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Original poster

*TAMOXIGANG* All the fours...44!

960 replies

GoodbyeRubyTuesday · 21/10/2013 19:43

Apologies for the bingo reference, couldn't think of a witty title but the other thread is very nearly full.

In honour of our new thread I have piled extra apple pudding on the trolley so tuck in :)

OP posts:
malteserzz · 01/11/2013 08:02

My wig is set into the style with a side parting, I wouldn't be able to change it. It has a realistic scalp where the parting is, I don't think the cheaper ones have that
I do miss doing my hair especially when I go out I get fed up if my hair looking the same every single day when I used to straighten it, curl it, wear it up etc

PictureThis · 01/11/2013 08:04

Reallyreally I was exactly the same as you, I wanted to look like me, first and most importantly. I didn't want people to know I was wearing a wig as I didn't want the whole head tilting, pity/sympathy experience. I turned to the internet for help as I live on a small island and the wigs I found here were very 'wiggy' looking, most disheartening. Anyway, I came across a lady called Emma who runs a salon in Sheffield called Aspire Hair. She has alopecia and has opened a salon for people with her condition or those who've lost their hair through medical treatment. She has a blog and does wig reviews. It was through her site I found out about the Jon Renau brand of wigs and eventually ended up ordering one. Mine has a smart lace front so it looks like the hair on the hairline is mine, a mono top so I can part my hair either way and again it looks like my hair growing from my scalp, and finally it is hand tied as opposed to machine wefted as the 'hair' moves more naturally and the cap inside is softer against the scalp. Take a look at a website called Patti's Pearls too, it's all about shopping around and finding out what suits your requirements isn't it? I was adament I wanted a real hair wig but tried a synthetic one and I'm very happy with it. Just wash it in cold water, stick it on your wigstand overnight and by morning it's dried back into shapeGrin.
Sorry, this has turned into chapter and verse, I blame the steroids but hope this helps.

PictureThis · 01/11/2013 08:09

To put a side parting in mine, make the parting and using your finger tips, press down on either side of the parting for 10 seconds. I recommended a website to Really. It's called Patti's Pearls and she has lots of little tips on how to work with your wig, wig care etc. i got that tip about the parting from there.

reallyreallyworried · 01/11/2013 08:34

Thanks for all the great advice. I will definitely look on that site, and I will make sure I try on as many as I can. I'm going to a shop called Trendco which is the one the hospital I am at suggests. It is supposed to be a really good shop. I know the lady I spoke to was really kind and helpful. So I am hoping that the appointment won't be as depressing as I am imagining it to be!

Hope everyone has a nice day today. Xxx

PictureThis · 01/11/2013 08:45

Trendco is a wig brand as far as I know but they may stock different brands too. My advice, take your time to find the right one.

foofooyeah · 01/11/2013 08:51

and how to rally the cattlesanimals once bugle sounds

sorry but that has to be one of the funniest auto corrects I have seen! Still chuckling.

malteserzz · 01/11/2013 08:56

Just remembered that I dreamt about my wig last night, the bits that tighten it had broken so I couldn't wear it Grin
I actually slept all night last night 11-7 which is a miracle !

kitkat1967 · 01/11/2013 09:06

Morning. I slept last night too - didn't wake up until 7:30. Got a bit of mild nausea but it just makes such a huge difference to have had a decent sleep.

Exciting day here as DD is getting her braces off at lunchtime - she's very excitied Grin.

Also both DCs have been pestering to get Christmas Shoeboxs done so I think we'll do them today - for some reason they are insisting on doing 2 each Hmm. Fortunately my shoe/boot buying habit is able to support the need for shoeboxs!!

handbagsatdawn · 01/11/2013 09:41

Fabulous wig advice, thank you all. I'm actually quite looking forward to going wig shopping and will take a friend for a second opinion.

Can anyone advise if we are eligible for any contribution towards cost of wig either from NHS or do the private health companies cover the cost of a wig up to a certain value?

Also, do any of you wear scarves at all when out and about, or just stick with wig or hat? Am wary of looking like Captain Jack Sparrow if I stick a scarf on my head. Hmm

Mom - I often feel like sounding a bugle to rally my cattlesanimals as they don't ordinarily take any notice of me. Grin[ grin]

PictureThis · 01/11/2013 10:06

I just stick with a wig when I'm out but wear a hat at home.

kitkat1967 · 01/11/2013 10:12

I wear either a bandana or wig when out - wearing the wig more often now as it look so nice and keeps me warm.

My private health paid in full for the wig (and shampoo!!) - I think they said I could have about £250 which was plenty for the synthetic wigs I looked at.

malteserzz · 01/11/2013 10:19

I always wear my wig when I'm out and at home wear nothing or a cap if it's cold. I paid for mine myself I think people on low incomes can get help on the nhs
Suppose I should get dressed really !

handbagsatdawn · 01/11/2013 10:20

Thanks Picture and Kitkat. DH has just told me off for getting excited about going wig shopping as, quote, "you don't even know if you're having chemo yet". Pah, killjoy. Nothing wrong with being prepared though.....

Off to onc at lunchtime today, so will know more then. Am hoping mine is as lovely as Really's was earlier this week Smile

handbagsatdawn · 01/11/2013 10:21

Thanks Malt too. Not dressed yet either.

MomOfTwoGirls2 · 01/11/2013 11:27

Just dressed here. But just out of bed too. Had a lovely sleep and am slightly hung over. Looks like a day of housework for me. My house is a mess after recent sleepover. I abandoned it to trick or treating and a few drinks last evening.

weebarra · 01/11/2013 12:14

I have wig shopping tomorrow too! Private plan doesn't cover it but I have an NHS prescription for it. One of my good friends is coming with me. Was looking at the leaflet with different styles earlier and DS2 who is 3, picked out a "lovely" 50's style one. I currently have a dark brown bob with fringe. Told him it might be a bit toooo different!

handbagsatdawn · 01/11/2013 15:49

Argh am in shock, starting chemo on Tuesday! Currently sitting in Prets hyperventilating!!!!!

reallyreallyworried · 01/11/2013 15:58

Blimey handbags your hospital doesn't waste any time. Think positively the sooner you start the sooner it's all over Wink wish mine would give me a start date! I'm still waiting for a call.

What Chemo are you having? Was your Oncologist nice?

Sending you a calming ((((((hug))))))) xxx

malteserzz · 01/11/2013 16:16

Handbags you'll be fine once you get started, waiting for it and imagining what it's going to be like is far worse honestly
We'll be here to help you with everything :)

handbagsatdawn · 01/11/2013 17:29

Thanks Malt. I've been very, oh yeah I'll probably have chemo blasé, but to be told, right you can start on Tuesday is a bit of a shock. I could delay it until the following Tuesday, but I figure a may as well get on with it. So had a flu jab this afternoon (made DH have one too), hair cut off on Monday morning Sad, wig shopping on Monday afternoon and poisoning starting on Tues.

Really - am having EC then Paclitaxel. Will be at least 6 rounds, maybe 8. I get the impression he wants to blast me with as much as possible. Am also having treatment at two week intervals to get it out of the way quicker (because I am fit he figures I will be able to handle it - we will see though). The onc was a nice chap, but I'm just feeling a bit wobbly again now.

Kids are staying at ILs tonight, so DH and I going to see Philomena. Just need to take my mind off things.......

kitkat1967 · 01/11/2013 17:46

ooo handbags - you're the first other person I've come across getting Paclitaxel Smile.
So if I understand you correctly you're going to have the 3 weekly dose but given fortnightly Shock - be interesting to see how you get on. My Paclitaxel is a weekly lose dose but I guess you'll be getting the full dose.
What a busy few days you have planned.

PictureThis · 01/11/2013 17:54

I finished my chemo yesterday Handbags and it really truly wasn't as bad as I thought. My hair fell out around day 18 of a 21 day cycle, so don't rush to get your chopped off if you're not really ready. Little steps.
I also had my eyebrows and upper eyelids tattooed before chemo started which I'm glad I did as I am currently sat here with facial alopecia Wink. See if your BCN can get you onto a Look Good Feel Better course. You get a bag if lots of lovely make up, superficial of me I know but it was a real treat when feeling so down.

handbagsatdawn · 01/11/2013 18:01

Kitkat - what's so special about us that we get Pac then?!!! Yes I get the impression it's a three weekly dose at two week intervals. Also have to have an injection in my stomach the day after each chemo to bring my white cells back up more quickly in time for next chemo. I can either do the injection myself (no fear, am way too chicken for that) or find someone to do it for me (my neighbour is an ex nurse so hopefully she will oblige). Am writing off the next few months....

handbagsatdawn · 01/11/2013 18:18

Thanks Picture, I know I've just got to get through it, and it's reassuring to hear you say it wasn't as bad as you were expecting. I'm ok about the haircut really, it will no doubt look loads better than my current hairstyle which can't decide to be curly or straight and has sticky out bits all over the place Grin. I have a lovely friend coming with me for that, and we shall follow it up with coffee and cake.

I will also look into the look good course - the BCN spoke to me about it today and it sounds great.

malteserzz · 01/11/2013 18:39

Yes definitely do the look good feel better session that was great. Also stock up on things like ginger biscuits, crackers etc you can eat if you're feeling a bit nauseous. I've found mints and sucky sweets help with the funny taste you get in your mouth and fresh pineapple too. I found some days I had to eat what I fancied so had strange things like porridge for lunch

I'm all ready to go out for a meal and few wines with friends, hardly eaten in this week !