I don’t know if this is the right box to include the Alopecia Universalis I’ve had since I was 4 and 1/2. I lost all my hair in a matter of months. So far, they don’t have any treatments for it.

Stats

Posts: 75

Photos: 27

Events: 0

My Supporters: 47

I Support: 36

Comments: 108

Elana Graves's Cancer Blog

Information about Wigs

Hi everyone!

I just had a thought. Since I have worn wigs since I was 4 years old, I thought maybe I could offer some advice for those of you who are purchasing a wig for the first time.

I am wearing a wig in each and every picture I post.

The wig industry takes serious advantage of cancer and alopecia patients who need to wear wigs on a daily basis.

Please be careful when going to a Wig Store. Even the ones that are referred to you by the cancer treatment centers.

Yes, there are stores where they go that extra mile to make you feel comfortable. But the mark up on the wigs can be as much as 800%. Especially when shopping for a human hair wig.

Your best bet would be Ebay. I have bought my last 10 wigs from vendors on Ebay. The last wig I bought is a custom Jacqueline wig. This company, when you buy from them directly would charge about $800 for the human hair, mono top, wig I bought on Ebay. I purchased it as a “Buy It Now” for $149.00 plus shipping.

Also, most insurance companies do not cover wigs. But you can claim them as a medical deduction on your federal tax return.

If anyone ever has any questions regarding buying a wig, how to care for the wig, etc… please feel free to ask me. I will do whatever I can to help you choose the best wig and get the absolute best price.

Many hugs and blessings,

Rose

Posted on April 19, 2009 at 1:46:14 PM by Elana Rose Graves (Information about Wigs, 3 comments, 895 views)

Rose,
I admire your can do attitude. You are able to see the sunny side of life :) You are an inspiration! I hope you are feeling better after all that tooth pulling.
I’m due for my 1 year anniversary post radiation PET Scan in two weeks. The docs tell me it’s an important one as recurrence is most likely in the first two years. I know you are schedule to start your radiation pretty soon. I’ll be thinking of you, but i know you will get through this and from the tone of your posts you are mentally prepared.
God bless you and your strength.

Posted on April 19, 2009 at 7:39:23 PM by Jacques Ditte

Rose that is such great advice. I never would have thought of that – I went to a wig store before my chemo started just to be prepared and was shocked at how much a wig cost. I ended up not needing one, thank goodness, but for what I wanted to spend (say about $200) there wasn’t much out there that didn’t look like Barbie hair.

Heidi

Posted on April 20, 2009 at 6:32:10 AM by Heidi

Hi Elana!

That is really great information. Fortunately, I haven’t needed one at this point, but I have looked and know that they are just outrageous! My hairdresser recently completed the “Feel Good, Look Good” training that the American Cancer Society offers and informed me she is now carrying wigs in her salon at cost. She was astounded how people in need were getting ripped off. So if I ever need to go down that road I know where to go. :o)

I hope you are feeling well & enjoying that Chico weather. It was 82 degrees here today. Last week it was snowing, this week in the 80’s…Susanville weather for ya!

Hugs,

Monica