Permanent hair loss

I was originally going to be on docetaxal,  but after I had read on here it MAY cause permanent hair loss and also stronger doses than paxitaxol,  I asked if I could instead be on 12 cycles of paxitaxol.  they did agree after some discussion, although I had to stop at 10 for other reasons,  my hair is growing back albeit slowly. but, no, no one actually told me about it x

Hi Bramble

Sorry to hear about your hair loss.

I had x6 TCHP and permanent hair loss was mentioned while I was consenting to treatment so I used the coldcap. I finished chemo end of December and lost about 50% of my hair mostly after treatment finished but it is growing back. X

All the info I was given did highlight the risk of permanent baldness, but the risk was deemed to be low.

Sorry you have been left with no hair, but as you say, better that than the alternative, which was my thought when being advised of all the risks.

No one told me that!! I couldn’t have cold cap as I’m part West Indian and our follicles don’t respond to cold cap. (I read that on Dr Google!!) I’m one month finished with chemo (now on radiation) but my hair on top of my head only, is growing back already..goodness knows if it will grown anywhere else!! Eek!!

Thanks everyone, there was so much going through my head at the time I can’t remember if I was told or not. I don’t think I was as I’d think it’s something I’d remember.I was definitely told by my surgeon and nurse that I would lose my hair but that it would grow back. Not sure when I signed the consent form if I was told or not. I believe there is a class action lawsuit taking place in the US against the manufacturer of Taxotere, will be interesting to see the outcome of that.

My lack of hair is a very obvious and constant reminder of what I’ve been through. I either wear a wig or a hat so no avoiding it. I just hope everyone is told of this possible side effect and given options. It’s not rare either 15% of patients on this medication have permanent hair loss.

I was told 15% by the oncologist, so hopefully we are being made aware now. I also joined the paxman site and saw some postings about a lawsuit.

Sorry you are having to deal with this.

I was aware as it was on the consent form but also because I had read a lot myself. I was worried it might not come back or be patchy afterwards, but had little choice but to have chemo as rather stand a chance of being cured and if being bald was part of that, I would have to find a way to live with it. I am sorry that you didn't know. Have you been in touch with cancer hair care support group or is there one in the states that might be able to help you. x

Hi Zephyr, I would be interested in the support group…do you have a link? I’m in Scotland so any in the UK would be great!

I’m glad to hear you had the information before you began your chemo.

Hi, I was made aware, but I didn’t care. My hair was quite thin anyway, and so if I had to wear a wig permanently, so be it. The hair on my head has grown back, but my eyebrows have not. My eyebrows were black, thick, but shapely. Now, 14 months after finishing chemo, they are still not there. It’s just one of those things, I’m ok about it. 

Advantage of wig…easy to wash, never have to cut, no hairdressing bills, colour stays the same..what’s not to love..?!