Hair Hair Hair - Another question
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I had a perscription, but when I got denied I pulled out my insurance book and it says it clear as day. Oh well, i would have bought them anyway, but would have been nicer if they had paid.
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Insurance companies do have the right to exclude wigs even if there a prescriptions for "cranial prosthesis". It is important to know your plan and read the fine print about exclusions and inclusions.
Wigs are not covered under my health insurance plan. Fortunately for me this was not a big deal. I did get fitted for a wig and never wore it. It looked like my hair - my color, my style. But I chose to have my husband buzz my hair down very short, went with my own head - no cover except for a cap to run in during the winter and about a handful of times due to a chill. It has worked for me.
And I don't say this lightly. Losing my hair was not a walk in the part. But overall I found it easier to deal with than I anticipated. Lashes were definitely harder.
What one woman wants or desires or doesn't is up to her. Knowing this is difficult for most I pray for peace in this for each of you wherever you end up - coverage or non-coverage or both.0 -
Like I said earlier, went to wig store today. Although everyone was so kind, I cried. I think they are use to it and we're very kind to me. Didn't find the right one, but was pleasently surprised how nice they looked.
Does anyone wear fake eyelashes? Or is it a preference thing?
Trying to prepare myself for something I know will be hard. You ladies have taught me SO much and you are all wonderful!0 -
Tpolychron,
I bought false eyelashes but never wore them. I lined my eyes with a thicker line than normal, but it didn't seem like my lashes were gone too long; it seemed like they came back pretty quickly.
Losing your hair is hard, and I am so sorry about your tears at the wig shop. Hang in there and keep reminding yourself that this will not last forever.
Wishing you peace, strength, and healing.0 -
Divine it is amazing how much your wig looks like your real hair.
I read some where when I was looking to buy my wig that it isn't a law in every state yet that insurance has to pay for at least a partial portion of hair prosthesis.But more and more states are jumping on board I was lucky enough that MA has joined and I got with my insurance I think 90% of cost up to $300.
I also recommend going to a wig salon not only because it is really important to try it because once its on your head it is way bulkier than it looks on the head form.Also I had to have mine made smaller since I apparently have a really small head,and what you may see on line or in a catalog has been shaped and styled some (they don't mention this) and depends on the model wearing it how long her neck is ETC and won't necessarily look the same.As an example I got one that looks like a bob on line coming only down to middle of the neck on the model on line and in the shop on me it is actually layered and comes down about 3 or 4 inches below the bottom of my neck.I never would have ordered it from what I saw on line but absolutely love it.I went with the heat resistant 30%/70% also so I can style and surprisingly the hair is really soft which I was surprised at as the synthetic to me are stiff and scratchy.I then brought it to my hair dresser to give me bangs and shape more.It also is mono and has a lace front so it is cooler. .I have to tell you I have worn this with my husband 5 siblings,spouses,children etc that I haven't told and no one even looked at me funny or questioned me.So it has to look like my old hair.It did cost me $550 going through the salon and would have been cheaper on line but wouldn't have fit,I never would have been what I would have ordered and would never have been able to pick the correct color.They ordered 3 for me in different color combos and I was able with there help to decide what was best for me.They also threw in the head stand and shampoo,conditioner and hair spray.But I would never have been able to deal without it not brave enough to go out topless though I am getting closer.
Tpolychron I did buy lashes but never needed them and to tell you the truth not sure if I could have dealt with putting them on.As Jillejo said if you use black liner and go close to the lash line and a bit thicker its really hard to tell if there are lashes or not.
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Tpoly: your tears while wig shopping are completely normal. Leading up to chemo and all of the tests and apps I had to have, I honestly cried at every single one. Crying is okay and very normal. Just know you are not alone.
If I were you I would wait on the eyelashes. I am now 16 days PFC and thankfully I never lost mine (praying that stays that way!) my lashes definitely thinned a lot but I am still able to wear mascara. I also have kept my eyebrows. False eyelashes can also be tricky because chemo makes your eyes very sensitive.. At least it did me. And false eyelashes can cause infection, or so I've read. I also purchased some anastasia brow powder ( supposed to be the best) in preparation to lose my brows, and I haven't had to use it at all. So, I think you're okay waiting a bit to decide and see what ends up happening to yours.
Best of luck.. And sending good thoughts your way
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Tpoly: Like Diane, I am 18 days PFC. I have my eyelashes and eybrows, albeit, not the stuff I had before, but am able to wear mascara and use a little brow powder (again, I agree with Diane--Anastacia is great!). I also cried when I went wig shopping for the first time. I had to leave. I was too upset by the prospect of my hair loss, even though I knew it was inevtiable. I went to a hair salon that specializes in wigs the second time. She had a private room; I took two friends and they helped me decide. I get a ton of compliments on my new "hair cut". I am thinking about getting a second wig...
LmLOLA; What brand was yor wig?
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Cricketts answer for cancer will provide free wigs for those whose insurance does not cover. They are a wonderful organization. The website is www.crickettsanswerforcancer.org
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It's been almost a year since I stopped wearing a wig. I started going topless two months after my last chemo. When my hair began growing back, it had a slight wave. Now it is pretty much back to its former straight ways. It won't do much for me in the Ohio humidity. Here's my timeline...while my hair was growing back, I had two very small hair cuts. My hair no longer holds the nice shape it had just at the beginning of last month...but I won't complain!
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I ended up having a custom, real hair wig made. It was not cheap ($1,500) but I'm so happy with it. The salon specializes in wigs for cancer patients. I went in before I lost my hair and the measured my head, took note of the color and cut. The second visit was to cut the wig exactly to the style I had. It even had roots! They showed me how to care for it which was simple. Wash it with shampoo and conditioner every two weeks, let it air dry, then use a flat iron. There are only 3 people I work with who know I have BC. Everyone else has no clue Im wearing a wig. I was complimented the other day on what nice hair I have! If they only knew what it took to get it!
I have about one half inch of hair now and have started going topless on the weekends with friends and family. My plan is to ditch the wig around September after a clean up cut and some color. When I'm asked why I cut my hair so short? It was time for a change.0 -
Mardibra - which salon did you use? I'm also in the Boston area.
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THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR THE SUPPORT!!!
A few of you ladies were saying "no one at work knew I was wearing a wig". Does that mean you were strong enough to go to work. I'm on summer vacation and debating whether I should take a leave. Personally, I'm ok about discussing my dx so I plan on explaining to my class. But they will then definitely know I'm wearing a wig. But I guess I have to get use to the idea that I'm doing this for ME not THEM.0 -
TP: Will you be receiving chemo once school starts? If so, that may be the decision-breaker. I worked the entire time I was going through chemo and usually took 1-2 days off the day of and a few days later. I work from home a lot, but have an office, but usually didnt' show up to the office until at least 7 days after my treatments. Too much of a risk for infection. I have a very understanding manager.
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Polychron, we are self-employed, so I can set my own schedule for the most part. I did work through most of my treatment, but not at full steam. Towards the end of treatment (chemo #7 and 8 and the rads) I was pretty beat. But the first 3-4 months, I was quite ok for the most part. Also, I found that I needed some time off AFTER completing treatment, to recuperate, gather my thoughts and so on. So maybe you are better off asking for leave in the spring than for the upcoming semester.
What is your treatment plan?0 -
I start chemo next week and I have 8 cycles. So I think that puts me in November-ish. Then surgery.
I'm the planning-organizational type and this is driving me nuts that I can't control this. (hence all the questions I keep bugging you girls with!)0 -
Divine
That was a great wig! So much like your own hair, no wonder no one ever noticed. I'm pretty much where you were in pic #1 and can't wait until I have something that resembles a cute pixie like #3.
AEM
The comment from the hiker must have made your day for sure!
Tpoly
I thought about false eyelashed but them remembered the last time I wore some for a Haloween party a few years ago. They drove me a little crazy all night and taking them off pulled out a few lashes. My eyelashed and brows thinned but never totally fell out and I like others just wore some extra eyeliner and brow shadow and it did the trick. A friend of mine that lost their Mom to colon cancer and nursed her until the end was very hesitant to visit me out of fear. We also lost a good friend 2 years ago as well. When she did her face lit up because I didn't look the way she thought I would, ie bald faced, very thin etc.
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ellamilana.....I lost about 95 percent of my hair and the hair that remained continued to grow during my treatments. I shaved it after #2 because it was really odd looking because it was growing so rapidly. I am now 7 days PFC and that hair continues to grow. It does look like peach fuzz, or really more like a baby ostrich look. I can see a bit of a 5 o'clock shadow coming in where the hair fell out. I'm really excited. Although I know it will be a while before I can be comfortable going topless, I know there's light at the end of the tunnel.
I was one that couldn't stand my wig. It cost approximately $300 (a gift) and wore it once to a wedding. I was so miserable, I left early. It was 100 degrees outside and it was very uncomfortable. My insurance (BC/BS) didn't reimburse me for it. I have worn pre-tied scarves and have received many compliments on them.They are very comfortable as well. I also had a meltdown at the wig shop. I think that's why I made a mistake in my wig decision. I tried so hard to match my long, thick hair. I should have gone for a shorter, lightweight style. Divine's look fabulous!
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mardibra I also wore my wig all the time. I had it cut couple times to get the style I wanted and like you no one knew it was wig. The day I went topless few people asked me if I cut my hair so short for the summer.It has been 1 year 5 months since chemo and I have lots of hair now. The first time I colored my hair I looked like a dalmatian, the color did not take in some places. I had to have it colored again the next day. I have had no problems since.TP many women work through chemo but it depends on the side effects you get. I work from home and my side effects were manegable. I did take naps every afternoon though.0
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Momine.......How much time did you take off after treatment to get back on your feet? I will have to go back to work full-time, 2 jobs, 12-14 hr days with 24 hour blocks on call. My job is very physically demanding and a reduced work schedule is not an option. My insurance company only wants to give me 2 weeks but my doctor wants to give me 5 weeks. I'm scared 2 weeks isn't enough. Plus, I have to go into 6 weeks of radiation soon.0
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Tpoly I also work at a school. I was like Liberty and worked the whole time, taking sick days as needed. Everyone is different, but for me working was a good thing. Being busy and being able to see my students was helpful. Kids can be so amazing! I referred to working as "the only thing normal in my life, when nothing else was". I think it was helpful to have something that was normal and routine.
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THIS MAY SOUND LIKE A SILLY QUESTION, CAN U DYE YOUR WIG, I HAVE GOT MY HEAD SHAVED AS IT WAS STARTING TO SHED, MY WIG LOOKED FINE IN THE SALON BUT ATER WEARING IT A FEW TIMES I THINK I WOULD LIKE IT A LITTLE DARKER, IT HAS BLOND HIGHLIGHTS (MY NATURAL COLOUR IS AUBURN)AND I THINK IT MAKES ME PALE LOOKING. I ONLY LIKE TO WEAR IT FOR A FEW HRS AT A TIME WHEN AT HOME I LIKE SCARVES AT LEAST THEY CAN BE COLOURFUL, BUT I HAVENT VENTURED OUT WITH SCARF ON, DONT KNOW HOW PEOPLE WILL REACT
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Poly, yes, it is very annoying for the types A among us to have to accept the unpredictability of this, lol. Don't worry about asking, you should ask.
If you are starting next week, and you do the normal every 3weeks schedule with 8 chemos, you will be done end of December. If you decide to work through chemo, you will still need some days off here and there, most likely. But if thatisnOK with your employer, it should be doable.
You will then have 3 weeks "off" before and after surgery, and your surgery will most likely be in January and followed by rads, I assume. The surgery made me very tired. I did not have a lot of pain, nor any complications, all went very smoothly, but I was TIRED and for quite a while. So if you can take leave for surgery, rads and recuperation, I would do that if I were you (which, obviously, I am not
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RN, in my humble opinion 2 weeks is NOT enough and your doc is right to want to give you five.
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rn4babies that sounds like a very demanding schedule. If you can take the 5 weeks I think it would be better. You want your body to heal and not be stressed.In my case the reason I felt "lazy" in the afternoons was because my RBC and WBC were way below normal. Once my blood levels became within normal range I felt very good and had lots of energy.0
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Rose willow it depends on the type of wig you have I believe. Mine is human hair and mine can be dyed and highlighted. In fact, the place I purchased it highlighted mine a couple of weeks ago as it was fading. They highlight it and wash it etc. for me as all part of the purchase price.
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I'm getting chemo every other week.
seems aggressive but I'll do what it takes to get better.
Does hair grow during radiation? Does radiation make you sick and tired too? When my dad had radiation for his prostate cancer he lost leg hair but that's it and worked everyday. (but I think he also hid a lot from us 'kids')0 -
Yes, that is aggressive and means you will be done sooner. Yournhair does start to grow during rads. How affected people are by rads seems to vary a lot. I felt relatively fine, but sort of fatigued. When the rads were all done, I had another 4-6 weeks of basically being ready for bed by 6pm. I did not feel "bad" but my energy was severely limited. By the way, you say you have mets, where?.
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m4babies i had 4 tx of TC 3 weeks apart. I wasn't working at the time. The first two tx were fine I was just a little anxious from the steroids but I could have worked. After the 3rd and 4th tx I felt like i had the flu for about a week. I was fine 3 weeks after my last tx once it was out of my system. I went on the road with my husband as co pilot from Kansas City to Corpus Christy texas thenf rom there to Pittsburgh PA and back to Kansas City. I was even still able to un load the pick up turck in 20 mins.0
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I worked throughout chemo. I had dose dense AC and T (every two weeks). It was not easy but I managed ok. I worked "from the chair" on tx day and worked from home the day after but probably could have gone into the office. I was very tired and was probably about 50% of normal energey level but tried very hard to not make that noticeable. I probably showed 75% of normal energy level. I normally would work a 10-12 hour day but during chemo is was a 7-8 hour day and that was a lot. The minute I got home I immediately went to bed for a few hours. After chemo i had a 4 week span before MX. I felt pretty good at surgery time. It was recomended that I take 4 weeks off after surgery but my BS said that she would be ok if I took off 2 weeks and then worked from home for 2 weeks. As it turns out the MX was much easier than i thought it would be and I was back working after one week (i was bored to tears!).There was another 4 week wait until radiation started. I arranged it so that I was there every day either first thing in the morning or the last appointment of the day. I was told that i would get tired and I thought there is no way it could be as bad a chemo. I did get tired but nothing like chemo. I finished rads on 7/3 and and im starting to get my mojo back! Tamoxifen started about 10 days ago and aside from a few hot flashes i have no SE's. Next step is DIEP reconstruction next year. Oh, I received rads to my axilla area (underarm) and I have not had to shave since! Little blessings!
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I have a part-time job in an elementary school. My chemo treatments were once very three weeks; I had six total treatments. My chemo was on Wednesday, so I would take that day off and not return to work until the following Wednesday. Then I'd work for two more weeks and take a week off after chemo, ect. It worked out well, I had no trouble getting the time off. I agree with others who say working helps keep your mind occupied on things other than cancer.
Being around all those small kids who come down with all manner of illnesses, I still never got sick from them. I got a Neulasta shot after each chemo treatment, and it probably helped to take a week off following each treatment.
Radiation: it is a different kind of rough than chemo. I had to go every day after work for 33 treatements. I had extreme fatigue and was much more emotional. I didn't take any sick days off during that time.
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