Chemo wigs

[Oysterbabe]

My mum went into hospital with a chest infection on Wednesday and was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia yesterday. If her chest infection has cleared up she'll be starting chemo on Monday. It's a big shock for everyone. She's 67 but has always been very fit and healthy, indestructible really.

I'm 4 hours away and I will be going to see her soon but I have to balance work, a toddler and being 23 weeks into a high risk pregnancy (my first arrived preterm very suddenly). I have 3 siblings who live locally and are there supporting her and my dad. As well as the devastation about her diagnosis, I'm also battling extreme guilt that I'm not going to be there all the time and just visiting when I can.

Anyway what I'm inefficiently rambling towards, her main concern seems to be that she's going to lose her hair. I'd like to get her a wig, it will help me feel like I'm doing something for her. Does anyone have any recommendations on where to get one or tips or things I should be aware of?

You can't buy a wig for her - she needs to be fitted for one herself, and choose it herself. You can pay for it certainly but you can't just go and get one off the shelf. There should be Macmillan contact in the hospital where she has chemo who will be able to advise and help.

Sorry about your mum. It must be so hard being far away and not fit enough to travel. It's a lovely thought, but wigs need to be fitted and she'll need to pick one she likes. How about sending some nice headwear? Most people end up wearing scarves and beanie hats more than wigs. This website does gifts (like headwear and toiletries for cancer patients): www.notanotherbunchofflowers.com. X

Sorry to hear about your mum. AML is a horrible disease.

It depends on the treatment but they don't all cause hair loss. Is it inpatient intensive chemo or azacitidine injections?

Such a nice thought, as pp has said head scarves or beanies tend to be worn more as wigs get really really uncomfortable and your skin is so sensitive! However depending on the drugs they use she might not even have to worry about it. I would wait it out abit and see how it goes, see what she gravitates too and then you can get a clearer idea of what she will like.
Its natural to feel guilty but to be honest its such a personal journey that noone will be seen as more helpful or needed than anyone else, your mum will just appreciate knowing your there, your patience and hearing your voice down the phone. There is a website 'not another bunch of flowers' that have lovely gifts but suggestions would be a nice soft snuggly blanket, feather v shaped pillow, new pj's, things for chapped lips/sensitive or itchy skin/sickness sweeties etc.

I had chemo a while back and talking to the ladies going through the same many seemed to wear headscarves as a badge of honour, "I'm going through this, no need to deny it, but I'm getting through it". It was really impressive and humbling.

Your mum is a different generation though, and may feel differently. It's a very individual choice.

It'll be tough going, so go easy on everyone - yourself included

She may not actually loose her hair depending on her treatment. I've known a few people to keep enough to not justify a wig,

Thanks for your thoughts everyone, lots of great suggestions. I've put together a package of things and sent it to my dad for her. Turns out there is a wig lady at the hospital who is going to see her for a chat. So many people have said scarves are better so I'll think I'll get a couple that she can try just in case.

She was moved onto the cancer ward last night and is starting intensive chemo today. They said she'll be in for at least a month. I'm going to go on Monday so I can visit and help my dad for a few days. They've said that I can't visit her while she's physically having the chemo because I'm pregnant and can't risk being exposed to the chemicals.

I've had a couple of days of crying but am starting to pull myself together and will be ready with my brave face when I see her.

hi oysterbabe,

i hope your mum is doing well. just wanted to let you know that i had aml in 2014/2015 and had four rounds of chemo and stem cell transplant. if you need anything help/advice/someone to rant to give me a shout.

take care

Thanks Humpback I'm glad that your treatment was successful.

Unfortunately my mum died 2 weeks ago, just 5 days after starting chemo. An ulcer in her intestine ruptured and she bled out. It was very sudden and unexpected.

oh i am so sorry. there are no words really, are there?

i hope you have lots of people to support you as you come to terms with your loss and your grief. it's a very cruel and very abrupt disease. sending love.

I'm very sorry to read what happened to your mum Oysterbabe. It must be a terrible shock to you. I hope you were able to visit your mother and that you now have plenty of support. Look after yourself and your bump xxxxx

Sorry to hear about your mum. My cousin went through Chemo, it is emotionally and physically draining but you she will get through it just try to stay positive xx

I have a medical condition and I used the wigs from www.moramode.com I recommended the wigs to my cousin and she bought one and its lasted her a long time. I know there are wigs they recommend for cancer patients but I think she liked these because they look very natural.

Just reading and didn’t expect to see your sad news. So sorry op.