Hair loss

Hi  and welcome to the Online Community, although I am so sorry to see the circumstance that brought you here and so sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

I am Mike Thehighlander and I help out on the Community and I was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's lymphoma over 20 years ago so I do understand the challenges you are facing. On my long journey I found the best way to navigate the various challenges that a cancer diagnosis brings was by talking with people who are on the same journey.

I see that you have joined the Hodgkin's Lymphoma Forum. This is the best place to connect with people who understand the journey you are on.

Just go to the group and hit the 'Start a Discussion' tab and introduce yourself to the group and remember to go to the right on the group home page and select how you want to receive email notifications when someone answers your posts.

Your questions - I had very thick hair but once it started to come out I shaved the lot off, I actually had to do it a few times due to the treatments I had. For me, cutting it off was one less thing to concentrate on but talk with the ladies on the HL Forum.

The other issues you are having are unfortunately normal for blood cancer treatments, but keep your eye on the end game - the various treatments are not forever and the results are regularly very good.

You may also find our various Macmillan Support Line Services on 0808 808 00 00 to be helpful as you can talk to a friendly person that can help in lots of ways.

When you have the time it would be helpful if you could put some information about yourself and the journey that brought you to the Community into your profile as it really does help the Community members to help you and get to know you. 

Click on your username and that will take you to your homepage. Look for ‘Edit my Profile’ click on it and start to tell us as much or as little about yourself as you want then click on save before closing the page. 

I will keep man eye open for you in the HL Forum.

((hugs)) 

Hi

Oh you poor thing! I’ve lost my hair to chemo twice now and yes, it can feel like the final insult. 

I have to say that I do favour getting the clippers out and having done with it. I got the clippers out this time after my daughter offered to hoover me before I went out. 

So what to do? The NHS will provide a wig. I never wear mine as it’s itchy and uncomfortable. I prefer a cashmere beanie or a simple headscarf tied African style - I learned techniques from google. 

Macmillan has produced this guide to hair loss and it is worth a read 

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/coping/side-effects-and-symptoms/hair-loss

I had a lovely day at a Look Good Feel Better workshop where I learned make up techniques and came home with a fab goodie bag. They tend to have long waiting lists so sign up now if it’s of interest 

https://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk/

As for your nails, there’s some evidence that wearing nail varnish protects them. I have been through chemo three times and I always wear nail varnish and my nails have held up well. Two oncology registrars have told me they recommend it. I use Nailberry and NailsInc (both available from John Lewis) as they are vegan and breathable. The oncology pharmacist recommended Udderly cream when I had skin problems. I think it’s brilliant. I got it on amazon. 

I hope this helps. Remember- all this will pass. 

Xxx

Thank you I have bought some headscarves already. You just get over one hurdle and something else comes along. 

I'll check out the cream. I just feel like I don't want to go out because of my hair and looking pants.  But I know I can't be like that as cancer has stopped me doing so much already. 

Thank you again for the advice

X

Please do introduce yourself to the HL Forum as there folks totally understand this journey ((hugs))

Hi 

I do understand not wanting to go out with the hair loss. I was taking some rubbish to the dump today, dressed in leggings and a tee shirt and bald headed. The attendant called me sir! Then he called me madam and finally young lady. Eh? 

You are right though. Don’t let cancer take away anything else. 

Xx