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Chemotherapy and cancer treatments themselves take a heavy toll to even the hardiest of persons, it's painful and can trigger physical and mental stress, not to mention the side effects from the treatments that comes along with it.

One of the most dreadful yet most common outcome is chemotherapy hair loss. Certain medications in cancer drugs can definitely kill your healthy cells too like your hair follicles leading to temporary hair loss.

In most cases, your hair will usually grow back after you stop taking the medications but the best temporary answer for you is to get a cancer wig while waiting.

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First Few Steps to Take

Before you plan to buy a cancer wig, there are many options and alternatives that you should take into account.

1. Consult your doctor
   Even though most chemotherapy drugs can spark off hair loss, it's best to discuss with your doctor the degree of the situation and whether it's critical for you to get a wig. Most chemotherapy drugs might induce hair loss, some might not, it all really depends on the type of drugs you are using.
2. Make Your Insurance Company Pay
   Hey, why are you paying thousands annually for insurance anyway? In times like this, they are the one that should be in the front lines in your battle. Hair loss due to chemotherapy can cause tremendous emotional stress and stress itself can lead to more health issues. Most good health insurers provide coverage for 'hair prosthesis' (a medical term for custom made cancer wig). If your doctor thinks you need one, ask him for a prescription.
3. Cut your hair short First
   If you have long hair, it's best to cut it as short as possible. You will be more depressed seeing it fall off in bulks during treatment. Besides, short hair styles are easier to maintain and you won't feel the vast difference when you start losing hair. If you are going to use a cancer wig, it's much more easy to wear with short hair too.
4. Getting the right cancer wig
   If you do not intend to let other people know you are suffering from chemotherapy hair loss, the best way is to talk to your hair stylist in private. Get some personal time with him or her to share views about your hair loss condition. He or she can provide the best advice and also can style your new wig to suit your current hair style.
5. Get some other head gears for daily use too.
   Cancer wigs can be very uncomfortable and irritating at times so it's best to get other head wears when you are at home. There are many options like
   • Scarves
   • Side pieces
   • Caps
   • Head Covers

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Getting Your Wig

I totally understand how it is to shop for a hairpiece. As a hair loss sufferer myself, I find it hard approaching a salesperson to look for the right hair loss product. Even visiting a wig shop to have a look is enough of a paranoia for me as I always wondered whether the people will stare at my head.

However, you must loosen up and understand that these people understand your situation and are very attentive and willing to help you because a lot of their customers are cancer sufferers too. So don't be shy and get it over with. You can visit when there are fewer customers like working hours or when the shop opens.

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Getting Your Cancer Wig Online

If you are still shy to go to the shop, one good solution is to do it online. There are many good online wig stores that are dedicated for cancer patients and other hair loss conditions.

Reliable online retailers like HeadCovers.com sell all sorts of cancer wigs and other related products for very attractive prices. If you are not satisfied with your wig, they also offer a return policy for cancer wigs. Then again, to save trouble, make sure you have done all the necessary research before you place your order online.

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Getting Much Needed Support

Fighting cancer is hard and expensive. As most of your resources will be channeled to fight the disease, and if your insurance company doesn't cover hair prosthesis, you might not be a financial position to purchase a cancer wig for yourself. There is no need to be concern

?Because cancer does not sleep, neither will we for this one day.? Lynn Brown quote

American Cancer Society

One of the most important support group to join is the American Cancer Society (ACS). They can provide you with recommendations for the best cancer wig retailers and salons. If you are looking for a free wig, you can try locating their offices or call 1-877-227-1596 for queries and procedures.

One of the main contributor of free wigs to ACS is Pantene Beautiful Lengths. The charity drive allows people to donate hair for cancer patients who lost their hair.

If you have hair to donate, please do help those in need. You can of course contact the above organization for more details.

CancerCare

CancerCare is a non profit organization providing free and professional support to cancer patients. They also offer free cancer wigs free of charge. If you need to ask any questions pertaining your condition or you want to request a free wig, do contact CancerCare here.

Wigs for Kids

Wig for Kids was founded 25 years ago by Jeffrey Paul, a famous professional hair dresser because he wanted to help her niece overcome her hair loss due to cancer.For children under the 18 years old, they are eligible to receive a free wig from Wigs for Kids. Click here to find out more.

Log the miles you walk towards a breast cancer walk for a good cause. Spread breast cancer awareness and show that you care.

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Returning a Favor

If you ever need a free wig, do remember to return the favor when you recover from your illness. When your hair grows back, do find a time to donate your locks to these associations. Help and be help, that's how the world keeps revolving.

Albert Schweitze Quotes

"Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light."

Elizabeth Bibesco Quotes

"Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting."

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