hiding alopecia and scars, feeling stigmatised

annie713

hello, I was wondering how people deal with the stigma of cancer. besides the support of immediate family, it feels that most of the public that haven't experienced cancer themselves or had someone else close go through it, are ignorant or standoffish, not wanting to be bothered by it. it feels that wearing head scarves and clothing that doesn't reveal the scars is not so much for oneself but more for others, not wanting to shock them, being afraid to be seen as an ill and discredited person. but is there a way around it? i have lately been looking at post-mastectomy tattoos over the scars and they are beautiful, has someone thought about getting one too?

Beachbum1023

Hi Annie, I get it, I think we all have to wear hats, scarves, wigs, padded bras, forms, and the list goes on. But do we do it for us or them? I am waiting to ditch my wig, my hair is almost there to go "topless" for summer. But I have a choice to wear my wig or not. Many do not have that luxury when it comes to hair and wigs. I keep looking at my summer wardrobe, and I am undecided on the top half. But the tattoo idea seems to be a great idea. I have seen them, but I am not too sure if I could go there. Still undecided I guess.

Moderators

Hi Annie713-

We want to welcome you to our community here at BCO. We're sorry for the circumstances that bring you here, but we're glad you've joined us, and hope you find it to be a supportive and informative place.

This is a very personal decision, and the responses you get will vary greatly. Some women choose to wear wigs or prosthetics for their own comfort level, some choose to wear them for the comfort of others, and other still choose to forgo any kind of "cover-up". However you feel the most comfortable is what matters. We've seen some tattoo work, and it can be very, very beautiful! Again, if it's something that you think will make you feel more comfortable with your new physical appearance, then that's what matters most.

The Mods

glennie19

I wanted to tattoo over my scar,, had it all picked out,, but I developed trunal LE,, so that put the kabosh on that idea. 

cwayman650

Hi. I started aromasin after the se from arimidex got to bad. Now my hair is thinning terribly. I'm not sure what to do about it. I've only been on aromasin for 4 weeks. Don't really want to wear a wig, especially in the summer while horseback riding. My hair has always been fine and thin, but this is worse. Does anyone have any advice?

coraleliz

annie- i considered tatooing. i still might. after speaking with friends who have tatoos, i just don't think i have the patience or the money. at least not willing to spend.