Chemotherapy Support Group

hi, my 2 year old is having chemo and even though i can't physically relate to what it feels like to be bald i do understand how devastating and heartbreaking the hair loss can be. There are some beautiful head wraps that i have seen some patients wearing in my daughters oncology clinic. Its possible that my daughter may need more chemo as she gets older and it has worried me how she may miss her eyelashes and eyebrows. Apart from buying false eyelashes and coating them in mascara, eyebrows can actually be tattooed on at specialist beauty salons and can look very realistic. im unsure of where you are from to tell you where you could have this done if you were interested, but its worth looking on the net in your local area. i wish you all the best. xx

I have a close friend whose granddaughter, 10 years old, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. My friend doesn't "do" computers, so did some "legwork" for her, just as I'm doing now. I did find a web site that offered a product that is a hat with hair attached that she -- the granddaughter -- was able to use really easily. It made her feel great. they've got adult versions too. I'm new to the list and not sure what I can say. Am I allowed to tell the website?

ChemoHatsWithHair.com has several dozen hats, primarily for kids but also some for adults, that they are willing to donate to any organization that will proactively distribute them to those in need. I was surprised when they told me that they had people willing to accept them... 'just send them over'... but without any assurance that they will be expeditiously given to kids and adults who need them. Any suggestions as to who will do so?

I go between a wigs, bandannas, and hats. It is just whatever I feel like wearing that day.

HI,
When people look good, they tend to feel good. For the cancer patient, attitude can be half the battle. The horrors of the disease alone can be hard for some to face, but the hair loss that goes along with it can be a blow that's hard for many to take. To get involved in donating full wigs, hair or money to the cause, check with agencies such as Lock of Love or the American Cancer Society for programs in your region.

I was given a wig at the Cancer Center, even though they say that I would not lose my hair it has got thin (so thin you can read a paper through it on to). What I found is the wig makes you feel good, for a few minutes i pretend that hey I am the most beautiful woman in the word and it puts a smile n my face. So yes try the wig and if that don't work try the scarfs, my mom used both. god bless and you are in my prayers.

Hi,
Read this thread with interest, and thought you may like a guys perspective on this.
I started my chemo and for the first session clung onto my hair ok, but was warned I would lose all body hair including eye lashes, eye brows etc.
To be honest we had some fun with it, as the clumps started to stick to the pillow during round 2, and my 15 year old son was itching to shave it all off as I had never been a baldy before !
He got the electric razor and shaved me like marble, and it was a way of making it fun during a difficult time for him with exams and seeing his dad in this siutation etc. (Will still laugh about it now).
Obviously during my treatment I saw a number of ladies who nearly all wore bandana's during treatment.
I have seen some woman who wear wigs and to be honest (only a personal perception) I find it more blindingly obvious when I see a lady with a wig on, it somehow seems to draw a little more attention. Now don't get me wrong some look great and suit people, but in my personal opinion I don't even look twice when I see a woman with a shaved head now. Of course more girls are seen in this style who have not had treatment these days, something that was pointed out to me when I was bald about men. A large amount of men shave their heads now anyway so most people never realised I had been in for treatment.
Anyway just my own personal male perception, I guess it is what you feel comfortable with.
Good luck to all.

Losing your hair during chemo can be one of the most difficult experiences of cancer and I am proud that we live in a time where people can come together and openly and honestly discuss these issues. I know from personal experience how much people want to get back to looking like normal after chemo.
That said, people obviously want this transition from hair loss to their new normalcy to be as short as possible. If you're not into the idea of wearing a wig, and let's face it not everyone is, you should look into hair regrowth medicines. I know several people who used "Dr. Lewenberg's Hair Formula". This stuff is by far the best stuff on the market if you want to regrow your hair thick and quick. Dr. Lewenburg is located in NYC. You can only get the prescription and product from him though. I'm pretty sure you can get both the prescription and have the product sent to you without even going into the doctor's office (www.hairformula.com there's a whole section now specific for chemo
patients).

Hope this helps!

Stay strong folks and God Bless!