Lumpectomy today. Not what they thought

so sorry-I had two lumpectomies last week and have to have chemo bc 1 tumor is HER+. Don't worry re the hair-they make awesome wigs now. There are some people who use cold packs during chemo to try to preserve their hair.I have a college age daughter too-just tell them that the chemo will kill off all the cancer and you will be better than ever. You are obviously a strong person so keep on being you and you will be ok!

Hi

I also was in public- working full time-- my recommendation-get a human hair wig-- more expensive, but honestly, it looked exactly like my real hair-- had to wear it for about 7 months total--I have thick hair and the wig really was great--- 

I had 4 rounds of chemo -kids were 7 and 12 at the time--worked pretty much throughout--- you will get through this....

Hi Tobycc,

I went through 6+ months of chemo while working full-time in an environment that requires business attire every day. Nobody ever guessed I was wearing a wig. I got one that matched my natural color and when the time came just had my head shaved and switched to the wig the next morning. I have never gotten as many compliments on my hair style as while I was wearing the wig - for about 10 or 11 months.

tobycc, sorry to hear of your recent DX. American Cancer Society offers a free wig. You can also check in to the cold caps.  Supposed to prevent hair loss. My half-sister did chemo 15 yrs ago and hardly lost any hair. I want to say it might have been CMF..or FEC? But not certain. I didn't care for wearing a wig and did a lot of hats and bandanas. I did wear my wig when with clients though, because it looks like the photo on my business card, website, etc. I chose a synthetic with the weave on top that looks like your scalp. I don't think many people knew it was a wig. Human hair is pretty, but I was told it may get out of line when exposed to the weather. It might be harder to keep up with styling, etc. Good luck with your upcoming treatment! Sounds like you have a lot going on. You will find many threads on the forum that pertain to what you are going through and lots of support to get you through!

I do wish you the very best of luck. but i would like to say that having breast cancer is nothing to be ashamed of, you did nothing wrong. i don't know, but for me, i thought it was a teaching opportunity, especially for you being in the public eye, i would think. because people really need to see the faces of breast cancer, and how it is right there in the neighborhood, and more prevalent than they think. Although i also do understand people's wish for anonymity.  I told literally everyone, from the woman at the gas station i frequent, to the checkers at my grocer's, women at yard sales i would stop at, everywhere! many women knew nothing about it, really, even i didn't know that there were many different kinds, and i had no idea about lymph nodes, or lymphedema! Some of those women i have gotten to know very well, and many have thanked me, especially ones who have avoided mammograms on account of being too busy. But your life is very important, and i do hope you have an easy path, and there are many good women here to help you. you can do this!

Toby, hello and big hugs.  I am the sole breadwinner in my family and have an executive position, very demanding.  For me, losing my hair was an issue of privacy.  I did not tell "everyone" that I had cancer and didn't want to.  So what to do???  I ended up working throughout chemo, taking off only on the day of the infusion, every 3 weeks, 6 cycles.  I lost my hair right before my second infusion.  It usually goes on day 14-17.  What I did was to find a wig that matched my hair color and then I cut my hair into that style so that by the time I buzzed my head everyone was used to me having a different look.  I also worked from home during the transition to the wig so that I could practice going out in public with the wig on.  (What I found out is that no one noticed!)  I didn't do cold caps because I just didn't have time to get that set up and as it turned out, the chemo made my hair so dry and ugly that by the time it fell out, I was happy that it did. 

 As hard as it might be to believe, no one that I worked with knew I was wearing a wig or that I was going through chemo.  Maybe we think people notice us a lot more than they actually do.

My husband took such good care of me during my treatment.  He took care of the household duties, shopping, cooking, etc.  I worked and slept, basically.    I'm not sure if I would have been able to work through chemo without his awesome support.   Make sure you ask for help while in treatment.  Your loved ones want to comfort you.

Love, MsP

Toby - I have to agree with what everyone said.  I worked (high school teacher) throughout chemo and radiation with very little difficulty.  I bought a good synthetic wig that was very similar in color to my natural hair.  I had my hair styled to match the wig before starting chemo.  When I began to shed I had my husband buzz my head and began to wear the wig.  No one knew!  Co-workers that I worked with for 22 years did not realize I was wearing a wig until I told them.  I got so many compliments too.  My daughter (college age) wanted to help me pick out a weekend wig.  We actually had some fun trying on different styles.  We picked a real sassy style.  She felt part of the whole process and she felt useful.  We had some great conversations as we looked at wigs and scarves.  My sons (also college age) were a little uncomfortable at first having a bald mom.  But soon got used to it and were certain to complement me when wearing a new hat or scarf.  My new hair came in better than my old hair and I decided to keep the 'wig' hair style.  I should also mention how easy it is to care for a bald head!  My morning routine became so simple - no hair to fuss with.  Just put on the wig and go. It was all very do-able.

Good luck!

Toby, I had so many compliments on my wig!  It was amazing and very natural looking.  When the time came that my hair would be falling out I went to my hair dresser and she gave me a buzz cut.  I didn't want to have gobs of hair on my pillow.