Ahead of Our Time
Living with Permanent Chemo-Induced Alopecia
Ahead of Our Time
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Wigs, tips & other bits
Wonderful News
Twenty years ago when I co-founded the support group, I had no idea we'd still be here, together, all these years later.
I have struggled through most of those years, fumbling around in the abyss trying to find a way to feel complete again, to be ME, the Shirley I was before Taxotere (Docetaxel) robbed me of my hair and mental health.
I have got on with my life but the reflection in the mirror or shop window has always been a daily reminder. I hated always being perceived as someone who was sick, a cancer patient, frail and someone far older that her years. Throwing myself into raising awareness and helping other women has been my rock and gave me a purpose.
Then February 2025 something rather extraordinary happened!
It's been like a miracle
During 2024 I decided to grow my straggly hairs out to see if I could scrape back into a ponytail and maybe add products etc to the front to try and get away with it. It looked dire! A complete disaster. There was no hope of ever doing anything with it and it was still so incredibly fine that no clips, grips or combs would grasp the hair - everything just slid off. I was pondering what I was going to do as I approached 67 years. What the hell was I going to look like in another five years! My husband kept telling me to shave it off but I couldn't, I thought I would look even more like a cancer patient. I was wrong...
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At the beginning of February 2025, a miracle happened! Yes, it feels like a miracle to me.
I was contacted by a German wig company who specialise in alopecia wigs, hair replacements, toppers and more. They asked for a zoom meeting after which they asked me if I would be interested in becoming a Brand Ambassador. I was sceptical at first because I hated wigs! The synthetic wigs I'd had in the past I hated (apart from one attached to a headband) as I couldn't cope with the feel of the synthetic hair on my neck, they itched, moved, slipped and too hot. I decided many years ago that wigs were not a solution for me.
However, this company gave me confidence and I couldn't help but feel that at the time I was thinking about how I was going to manage the next stage of my life feeling like I did, that it was some kind of sign. So, I said yes. Then I got stressed, really stressed! How could I promote something if I still hated wigs? I signed my contract, took my head measurements (3 times), picked density, colour, length and material of the cap. I chose silk.
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I was skeptical about how I would get a wig fitting done online?
The day my parcel arrived I couldn't wait to open it...there is was, looking at me begging to try it on. I waited for the online meeting for the fitting an hour later. I needn't have stressed! It was no different to being in a hair salon trying it on. Easy!
When I saw myself in the 'raw' European human hair wig, I was transported back in time to October 2005. I was looking back at the former Shirley, the carefree one before breast cancer struck! I wanted to weep.
After the initial first minute I notice the cap felt very tight, but they told me it was probably because I had been living in soft turbans and hats for years. I wasn't sure but he was right. Within 10 mins I had forgotten about it! They are truly experts in this field.
New Direction
I am 100% authentic, genuine and transparent. With my hand on my heart I can say I am bursting with happiness! It's like breast cancer didn't happen, it's like I wasn't depressed for years about my hair, I'm truly happy, love my new 'hair', feel attractive again and love the reflection in my mirror! I wear it all day from morning to night.
I have had so many wonderful messages from family members and friends that knew be pre - cancer, saying how happy they are to see me back to my old effevesant self!
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New Direction
Where does this leave me with regards to raising awareness about pCIA, the support group and this website?
The above will not change, I'm still here doing what I do and that won't stop. However, how I feel now I want to spread the word that you can feel the same. You can throw off the shackles of pCIA! If I can, so can you.
I realise that human hair, custom made wigs are more expensive than synthetic ones but it's a false economy as synthetic wigs don't last long especially if you want to wear them every day.
These wigs made my Heads Volumed can last years if you look after it and the after care service, I have found it second to non!
I do not represent the company, I just want to share how I feel and how it's changed my life completely.
If you have any questions just speak to them. I'm going to add the link to their landing page which was specially put together for the Ambassadors.
There's a drop down where you have to put your referral so if you can scroll down till you reach 'Shirley' - and to be fully transparent I will earn a small commission. It will help keep this website running which costs almost 400 euros per year to keep running.
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From this
To this - no glue or tape needed with their special design caps!
And not only that but I went to the hairdresser and got highlights put in, getting the whole experience for the first time in 20 years - fantastic!
