Coping with hair loss

Hi Kaza ,

I just had thinning, it started coming out and then came out a bit faster (felt like loads), what it actually looked like in reality was that I had a wide parting.  My hairdresser said she's seen wider on people not on chemo.  

Most of my hair remained, but I did get myself some head scarfs in case it went completely. 

I don't know if that helps at all?

CerysM

Thank you CerysM. Yes this really helps. It feels like loads to me too. It's great to know I'm not alone. That's why I love this forum.  I can't see a difference yet but I'm sure I will. I always wear baseball caps so have bought a few extra but scarfs are in the back of my mind for a different look.

Hi Kaza,

Hair loss is tough. I'm not sure what chemo you on - when I had Folfox for 6 months my hair thinnned quite a lot. It was a gradual thinning, and started after the first few cycles. I found it upsetting seeing hair on my pillow sometimes. But, I never lost it all, and actually while it was thin, it was still fit for public viewing  ;-)   As I understand it most colon cancer chemo is not as hectic on hair as other types of chemo - thinning does happen with colon cancer chemo but complete hair loss is not that common, unlike for example breast cancer chemo where most ladies either end up bald or with substantial hair loss. 

In terms of cutting....my hair is sort of 5cm below my clavicle (not super long, but longish). I cut my hair before chemo - to shoulder length simply because it tangles less when shorter, and I wanted to do less brushing. No idea if it made any difference. I didn't consider cutting it short - I'm pretty stubborn, was not going to give up my hair to cancer until I absolutely had to!  :-)  Thankfully it never came to that. My fingers are crossed for you. x

Hi Babotie. Thanks for telling me this. It really does help. I'm also on Folfox. I'm having another drug added next week, bevacizumab. I had been too frightened to see if that did anything to my hair until now. I've just checked and it looks like it doesn't.  My hair is currently about 6 inches below my shoulder and like you I'm stubborn about getting it cut. Especially as my husbands hair is slightly longer than mine. I don't really want to give in first. Hopefully the hair loss will only be minimal. I only have 2 more sessions to go before my review.

That chimes with what my Oncologist said about bevacizumab, hair loss not a side effect. (At one point they considered it for me, but I couldn't have it due to other medical issues). Just to add, a chemo nurse advised me to try wash my hair less, which I did. I used dry shampoo (I found the brand Batiste - at Boots/Amazon etc worked well) in between. Good luck for the next sessions, really hope its minimal loss. 

After a week of watching, what looked like a lot of hair come out although it properly wasn't I was getting really down. So over Thursday night I made a decision. It was time to turn this negative into a positive. I love my long hair but I've always wondered what a pixie cut would look like on me. I was lucky to find a hairdresser on Friday afternoon and as it was late and no one but her there I was comfortable in explaining what was going on. She did me a dry pixie cut. I loved it immediately. It does suit me and whilst I'm on chemo I'll keep it. She has said she will see me alone later in the day so I feel comfortable when I need a trim. So much more than I hoped for. Will I grow my hair long again after this is all over? The jury is out on that one. But for now I feel so much better and more positive so it was definitely the right choice for me. To anyone else going through this I would say go with your gut. Your mental well being is more important so do whatever it takes to keep that on track.

Well done Kaza for turning an anxiety into a positive action. So many things on this journey are outside your control you need something to happen that was your choice. Sounds like you found a compassionate individual in that hairdresser. I had CAPOX earlier in the year and was unable to dye my white hair during treatment and for a period afterwards. I thought I’d be desperately counting down the days until I could but surprised myself that I didn’t. It’s the new me!

All the best with your treatment xx

Good for you! Bet you styling that Pixie cut. As you say - one's just gotta go with your gut. :-) 

Kaza I am so glad you found a great haidresser who understood the situation

When I was starting to loose my hair on capox my hairdresser let me come in after hours  and after it all fell out and was growing back again she suggested mild shampoo once a week and then suitable styles.She had experiance with her own mum going through similar so made it such a lovely experiance for me.(even let me cry on her shoulder one evening)

Hang in there and all the best

Kath