In 1995 I learned I had Stage II Breast Cancer. I had positive lymph nodes. So, that meant I had to take the powerful Adriamiacin drug known as the RED DEVIL. It is the chemo that makes the hair fall out.
They told me I had 10 days to 2 weeks after my first chemo until my hair would come out. I started scouring the wig stores to find some wigs because I had to work full time and look normal.
I have a large head and lots of hair so, it was really hard to find a place to help me. I went in one store and the owner yelled at me "If you not buy, you not touch". Next, I found myself in the parking lot crying with my hair coming out in my hands.
I started thinking, "If I feel like this then how many other women feel like this". I was in the dental field at the time so; I quit and went to work at a wig store. I liked it so much I decided to go to Beauty School and get my Cosmetology license so I could cut and thin wigs and basically customize the wig on the person so it would look and feel natural.
After graduating from Beauty School I worked at another store fitting wigs. But I had always dreamed of opening my own store. Soon, I decided on the south side of Oklahoma City because everything was on the north side and I thought that there was a need for this service on the south so that's where I located my new shop.
A few friends directed me to my location in Chatenay Square and I just love it. We fit breast prosthesis in addition to the wigs. We also file Medicare and other insurance for our patients.
After opening the store 10 years and 3 months from my first breast cancer diagnosis I was told I had cancer again in the same breast. The first time I did chemo and radiation with a lumpectomy. After making it 10 years I was told there was only a 3% chance it would return, well here it was again. To tell you the truth I felt much betrayed by this "C" word. I didn't fit any of the criteria for having cancer in the first place. You know; no history, no smoking, breast fed my children, ate right, not too overweight. There is no figuring this stuff out I have come to find out over the years you just fight with all of your might.
You just fight. I envision the boxing gloves to be hot pink with rhinestones around the cuffs and of course, lipstick to match. What other choice do we have? People say... “You're so strong!” Yes, we are. I have made up my mind I know I'm going to go someday (we all do sooner or later) but I know the big "C" won't take me, it will be something else.
I didn't feel a lump this time after 10 years, I just felt so tired as if someone pulled the plug and all my energy went running out. I made an appointment with my breast imaging center. They did a mammogram and as I sat in the little room in my drape waiting on the results I knew in my heart it was back.
Sure enough, the technician came in and told me that she may have taken the picture with a fold in my breast tissue and needed to take another picture. I said to her that it was okay to tell me that I had cancer again because I already felt as though it was back again. She looked at me very strange and said "Well, let’s just see". Sure enough the mammogram showed the dark spot near the chest wall.
The next thing I knew, I was in another room getting an ultrasound and they were going to place a metal marker in the spot and do a biopsy, all in the same hour. Driving home that day I did not know for sure yet because the biopsy had to be sent to the lab, but I was told it looked like it was probably cancer.
I got the results the next day, It Was Cancer! The options were to take off one breast, both breasts, rebuild or not to rebuild the breasts. After speaking with my doctor, I chose to have both breasts removed, and since reconstruction was an option that's what I decided to have done.
Since I was radiated in 1995 I had to go with a Tram-flap on the left breast with an implant on the right side. It came out beautifully and I'm truly happy. I wear the same bra size as I did before and I feel GOD and great physicians have worked miracles.
In every way, I can truly sympathize with each and every woman that walks through my doors. There are always so many questions and that's why I am here for you.
We will just sit back and take things slowly and I'll teach you everything you need to know about the care of wigs and how to wear them. I know that there are many reasons why women may need wigs and as a professional cosmetologist I will work with you to give you personalized help in meeting your unique appearance needs.
We also help those with Alopecia, Trichotillomania, Lupus and burns. We will provide professional and confidential assistance in meeting your appearance needs.
Please feel free to come in and browse our large selection of turbans, wigs, hats and gifts. I am a certified fitter for Sigvaris compression garments, including compression stockings and lymphedema sleeves. I'm confident that we will have exactly what you need.
to add Accentè map to your website;