Cancer survivors find confidence through wig program at Kentucky CancerLink

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Amy Thoroughman found an uncomfortable spot on her left side in 2017 after the birth of her second child while breastfeeding.

“We ended up doing the mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy all on the same day. It was a pretty large spot. So when that came back, it was diagnosed as a very early stage breast cancer,” Thoroughman said.

Thoroughman had no family history of the disease. She had surgery and hormone therapy. In 2022, she had a reoccurrence, and in 2023 she was restaged with metastatic breast cancer that had spread.

“Over the summer we went to the first IV chemotherapy. So I had the port placed. And within two weeks, everything I read, everything the oncologist had told me, every you know support group person, yes two weeks after your first treatment your going to lose hair,” Thoroughman said.

Losing her hair

Thoroughman said losing her hair was harder than having a mastectomy.

“So that was harder than having a mastectomy, honestly for me,” Thoroughman said.

Before losing her hair, Thoroughman said she didn’t feel or look sick.

“I’ve always been a little weird with the hair. You know, self conscious. It was always your identity, it was very long, dark. I think I maybe only had, I’ll say three gray hairs, but maybe a few more. So you know, I always was very focused on the hair,” Thoroughman said.

The wig program

At Kentucky CancerLink, women experiencing hair loss can find support through the Wig Program.

“So a lot of times people come in and they don’t know where to start. They don’t know anything about wigs or how to put them on,” said Ashley Kidd, patient navigator.

Kidd helps women find the perfect look. Hundreds of styles are available, as well as head coverings, at no cost. Thoroughman said the process can be overwhelming.

“When I started looking at wigs and hair pieces and things like that to try to regain this sense of identity, I guess I was very lost,” Thoroughman said.

Thoroughman said the program helps her feel beautiful again.

“It makes you feel better and it makes you feel like getting up in the morning and, you know, getting ready and putting, you know, clothes on,” Thoroughman said.

Kidd said hair loss can affect how patients feel during treatment.

“Hair loss is one of those things that seems minor, but in the whole grand scheme of things, it can really make you feel defeated. So being able to be a link to hope and give them some confidence and just give them, you know a boost to finish out this journey and know that we were there to help,” Kidd said.