Wigs, chemo hair loss. Los Angeles, CA. What have you learned?
Comments
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Praise God, Sis. Indomitable,
I knew someone would wade through all my post and get that information! Target the post it was after a long search for a previous post that it of me as much information as I have now provided here. I just wanted to help somebody else.
You have answered my prayer today; bless your heart, and thank you.
Invest in an Antibacterial Wig Cap, or two ... available at headcovers.com. More on them later. I bought a comfy grip, but haven't used it yet.
Okay. The comfy grip ($25.00) and antibacterial wig cap ($4.99) are MUST HAVES.
Do not buy the cute Classic Baseball Hat. You will have to give it to a child. The band is too tight, even without my hair. Without my hair, my head is no longer fat, so there. (A little humor there.)
Do not buy the 100% Cotton Wig Cap. It is more like a yarmulke. Why would I need another yarmulke?
The three seam sleep caps are comfortable. I chose jewel tones for colors. Pretty.
Love in Christ,
Sessna1
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I forgot to mention that I have tried the 'Revitalash' and that it really seems to be working. The story behinid it is that a physician developed it after his wife lost her hair and lashes from chemo. He developed it out of love for her.
Later, patients that used it found that after using it the hair and lashes seemed to grow back thicker than before chemo. I now have thick gorgeous lashes. Since my lashes have grown in so well, I am also using the Revitalash for the hair now. It takes about 60 days to start noticing the extra growth.
Its a bit pricey but well worth it. My salon charges twice as much just because it is imported. But you can get it on Ebay for about half or less.
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Hello Roya,
See I am always learning new information---Thanks
My eye lashes have been thin since I been on this journey and right now, my hair is struggling!!!
It is just good to know there is something someone has tried and it works!!
Take Care.
Linda C.
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Ladies,
Hello, hello!
2nd Cycle in the veins. I still have a little more hair than Homer Simpson, but not much. I massage my scalp with Carol's Daughter's products. I am worth it.
The first two weeks out of the infusion are really not good for productive work. I'm glad I got my income taxes out of the way. Show me my money back! I think I'm experiencing steroid semi-rage - so I have to hold back my roaring. I have a friend who delayed applying for unemployment benefits - and now she might not get them. Grrrr. Hard headed people. Bless them, and they that care about them. Let's see, had a Tommy's burger - nothing like that bitter, odd chili from "The Shack." Los Angeles, CA. Ain't nothing like it. It's not that it's so good, it's that it is different.
Years ago, fast food had more meat in it... sigh.Hmm. I have cramps in my hands (wrists/fingers) this time out. Haven't had that like this before. New SE. I'm rolling forward, ladies. A hug to you all.
Love in Christ,
Sessna1
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Ladies, I found this on another post from 2008. I think it is cool to share it.
BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER
By Maya Angelou
'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
That a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin''
I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain..
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!
TODAY IS BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTERS DAY - -
Ladies,
Also, when you are having a wig custom made, say by your hairstylist? You are going to need a special wig cap. It looks like this, the second one down, the wefted cap
http://www.mhrw.com/c_foundation.html
Click on wig caps and foundations on the left hand side of the page. You may have to click the same link twice to narrow it down on the web site.
Item #WCH23B, Regular Stretch Wig Cap $29.99, $9.50 shipping.
Only buy elsewhere if you can find the same thing cheaper.
You MUST have adjustable straps on your wig if you are losing your hair. A skull cap, stretchy-fiber, is not good enough for you.
Let's learn and share the good knowledge - the Good News is the birth, life, and resurrection of the Son of God. I shall not deny Him.
Love in Christ,
Sessna1
FYI, Additional info:
http://www.aaawigbiz.com/about_wigs/caps.htm
http://www.stitchnsave.com/wigs/Wig_Caps_Explained.asp
sizing page only http://www.wigcap.com/
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Hi Sessna1
That is Beautiful about "Beautiful Christian Sister"---Thanks for sharing!!!!
Linda C.
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Ladies,
Again, because is important:
"Pink Wigs" and "When Pigs Fly"
Some people on the boards find humor in thinking about or investing in a pink wig.
My only comment is that I got a free kid sized pink backpack from my doctor's office that I was going to refuse. I sat there looking contemptuously at the thing and then I realized two points:
Praise the Lord that they didn't choose MY favorite color to be over used for that ribbon.
Once I get into remission, I will wear that goofy little pink backpack with pride, and tell people why I'm wearing it.
Love in Christ,
Sessna1
P.S. The most important thing? Wigs are NOT refundable, and can cost $60-$700. Yes, I said $700. Special wigs are available for alopecia and chemo patients. Most HMOs don't cover them. Medicare does (I don't know at what rate), but it's a Cranial Prosthesis, and your oncologist must write a prescription for it and the shop must write on the sales slip that it is a "cranial prosthesis," not a wig. Blue Shield/Blue Cross is one of the better reimbursement carriers for a cranial prosthesis. Medical billing people don't acknowledge "wigs." Don't leave that wig shop without putting the wig on at least ONCE all by yourself, and don't leave without it being on your head - they could put the wrong wig in the bag or box, and... (let's all say it, ladies) ... wigs are NOT refundable. Wigs are better than ever, and some wig accessories are very good now, too.
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Hi, Ladies I have found a wonderful website for some very beautiful, trendy, sexy , NOT wiggy looking wigs with many different styles. They are out of Charlotte,NC please check it out you will not be diappointed I will try to post a picture of mine. Anyway the site is www.Katourlinewigs.com and they offer 15% with a cranial presciption from the Dr. I hope it helps, By the way I love my wig
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Hi fern119,
Thanks for sharing!!
I am just getting my hair back, and had to wear a wig most of last year, and I did not like the wig---but it is always good to know there are other places to find one at, and be able to feel good about wearing one.
Linda C
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Dearest Ilinda,
I'm not sure that fern119 is "real."
"Her" first post is regarding wigs, and she is promoting someone's product. That doesn't sound like a real poster to these boards.
"She's" only made one post since February, and we're mid April now.
I apologize for my suspicions, but fern119 doesn't sound believable to me. The grammar and punctuation is hurried, there is no humanness in that post.
Shame on a person who would do that on these boards.
Sessna1
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First off , I spend my time in the chat room. Secondly, if the wig info is not your thing then by all means disregard. I just finished TX April 21, and personally I know how hard it was to find a wig that did not look horrible and that would allow me to continue to go to work and not feel self conscious. The typing was hurried but everybody makes typos. As far as Humuness I am just as human as you are. I am going through the same thing as the rest of the women that post on this message board. I am passing on information that I personally researched and shared it in hopes that it would help someone else. Shame on you for being so suspicious. Really, I would have to be a peice of work to want to pretend to have CANCER to sell a wig.
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I have a question. What products do/did you use on your head when you were completely bald. I'm especially looking for gentle moisturizers without sunscreen. I intend to have something protecting my head (wig or hat or scarf) when I am out and about this spring/summer, but I'd like to moisturize my scalp in the evenings before bed. Just to keep the skin healthy and soft.
Also, what "shampoo" do you use to keep your scalp clean and how often do you use it?
Thanks! Alaina
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Hi Alaina, I am still bald , well I have "sprouts" now." On the suggestion of my Onc/Nurse, she stated that I did not need any special type of shampoo just as long as I did not over shampoo and dry my scalp out. I had locs before I started TX and I used a Clarifying shampoo that cleaned the debris from my scalp. I do not shampoo a lot because your head will get dry regardless. I have used Olive oil on my head. Some people get acne on their scalp and since summer is coming and sweating under your scarf or wig would probably require more frequent shampooing. I hope I helped.
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patoo,
Thank you for your comment about the AA board not being visited enough by us. I thought perhaps It was just my reaction. Go bold with baldness. I'm thinking along those lines also.
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It was March 4, 2009, when patoo wrote about AA sis. not writing more.
I am pleasantly happy that BlessedOne2 read all the posts.
It's not always possible to slow down life between chemo appointments, doctor appointments, family, friends, obligations, and not feeling 100% your best. Pray for all of us on the boards. I was in the hospital 6 days last month with pneumonia. That was a bad experience. I'm on oxygen at home, now. I get better every day.
Dear Alaina, it appears that you have not read all the messages in this post topic, or you would have read about Carol's Daughter'sproducts mentioned a number of times. They are very good. She sells shapoos and moisturizers. I love the Hair Milk as a moisturizer. You only need a little. She also has spray on moisturizers that you could mist on a bit.
I apologize to fern119. She is real. I checked on the website that you suggested fern119, and I'll be honest - the wigs weren't too my taste. I thought that they did look "wiggy." STILL that gave me no right to accuse you of not existing. I am sorry. I am sorry, fern119.
sessna1
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Sessna1, sorry you have not been well. Sending up prayers for your strength to return and that you will be able to go off the oxygen and resume "normalcy", whatever that is for each of us.
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Sessna says ~ Dear Alaina, it appears that you have not read all the messages in this post topic, or you would have read about Carol's Daughter products mentioned a number of times.
Actually, I DID read each post in the topic before asking my question. I called Carol's Daughter before even reading this particular thread because I figured it might make sense to start there. When I described being bald from chemotherapy and asking for a recommendation for a moisturizer, the person on the phone was at a loss as to which of her products to recommend.
So I came into this topic looking for other suggestions.
At the moment I'm shampooing every couple of days with Aveeno Baby Shampoo and using Mary Kay's Extra Emollient Night Cream on my scalp every few nights before bed.
Thanks!
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Alaina - my apology cart runneth over. I am sorry.
It appears that the general general public is at a loss over alopecia/chemotherapy induced alopecia patients. I should think there is a bald men's handbook somewhere that would give us some tips.
As I said, I favor the Carol's Daughter Hair Milk. I also like the Tui Leave-in Conditioner. I use the sea kelp (?) shampoo about once a week. Mind you, I have little more hair than Homer Simpson's three strands, but the dead follicles (little white hair producing glands) are always coming to the surface, and my head gets warm/hot a good deal of the time (I rub it with a washcloth soaked in cool or warm water as I prefer at the time), and sometimes it gets itchy (thus the Hair Milk two times daily am/pm and sometimes the Tui (which if you use too much make get sticky). I tried the black vanilla bean leave in conditioner and found that I prefer the aroma of the Tui leave in conditioner better.
People do not know how to deal with cancer or cancer patients without looking at you with pity or tearing up. Sigh. Here we are, supporting each other, until the populace gets with it. Well, so be it. We know that African American women have always been strong.
I think that can work against us. Mind you that they say we get diagnosed later in life and have aggressive cancers. I think it is partially because we are too active taking care of our families, stressing out, and not taking care of ourselves early on. By the time we look into our own health, we have something amiss in our bodies.
Love in Christ,
sessna1
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Thank you for the information about Comfy Grips. I begin chemo treatments at the end of the month; so, I am attempting to find out as much as possible so that I will be prepared when my hair loss begins. Where did yu purchase comfy grips? I live in the Riverside area, but can certainly drive to LA.
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Roya:
Thank you for the Revitalash tip. I was wondering if anything could be done about eyelash loss. I guess I am lucky that mine are already thin; so, I relly won't miss much there. However, my eyebrows are something different...they are thick and I am able to get beautiful arches...any tips on what to do for eyebrow loss? Will I just have to pencil them in?
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As a p.s. to your post - I have learned that white gals, such as myself, look horrible bald and that African-American gals always have such marvelous shaped bald heads and look beautiful! Not fair, not fair!
Hugs,
Linda
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afighter,
Comfy Grip: http://www.headcovers.com/search.php
It's $25, but it is worth it. It makes a world of difference aerating the wig around your head.
I don't know where it would be available in stores.
I did see some artificial eyebrows on the net somewhere, but I cringed at the thought. I recall seeing many elderly women with 100% drawn on eyebrows and cringing again.
I think a good number of women apply false lashes.
LRM216, but you have wash and dry and go hair. Ours is super curly, we often times have to straighten it, and the straightening process is hard on the hair. I think the ONLY positive thing about losing my hair is that I now know how it feels not to be afraid of the shower (water getting on my straightened hair), and I know that it is a good thing to be able to wash your scalp.
... I still want my hair to grow back, though.
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Sessna:
Thank you. found the comfy grip and will purchase it. I am still exploring products that will work best for my ...heavy sigh...bald head when that time comes. It NEVER occured to me that I would need to be concerned about that, as well. I hope that I find a couple of wigs that make me feel good and look cute!
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Now, dearest afighter, do not, please, do not wait until your hair starts to shed to invest in a wig.
Your confidence and spirits will be traveling downward.
WIGS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE. Do not rush into putting down your hard earned money or buying in a negative mood. Please, please, please.
Ask your doctor's nurse if there are any local shops specializing in wigs for chemo/alopecia patients. Maybe even contact the local Am. Cancer Society. There is a special wig with netting that lets your scalp show through - makes it harder to tell that it's not your hair because your part shows through to your scalp! It is your scalp, and you can move the part around!
A good wig is expensive, and it's hard to tell a good wig from real hair unless you know what you are looking for. Do you have an HMO medical plan or a POS or PPO? Ooops. Okay, please read previous posts. I went over that.
If you have a trusted friend - take him/her. If not, don't go in low spirits, and you do not have to buy that day. You may sleep on it. Plan ahead. The saddest story I read was of a lady who went wig shopping after her hair had significantly fallen out and it was raining. Both she and the wig shop person were crying as she tried on wigs. Oh man... Learn from her experience, plan ahead and be ready with a wig to wear.
A GOOD shop will give you a crash course in wig care, and maybe a free wig comb or brush. They SHOULD also sell wig shampoo and conditioner. That means they are serious about customer service and providing essentials for wig care.
Also, the wig will be a little snug when you purchase it while sporting your now hair. As your hair thins, the wig will fit better (sigh), and you will appreciate your comfy grip's aeration property a whole lot! Sweating in a wig is a pain. Pain, pain. We need to keep our heads cool with a wig cap (always) - a netted wig cap --- and a comfy grip. Antibacterial Wig Cap http://www.headcovers.com/wigs/wig-accessories/ This is the best wig cap that I've found. I don't want my head getting more itchy than it has to as the hair sheds...
Below are my best submissions for wig info on the Internet.
http://www.cancerandcareers.org/women/appearances/5018/?gclid=CMjWssC7_pgCFRxNagodVX7DnA
http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org/women/hair_help/wig_choice.htm
http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org/women/hair_help/wig_care.htm
http://www.alixnorth.com/choosing-your-best-wig-chemo-patients
sessna1
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Hello, Sesna:
Oh, no!! It is not at all my intention to wait until I begin to lose my hair to purchase a wig. On the contrary...I just found out yesterday that my first treatment has been scheduled for next Friday, June 19 and I have an appointment with my hairdresser to have my head shaved and my wigs styled on Wed., June 17. So, I am ready...well, at least getting prepared as much as I can.
Thank you for sharing your insight on several matters. It has truly been helpful. I have ordered many of the items that you suggested and they are on their way to me.
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Alaina:
How are the Aveeno Baby Shampoo and Mary Kay cream working for you? I am planning to try this for myself?
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It takes approximately 17-18 days after the first chemo treatment for your hair to be like forgotten wisps on your head. It just begins to come out, and your scalp may itch a bit.
IMPORTANT : You said you are having your wigs styled. Excellent. I do not think that means you are having one custom made. My hairdresser made a custom made one for me, but she used the wrong cap. She did her best, but now it's hard for me to put it on. The inside of your wig should look like this: http://www.mhrw.com/c_foundation.html
Solid "skull cap" like wig bases attached to synthetic hair will make you SWEAT. You want your head/scalp to be able to breathe because it generates heat - just like your feet. I'm kind of okay because the custom wig my hairdresser made is out of human hair and I have the comfy grip, my best wig buddy.
A GOOD wig has ear flaps and a two hooks at the back to adjust it (because you never know how much hair you will or will not be keeping under it as your hair comes out/grows back in). You want it to fit comfortably and snug, but it should NOT hurt.
I'm glad your hairdresser is on board. I told mine that she could cut my hair while she was fitting the wig, but she said she didn't have to. I was grateful. I just can't put the razor to my head. It would have been less tedious and troublesome as my hair fell out, but I couldn't do it. (I do own a barber's electric shears, I could have done it myself.)
I just combed and pulled it out as it came out, finally, it matted up during a washing, and I had to cut out the clumps. At the end, I looked like Homer Simpson, the cartoon guy. Now, I have a little bit of dark brown fuzz like a 1/2 inch halo on my head.
I salute you for being prepared and proactive!
sessna1
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Hi Afighter,
I really enjoy using the Baby Aveeno. Every 2-3 mornings, I wet my hands, put a small dime-sized dollop in my hands and rub to work up a lather and then just rub all over my bald head. I make sure to get well behind my ears and just keep rubbing as IF there is hair there (ie: more than one or two passes over your scalp).
I then take a wet and warm washcloth (white) and rub that over my head to remove the shampoo. This should help remove the dead skin cells, give you a fresh exfoliation, and in a few swoops rinse and dry your scalp at the same time! LOL!!!
I use the Mary Kay EENC about every two nights before bed, covering my scalp with a satin bonnet so as not to stain my pillowcases. You will find the right amount to use, not too little, not too much, to give you optimum moisturization and a nice "gleam/shine" :-)
So I'm happy thus far with those products, my scalp is not dry and feels clean even when I've beeb sweating with the pre-Summer heat and hotflash-heat.
But when I'm post-chemo, I'm going to really look into products that promote healthy hair growth, because I have to do Herceptin every 3 weeks until next April, and I am hearing that Herceptin can slow/delay the return of your hair growth post-chemo, so...
Hope this helps! Always happy to hear from others who have products that work for them too!
Alaina
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Okay sisters, this hair thing has me thinking early this morning. I'm one of those sisters who has the "good stuff". It is long, slightly curly and thick. I just had a lumpectomy and willl meet my med onco in two weeks. I keeping thinking that I should do a drastic cut now even though there is a chance that I won't lose a lot or none or all. The thought of a wig just makes me cringe. I don't like anything on my head, particularly now with the night sweats due to menopause. I'm thinking of just wearing the bald style because anything I do will be so different. I appreciate all of the tips to add to my toolbag. BlessedOne2
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