Hello 
I’ve just finished the first 6 weeks of Paclitaxel / Carboplatin and start on Cisplatin & Radiotherapy next week . Did anyone manage to keep their hair throughout this ? I have some shedding and decided week 4 to shave it on the longest grader so it’s between 1-2cm at the moment . While it is still coming out I did expect it all to have come out by now . Is it possible to keep some even level of hair over the scalp or will the Cisplatin contribute to more hair loss ? I have read online it is normal to keep some hair but I’ve also read it’s a given I’ll have complete hair loss . I’m just trying to hold onto some hope I will keep just an even later no matter how short . I also know not everyone is the same but would be nice to hear from people who did maybe keep their hair.
also a little anxious about how the combined therapy will treat me as I’ve tolerated the last 6 weeks pretty well considering the horror stories and side effects people have had . I’m assuming the nursing staff send you home with meds as usual ? Is it just the sickness meds ? So any nice stories regarding that would be nice 
Hi Delliea
I didn’t do the chemo combo first as you’ve done, so I just had radiotherapy and Cisplatin.
I was told I wouldn’t lose my hair, and I didn’t. The chemo is given to enhance the efficacy of the radiotherapy, and is not as harsh as the double chemo. I found it fine to go through, but found the radiotherapy more challenging in terms of fatigue and side effects. Chemo was a long but very relaxing day for me!
My hair was down to just past my shoulders when I was having chemo, and was quite thick. I didn’t feel it even thinned for me. However, during treatment I did lose hair on my body so never had to shave my legs!
As far as meds go, I was given anti sickness, steroids for 3 days after each chemo session, a basic body cream to moisturise my skin, and when when I developed some side effects 3 weeks into radiotherapy I was given aqueous cream and Immodium. That was because I did suffer from radiation cystitis and diarrhoea, which can be common side effects from pelvic radiotherapy. I also had some heartburn for which I was given Lansoprazole. I was never sick or nauseous.
The only issue I had with my skin was that it became very dry, so moisturising helped that. I had no burning or discomfort at all from radiotherapy. I was just very tired until treatment was over and for a few weeks afterwards.
Not everyone will have all or any side effects, but just tell your team as you go along so that they can help with anything you experience. Hopefully it won’t be too bad for you-I’m sorry you’ve been reading horror stories about treatment as that’s bound to make you nervous. Things are not always as bad as they might sound!
Sarah xx
I can’t say I’ve read horror stories…but then again I didn’t go looking online when I was first diagnosed so I didn’t see things I wouldn’t like to read! I guess that helped me to go into treatment with an open mind.
The day of chemo was a long one for me because I had my radiotherapy session right afterwards. So I went into the chemo unit to start at 10am, but often got taken earlier. Usually it took till between 3 and 4 pm to be finished and then head off to radiotherapy.
I never slept during chemo as I was at the loo every 20 minutes but other than that it was very relaxing. Cisplatin can be hard on the kidneys so I had to drink a lot, and my input of water and output of wee was recorded every time I had a drink or went to the loo. I found it quite a challenge to then go to radiotherapy with a full bladder!
Sarah xx
Seems like you’re on a different plan than me . I’ve had macdonalds a few times now after chemo , I’ve felt ravenous and only a maccies will do with a nice thick shake 
I haven’t told everyone either , some of my formers don’t even know but obvs close circle and work , I don’t need all the messages of giddy optimism and false platitudes to be honest 
I’ve definitely been advised to take the anti sickness meds as it’s better to have them before you feel sick rather than after!
