Naperville Sun HealthAware column:
American Cancer Society Wig Boutique for all cancer patients in region
April 23, 2012
Many women who bravely face the rigors of cancer treatment are shaken by the side effect of losing their hair. Take it from 44-year old Amy Long who went through chemotherapy and radiation for breast cancer recently, while continuing to work as a pediatric oncology nurse.
"The idea of losing my hair was one of the things that bothered me most," she says.
The Plainfield resident received her treatments at Edward Cancer Center in Plainfield where Deborah Hartman works as a social worker. Hartman suggested Long check the wigs available at the American Cancer Society (ACS) Wig Boutique located in the center.
The boutique, which has provided 161 women with wigs since it opened in June 2010, is one of six DuPage County ACS locations that offer a brand new wig free to anyone in the region who's receiving cancer treatment. Trained volunteers at all the locations help with fitting and selection.
"It's a very emotional thing to experience hair loss,” says Hartman. “It's nice to have this service and it's especially convenient for people receiving treatment here. And, at a time when many are struggling with financial concerns, it's great that it's free."
When Long went in for her first appointment at the boutique she was a little apprehensive.
"It was important to me that I look as close to normal as possible, especially when I went to work,” she says. “I didn't know how that would work out."
Hair stylist Missy Saenz, an American Cancer Society volunteer, joined Long for her appointment. Saenz teaches the ACS program, "Look Good, Feel Better," and also offers an initial free trim and styling of boutique customers' wigs in her Woodridge hair salon. Saenz helped Long make her final selection of a blonde, layered and shoulder-length wig. Once trimmed, it fit the bill perfectly.
"No one who knew me before, except for my family and close friends, knew I was wearing a wig,” says Long. “I've gotten more compliments on it than I did on my own hair. Looking good really can help you feel better."
Long also recommends the "Look Good, Feel Better" class, which the ACS offers at the Edward Cancer Centers in both Plainfield and Naperville. The free program provides cancer patients with about $300 in make-up, and tips on skin and nail care during treatment.
For information about or an appointment at the Wig Boutique, call (630) 932-1151 or (800) 227-2345.
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