Hair loss

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I've had problems with chemo so far. My oncologist is putting me on a new mix and said I will loose my hair,I knew I would at some point.

I'm feeling overwhelmed and totally lost. I've decided that I want a wig. Firstly I'll get my hair cut shorter.  Now I've hit a brick wall. I don't know where to turn.

  • Hi Den64

    I am sorry to hear that you have had some problems with your chemo. 

    Hair loss is hard and I understand that it can feel overwhelming. 

    I had chemotherapy for endometrial cancer in 2022. The regime I was on caused total hair loss for most people. I did scalp cooling and managed to keep most of my hair. It is not something that is suitable for all cancers, does not work for all types of chemo regime and not something that works for everyone but it may be something worth asking about. Your CNS/Consultant would be able to advise whether it may be an option for you. 

    Many people do decide to cuit their hair a little shorter and if that helps give a little more control in the situation and it helps then that is a good plan for you. 

    I had a wig- there was a lady who came to my cancer centre every Wednesday with NHS wigs to try on. You should be entitled to a wig voucher. I chose to pay a little extra for one that I liked more. There was also a volunteer that came with lots of different scarves and hats. I remember seeing one lady at one of my chemo with a long silky, pretty scarf and she looked really glamorous. So there are options and it is about what is right for you. 

    I still shed hair using the cooling cap and still lost all body hair- so I do understand that it is a really tough part of treatment for some of us. 

    Jane

           

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

  • Thank you Jane for your kind and informative message x

  • If you scroll down past your messages you will see there is a link to an article about scalp cooling, there may be more information in there.

  • It’s under “ community news”