Hi there, EC is admistered by syringe, the nurse sits next to you doing this throughout the treatment. It took 90 mins but before I had pre meds, also allow for cold cap time if applicable x
What session number are you on on PC? How is your hair holding up? I’m one session down and cold capping also. Very anxious about hair loss. I’m having 9 sessions every week then on to 3 sessions of EC every 3 weeks.
Hi, hope you’re coping after your first session. I’m on week 5 although week 3 was delayed due to low white blood cells, but all back to normal the following week. Week 4 I had an allergic reaction to taxol, so that was paused & they carried on with the carbo. Steps were taken this week re: reaction and everything progressed fine.
Before starting I had my hair cut to just above my shoulders (am told less weight the better). I don’t naturally have very thick hair, but I wouldn’t describe it as thin either. Up to date my hair is holding out. Yes there are more strands coming out if I comb it. No obvious thinning & no bald spots.
I now only wash my hair once a week (day after chemo). Don’t place hair on top of head & lather shampoo in hands first and just smooth through (don’t scrub head). Don’t use hot water. I use a spray leave in conditioner & use this a few times a week so hair doesn’t dry out. First week I dried hair with hairdryer (cool setting) but since then I have let it dry naturally. I also don’t tie it back or use any clips as don’t want to cause any extra trauma to hair. Buy a silk pillow case for when sleeping.
There are plenty of women at my unit using the cap that still have a very good head of hair, so I’m hopeful.
Unfortunately for us, I believe EC isn’t quite so forgiving, but I haven’t met anyone yet at that stage to ask/see. If it does mean hair loss for us at least it’s for a shorter time and will start to grow back quicker.
