Because They're Worth It
Breast cancer specialists at University Hospital are hoping to open a hospital salon for patients needing wigs. The breast care unit currently order the wigs and they are delivered to a normal salon for fitting. Losing hair during treatment can be a traumatic experience for patients, and having to visit a high street salon for wig fittings only adds to the upset and worry.
Helen Francis, a breast cancer specialist nurse, is determined to provide a hospital based service for the women. She said: "Women lose their hair two or three weeks into chemotherapy. Their treatment is traumatic enough without adding problems with the wigs. That can often be the last straw for some women. At the moment, we order the wigs and they are delivered to a salon for fitting. It is my dream to have a dedicated wig room in the hospital with a selection of styles available rather than having to re-order and wait weeks for the right one."
A hospital salon would also mean the styling and trimming could be done by a wig specialist. One breast cancer survivor who knows a thing or two about this is former hairdresser Sharon Lees. Sharon, 43, of Hanford, is in remission following an operation and 18 months of treatment and medication. The nursery nurse recently raised over 1,500 pounds for the unit after undergoing six months of chemotherapy followed by five weeks of radiotherapy and a 12-month course of the breast cancer drug Herceptin.
Sharon said: "I had shoulder-length hair and I remember having my fittings weeks before I was due to lose my hair because I was so worried about going out with my bald head. It was upsetting when my hair came out. It would have been much easier if there had been a place in the hospital for wig fittings and support. Now I've caught the fund-raising bug. I'm already organising a fancy dress and karaoke charity night and I want to do the Race for Life."
Steve Rushton, Charitable Fund manager, said: "The breast cancer team have had so much support from fundraisers over the years. It's a service that really touches people's hearts and our staff really connect with the patients. The Salon is a fantastic idea, it will take a lot of time and effort to get off the ground but I’m sure it will be worth it."