Hair Loss and Hope Stories
Sharing your Hair Loss & Hope Story with us at Wigs for Heroes is an integral part of building support within the cancer community.
It helps our newly diagnosed friends gain insight into what they can expect and provide a hand to hold during one of the most vulnerable times of their lives. As well as helping families, carers and friends.
Increasing public awareness of the impact cancer treatment can have on us both mentally and physically, and how Wigs for Heroes can support patients throughout their journeys, especially via social media is a great way of motivating others to take action.
SIMONE’S STORY
You’re about to be bombarded with information and advice but you are the only one in your shoes. Your cancer is your war and YOU CAN WIN…one battle at a time.
Back in 2014, I got diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Then in 2017 I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), and my reaction? “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?”. For the next 5.5 years I went through four rounds of chemo and regular blood transfusions.
I am now post active treatment and experiencing hair thinning, doctors have confirmed that both cancers are stable and I don’t need any more treatment at the moment. I am however going in for blood transfusions every 3 weeks, and that keeps me going.
I kept my hair during 6 rounds of VTD. 10 days after starting DT Pace, it was all gone in about 12 hours. I had no hair….anywhere. The thing that scared me the most was my baby niece seeing me without my hair and being scared of me and that I might have an ugly head. The steroids had also caused me to double in size, so I just felt incredibly insecure and masculine. I became depressed and wanted to hide away. I completely lost my confidence.
I spoke to the lovely ladies at the McMillan centre at Kings College Hospital. They were so helpful and gave me practical advice that was actually helpful. It gave me a little hope for the future. That was all I needed. My family and friends tried to support me, but just telling me to keep my chin up and that I’m still pretty when I dress up and pile on make up didn’t help.
It’s now been about 5 year since I 1st lost my hair. It doesn’t grow more than about an inch and has bald patches. I keep it cut very low or use a little curling gel when it’s a little longer. I’ve discovered a love for hats, make up and big earrings. Now I’ve found my new style, I feel strong, powerful and confident. It took a lot of strength and work on myself to get here and I still have low days. But, I’m Simone again and that feels great.
Gabrielle’s Story
“Talk about it. The more you talk the better you will feel. You are never alone. The world is a beautiful place, and help is always available. Be sure to listen to yourself and recognize how you feel. Every single minute of every hour of everyday, from the moment being diagnosed will be different and be prepared for that. But, don’t do it alone. You are loved.”
In January 2023 I was diagnosed with Small Cell Neuroendocrine Cervical Cancer (rare and aggressive), which has also spread to my liver. I am currently ongoing treatment, receiving chemotherapy and have just finished my fourth cycle, experiencing changes to my hair.
Even though I was returning back to the hospital after receiving the call “ can you come back in, your results are in and the Doctor wants to talk them through with you” it was still a complete shock. I had been having regular checks ups with my gynecologist over the past three months, treating infections, and trying to pin point what the cause of it was. I was also up to date with my smear tests so the idea of cancer was not on my radar.
So much so, that I sauntered back to the hospital with the assumption they were changing up my medication, another dose of antibiotics. I would like to add here that I hold no grudges with my care from my doctors, they are incredible, but the woman’s body is a beautiful yet complex being.
I had always loved my hair. It was a big part of my daily routine, and I loved styling it. I’ll also admit that I loved the compliments I received. After Cycle 1 I decided to “go short” and actually really enjoyed the idea of “ when would I ever take this plunge and be so daring”. Again, I loved the compliments, the bravery and I was having fun styling with wax.
However, 21 days later after cycle 2 my hair fell from the front. I could have covered with scarves but that wasn’t for me, so with the help of my boyfriend, who is my rock, we had fun and shaved it all off! I am lucky that 4 cycles down, I still have my eyelashes and eyebrows, but I’m dreading the day these go. Who doesn’t love a full, black voluminous mascara! But, I’m prepped with my magnetic lashes and again, enjoy these new things!
What I am loving is no under arm hair and no bikini line hair- this is especially a massive win as I live in Asia!
It was hard, still is. But, I take each day as it comes. If I want to go out with my bald head, I’ll do it. If I want to style my look with scarves and hats then I’ll do that. This is a process, which I am learning to understand and that means listening to those around me when they remind me that everything is beautiful, but mainly listening to myself and listening to how I feel each day.
I live as an expat in Singapore, so the medical care and treatment is different to that at home in the UK (or so I believe). Since it is private health care, processes like that are not connected and so I wasn’t really offered advice or support. I was offered a leaflet and information on cold capping, and decided against it. Every question I have had, I have asked my Oncologist and he has helped me in every possible way.
I could not fight this without the support of my family, boyfriend, colleagues, medical care and even strangers. I created an Instagram page to keep people up to date. It was very overwhelming at first to reply to everyone who showed their love and support. By setting up my page I was able to connect with them in a broader sense. The messages that I receive are the most sincere act of love I have ever received. Thank you to everyone!
I am laughing at the moment, as we have noticed my hair is coming back, but it’s very fuzzy. I joked saying I resembled an Easter chick, just in time for Easter weekend. I am pretty sure this will fall out again, but for now, it’s a strong look! Ha!
Jacqueline’s Story
“To anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, my message is this, there will be dark days, there will be good days but everyday is one step closer to the life you deserve to live. A life filled with growth, hope, dreams, goals, happiness and endless possibilities. Have faith in yourself, you can do this!”
I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in September 2022. I’ve had 6 Cycles of R-CHOP Chemotherapy and finished my treatment with signs of hair growth.
In all honesty, I am still trying to work out my thoughts and feelings following my diagnosis. I blocked out a lot, as a way to mentally protect myself, which allowed me to focus solely on my physical health.
I am now in a place where i am able to explore all my emotions and thoughts, with the support of family, friends and a therapist.
I was told by my CNS that I would likely lose all my hair as a result of the chemotherapy treatment. After my second cycle of R-CHOP, my hair loss journey began. I attempted to gain some control of my hair loss by cutting my hair into a bob, in hopes that a cut might slow down the process but within two days more and more hair fell and enormous bald patches made their way across my head. One day I just had enough, my hair wouldn't stop falling out and my heart couldn't face watching it anymore, I knew it was time to shave my head.
As a black woman passionate about embracing my natural hair, having my hair fall out felt very much like a loss of identity.
I was supported at my hospital in trying on wigs and viewing their catalogue of wigs however, there were no wigs available which resembled my natural hair. I sourced wigs independently and would wear them occasionally, but for me it felt like I was hiding behind the wigs and using them as a way to not face what was happening. It was important for me to embrace my new reality and learn to love myself inside and out.
I have a very supportive network of friends and family who were with me every step of the way however, unless you have experienced hair loss through cancer personally, it is very hard to truly understand. I reached out to Wigs For Heroes to connect with people who had first hand experience of cancer and the trauma associated with the plethora of side effects of chemotherapy, of which hair loss is merely one. When I attended my first coffee morning with Wigs For Heroes I immediately felt at ease, it was very much an "I have met my tribe" moment. We laugh, we cry, we see and uplift each other at every stage of the journey.
I have now finished treatment and I am currently in remission, which is an incredible feeling. My hair is slowly starting to grow back but it is much less of an "issue" to me now. I have been blessed with a new chapter and for me that involves focusing on all that I have and allowing myself the time to heal from all that I have lost.