As a woman facing hair loss due to chemotherapy treatment, finding the right cancer wig or headscarf is probably at the top of your “to do” list.  Cancer-related hair loss is probably more traumatic for women than all of the other chemo side effects combined.

Let’s face it; chemotherapy is designed to do one thing – kill cancer cells.  Unfortunately, chemotherapy drugs cannot tell the difference between healthy cells and cancer cells, so it will also eliminate every other fast-growing cell in your body.  This includes hair and blood cells too.

Each chemotherapy drug works differently to target the growth patterns of cancer cells, so it is hard to say how long it will take to lose your hair.  Being prepared with a cancer wig that you love will help you get through this stressful time much more easily.

Chemotherapy Side Effects

Your doctor will talk to you about the best ways to manage chemotherapy side effects.  Remember, while these treatments may make you feel sick; the way you feel is not a result of your cancer, but rather your treatment.

Some common side effects of chemotherapy are:
• Fatigue
• Hair Loss
• Vomiting / Nausea
• Low white blood cell count
• Low red blood cell count
• Low platelet count

While there is very little you can do to prevent these side effects, there are ways you can keep them from bringing you down.  Getting a lot of rest and letting your family take care of you will help a lot.   For the effects of hair loss, the best thing you can do is get yourself a small collection of cancer headwear before your treatments begin.  In addition to a cancer wig, buy yourself a few chemotherapy scarves, a turban pad, and some stylish cancer hats.  It is amazing how well women respond to treatment when the burden of dealing with hair loss is already behind them.