Time soon for a wig any advice please

after calling and explaining my situation. The place that I went was quite familiar with breast cancer/chemo patients. They were great. I went before losing my hair so that I could find a wig that was similar.

Good luck.

JoAnn

desertgirl947 said:

Since I did not plan to wear

Since I did not plan to wear one all the time, I opted to order one through the American Cancer Society website.  I also received a voucher to cover the cost.

Hi Pat-

I consider myself sort of an "expert" on wigs since Taxotere took my hair forever and altho I did not wear wigs during chemo in 2010, I sure do now or I look like a side show freak.   Anyway, I've tried them all.  I do sometimes visit wig shops, especially when I want a change, but after all that, I then go on to buy wigs on line because they are always discounted.  Buying from a wig shop you pay full retail, but you will have the opportunity to try on wigs and the service is worth that.  I wear only synthetic wigs, because I like to change my style (and color) and they honestly look as good as human hair wigs - and none of them last forever anyway.    In looking at your photo, here's the wig I would recommend for you to try:  Zoe by Rene of Paris in Silver Stone.  http://www.wigs.com/zoe-by-rene-of-paris.html   This was the first wig I ever bought and I got it from a wig store.  Then I ordered another one online at wigs.com so I'd have a back-up.  Then my friend tried it on and she bought one while she was having chemo.  It is inexpensive and it looks great.  The color Silver Stone is really quite natural looking and a really good gray.  When it became apparent that I was not going to get my hair back, I have ventured out into other colors, and even more expensive wigs, but that one ALWAYS gets compliments.  In fact, most of my wigs bring on compliments about my "hair" and that is such a good thing when you have to wear a wig.  Wigs.com have sales often.  If you can hold off until I get the next notice of a sale (I bet one will be for July 4) I will private message you the code they send me and you can save probably 20% more.  Now that's getting really affordable.  You can return the wigs, but it is a hassle, which is why I typically visit a wig shop when I want a change.   This one is also nice in gray http://www.wigs.com/power-by-raquel-welch.html.  If I can be of any more help, PM me.  I'm happy to add my 2 cents.  The only "problem" I have with wigs is they always look good.  I envy women who have bad hair days and just pull their hair back in a pony tail or plop on a hat.  For me, it's either no hair or good hair.  Not so bad.   Good luck with your treatments.

Suzanne

very pleased.  I took mine to my hair dresser before I lost my hair like Joannstarr.  My wig from Paula Young didn't need to be trimmed.  it looked good at my daughter's wedding.  Lucky me, I had my head shaved 5 days before the wedding.  My 13 year old granddaughter cut it and my daughter shaved it in my home.  Surprisingly worked great for them, giving them participation and control over my situation.  It bothers our loved ones as well.

Funny thing after all the stress it caused me, I h aven't worn the wig in 2 weeks and choose no hair more than I choose cap or hat.  

I like my Raquel Welch wig (not that I want to wear a wig AT ALL). But if I have to wear one I am satisfied with the one I've got.  I bought it locally and got my hairdresser to trim it up.  Wigs.com has the same exact one.  Good luck!

Wow, awsmGirl!  I've enjoyed a number of your posts.  You sound like my ideal!  I haven't started chemo yet, will find out my fate in a few days when I learn about my Oncotype DX score, but the fact that I was diagnosed with a Stage II invasive lobular carcinoma makes me think I won't be avoiding the 'whole body treatment experience'.  So, I've been looking into the various chemo regimens, the side effects, etc.  I'm not a wig person at all... in fact I can't tolerate anything on my head, even in winter when we are in colder climates.  We now live in Hawaii, so the wig scene would be difficult just because of the year-round temperature.  Not sure what I'll do... I have never been bald, but I know I have a 'forceps head' from birth!   So, it won't be a nice smooth head for me, but maybe that will provide me some 'distinction'! LOL.   I love that you said you are 'owning your bald beauty'.  I am also 'owning my one-breast self' and choosing to not have reconstruction and I'm not wearing a prosthetic breast.  I don't mind the flat look on the one side at all!  It's my new reality... and if baldness is my new reality too then I'm with you!  We are fighting cancer and we will win this war... and the people who see us may feel sorry for us until they see our strength and resolve... there is nothing pitiful about that!

Most of the responses above have made some great points which I am sure you have used to your advantage by now PPurdin. I hope your chemo went well and was successul. I just wanted to leave some additional information about wigs on here in case you still find it beneficial or, or in case someone else stumbles across this thread like I did. I personally believe that it always helps to go into a wig store at some point, at least until you become really familiar with what you need and you know where to get them. The first wig that I got was a short wig which I got from Godiva's: http://www.godivassecretwigs.com/short/ . Now I will say that taking the time to research your wig before and the place you buy it from is important, especially if you want to choose a wig that is right for you. A lot of my time was spent watching youtube tutorials and reading articles and forums where other women were talking about their experience with chemo and wigs. I think that with a good amount of research and time you can find amazing wigs. If anyone stumbles across this i greatly suggest reading through all the beneficial responses above

I did not like the wig.  To me, it was so hot.  I chose different types of hats, scarves, and such.  I never went out without one.  Around the house, I mostly remained bald.  The soft knitted hats were wonderful to sleep in.

Hugs,

Annie