12 weekly Taxol hair loss

hi Erinn

losing our hair is horrific but I think I'm glad to be alive today

I was told if I didn't have chemo I'd probably not have too much longer and although I put my head firmly in the sand initially, in the end it did make sense. 

I had to do it for my kids.

There have been ladies on here who did try some alternatives and I had to applaud their actions, without someone being prepared to try something different we really don't make progress in the treatments available. 

It may feel like a massive sacrifice now but it will grow back.

I had mine cut really quite short before my mastectomy operation because they said I'd not be able to wash it and brush it but actually I was fine, but I wasn't expecting to have chemo then. 

When they then said I would have to have chemo I had it cut shorter again and then started practicing with headscarves and wigs. 

Carolyn

xxxx

Hello

I am sorry you have found yourself on this site but you obviously know how your treatment is going to start so not too long now for waiting and worrying. The sound of chemo is scary . It is this fear of the unknown and it's very difficult to prepare for as everyone reacts slightly differently. You may find you are a bit nauseous for the first day, a bit tired, then back to normal. At the other extreme you could be physically sick for several days. However, whatever effects it has....it's good to know that these days the treatments usually either shrink the tumour or help prevent it returning depending on the order of your plan. 

It is the same with your hair. It does sound lovely but if you haven't been offered a cold cap as a means of protecting it ( the cap often saves some hair but isn't perfect) the EC drug will mean you are likely to lose most of your hair. I would actually recommend you have it cut into a shorter style before you start the chemo. It will be much easier to cope with as it falls out and will give you time to see yourself with shorter hair. It does get quite painful as it starts .....a sort of pulling sensation....so many people choose to shave their heads at that point as it is far more comfortable.  It is probably a good idea to have a pretty turban ready in advance so you can put it straight on. I never bothered with a wig. I just had a collection of turbans and bamboo caps in basic colours to which I added an inexpensive headband that matched the clothes I was wearing. I got a lot of compliments about the turbans which was a real confidence booster. To give you an idea of how long it might take to lose your hair and it start regrowing......I needed my first haircut exactly one year after my OH had shaved my head.

Devastating though it may feel to lose your long hair....life is far more important. This treatment should return a future to you. It is almost six years since I was diagnosed and have remained clear of cancer. I hope your treatment goes well.

If you need to chat, ask questions or just share your feelings switch over to the chat section. There's lots of friendship and good advice there. During your chemo go to the April/ May monthly chemo thread. There are several people just starting treatment there and you can empathise with each other whilst taking advice from those nearer completion.

Take care. Try not to worry....I know you will, we all did, but I have to suggest it,.....keep yourself busy doing nice things between now and the 14th....

Love Karen

Hi Erinn - I’m feeling the same. I’ve just had a second op (first lumpectomy didn’t get clear margins) and I go back this weeks for my results and will then Probably get date for chemo to start as I also need Herceptin as well. I’m terrified of not only feeling and being so unwell but also I know  loosing my hair will be tough. I’ve got long thick hair as well. I think I’m going to try the cold cap but don’t know if I should have it cut short beforehand Or wait and see if it works. Hope you get some options and everything goes well for you. 

Hi,

I've just had my second weekly Paclitaxel with Herceptin every 3 weeks. I've decided not to use a cold cap and was wondering if it's likely I will lose my hair? I think I've prepared myself but I guess I won't know until it happens. 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated,

Lina x

Hi LC21. It's hard to know as not everyone does, although it will be likely to thin out at least. I had paclitaxel after the dreaded doxorubicin, which is guaranteed to take your hair. Mine had started growing back (wispy only) but it disappeared again after the Paclitaxel started. 

I found the paclitaxel treatment not too bad but I did get some peripheral neuropathy in both hands and feet, which resolved within 6 months of finishing.

Hope it all goes well for you.

Hi 

Mine started to come out two days after my third Paclitaxel, which is esactly what my oncologist told me, so I think it is highly likely you will lose it, so you have any plans on what you will do ? 

Jo x

Hi Lynn, thanks for getting back to me. My hair is quite fine anyway so I guess it'll be noticeable if it thins. Haven't really had terrible side effects yet so fingers crossed it stays that way! Still early days though. 
Good luck with everything.

Lina xx

Hi Jo, thanks for your reply. My oncologist too said it would most likely fall out so I think I'm going to assume it will and buy a couple of scarves. I'm not brave enough to cut it short (I have shoulder length curly hair) so I'd rather wait and see what happens. 

Hope all is going well for you.

Lina x

Hi Lina. I understand you not wanting to cut your hair but if it does start to fall out then I'd strongly suggest you attack it head on. The process is quite painful - like a too tight hair band, but multiplied by 100 - and it can be distressing finding handfuls of hair on your pillow or clothing. My wonderful GP suggested that I buy a bottle of champagne and get my husband to shave my head while we drank it. We did this and made a great memory out of it. 

Hi Lynn, I really appreciate your advice. You've really inspired me so after a chat with my husband, we've decided he'll shave it off for me. 
So grateful to be able to connect with people who understand.

All the best,

Lina x