hair loss 5 weeks after chemo

Hi

I didn't use the cold cap so can't share experience of that. It did take a while for my hair to grow back well , though. It actually started to grow back when I started Docetaxol but it was very fine and downy -  it was a long time before there was any noticeable difference - and that was from me being bald - I think you would notice it less if you already had some hair. 

Hair grows in a cycle - it grows, falls out and rests - with different hairs at different stages all the time so that we don't notice any gaps. It could be that a few more of your hairs have decided to fall out at the same time. It's normal to lose about 100 hairs a day - though obviously, when we have less to start with, that seems a lot to lose. 

Your hair is also "non essential" as far as your body is concerned and so is last in line for nutrients etc - it's why our hair skin and nails look dull when we are ill. So, it's important to make sure you are eating well and getting enough protein (which is essentially what your hair is made of)

From my own experience and that of others I have known personally and here on the community - the only thing I'd say is that it's individual and everyone is different. If you are taking hormone therapy then hair thinning is one of the side effects (the same as menopause) but it seems a little soon for that to have had an effect.

I know that's not very helpful, really - if it gets worse or doesn't improve in a few weeks time, maybe have a chat with your GP? 

Fingers crossed you soon start to see an improvement 

R

Hi MummaBear17,

I used the cold cap during chemo too and like you, was fairly happy with the results. I can't attest to losing a lot of my head hair post chemo but I did find about 2-3 weeks post final chemo my eyebrows and lashes were pretty much gone after staying fairly intact all the way through. Its not quite what you're dealing with but hopefully it might give you a little respite.

I don't think I really noticed my head hair growing back for at least 6 weeks if that helps. Its been over 4 months post chemo and I have about 4cm of hair regrowth now.

All the best,

Jem x