I am about to have my first treatment next week and am getting conflicting information about hair loss.
Will I lose hair taking this combination of drugs?
I am being told it will not be noticeable by one professional and then I will definately need a wig from another?
My consultant suggested a cold cap but the nurses say cold caps are not used with lung cancer patients.
Good afternoon Avarie,
Thank you for getting in touch and welcome to our online community, I hope you find it supportive. My name is Helen and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
It’s understandable you’re seeking information about hair loss as the start of your treatment for lung cancer approaches.
It’s difficult to say for certain what your experience of hair loss will be. The effects of treatment and hair loss can vary from person to person.
Here is our information on the treatment you’re due to start and the common side effects:
I hope this information on cold caps from Cancer Research UK is also helpful. I would suggest going back to your consultant or clinical nurse specialist about the reason you may not be able to have cold cap and just to get some clarity around the expectations of the treatment for you.
Cancer treatments and hair loss in particular can have an effect on people in different ways, both physically and emotionally. The UK charity Cancer Hair Care offers information and support to those impacted by hair loss.
Other avenues of support include our lung cancer forum on the online community that you may find helpful. You can post a question or read about other people’s experience who may be in a similar situation to yourself.
We are also here over the phone to listen and talk things through in confidence during your treatment.
I hope this information is helpful but if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.
Best wishes,
Helen, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.
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