chemo for cancer of oesopghagus

Hello 

I have recently completed a course of carboplatin and pacitaxel (once a week for 5 weeks). I was told by my consultant at the Christie’s that my hair would not fall out. It did so in week 3. Looking at my consent form it happens to 10% of patients on this regimen. 

Regards Rosiee

Thanks for the details. I know everyone is different all I can do is wish for best outcome but it was a bit of shock when I saw the possible side effects.  Did you use a cold cap and do you think it was any help ? I have read they can be very uncomfortable and painful.  I hope you are doing well and have a good outcome with your treatment. Thanks again. Jean 

Hi 

I am on the waiting list to hopefully start FLOT on week beginning 25th Nov like you I was worried about losing my hair and looked into a cold cap but was told because I’m having fluorouracil by pump for 24 hrs after infusion I could not have one. So have become resigned to being bald.

hope all goes well on the trial don’t know anything about proton therapy what are the benefits? And where is Christies ?

Wishing you well stay positive I will be interested to follow your progress 

take care Tricia 

No I did not use a cold cap. Even had I been told complete hair loss was likely I would not of done having read that using a cold cap may affect efficacy.

There is a very good wig shop in Didsbury. Before I knew which treatment I would be receiving I paid a visit so that the owner could see my hair and we went through catalogues choosing styles and colour for her to order in for me to try. So that when my hair did fall out we were prepared and the wigs arrived in a matter of days.

My consultant offered to write a prescription for a wig but this is only £75 and the shop in Didsbury does not take NHS vouchers.

i hope you have the best outcome of your treatment too. Good Luck x 

Hi 

My husband had four cycles of FLOT chemo pre surgery and two cycles post surgery .He lost all his body hair but bizarrely no hair loss on his head ! His medical team couldn’t explain why ? .I suppose it’s down to the individual and how your body reacts to the chemo .He had his chemo at The Christie .We found it to be a fantastic specialist hospital in Manchester .

Good luck with your treatment .I sincerely hope all goes well for you .

regards J 

Hi

Christies hospital is in manchester. Manchester and London have a proton centre.

The difference between radio therapy and proton therapy, as I understand it, is that radio therapy spreads the beam were as proton therapy is more isolated and targeted to the tumour site and can help avoid damage to organs near by. Bit technical and scientific but as I have heart failure I am hopeing it will avoid any damage to other organs. I know it is a trial that is taking place but from the information gathered I am feeling lucky I have been able to be part of it. Treatment is moving so quickly now with different advances. After chemo and proton therapy I have to have further scans then the surgeons want to operate which I am fearful of tbh. We put our lives in the hands of experts and hooe for best outcome. My cancer is stage 3 with 1 node affected.  

With the advise of macmillan I have just been to see about the wig options. Here in Merseyside we can be issued with a script voucher and it is equal to £150 towards a wig. I had to ask my chemo nurse about the voucher as it was not automatically suggested, so would recommend you ask if it something that might help.

Wishing well on your journey. Think we all keep each going on the site with any little tips.  XX jean

Thanks for the details. I have read difference things about cold cap and am looking to give a try. In merseyside we are lucky to be given £150.00 towards a wig and there are several outlets in my area that are taking NHS script. (Postcode lottery I suppose) I went yesterday and spoke to the consultant. Although I am hopeful I may be one of the lucky ones with my hair I have pre empted any outcome as it can take weeks for a order to arrive. Where I went they had lots of different wigs in store to try rather than an order being placed and waiting for delivery. The options where good and range from human hair and synthetic. Range from £200 to £1000 plus. I had to ask my chemo nurse about the voucher as it was not automatically offered. 

Good luck with your future treatment. xx