Randall Arvay Chief Technology Officer, Duke Health | Duke University Health System
Randall Arvay Chief Technology Officer, Duke Health | Duke University Health System
The Duke Cancer Institute is offering self-image services to help individuals maintain their confidence during difficult times. These services include support, education, and personal care items such as wigs, turbans, scarves, hats, garments for easy port access, compression socks, and cushions to protect ports from seat belts.
Personalized consultations and wig fittings are available in private rooms at three locations within the Duke cancer centers in Durham and Raleigh. Meadows, a cancer survivor herself, is dedicated to providing practical assistance and emotional support to her clients. "I know exactly what it feels like," she shared. "Losing my hair was the hardest part of my cancer journey. It was the only time I cried during the whole thing."
Chemotherapy can lead to temporary hair loss; however, newer therapies are more targeted and do not have this side effect. Despite some initial self-consciousness about wearing wigs, Meadows encourages clients by sharing her own experience: “But I let them know that for me, it’s a fashion thing. I change mine up a lot.”
During consultations, Meadows asks clients about their preferences in hair color, length, and style. A pre-hair-loss photo can be helpful for reference. Clients can also find inspiration from mannequins in the boutique.
Sometimes clients' preferences evolve during consultations. “I had a lady come in who always had dark hair in a certain style," said Meadows. "I had the style but in a blonde color. She put it on and her eyes just popped. Her husband went crazy for it.”
Clients are welcome to bring someone along for support while choosing their new look; however, the most important factor is how they feel about themselves.
Calhoun experienced several styles before finding one that suited her: "The first two or three didn't quite look right. But Shelby kept coming up with new options.” Ultimately selecting a short shag-style wig with blonde highlights gave Calhoun renewed confidence: “Now I feel comfortable going to church. I like how I look again,” she said.
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