Side effects from chemotherapy can include pain, anemia, fatigue, infection, pain, bleeding, memory changes, nausea, skin and nail changes, and pain, did I mention pain? Of all of these very serious side effects the one that bothers women greatly is hair loss - Alopecia . This is a tough one. Hair is so important for most women.
Gilda's (and many other places in the Nashville area) participate in the Look Good Feel Better program. That's a class where professionals show you many ways to wear a scarf and teach you how to wear makeup to perfect your look. Each participant gets a free kit of makeup specifially for their type of skin. The next class at Gilda's is March 26th.
For those who want to move beyond scarves, at least some of the time, Gilda's is holding a Free Wig Event. This class is for people who have experienced hair loss due to chemotherapy. Participants are invited to come try various styles and colors of wigs and take one home for free while supplies last. It sounds like it will be a fun event with light snacks provided.
The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Patient and Support Services is co-presenting the event. Thursday, March 22nd from 5-7:30 pm and Monday March 26th from 10 am to 1pm. Call 329.1124 for more information or to sign up.
And for those wanting to explore something really different, I have been playing with hat hair wigs this winter. I discovered them on Etsy and had a few custom made as gifts. They are so beautiful and soft it was hard for me to figure out how they were even made of yarn.
Check out the slide show to see just some of my faves. When you visit Etsy be sure to stop by these on line shops:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/89677818/fuzzy-purple-beanie
http://www.etsy.com/listing/90214147/furry-adult-chemo-wig-hat-reserved
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/PATThallowig.html
http://www.etsy.com/listing/94709933/furry-adult-dark-brown-chemo-wig-hat
http://www.etsy.com/listing/59912790/fall-leaves-hat-hair
However you choose to keep your head warm, dry and comfortable, have fun with it. I guarantee you'll look beautiful!
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