Together we can make sure every cancer patient has access to a wig free of charge.

Over the past five years, your donations have helped over 1,500 people benefit from a wig at Leeds Cancer Support.

One of these patients shares her cancer journey and how having access to a wig has helped her regain her confidence.

 

“I found a lump in my breast and didn’t think anything of it, but when it hadn’t gone down after a few weeks I thought it best to get checked out.

“It was just before Christmas and I was getting the last shopping and preparations done to help make it extra special for my 10 and 7 year old children. But time stopped when I was referred to the breast unit at the hospital just days before Christmas where I was told there and then after an ultrasound, mammogram and biopsy that it was likely to be cancer.

“It was hard for me to enjoy the festivities with my family, in the back of my mind I was constantly wondering ‘do I have cancer?’, ‘what happens next?’ and then on the 2^nd January, the worst was confirmed, I had cancer, what a start to the New Year.

“After taking in lots of information over the phone, I came into hospital for a face-to-face meeting and was told I would need an operation to remove the cancer.

“Before I knew it I was back in hospital for my life-saving operation, thankfully they removed all the cancer, but found a microscopic trace in one of my lymph nodes and I was told I would need chemotherapy treatment.

“I’m halfway through my six rounds of chemo, which will be followed by radiotherapy treatment. My cancer is hormonal based so after that I’ll need to have a monthly injection for five years and ten years of medication to keep my estrogen levels as low as possible, which also means going into early menopause.

“My biggest concern when I found out I needed chemo was losing my hair. After my first session I went into panic mode and wanted to make sure I had a wig ready, before I started losing my hair.

“I was delighted to be provided with a wig free of charge, and the hair loss specialist Julie gave me support and tips on how to style it so I felt like me, I went for a similar colour but something much shorter and it looks so natural. Julie was also a great emotional support when my hair started falling out dramatically and within a week I had lost almost all my hair.

“If I didn’t have my wig I wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving the house, I’m conscious of my bald patches and I personally feel wearing a scarf or turban make me look poorlier and unfortunately have an association with cancer, and I don’t want cancer to be my identity.

“Now, my wig is part of my daily routine when I get ready and I don’t feel like me without it, it’s my lifeline to the outside world.”