Hi I have just finished my second lot of chemo, the second of 6, 1 every 3 weeks. I have small cell lung cancer. So far, 
, I haven’t had too many side effects, just a couple of days of nausea and being sick. However 6 days ago my hair started to fall out, not much at first but more and more is coming out each day and very, very thin now. My scalp feels tender in places, the MacMillan nurse thought it could be the shampoo I used, and the hair is getting everywhere, really annoying when it clings to my face and hard to pick off. The MacMillan nurse also said not every lung cancer patient loses their hair, mostly they find it thins.
My question is, do you think I should just cut my losses and shave my head now. If so how close to the scalp do you think we should go? My husband also wonders, if it’s not all going to come out, will it be itchy when it grows back?
I’m going for a wig consultation next week, do you think I should ask them? I’m covering my head with a cap at the moment to try and lessen the head shed all over the place, especially over me, everywhere I go.
Hi Moley73 and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your diagnoses and the hair challanges you are having. I have a completely different type of cancer and my hair was like snow on a warm day........ and started falling out about 10days after my first cycle so I went straight into the shower and shaved it all off and lived the egg head for a period of time........ and for me it was one thing less to stress about........ but this is a decision that only you can make.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked the ‘exact same' cancer type journey can help a lot.
The Community is divided into dedicated Cancer Specific Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our dedicated Lung Cancer support group. This is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To connect in with the group click on this link> Lung Cancer then once the group page opens click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)
When you are ready you can introduce yourself by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
