Hair loss on 4 AC and 12 Taxol regime

Sorry, you had such a rough time. I presume you were given anti-sickness medication and if it didn't work hope they will tweak it for your next session. I used the cold cap and did keep sufficient of my hair for the consultant to ask if I was wearing a wig or if was it my hair. I am not sure if I was on the same chemo medication as you but you could check my profile. I found the cold cap quite doable and well worth it. I had thick hair, I only washed it every 2-3 weeks, I used Watermans Grow Me Shampoo and conditioner (on the advice of a fellow chemo patient). I used wide tooth combs and slept on silk pillowcases (My treat to me for chemo was a set of silk sheets and pillowcases.) I also had a nurse who was trained in the cold cap use and who was rooting for me.

Good lick with it all. You will get through it XXXX

Yes I was given anti sickness but I couldn't keep anything down so they couldn't do their job   Wow that's fantastic about your hair. I am so happy for you. My hair is thin is start with so I'm wondering how it will survive. Thank you for your advice x 

Hi Cariad,  What great advice from Rosalia.  I hope the shampoo helps if you get it.  I lost my hair between first and second chemo. I didn't try the cold cap as had heard mixed views.  I found a wonderful wig, just like my own hair, on the internet with the advice from a hairdresser.  It has really given me confidence to go out and not feel like I look different.  I am now post chemo and my hair is slowly growing back.    I hope the hospital can sort out the sickness for you,  Very best wishes, xx

I had EC rather than AC but both combos contain an anthracycline, which is I think the element causing hair loss. I had straight, fine hair, which fell into the 35% chance of keeping 50% bracket. Cold cap didn’t work at all for me.  I started shedding on day 16 of the cycle, and within 5 days had lost most of the hair from the top of my head. I clippered it short and gave up on cold cap. 

Thank you for your response. This is exactly what I'm worried about. My hair is exactly the same as your hair and already it feels very itchy. I just can't quite believe it going to happen which I know must sound so crazy. Thank you for taking the time to reply it helps to know others stories

Hi Cariad 

I too had EC first was on 13th December. By Christmas my hair was coming out and itching..i managed to hang on over Christmas although couldn't mix much as Covid about. New Year's Day I got up thought I am taking control here chopped it if with scissors and handed my husband the clippers. A very sad day but some how felt better taking ownership.

I did have a wig and hats and being winter not too bad. My last chemo was April and I now have just over an inch of hair enough to ditch the wig and it is coming curly which I have not experienced before. 

It is a hard time and unless you have been there people don't understand all the emotional side . 

Good luck hope all goes well for you xx

Hi Cariad, some do keep their hair and you may find yourself in that 35% - its just a waiting game, and its worth a try. I hope it works for you. Regarding antisickness - can you ask for aprepitant or emend. I think both are longer acting antisickness and it will make you dread chemo less if nausea/ vomiting is less of a n issue next time. Why not give your BCN a ring and negotiate your antisickness premed for next time. Am sorry you felt so dreadful on AC. Fingers crossed that round 2 will be better. x

I had 4 cycles of EC fortnightly and now started on Paclitaxel.  I had my hair cut short as it is fine and I suspected even with the cold cap I would lose a lot - it started coming out after the second cycle - my third week on chemo - now I am in week 10 overall and I have lost probably 75% - I’m a bit like a monk on top but I still have my fringe and sides so a hat works. I am persevering as my hair is so fine I’m holding onto that idea that cold capping helps regrowth. My chemo buddy this week lost all her hair first cycle but was still cold calling for that reason not sure how much evidence there is for it.  Originally I’d said no because of the extra treatment time. But when I found out you can’t take a friend and I’d need to be dropped off and picked up anyway I thought I might as well.  I have a wig which I’ve not worn a lot except when I’ve gone “out out”.  It’s good to try wigs before big hair loss as it’s less emotional and you’ve got something to compare it to. It’s a good idea to check the colour outside in natural light as well as inside. The shop I went to had an outside mirror. 

There’s an expert cancer hair care charity called wwe.cancerhaircare.co.uk with loads of advice on hair loss, head coverings, cold caps etc and they also offer zoom seminar sessions through another charity called Look Good, Feel Better which is sponsored by the beauty industry for cancer patients. They have stuff on make up, nail care and I’ve just signed up for a zoom thing on styling with confidence as I’m not confident about what to wear post mastectomy as things just aren’t the same. I like being able to join in by zoom rather than go somewhere during chemo when things like my stomach are not so predictable…

I hope things improve for you in terms of sicknesd

Thank you for your reply. I've done two AC now and have experienced much the same as you. Itchy sore scalp and it has all practically gone. I bought an emergency wig today and have one being made rder also. I undressed completely heat you said about needing to take control it's so distressing if coming out in handfuls. I'm so thrilled for you that you already have great re growth  xx

Thank you for such brilliant advice. I'm so sorry to hear that you have lost much. I have also lost a lot on top and also my length and am prob similar to you round the sides. This is so hard isn't it. But beauty is skin deep, and no one can take that away from you xx