs
    The American Cancer Society has a good selection of wigs and hats. I am wearing a cap that looks like a surgeons cap. It is easy to work in.

    Your hair dresser may have some wigs.

    Good luck with chemo.

    Pat
  • dyaneb123
    dyaneb123 Member Posts: 950
    #3
    Yeah, go to your ACS first.
    Yeah, go to your ACS first. They'll let you have a wig and some scarves/hats for free.
  • trecsdss
    trecsdss Member Posts: 22
    #4
    Wig Shopping
    I got a free wig from the American Cancer Society. My oncologist's office also gave me a list of places to shop for wigs. Certain types of insurance will cover some of the cost under Durable goods or cranial prosthesis. I also dreaded the idea of losing my hair. My long hair was one of the things I liked about myself. Then my friend, in her wisdom, said that if I lose my hair then I will know the chemo is working. This is now how I choose to look at it. My life is more important than my hair. I started wearing a wig a week ago, after losing most of my hair. I have since shaved off most of the rest of it, so I can use the wig glue to keep it in place. I had gotten used to the idea by the time it starting falling out that I was already adjusted to it by the time it happened. Best wishes to you through this process.

    Debbie
  • peggy65
    peggy65 Member Posts: 100
    #5
    oh my goodness! i cried and
    oh my goodness! i cried and cried as my hair started to fall out from the chemo. i always have had a thick head of hair and was devastated at the thought of losing it. your whole persona is changed without hair. your identity is violated. but the good news is that it all grows back and while that is happening the choices of wigs and scarves make the trip a bit easier. so hang in there. blessings, peggy
  • mlmjt1
    mlmjt1 Member Posts: 537
    #6
    Hey ppurdin
    I live in wisconsin and I have a wig but havent been able to wear it yet cuz its just too hot to wear. I have been wearing scarves mostly and its a lot cooler. I forget where you live but consider that when you are looking.

    Hang in there...losing my hair was tough for me too...I still dont know myself when I look in the mirror

    Hugs
    Linda t
  • elm3544
    elm3544 Member Posts: 748
    #7
    you can get free scarves and
    You can get free scarves and hats from www.heavenlyhats.com, www.hatsofftochemo.org and www.franceluxe.com

    A few of us have gotten them and they are really nice. I personally opted not to get a wig. I live in Phoenix and it is way too hot!

    Good luck to you!
  • mberg
    mberg Member Posts: 62
    #8
    My sisters (best sisters
    My sisters (best sisters ever) purchased 2 wigs for me from the tlc catalog.There is a link on the acs website. They are very nice. I recommend taking them into a hairdresser after you get them, most will trim them down for you so they look more natural to your head. Just ask when you call the salon if they trim wigs. Otherwise, I went to the look good feel better program and the cosmetologist who showed us the make-up tips said she would cut the wigs for us if we called our local acs. They also have a wig bank at the acs where they give free wigs. Just wear whatever is comfortable for you, it sucks to lose your hair, don't let anyone tell you it doesn't.Stay strong!monica
  • MyTurnNow
    MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
    #9
    It seems that the previous
    It seems that the previous posts have given you the best information on where to get a wig. I can tell you that I sat in my hairdresser's chair this past Friday after work and cried my eyes out while she buzzed my head. I opted to do this on Friday so I had the weekend to "get used" to the new me and I'm glad I did. I wore ball caps almost all weekend and found them to be very comfortable and I actually looked like I had my hair in a ponytail. I bought "headwraps" to wear to work and am wearing one as I write this. My coworkers have been very supportive and actually made the comment I don't look much different than I did on Friday, with my hair! I live in Florida and have decided to not purchase a wig because of the heat and also the laid back lifestyle here. Good luck to you on also getting through this very challenging part of this journey.
  • ppurdin
    ppurdin Member Posts: 1,181
    #10
    MyTurnNow said:

    It seems that the previous
    It seems that the previous posts have given you the best information on where to get a wig. I can tell you that I sat in my hairdresser's chair this past Friday after work and cried my eyes out while she buzzed my head. I opted to do this on Friday so I had the weekend to "get used" to the new me and I'm glad I did. I wore ball caps almost all weekend and found them to be very comfortable and I actually looked like I had my hair in a ponytail. I bought "headwraps" to wear to work and am wearing one as I write this. My coworkers have been very supportive and actually made the comment I don't look much different than I did on Friday, with my hair! I live in Florida and have decided to not purchase a wig because of the heat and also the laid back lifestyle here. Good luck to you on also getting through this very challenging part of this journey.

    Good luck to you.
    Hi,thanks for your reply.And God bless you for being strong enough to get your head buzzed.I can,t hardly bare even thinking about having to do it.But I know the time is getting closer.Like you probly,I have cryed a million tears over loosing my hair.I think the issue with me is every time I will look in the mirror I will be reminded that I am a Cancer victem.Right now I can sort of get it off my mind a little.I CAN FIX MY SELF UP AND FILL BETTER ABOUT EVERY THING.i know I will get through this,but this loosing my hair soon is a really tuff one.No one around me understands,they are just looking at I am alive.my son even said that.And of course I am gratful.But it still hurts to know I am going to be bald soon.
  • GraciesMom
    GraciesMom Member Posts: 3
    #11
    Wig time
    A good friend of mine had cancer a year before me. Beth had a fantastic attitude (a very spunky lady in general). She had her hairdresser shave her head in a Mohawk -- said she'd always wanted one! -- and brought photos to share. I NEVER thought of having a Mohawk, but I loved the "in-your-face" attitude it inspired, so I had my hairdresser do the same when I started chemo. (After the photos, she shaved off the rest.) It was one of the pictures I posted on my Caring Bridge site, and I received lots of funny comments about it. May as well take the bull by the horns, as they say -- allows a bit of a sense of mastery at a time when there's precious little. Now my hair is growing back (finished chemo in Jan.) and how funky -- it is trying to be curly and sticks out in all directions! I keep getting it trimmed to try to keep it under control. That time will come for you before you know it -- hang in there!
  • Bella Luna
    Bella Luna Member Posts: 1,578 Member
    #12
    I got my Tina Turner Wig...
    Hi P,

    Listen to the Divas and definitely look into getting your wig through the American Cancer Society and/or other nonprofit program. Wigs can run a fortune! I went to Helen's Place in Los Angeles, CA. They provide wigs, hats, and scarfs for FREE!

    I went today and picked up a synthetic wig, that's all they carry. It matches my hair color close enough and I have hats galore to boot! I took my daughter with me and she got to try on some hats too. Am sure you will find organization such as the one I visited with no problems.

    My best to you!

    Bella Luna
  • surfinbyrd2
    surfinbyrd2 Member Posts: 4
    #13
    Wigs
    Hi, Before you go out and spend money on a wig make sure that this is really what you want to do. I bought one and i hate the feel of a wig its just not natural so i opted to wear hats and scarfs because they feel more comfortable. Sometimes i don't wear anything and that feels good to. Stay strong and remember your hair will grow back, but your hair is not as important as you are. I am on my fourth round of chemo and my hair comes back different each time so it gives me something to look forward to.Sometimes i even find good things about chemo such as certain chemo drugs make my fingernails so hard and strong that they are beautiful, and i like it when i don't have to shave my legs and stuff like this. Try to find positive things and it helps you get through the tough times. I know I probably sound kooky but it helps me get through these tough battles. If your feeling down or just want to talk let me know i will try to help you in any way I can.
  • ppurdin
    ppurdin Member Posts: 1,181
    #14
    surfinbyrd2 said:

    Wigs
    Hi, Before you go out and spend money on a wig make sure that this is really what you want to do. I bought one and i hate the feel of a wig its just not natural so i opted to wear hats and scarfs because they feel more comfortable. Sometimes i don't wear anything and that feels good to. Stay strong and remember your hair will grow back, but your hair is not as important as you are. I am on my fourth round of chemo and my hair comes back different each time so it gives me something to look forward to.Sometimes i even find good things about chemo such as certain chemo drugs make my fingernails so hard and strong that they are beautiful, and i like it when i don't have to shave my legs and stuff like this. Try to find positive things and it helps you get through the tough times. I know I probably sound kooky but it helps me get through these tough battles. If your feeling down or just want to talk let me know i will try to help you in any way I can.

    Surfinbyrd2 (Wigs)
    Thank you so much.I hope I can go natural or with a hat or scarf.Maybe after the shock of it I,ll be ok.I want to have a wig handy if i do want to wear it.And I love the suggestions you gave about finding something positive about it.If I lose my brows maybe I will have some better ones grow back and yes not shaving my legs would be great.Did you go to the meating the Cancer Society has that shows you how to make your self look better while going through the treatments.I have an appointment next week.I am looking forward to it.I am hoping they have wigs as well as makeup.And yes I will get through this,I just am having a really hard time with loosing my hair soon.I will add you to my friends list.Hope you don,t mind. Love and Prayers. (Pat)
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #15
    ppurdin said:

    Surfinbyrd2 (Wigs)
    Thank you so much.I hope I can go natural or with a hat or scarf.Maybe after the shock of it I,ll be ok.I want to have a wig handy if i do want to wear it.And I love the suggestions you gave about finding something positive about it.If I lose my brows maybe I will have some better ones grow back and yes not shaving my legs would be great.Did you go to the meating the Cancer Society has that shows you how to make your self look better while going through the treatments.I have an appointment next week.I am looking forward to it.I am hoping they have wigs as well as makeup.And yes I will get through this,I just am having a really hard time with loosing my hair soon.I will add you to my friends list.Hope you don,t mind. Love and Prayers. (Pat)

    Hi Pat
    I just want to wish you well Pat. I think you will like the meeting where they show you about makeup and scarves and even give you lots of free makeup. It has to be so hard to lose your hair. I didn't have chemo, so, I was lucky that way. I am sending you lots of good wishes!

    Hugs, Diane ♥
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    #16
    DianeBC said:

    Hi Pat
    I just want to wish you well Pat. I think you will like the meeting where they show you about makeup and scarves and even give you lots of free makeup. It has to be so hard to lose your hair. I didn't have chemo, so, I was lucky that way. I am sending you lots of good wishes!

    Hugs, Diane ♥

    Wigs
    The ACS has wigs, so, you might contact them. You might also contact some of the hair salons. You would be surprised what they might do, and, would your hair stylist help you with a wig? Get it cheaper or just give it to you? Never hurts to ask.

    ♠♣ Susie ♠♣

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