**APRIL & MAY 2021 BREAST CANCER CHEMO**

Hi all,

I have been furloughed since mid January, a week before my surgery. Furlough has been extended until end September and my employer is happy to keep me on it. In many ways the pandemic has been a blessing in disguise....80% pay take the financial stress out of the equation at least.

Wishing you all as pleasant a weekend as possible. 

Lynne xx

Well done on getting to #5

You've got this xx

Hi! How quickly did you lose your hair?

I'm now in week 6 of hair loss, has it taken that long for anyone else? 

I had it shaved to a number 2 to make it easier but I didn't expect it to take so long. There's not much left now...I reckon maybe another week and the last of it will be gone....

Lynne xx

Oh Ruby that is  not good.  My dentist was happy to do small filings but nothing that involved root work.  I think if it is just a filling you should be okay.  I had a tooth removed just before chemo started, and am due a check up now. Certainly ring them. Good luck. Gwennie

Hi LHM, I started loosing my hair within 3 weeks of my first cycle. I shaved it off and am now on week 11 and still have the odd strands! I just want it all gone now but it’s hanging around. To be fair I look bald but you can feel it if you touch my head. 
Janine x

Hi Ruby,

My filling came out during lockdown and I couldn’t get it fixed for months. I managed to get a temporary filling just before my diagnosis and had an appointment for a permanent filling. The dentist phoned to cancel but I explained my new situation and they allowed me to come in as an emergency. They were very good.

It really is an emergency situation when you have the increased infection risk with chemo so I think they should see you.

Hope you can get it fixed quickly so your chemo is not delayed.

Bluebell xx

Hi LHM,

Nearly all my hair came out at once during the second week after my first chemo. Just a small amount of bum fluff left.

I done a bad thing and razor shaved it all off, not good, apparently due to infection risk and the chance of ingrowing hair. Most people shave it to number 2.

Over 2 months later and some has grown back to about a millimetre, which you can’t see but can feel. I’ve just left it.’I moisturise my head and have not had any problems.

Bluebell xx

So sorry to hear that Ruby on top of everything else that is the last thing you want just wondered if there was anywhere at the hospital which could deal with it. When i was worrying about going on iv Zometra which can increase the risk of dental problems my onocology team assured me that the oral team at the hospital could deal with these things. Dental problems are difficult to deal with at the best of times let alone going through chemo xxxx

Thanks Bluebell And Gwennie, 

Ive phoned my chemo nurse to check what I can do and as soon as I’ve heard back from them I’ll call the dentist. Hopefully they can do enough of a temporary repair to get it safe and sorted.

My hair started falling out at bang on 14 days. I shaved it to about a number 2 a few days later. I still have some left on the sides but it’s not really bothering me any more. My scalp was really sore when it initially started coming out. I do get Nast spots on my head for about ten days after chemo. Delightful! 

Ruby xx

Thanks Croissant, I just want to know that it’s safe and won’t get infected. I get really bad jaw ache after chemo so I don’t want anything that will make it worse! Hopefully I’ll get some help and advice today.

Ruby xx