Feel a right mess!!

[Enigma53]

Going through chemo, hair was falling out, so had it all cut off, super short. I had shoulder length curly hair and I look terrible! Picking up my wig tomorrow, but from previous experience, they become are hot and itchy after a while.

Lashes and brows are on their way out. I’ve a slightly droopy eyelid which looks more prominent now. Also got patchy hyperpigmentation on my skin.

Could really do with some “ feel better” tips right now! Im 53 and don’t recognise myself!

I'm no expert but maybe treat yourself to pedicure and manicure. Don't know whether you would consider false lashes and brows. Wear your "best" clothes more often. I asked an assistant in Boots for make up advice for the first time recently and it was really helpful. I wish you well with your treatment.

You have my sympathy, I was in your position last year and it sucks! I look back at photos of myself and I don’t look like me, so you’re not wrong to feel unlike yourself.

I got a wig but didn’t wear it a lot. I tended to prefer beanie hats, woolly normal ones, not chemo beanies. I thought I might try baseball caps in the spring if I needed to but actually had surgery then so didn’t go out much for a while.

I used an eyebrow pen, with a feathered tip (mine was Anjoize but they seem to have disappeared). I’m not very clever with make up but I was able to touch up my eyebrows and it did make quite a difference. I didn’t use false eyelashes but used an eye pencil to line my eyes lightly.

Otherwise, I brought one or two lovely skincare products as a treat for my skin. I’m sure there must be something that will help with hyperpigmentation.

It’s a year now since I finished chemo and my hair is shorter but has thickened out again (I did use the cold cap so didn’t lose all of it) finally.

Hope this helps x

Many thanks for the suggestions, both of you.
@cally201 It is funny you mentioned bringing out the best clothes, as I was thinking my whole wardrobe needs an overhaul anyway! I feel due to my skin tone (dark) I need to introduce some much brighter colours to the forefront. I have experimented with a tinted lip gloss, dark eye liner and a dark grey eye shadow and it didn't look too bad!

@BreakfastClub80 Oh it sucks alright! This is my second hair loss and I had forgotten how bloody traumatic it is! My hairdresser has ordered a couple of wigs which are not dissimilar to my old hair, in terms of colour and style. She is going to style it for me and hopefully a. It won't look too bad and b. I can tolerate the thing! I have a turban thing for the house and a few lightweight hats.

I used the cold cap, but it didn't work unfortunately, so at least that lessens the time I give to treatment this week.

I will also check out some eyebrow stuff and see what I can do.

I hope you are now in a better place healthwise?

Again, many thanks :)

@Enigma54 I am thankfully in a much better place, I’ve even got a job for the first time in 15 years which helps to move on mentally. You never know what tomorrow brings but for today I am good. Thank you.

Sorry to hear this is your second chemo, I hope it’s going as well as it can x

@BreakfastClub80 that’s great to hear that you have a job now. As you say, these things can help us move on mentally.

Yes, all a bit of a nightmare. Never mind, I will get there eventually ( I hope!) x

Wigs can be itchy and I personally felt it was too much of a faff. I had a soft cotton hat, it was almost like a cap, that I wore.

I've never tried fake lashes, but would you want to get some of those? I think they can last for a few months or so now.

It is difficult though as you really don't feel yourself without your hair.

I'm sorry I don't have much in the way of practical advice but wanted to offer my support.

I know some Cancer treatment centres offer things like free make up sessions to patients, is there anything like that available where you are? Or if not maybe someone at the hospital might be able to recommend make up experts who are knowledgeable about Chemo and its effects?

Wishing you all the best.