Starting Chemo June 2013!?!?!

Just brushed out at least 80℅ of my hair.

I received my head wrap from good wishes that was free.

Does anyone know where you can order them???

Tasharka...you might want to reach out to the Good Wishes people to see if they might send you another if you send them a donation?



Personally I like the Buffs. At www.buffusa.com. They can be worn many ways. I really only wear them with a ponytail holder holding the extra fabric in the back, I like how that looks, can also be worn with the ends tucked in and under the back or a number of other ways...their website has some videos in regards. I have 4 in different colors...and one of them usually will match something I am wearing, so I look "coordinated". (And generally I am not a "fashionista", but figured maybe I should take a step up!)



I also had a cousin give me a few of these headbands. http://yogitoes.com/tools-accessories/hband-headbands. they are very thin, lightweight and stretchy...I don't wear it tucked like they show, I wear it around the head, partially over the ears and under my buffs...works great at the gym for helping absorb extra sweat, also keeps me cooler on general errands and I think it gives a better grip for the buffs. I'm also wearing it in the house, with my thinning short hair sticking out of the top (I think of Bart Simpson when I look in the mirror!). I like them in the house because my "head can breathe" lol. I hate being hot. Only thing is I forgot the other day it wasn't my buff on my head and was outside the house....thankfully only in the street and not that long, I'm waiting for the day I get home from a store looking like that! Lol



Oceanwarrior. You are so right telling people to call their Onc if they don't feel well...that's what they get paid the big bucks for...evenings, overnights, holidays, weekends...there is always someone on call! And lets face it, they really need to hear from the patients because enough of us complaining about something might change how they handle things in the future!



For those wondering what LGFB is it is the Look Good Feel Better program run by the American Cancer Society. They run a workshop that teaches how to apply makeup (and then you get to keep the makeup and the bag!). And they also give you a FREE wig that you pick out (and can try on first!), and some of them have shown how to wrap your head in a scarf (the one I went to did not)

Here is the link to find a program near you, scroll down and enter your zip code on the left side. http://lookgoodfeelbetter.org/



You do NOT have to use the program from your hospital, you can go more than once (but they don't give you extra makeup (bring your bag), and no second wig. Nice way to potentially connect with someone in your area undergoing treatment!



I went to two different LGFB in two different locations because i screwed up and went late to first one. At the second one they had a donation bin of used items from survivors. They kept encouraging me to "take more". ..so I did! I got sleep caps and some bands to wrap around turbans. I will say that my first workshop only had one participant, then I showed up late...and the second workshop had 4, but one got her wig and left. Very small showing. The makeup bags are geared toward your skin tone. Mine being @light (I'm like Snow White!). And then there was an Asian woman at my workshop and they had a bag for her skin tone. Some of that makeup is the real expensive stuff I wouldn't ever consider buying for myself, some of it was Maybeline , which I can afford! All free!

Anyhow, I do highly recommend, I'm not a makeup wearer but I have been making a point to put on my makeup and I do "look good and feel better" for it.



Pat

Tash-I feel for you--mine will be very soon

Ocean- so good to hear you are feeling better--you were having such a tough time

I was thinking about going to one of the LGFB classes but would have to take time off work so I wasn't sure, but it sounds as if it is worth taking the time to do.  Thanks for the feedback everyone.

HI all, Im doing a little better this morning ans will make sure I get a hold of MY onc tomorrow. I have talked to several over the last few days but they all say different things....makes me confused!!!

Check out this web page about getting free wigs and other products.....might come in handy!

Chemotherapy fights cancer but it also causes hair loss. Radiation therapy to your head can also cause hair loss. And that leads us to the need for a popular head covering -- a wig! A wig can cost from $40 to thousands of dollars. But when your budget is already strained by the cost of surgery and other treatments, even a $40 wig on sale may seem out of reach. Fortunately, there are ways to find free wigs. Here are five places to look for a free wig during cancer treatment.

~American Cancer Society 1-800-227-2345 The American Cancer Society accepts donations of wigs, which they collect in wig banks at their local chapters. These wigs have been cleaned and kept ready for use. If you have no health insurance and are in need of help, contact your local American Cancer Society office and ask about patient services. Some of the wigs are distributed through ACS and some are given out at local Look Good Feel Better meetings, along with cosmetics and head coverings.

~CancerCare 1-800-813-HOPE (4673) As part of their Women's Cancer Program, CancerCare offers financial assistance and counseling, support groups, and patient education. They also provide free wigs and breast prostheses to women who have lost their hair or a breast as a result of their cancer treatment.

~Breast Cancer Network of Strength 1-800-221-2141 When the Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization changed its name to Breast Cancer Network of Strength, it didn't change its mission. BCNS provides wigs, prostheses and mastectomy bras to women whose budget just won't stretch to cover the cost of those items. Contact them to find out where the closest affiliate office is located that has a Wig & Prosthesis Bank. BCNS offices often have salons where women can try on items before taking them home. ~Crickett's Answer for Cancer 1-301-935-4411 This nonprofit organization provides free wigs, mastectomy products, mastectomy and lymphedema massage, facials, and other pampering services, as a way to keep a woman feeling feminine and beautiful despite losing her hair and/or breasts. Crickett's was founded in honor of Crickett Julius, who passed away in October of 2006, only four months after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at the age of 39. Crickett's is based in south central Pennsylvania, Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. areas. Carole Trone, a co-founder of Crickett's says, "We provide assistance to women all across the U.S. We mail or email an enrollment packet, and then either order wigs online or arrange for other products or services with vendors in the client's local area."

~Canadian Cancer Society 1-416-961-7223 In Canada, Pantene Beautiful Lengths and the Canadian Cancer Society have joined forces to encourage women to donate their hair for wigs that will be made and distributed to women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment. Pantene provides the hair requirements, a donation kit, and advice about how to hold a hair cutting event. Six ponytails are required to create one wig, which will be given away through the Canadian Cancer Society.

**********Pay It Forward When your hair has grown back and you feel ready to show off your chemo curls, donate your wig to a cancer support organization, so someone else can enjoy it. If you have trouble finding a place that will take donated wigs, contact your local hospital and ask if they have a cancer clinic - they may be looking for donations of cancer care items. You may also donate money to registered charities that supply wigs to women who are in treatment for breast cancer but cannot afford the price of a wig. Having a flattering wig can help a woman feel that she looks attractive -- this can lift her spirits greatly during a time when she is fighting cancer. After a wig has served you well, consider giving it a new life with another survivor.

Free hats and other items.

~http://www.breastfriends.org/programs/patient-outreach/hat-project/ ~http://www.franceluxe.com/

~The American Cancer Society has a lot of help for cancer patients, from classes to goodies. You can get gas mileage reimbursement if you have to travel a certain number of miles per year medical for appointments, and they will send you a $25.00 card to get started.

~Heavenly Hats will send you a package of hats. Keep in mind, these are donated - some will work for your style and some may not but heck, it's free. It was started by a kid and has grown to be a wonderful service for those who have lost their hair.

~Fill a Heart offers a free, heart-shaped pillow which comes in very handy after a mastectomy.

~If you have had a mastectomy and lymph surgery, you are forever at risk for lymphodema. You cannot have blood pressure taken or blood drawn from that arm. If you are going into the hospital and want to remind medical personal of the risks, you can get a free bracelet from ReidSleeve.com

~The Livestrong Foundation offers free downloadable materials, as well as guidebook that will help you navigate your cancer experience. You pay for shipping on the book. Cleaning for a Reason will provide three free housecleaning services for people undergoing chemotherapy. You have to fax a note from your doctor. May be overbooked in some areas, (like mine) but is a very necessary service for those who can take advantage.

~People undergoing active chemotherapy can receive little treats from the Chemo Angels. There is an application process, and you can sign up for a family member to surprise them.

~The National Institute for Health or the Susan Komen Foundation is a great place to start finding these grants. They offer financial help to pay for medication, travel, medical costs, even rent.

~Casting for Recovery is a fabulous organization which offers weekend retreats for breast cancer people and teaches them fly fishing. Its a great bonding weekend where you have a blast, learn a new skill, and are spoiled by the volunteers who put it together. They offer retreats around the country and some overseas. www.castingforrecovery.org. ~Stowe Weekend of Hope - is held the first weekend of May in Stowe, VT. It is a great weekend for people with any type of cancer and is free to first time attendees. You get put up in a local hotel and attend a three day weekend of events. As it started as a breast cancer event, Friday is dedicated to breast cancer sessions.

~Cancer Care is also a good resource. They have one time a year grants for gas of $100, and another grant through the Avon Foundation for cancer related drugs of around $350 per year.

~http://www.cleaningforcancer.org/

~First Descents http://firstdescents.org/ They have kayaking, climbing, and surf trips for cancer survivor and fighters. I really enjoyed it when I went and was totally free. They even help with airfare if needed. They are flexible on the age requirements too.

~Little Pink Houses of Hope to this list. They offer free weeklong breast cancer retreats on the beach for patients and their families. Totally free and wonderfully amazing! www.littlepinkhousesofhope.org

~Compassion Partners in Orlando offers free tickets to Universal Studios Orlando. They just need some time to process your request but they provide tickets for 2 adult family members and 3 children to visit Sea World or Universal and also an assistance pass so you can bypass the long lines.



I hope some of these help some of you. There are so many resources online for us all. {{{{{{Group Hugs}}}}}}

Thank you SherriMarsh for all that great info!

I'm completely bald and very uncomfortable everyone is saying how beautiful I look and all I see is cancer. Makes it so real. Cant seem to find anything to feel good on my head. Hate my wig have to bring it back but feel to nauseous to go out. My brother shaved his head with me. My dogs just keep looking at me. Babs so nice to hear your story. Ladies feel good today.

I had my 1st chemo treatment on June 18th. TCH.   I was ok until day 2 and 3.  I did not take my nausa meds like I should.  This time I will take them.  Someone also recommended ginger caps 3caps twice daily.  I am going to try that.  I still have my hair, but cut it short(pixie)  every morning look on the pillow for signs.  Most people seem to think around day 17.  One area I am having a very hard time with is sleep.  What are some suggestions? I did not get to sleep last night until 2:00am and was awake at 6:00am.  I can't continue to do this. Has anyone tried trazadone.  Should I ask my MO for something? 

Does anyone feel more tired after 2nd cycle? I am on day 6 and I don't have as much energy as last time on day 6.

Guess my last post didn't show up?  dlm,  I also feel ugly and just see cancer.  Will we ever be pretty again????

After 2 liters of iv fluids I feel better. Still have a rough time eating and drinking but we also have a new plan of attack for next treatment. Last four days were the worst....yuck !!! I lost 8 lbs in 4 days and no I did not need it. Oh and my doctor will let me hold off two days so I can enjoy my kids grad party and my family coming to visit

Thanks everyone for the positive thoughts - I won't be doing chemo until prolly the 11th or the 18th now. BS didn't close my incision properly - spent 4 hrs in the PS office and instead of the fill I was supposed to get I ended up getting reexcised, cleaned and closed up properly. Have another drain tube as a result so until that heals up all the way - no chemo. Praying I don't lose my TE.

Hi Junebugs....well we made it to July!

Today is Canada Day, hosted my parents for a light summer dinner.  Also the first time seeing them with my hair loss.  They got to see a few looks.  Greeted them with a cute headscarf, tried on and showed them the wig, then the bald head reveal.  It's 30 C / 86 F so I was not really into sporting too much for headgear, LOL.  They (of course) were super nice about the new look.  It was a good step forward in 'socializing' sans hair.  Its an adjustment.  We all need to find our confidence and stride with this and own it and wear it.  Supportive thoughts out to any of you that are currently struggling.  It gets easier each day.  

Annika - glad you are feeling better.  I had to have a day in the hospital with IV after last round too.  Not fun but does the trick.

Weekly appointment with Oncologist at the infusion clinic tomorrow morning as I get ready for round 3.  Want to leave there with a better plan.  First 2 have knocked me on my ass nausea wise and I really don't want to go there again.  I sort of wish I was on an every 3 week cycle instead of 2, just doesn't give much recovery time or enough good days in between.  

Sending positive energy out to you all. 

Personally, now that the hair is going, I wish it would hurry up. I had it buzzed when it started to fall out, in handfuls no it has slowed again, and itches like heck. Now I am wishing I was bald because most of the hair near the top is so thin I look like a man with a receding hair line. bald is beautiful but this just looks horrible.