Chemotherapy and Hairloss

Hi

i was the same as you (but couldn’t cold cap) and got my friend to cut it short first , then to shave it . You wouldn’t believe how much hair you have , and it can also be quite sore . I found it quite liberating and it really didn’t bother me too much , not sure why as I thought it would. 

best wishes

jo x

Hiya,

Oh, poor you... I'm sorry! It is rubbish when it starts coming out but you do get used to it and stop minding, I found anyway.

I'm having R-CHOP for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, and with this type of cancer you can't have the cold cap and hairloss is 100%, so I knew to expect it. I had long hair too, so I got it cut to a short bob and then it was a bit less drastic when it started to come out. Mine was almost all gone after the second cycle. I started to wear a bath cap at night so that I didn't wake up with hair all over my pillow and I wore a headscarf as soon as it started to look thin. Lots of people complimented me on the headscarves and said that it suited me, so I would recommend having some pretty ones on standby - or a wig if you prefer - because it really helps to deal with it if you can still feel attractive and look forward to wearing something nice.

Wishing you all the best xxx

Hi 

my story on profile just click on my name if you want to read.

I had my no 6 EC ( my last ) on Wednesday. I chose not to use cold cap and  Onco told me hair loss was usually very quick with EC in fact within days .

We're all different but this is my hair story 

So I decided to take control and had it cut to pixie length..everyone including me think I should have done it years ago lol on advice from hairdresser I only gentle washed with warm water using jugs of water . One shampoo then finger dried no heat on hair to dry or product .

I didn't start to shed hair until end of second cycle 6 weeks i got  scalp pain for couple of days . I wore a bamboo sleep cap so didn't rub on pillow or get mouthful ! I chose not the shave and by third cycle it was kept tidy with trim ..as it got thinner and whispy hairdresser tidied it up .after fourth cycle it started a slow growth so bit of a silly comb over going on. We then decided no 2 shave to give shape as it decides what it is doing next .

As I said we are all different and so are our little hair follicles I am using Nioxin hair treatment on hair and scalp to strengthen follicle . I really don't know if anything I did changed how my hair behaved but I felt better taking control . Got a wig on the NHS wear it sometimes looks almost identical to pixie cut .

Mainly wear bamboo  beanie hats from Amazon with a knitted headband to keep ears warm in this weather .

Just remember this means chemo doing its job and your hair will grow again

take care 

Margaret x

Hi I was just going to ask about hair loss I had my 1st EC chemo on the 13th December was told by chemo nurse most start to lose hair by the end of their first week so was feeling down about that  along with other SEs she mentioned to go with it (had all the sickness and aching headaches etc) 

But I'm feeling lucky so far with my hair as nothing as yet is falling out but my scalp feels strange ( itchy sensitive) my hair feels lifeless is this the first sign do you think? 

Hubby got a lovely headscarf for me from amazon when it came it suddenly hit me just sat and cried ( again seem to spend a lot of time crying lately  ) 

Hi, I'm on day 17 of first cycle and just starting to get some strands falling out now. I got my long hair cut into a chin length bob before starting as I'd been wanting to get it done but never had the courage to go through with it so I thought now or never! I've got a wig and some beanies on standby but I did cold cap so might get away with it somewhat

It's really a hard one to advise because it's so personal and for me its the hardest part as it so visible. But I'm trying to stay focused that it's the chemo doing its job, I'm sure I'll have a cry but trying to stay positive. Then I think I can try a few new styles out as it grows back in! 

Good luck with your treatments and hugs xxxx

Hiya 

Thanks for your reply. I wish i did cut it short before treatment. My scalp already feela VERY sore. I don't know if I can handle anyone touching it right now.

I think the shedding is getting to me alot atm..im trying my hardest to block the next stage (hair loss). 

Iv got 2 young children...really scared how they would take it.

My eldest screamed 2 years ago when she was 3 when her Dad shaved his beard :( 

Thank you everyone. Your replies have really reassured me.

It is hard but we will ALL get through this.

I think getting the cancer out of us is the MAIN thing.

I wish i did cut it before treatment to make it easier....but i haven't so iv got to mow look at the next best plan.

While I'm sore at the head il think im start wearing some scarfs loosely...and shower cap at night. 

Good luck everyone.

2020 ia the year for us to kick cancer's butt x x x

I have young girls too (twins) and I prepared them by explaining that my hair was going to fall out because of the medicine. They were fascinated! In fact, I think they were quite disappointed the next morning that it was still there. I think that if you explain that it's going to happen and make it sound not scary, they will just accept it quite matter-of-factly. It's the unexpected that gets them. Mine don't seem to be phased at all if I am being sick all day, if they know it's going to happen. But they do get a bit thrown if it's something we haven't prepared them for.

Hi  

Think we all gave a little cry when it starts to shed most prob because it is such a physical sign in some ways cos it can be seen . 

Here comes the positive ....it is a sign that EC doing its job and your hair will grow back .

Your choice now for wig or hats up to you I got both but use hats it's winter and cold .Wear in house if cold or just rock the bald look .

Believe me when I say Even when taking hat off in cafe etc very rarely get a more than a cursory look ,

Have even been told I suit it cos nice shaped head ..who knew

Listen to your body I had 6 EC it is doable 

Margaret x

It's really hard knowing how to help your children through this isn't it? My daughters 8 and I told her my hair might fall out , tried to be very matter of fact followed up by she can help me pick out some crazy colour wigs (which she will hopefully forget about!)depending on how old your children are, mine had been watching operation ouch on cbeebies which I think has helped as it shows children a and e and operations (not too serious) in a non scary way and they do mad experiments explaining different illnesses and how the body works. I really think this helped as she can she just because your in hospital the drs can make you better. X