wigs

[rinaina]

I might have gone a little overboard with the wig thing but heck, I have to make fun of this right? I bought this inexpensive but human hair, one piece headband and hair attached, shoulder length to where strictly to the health club,(G-d willing I will be able to go and workout) It looks as if it would be my hair,(although different hair color, my natural color), with a thick black headband that can act as a sweatband...cheap only $35. I also bought two other fashion wigs, one synthetic replicating my highlighted hair only a bit shorter and with bangs and then I bought a human hair wig replicating my hair exactly only that will require maintenance and I don't know if I am going to like that part of it. What do any of you thing about that? It's so easy with synthetic wigs because it's low maintenance, although they do have their problems with heat and all. Oven doors, cook tops etc. Feedback would be appreciated if it isn't too much trouble. Also did a lot of you lose your eyebrows and eyelashes too. I am on A/C for chemo now followed later by taxol and herceptin.

Thanks for everything you guys are the best.
Rina
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rinaina
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[sadie]

I bought 2 wigs from a wig shop (about $250 for both)
Both the same style/color.
These synthetics still need maintenance.
I bought 2 wigs so I could wear one while I took the other back to the wig shop to be washed.
Turns out they do not style the wig, but it still looks pretty much the same as the other unwashed wig.
I only took it to be washed once, but it needs it again.
You could buy wig shampoo and do it yourself.
I think I'll have to buy another wig.
Opened my oven a couple of times during Xmas while wearing my wig and the bangs got totally frizzed.
And stupid me....did the same thing at Easter with the other wig.
I have another synthetic wig ($35) with a black headband.
I have only worn it once because I can't seem to get the curls to lay properly.(it's a very curly wig).
It looks too much like a wig.
Anyway, the 1 wig that I have been wearing on a daily basis (the one with minimal heat damage), will need washing soon; because hot flashes tend to make me sweat on my head; and now, after almost 3 months, it is starting to get a little odor (from the sweat) that only I can smell after I take it off or when I go to put it on.
I figure one more wig should do the trick, because when I started taxol/herceptin, my hair started growing back!
From Feb 28th thru now, May 28th, my hair is now about 1 inch long, and thick & soft.
It came in a silver/gray/white mix. My natural was a dark blonde/light brown with grey starting to come in.
Hair is long enough to lay flat now!
As for eyebrows & lashes....
No sooner did I lose my eyebrows totally, when they started growing back.
But so far, it's only the inside part of the brow that came back. I still have to use eyebrow pencil to make it more visible and to extend the brow to the end of the eye.
My eyelashes fell out, but I still had very very short hairs.
I still use mascara to make them show up more, but they don't seem to be growing back. (unless they are growing very very slowly & I just can't tell).
And of course.....leg hair has come back with no problem! lol
Still haven't had to shave under my arms, tho.
Good luck!
And I'll let you know how my next synthetic wig works out.

[rinaina]

I can so relate to the hot flashes causing excessive sweating. Mine have calmed down periodically and it appears to be in that state at this time. I take a product I found on HSN by David Lessman called Woman something and it seems to help. Sorry about your heat damage to your synthetic wigs. Easy to forget something like that I am positive. Most likely I will make the same error! So then you didn't get any natural wigs right? I thought one was suppose to wash the wigs every 2 weeks at least. I think that was what I was told. They said i could use my good shampoo that I normally use....is this incorrect or not good for the wigs. They said I could use it on both but in cold water only. Thank you very much for your response and your great humor. Gotta have some fun right? I do know that eyelashes take forever to grow back as I do have an autoimmune disease and one of the problems is alopeciareata of the lashes...so I have had some experience with lash loss, they will come back, just very, very, very slow. I have heard that eyebrows, however, come back much quicker and maybe not to same horizontal profuseness though. I wouldn't miss the underarm hair in the least and the leg hair could stay away too but it doesn't sound like it does in many cases.

Be well,
Rina

[sadie]

I was told to have them washed about the same as I would go get a haircut.
I figure as long as it looks ok, don't spend the money.
I would guess about every 2-3 months would be good.
I was tempted to use a baby shampoo on mine, but I was afraid to take the chance. The wig shop and TLC catalog recommend wig shampoos.
I think I'll try the baby shampoo on the really damaged wig, just to see how it holds up. I can't see how it could hurt it.
Since it's synthetic, maybe I could even use liquid ALL! (joking)
The next synthetic I buy will be from the tlc catalog. I'll see how good it is.
The one I bought before (with the headband), I didn't like (due to the curls not laying right, like I said before).
But for $35, I figure I can't lose. And I could return it if I don't remove the tags.
I didn't get any human hair wigs.
Actually, when I was buying the 2 wigs from the wig shop, I thought they were going to be human hair (for that price!).
Then I found out human hair wigs cost about $800 and up!
I sure don't want to spend that kind of money.
Of course I should check with my ins company to see if I could get reimbursed (just found out that some do reimburse you).
Don't forget...wigs are tax deductable to.
And your mileage to/from drs office/treatments); Not to mention prescriptions, ointments, bandaids...you name it. If it's used due to treatments, it's tax deductible! (keep all receipts!).
Guess uncle Sam is good for something! lol
As for the supplement you are taking for your hotflashes.....make sure you talk to your onc about what you are taking. If your cancer is hormone related, you shouldn't take anything that would alter your hormones to control hot flashes. (at least that's what my onc told me).
She did offer to give me something else, but it was an anti-depressant that controls hot flashes too. I said no thanks. I'd rather deal with hot flashes than to mess with my mental state. I believe in the motto ...if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it. I'm not depressed, so I don't want to mess with any anti depressants. Even if I was depressed, it would make me nervous considering some of the side effects of them.
Oh, well....

[rinaina]

i did check and always do with my onc. i am er and pr negative and her2+. can't see how baby shampoo will harm wig but good you have a damaged one to experiment on. my insurance said ixnay to covering costs of cranial prosthesis for skull protection or for anything else. i have a great ppo, humana choice care ppo but i guess they aren't that good so thanks for the tips on tax deduction for everything including wigs. my hubby, the cpa, should know this too i am sure. i did get 3 wigs. one human hair on order as i said but left message with my guys to talk further and may change it to another synthetic. their wigs are incredible due to the patent they have pending on the underside which is this ultra fine lacey stuff that makes it look like a natural part and makes it look like the hair is growing right out of your head, but very expensive wigs. my other human hair wig with the headband was only $39 at some store in chicago called heads and threads, very eclectic neighborhood and store, but i had fun picking it out. the synthetic was expensive and at a very well known hair replacement facitlity in skokie illinois called jerome krause...it cost me 296 with an eyebrow kit and stencil, a brush, a form which i was told by the other guys not to use cause it can stretch out the wig to a point where it won't fit my little head well. thanks for everything.
rina

[SherryS]

I found the wig thing really simple. I bought one, synthetic and it worked a charm. I wore it every day for about 5 months and it held up well. I washed it (as per the instructions where I bought it and through the Look Good Feel Better program) every 10-15 wearings. I had the wig shampoo (it was quite reasonable, I think $3 or $4 and I only needed the one bottle) and you don't need very much. Wash it in cold water for 5 minutes, swirling in the water and put on the stand to dry. I didn't even squeeze out the excess water. I'd put it in the bathtub to dry (my kids loved that when they'd get up for their shower in the morning and see the wig in the bottom of the tub! They always kindly took it out before they showered!!). The first time I washed it I was afraid it wouldn't go back into shape...it looked like a wet rat!! However, it bounced right back, brushed perfectly and it was the best money I ever spent. I've now got some hair and with the heat here I'm glad to be done with the wig. People thought it was my own hair (and still would if I put it on now) because it was so close to my own colour and a style that I would wear my hair. I thought I'd go funky and get something totally different but the guy at the wig salon (through the hospital) said I would probably be happier with something close to "me". He was right. When I first lost the hair, I lost "me". Being able to put on something that was close to who I had always looked like made me feel so much better. Now of course, I could see me buying another one just for fun. Everyone now knows about the loss of my hair and they are all eagerly watching it grow back in. My kids loved the way I ultimately treated the wig -- I'd pull it off the minute I hit the front door and would toss it on the bench in the foyer. I was actually happier being bald, though I did use my bandana a lot especially in the colder months. If you treat the synthetic wigs properly and you've bought a good one, they'll last you the whole time you are without hair. Have fun with them ladies!!

[rinaina]

Well, I think I bought a decent one and it does resemble my own hair pretty well, just a tad shorter. No one mentioned a special wig shampoo. Both places said I could use whatever shampoo I normally use but to definitely use cold water. Still not sure if I should get the natural human hair one they want 1500 for. Sounds like a rip off but it was nice and does look so real and so like my hair but I would have to futz with it as if it were my natural hair. My synthetic cost $300 which isn't exactly cheap either and my insurance said no to coverage even though it was worded as cranial prosthesis to prevent skull trauma. Decent ppo with humana, couldn't believe it. Guess they don't care how us b.c. patients feel about how we look. Sad.

rina

[Sonja]

Hi Rina,

I actually bought a natural human hair wig (Abigail!) about a month ago. Paid $200 Canadian. She came with Shampoo, Conditionner and Hairspray! My group insurance also doesn't pay for Abi even with a prescription! It's terrible! Well, when I bought her, I thought it was great, but I kinda jumped the gun. I had my first chemo treatment on May 23rd and on May 25th I shaved my head! I didn't want to give it a chance to fall out first - I was determined to win this round at least! So I cut my mane before it fell out! I'm glad God blessed me with a nice round head! I haven't worn 'Abigail' yet and don't think I will. I actually tried her on today - it was 90 degrees and I already have hot flashes so she came off as quickly as I had put her on. Everyone is telling me that I look 'beautiful' bald! If I were in this position in the winter, it wouldn't be the same story! Abigail also doesn't like heat (BBQ's, oven's, etc.). I can't believe the price you paid. What a racket!

[rinaina]

You are so brave Sonja to have shaved your head already. I give you a lot of credit and love your attitude. I can understand how you would feel good about taking charge of your hair and not letting it take charge of you. Wish I could do that but just can't yet at this point. But as soon as it starts to fall out, then off it comes. Not looking forward to this at all. Darn right scared I guess or maybe not scared just will be a very sad day for me. You are so funny that you gave your wig a name. Cute! Haven't gone to that extreme but definitely will feel like I have different personalities along with my different wigs. I can see where it will be very uncomfortable in a wig this summer too. The past two days here in Chicago area it has been 91 degrees and humid. Hope I am blessed with a small round head too. Sometimes I think...oh my hair isn't going to fall out, I have only had one treatment...but I know all too well that it is going to and soon, before next treatment. My tastes are shot, my mouth always feels dry but it hasn't stopped me from eating. Hah, figures.

Rina

[callen03]

I bought a synthetic wig after I was told my hair would fall out. It cost over $200, but it looks natural and very much like my own hair. I was told that if you don't use wig shampoo, it can lose it's body. The instructions were to soak it in water with the shampoo, rinse, and hang it upside down to dry. No styling needed. I also cut my hair very short so that when it fell out, it wouldn't be so bad.

Guess what? I have been on chemo for over three months, and I still have my hair. Go figure. It is thinner than it use to be, but it's mine.

I still have the new wig in the box, never used. Since I am Stage IV and may have to go through this again someday, I am going to keep it just in case I ever need it. If not, I will have it for show and tell. Tee hee.

[rinaina]

Callen, I am curious as to which chemo you were on that you didn't lose your hair? From what I know, I will definitely lose my hair and I am on A/C. One treatment in and 3 to go but hair should fall out on or about the 18th day following first treatment.

[callen03]

I am taking part in a clinical trial for carboplatin (carbo), doxorubicin (doxil), and hercepin. All the drugs have been used with good results but never in this combination. I prayed over my decision to take part in this trial, so I know that I made the right one.

I exercise, work, and eat healthy. My exercise consists of hand weights and walking. I use to run, but I no longer have the stamina for it. For the most part, I am still very active. I refuse to quit doing things. I also drink Dan Active every day to help with my immune system.

I was told that I would definitely lose my hair, so I was expecting to. For some reason, I have not. I only get nauseated a couple of days after my treatment. Other than being tired, I don't feel bad. People who know that I am going through chemo are shocked at how great I look. If you didn't know, you wouldn't be able to tell

[rinaina]

I too eat healthy, work out both on my own 3x week and with a trainer 2x a week. I feel relativelly well too and look fine. I just have had trouble staying asleep the last two nights and some nausea and constipation that has since today rectified itself thank goodness. Stay well and good luck with this new chemo program you were on.

[callen03]

I do have minor problems that I didn't mention: nausea (only lasts a few days after chemo), constipation, trouble sleeping, and severe mouth ulcers. Considering what others are going through, I feel lucky.

I hope your side affects are minor too.

Good luck.

[rinaina]

no sores in mouth yet but feel like i am getting a sore throat as of last night but don't feel like i am getting sick so could this be a side effect?

[callen03]

I believe sore throat is a side affect to Herceptin, but I am not sure. You may want to check with your oncologist.

[rinaina]

thanks will do. don't you just love this forum. i sure do!

[Sonja]

I have had nasal drip since yesterday. I also thought I was getting a cold but the nurse that gave me my first treatment called this afternoon to see how I was doing. She told me that feeling like getting a cold is one of the side effects. But if I have a fever of 100 to go to emergency at the hospital.

I also asked her if she gave me enough medication because I certainly don't have too many side effects!? She said that my body is responding well to the treatment and that the only side effect I should feel by the third treatment (I'm in for 6) is fatigue! Now I can handle that!

And yes I do love this forum! Especially at 1:00 in the morning when I can't sleep! There is always someone here online!

[rinaina]

sure hope we don't need those one in the morning forum calls too often. fatigue is bad enough without having trouble staying asleep. stay well and hey, keep up with avoiding those side effects.

[SherryS]

I remember having a sore throat when I was on AC -- always felt like I might be getting a cold the day or 2 after I'd have the treatment. And the nasal drip? A woman and I were discussing that yesterday when we were having herceptin. I had the worst runny nose on AC and Taxol...because I lost the hairs in my nose and there was nothing to "stop" it from running. That has since stopped (and the hairs have grown back!), however, the woman I was talking to carries a tissue all the time because her nasal drip has continued, even post chemo. I've been having a raspy throat for a few days now -- it could be the herceptin (had my 3rd one yesterday) but I'm putting it down to allergy -- the heat has been intense here the last few days, this is the time of year I would suffer with allergies (itchy eyes as well) and there is a high smog alert - so much stuff floating around in the air, it's bound to have an effect.

[rinaina]

definitelly have soreness in my throat but not quite iike a regular sore throat, almost feels like when i swallow something like a ball is in the way but no fever and don't feel sick. read it can be a side effect so not concerned at this point. can anyone tell me, should i be renewing my prescription for emend before my next treatment or is that only for the first time?

[LOPSIDED]

IF I WERE YOU, I WOULD TAKE THE EMEND WITH EVERY TREATMENT OF A/C & TAXOL. I DID A/C & TAXOTERE AND HALF WAY THRU TAXOTERE I TRIED GOING WITHOUT EMEND AND DID OKAY TWO TREATMENTS---THEN FELT BAD WITH THE LAST COUPLE OF TREATMENTS AND STARTED TAKING IT AGAIN. I ALSO HAD ACID REFLUX AND THROAT PROBLEMS WHILE DOING A/C & TAXOTERE. ALSO COUGHED A-LOT. AS SOON AS I FINISHED THE TREATMENTS ---COUGHING & THROAT PROBLEMS WENT AWAY. I AM NOW DOING HERCEPTIN AND IT IS MUCH EASIER. HOPE YOU DO WELL WITH YOUR TREATMENTS. SHEILA

[rinaina]

thanks for the advice on the emend. i know it helped with the first tx with a/c so it makes sense to take it on subsequent tx dates too. glad to hear this sore throat thing is normal. i don't have the cough, just soreness, like a lump is in my throat and it hurts to swallow most things, but all in all, I can't complain, don't have it too bad at this point thankfully.

[sadie]

Rinaina,
I had a the problems with my throat too. I told the nurses that it felt like a piece of apple was stuck in my throat every time I swallowed. It got worse as time went on. It got to the point where I even hated swallowing my own saliva. At first, they thought it was Thrush because I had sores at the back of my tongue and they said it could work its way into the throat.
Then when I saw the dr, she said it sounded like acid reflux. She prescribed Prevacid and that did the trick. I was fine after that.
I was told by the nurses that I should be able to stop taking the Prevacid about 1 month after my chemo ended. I tried not taking it after 3 weeks (May 21st), and after 3 days the same feeling started coming back, so I'm still taking it, for now. I am going to try stopping again in another week or so. At that point I will be 5 weeks post-chemo. I will let you know how it goes.

[rinaina]

I am on nexium and was on it for a long time before starting chemo so I know this new feeling in my throat is not reflux, it is definitely more like a sore throat or a sore gland feeling in my throat. My tongue now has been burning for several days and most foods irritate it. There are no sores in my mouth or my tongue just a burning sensation on the front portion of my tongue.
Anyone else have this and what did you do for it? Even the biotene products irritate it. Help! I know these are little things to complain about and a lot of you have much bigger problems, but these are annoying nonetheless. Thanks once again for your help and for listening.

[sadie]

Rinaina,
Since it is not acid reflux, then I don't know what could be bothering your throat. Sorry. Definitely let your dr or nurses know about it. Don't wait for your next appt; Maybe they can fit you into their schedule asap & maybe prescribe something for the pain.
As for the burning on the front of your tongue: I had the same thing. To me, it felt like the after effect of sipping on a hot drink that burned your tongue. To help ease the pain/irritation, you can rinse your mouth with tepid water, use a non-alcohol mouth wash; do not eat anything salty or carbonated or spicy-hot. Ask the nurse or dr if there is anything that can ease the pain.
Good luck. Sorry I couldn't help more with the throat thing.

[rinaina]

Thank you Sadie, I just put a call into the onc nurse about several things. I have been using biotene products which are milder on the oral tissues and I know it's been said that if you rinse with salt water mixed with a bit of baking soda that helps healing as well. Thanks for your help. I appreciate it.