Any tips for buying wigs/chemo caps?

EllenaMaria said:

Last Jan when I was
Last Jan when I was diagnosed I was 43 with a 12yr daughter and an 8.5 son.

Insurance referred me to a wig shop. The staff was amazing and so were the customers- both cancer patients and ladies who just like to wear wigs.

Trying on wigs with hair is kinda weird, too tight. The gals assured me it would fit better once my hair was gone. They were right. Mine only came in one size and had tightening straps inside. I just cut them off because they made a dent in my head. I got a synthetic and am happy with it.

My hair started coming out on the 10th day after first chemo (I had chemo infused every 3wks). My part started to become more noticable and each day more and more came out and it just started getting thin. When I ran my fingers through my hair my fingers were covered in hair. I could take a clump at the root and pull it out easily but mostly it came out as if it was just thinning out.

It was spring so I wore caps because I thought it would be a good transition for people to see me wearing hats and such with my hair pulled back. It also allowed my real hair to be forgotten. So when I started wearing my wig everyone thought I had got my hair done. You won't believe how many friends came up to me and asked where I got it done.

Within two more weeks there were hairs all over my car. When I took off my hat it was all inside. I looked in the mirror one morning and no longer saw me. I saw something from a zombie movie. I did not want my kids to have any memory of their mom looking like that. So I put on my wig and my daughter and I went to the shop. The lovely gal shaved all but about 1/4inch. Said it was better that way. About half of that fell out and I had just a bit of fuzz left.

I did get the felt type sleep caps. I got a really pretty colored scarf that has elastic in the back so the tie stays in place. I ended up getting fake bangs to wear with the scarf and actually use it with a snow beenie. When summer came it was too hot for the wig so the scarf was nicer. I only put scarf or wig on if my kid's friends came over or I had to go somewhere.

My last treatment was 7/12/10. I noticed stubble mid Sept. It seems like it took forever to get to 1" but it is now about 2" of med dark brown. My normal color is dirty blonde so this is weird.

I took Feb-Nov off from work last year. I am running into people at work who have not seen me in a year and they all tell me I look great, love the new hairstyle. EVERYONE thinks this is my new hair all grown back.

Anyhoo, you are so funny to say that scarves and hats look cuter on younger gals because I think they look better on "older" gals.

Oh, just remembered. I lost almost all my lashes but never noticed since mine were thin to begin with. I think they are halfway grown back. My eyebrows got about 50% thinner and have pretty much stayed that way. I use a little brow color to make them stand out a bit.

Sorry this is so long.

Convertibles!!!!!
My hubby has a mustang and a jeep- both convertible! I was really surprised that if you rest your head on the headrest you will be fine when wearing the wig with the top down. But the first time we took a drive I put a scarf on my wig and big sunglasses. I looked like Jackie O! He thought I was so sexy! It was actually kinda cool like that in the mustang. But the jeep was another story cause we drive with no doors/windows/tops, nothin. I just used the headrest leaning thing. I always kept the scarf just in case. When I wore the scarf with bangs I never had any issue. I did tie it really tight though. My kids like to tell daddy to drive slow "so mommy doesn't blow her top". They can be so cute.

PinkPearl said:

Wow! Thanks so much!
I have had so much fun checking out these sites and styles and food for thought above. When you first go to the internet you don't really know who is best or even still in business so these suggestions really helped. Some of them are really pretty. You are right in that "older" women look just beautiful in their scarves, caps etc too. I see lovely women all the time. When I look in the mirr!or I should not be so critical of myself really. A smile goes a long way on anyone actually!! And I think bc gives a certain compassion and sweetness/kindness to a face too that you see in the eyes and smiles. Thanks ladies... and gentlemen, too! The more tips-the better .

I got carried away
When I knew I was going to lose my hair I went nuts looking for scarves and stuff. I bought several hats and scarves ... mostly from TLC ... but when it got right down to it ... I absolutely LIVED in my denim bucket hat from TLC. I tried scarves but was never talented enough to make them look at great as they looked in the pictures. Instead ... I'd just about strangle myself trying to tie those fancy knots. Finally gave up. I also tried on some wigs ... but they made me feel as though I had a bathing cap on. So ... the old reliable denim hat became my best friend. After my hair grew back I donated all the rest of the scarves and hats to the local Cancer place (chemo brain ... I can't think of the name of it now!) ... but I kept my denim hat ... as a reminder of that part of my journey. Oh ... and even though it's been over a year now ... I do STILL use chemo brain as an excuse for just about anything. Sounds better than "I'm just old and forgetful."

:-)

hugs.
teena

Today, I called an online
Today, I called an online wig store & was so pleased with my experience, I wanted to provide a lot if the details for you and others. They look lightweight and might not be as irritating, these would be great if you happen to have a prescription from your insurance - as I do. My ins. will reimburse me up to $350. for one wig per lifetime because of chemo Tx.
This place can custom make one for you. They specialize in medical grade wigs/prosthetics. She said their custom made medical wigs are all handmade with premium grade remy human hair and they can be parted and styled just as you would your own hair. I am suppose to measure my head and call back there to get started.
Diamond Girl Wigs -
www.myworldshoppers.com
www.diamondgirlwigs.com

Alexis F said:

I am sure that most
I am sure that most insurance's will pay for at least one wig. So many pink sisters just don't know to call and ask if they will cover it. Hoping now they will.


Lex

I was so vain I bought a
I was so vain I bought a very expensive wig and have only worn it maybe 3 times! I weat a baseball cap mostly when I leave the house. When I'm home I go topless Ü I could not stand the wig it itched I was so worried it was sideways and it gave me headaches. So does anything on my head thats why I go topless at home

Boppy_of_6 said:

Hello
I too always got headaches from wearing caps or scarves.I had a wig I got from TLC.com and one from ACS I had the scalp covers and my wigs were synthetic. I honestly found what I liked best for everyday wear were bandanas from WalMart for $1 each! They were cooler and more comfy to me. Nearly all my bald time was summer and it was to hot for the wigs except on special occasions. I did get to where I could wear caps without a headache too. God Bless
(((Hugs)))

For newbies bumping up

For newbies bumping up

Double Whammy said:

Scarves and hats
Hey, PinkPearl, I'm 63 and I think I looked fabulous in my scarves (maybe I didn't, but ignorance is bliss). My favorite were Beaubeaus (www.4women.com) and Titillating Turbans (www.titillatingturbans.com). Didn't have to fuss with either of these, they're both easy to wear and beautiful. Just plunk one on and go. I always have compliments when I wear them. Hats - got most of mine from www.headcovers.com. Wonderful selection and somehow with a hat or beanie, I feel like people didn't really know I was bald underneath. Again, maybe I'm only fooling myself, but this winter I'm wearing beanies (it's cold!) and so is everyone else I see out and about and I think I look just like them. I treated my headware as fashion accessories. I did not buy a wig.

Suzanne

Beaubeaus
They were my favorite too. Pre-tied (I can barely tie my own shoes) and super comfy. Plus they make all sorts. I had warm ones and work out ones and even silky ones for a night out with the hubby!

Clementine

Hippiechick58 said:

Please forgive my ignorance
Please forgive my ignorance, but what does it mean "Bumping" for someone? Is it like a high-five? I always see these posts but have never asked before what they mean!

Be Well,
Dianne

Dianne, it just means that
Dianne, it just means that this post is important and someone just pushed it back up to the top, so, anyone on chemo, or, starting chemo could read this valuable information.


Ask any question!

Hello PinkPearl
I also have
Hello PinkPearl

I also have same issue that most of the headbands were giving me headache, so I order several different items, some are my favourite and some I just wear because they "coordinate" with my cloths )

a) I ordered a lots of real SILK scarves from EBAY. They are relatively inexpensive and they are very soft. I actually made also a few silk pillow cases for my bed.

b) also ordered medium and long length WIG as well from ebay. Hair is synthetic, shiny and does not look cheesy. It was quite inexpensive (about $20 a piece) BUT as it come directly from factory in Asia delivery time is about 4 weeks. I love them both. This is their ebay page, they have large selection of cuts and colors - http://shop.ebay.com/lliying123/m.html?_nkw=wig&_sacat=0&_odkw=&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3911.c0.m270.l1313

c) I also ordered, of course from ebay Cotton Hats (summer hat) as this one. Again delivery time about 3 weeks - http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Women-Korea-Dot-Wide-Brim-Floppy-Beach-Soft-Hat-Cap-/320659535662?pt=US_Hats&hash=item4aa8cc372e

Good luck
Helen

joannstar said:

I like the headband
scarves called "Melanie" and "Juliette" available from www.headcovers.com. I bought a wig before chemo from a local wig store which I also found at headcovers (for 1/2 the price I found out after!) but of course, I needed to try it on and my insurance paid. I only wear my wig out to dinner or temple services. At work I wear scarves. I found that the headband scarves looked the best on me--the caps made me feel like my head was a bowling ball. I also bought a gel band which makes the wig a bit more comfortable. I found that the same place had great gel eyeliner which really stays on (my eyes watered a lot so my usual bare essentials makeup wasn't staying on at all).
I'm looking forward to the time I can donate my head coverings and have hair again. It fell out 17 days after my first chemo (9/24) and I've just had my last...so I am anxiously awaiting new growth. By the way, I lost hair all over, not just on my head. Losing nose hair meant that my nose was running a lot (along with my eyes), but I've enjoyed not having mustache and chin hair (I'm 58).
Good luck to you in your search.
Hugs,
JoAnn

It
is so wonderful to see all of these websites. I hope anyone that needs anything can find it thru what has been posted.

Sue