Hair loss

Hi Poppydays2

Sorry you are experiencing this it is upsetting. Ihad more hair come out when combing through after washing it than normal which did upset me and had to give myself a talking to. Even though I could see it in the comb it didn't show if just looking at my head if that makes sense and nobody else noticed. I'm just over 4 months post now, I can't remember when it stopped but it's definitely not doing it now. I don't really think there is much you can do about it but healthy eating, try not to wash and style it to much and use quality products that aren't to harsh. I was told my hair may thin but wouldn't fall out and like I say I was the only one that noticed. Sending hugs. Xx

Hi.. so sorry to hear that you are losing hair.

I'm 1 month post treatment..

It's so upsetting..I prepared myself for this pre treatment by doing the following 

Cleaned all my brushes - this way I could see how much hair wash coming out. 

Only used brushes that where soft on my hair and didn't drag. Started brushing from the bottom of my hair up..

Washed my hair with baby shampoo but only washed it twice a week and didn't use any gels mouse or straighteners on it.

And didn't tie my hair up..

I did lose a little hair so it's thinner but I think only me notices this..

I hope the loss slows down for you xx

Thanks, Squeak. I've been washing my hair daily, as I have oily hair, but I should probably reduce the frequency because it seems like the wash/brush combo is when I lose the most hair (and oddly, the oiliness of my skin has diminished quite a bit during treatment). It' so strange all the changes that chemo makes to your body!

Thank you for sharing your experience. I was telling my husband that I've learned more about side effects from this forum than from my treating team (and don't get me wrong, I have a very nice treating team. It's just that they're busy and they can't go through the exhaustive list of potential side effects beyond the most broadest of sketches). So a double thank you to everyone here!

I used to wash my hair daily..but during treatment and now still it's twice a week..i do use a little dry shampoo on the roots to make it look a little better..

Be kind to yourself and don't worry about your hair... focus on staying strong and getting though this treatment..you can do it..

I know what you mean about the advice.. this forum is amazing and really does help us all feel like we not alone or going crazy for feeling helpless..

Sending lots of positive thoughts your way.. x

Hello Poppydays2

It is really upsetting to lose hair and I can completely understand your feelings.  Because my hair was very very short when I started treatment I didn't notice hair loss.  Quite a few members have noticed hair loss but said that it was only noticeable to them.  I hope this is the case for you and that it doesn't continue at the rate is shedding right now.

Irene xx

Me too, Irene! Thanks for your kind words.

Hiya Poppydays2, 

I didn't have any loss through treatment but I am now 9 weeks post treatment and there is a lot of shedding! I'm terrified of brushing it. My hair is quite long so have it tied up most days which I'm sure doesn't help. I'm really worried as it's gone so thin I could weep. My hairdresser has told me not to worry as stress could make it worse. She has assured me though that it will grow back. 

I hope you're stops shedding soon. 

Lots of love ️ 

Jo x

Hi Jo,

Did you talk with your treatment team? That seems late for losing hair. I share your dismay though--it's so distressing to see a pile of hair on the shower floor or in a brush. Here's hoping your hair grows back soon and that this becomes just a memory like everything else.

No but i might mention it xx

Just offering a different perspective. I spoke to my hairdresser as my hair began to fall out rapidly. She said there’s many ways to look beautiful without hair. She’d been through it herself.

She taught me how to wear scarves/wigs and to apply eyebrows. Best appointment I’ve ever had.

I lost all my hair, including body hair. I was prepared and knew how to cope with it. My husband shaved what was left on my head, we cried together, but we got through it.

16 years later, it is a distant memory and my hair grew back as it was before.

silver lining, and I don’t mean to sound flippant, no leg shaving for a bit.

It is upsetting for anyone to lose their hair, but ask for help if it happens. The sad fact is that there’s many people out there who have been through it, and have fantastic tips.

Wishing you the very best outcome and you will be beautiful, whatever you do xx