Hi I have had 6 rounds so far with another 2 to go, I have been using the cold cap which I find absolutely horrendous but it seemed to work until the last time when I lost about 50% of my hair overnight. This was an awful shock to me, for me having my hair kept my identity and didn't make me look or feel like a cancer patient.
I am really struggling mentally with the hair loss and and terrified of losing it all, I am now thinking don't bother with the cap for the last 2 sessions as its so horrendous anyway, has anyone else not bothered after losing most of their hair ? People say to you 'It will grow back, don't worry' but for me it's devastating I just keep crying, I have a wig that I like and feel nice in but it's when it comes off the realisation is awful.
Does anyone else have huge guilt aswell as I do ? I am lucky in the fact that I have a good prognosis and my chemo will be over soon, so many are less fortunate and I feel terrible for feeling how I do when some do not have an end to their treatment, I find all the emotions to do with cancer overwhelming.
Hi, Emmyw. I finished EC and paclitaxel 6 months ago. Like you, I was devastated at losing my hair, and cold capping isn't an option at the unit where I had treatment. I was so fed up with people teing me my hair would grow back and be thicker than ever. That is true for the vast majority of us having chemo, but certain drugs have a higher risk of permanent hair loss than others, and I asked thave a different drug, which my oncologist was happy to prescribe. It gave me back a little control and did wonders for my mental health. Your feelings and concerns about your diagnosis and treatment are not up for debate - what is acceptable for one person may be the final straw for another and I completely understand how terrified you felt. My hair has grown back and I so appreciate looking normal again. I hope the rest of your treatment is uneventful and you're soon sporting mad headful of massive curls
Hi
I know exactly how you feel. My hair fell out after the 1st EC cycle and I cried for days.
At first I was going to have the cold cap. Read the literature I was given, went down the Google rabbit hole. Even spoke to a lady sat next to me who I asked to watch her put it on while I waited for my anti sickness to kick in. That was when I decided not to have the cold cap.
I was devastated that I had lost my curly hair that would change colour on the regular. It didn't help that when my parents visited and my mum started crying!!!
I'm still waiting for my wig appointment but had fun on Amazon buying different wigs and hats.
I feel people staring when I go out but hubby says they aren't. Never had an issue with self image!!
The mental roller coaster adds to the physical side affects and the toll it has on the body. I'm told it will get easier and when I start the Paclataxel, it does start to grow back so 
I wish you all the best x
