First Oncologist appointment

Sorry to hear your results, I am due to finish chemo next week.  I will have had 6 cycles of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin.  If you have any questions I am happy to help if I can. X

So sorry to hear this,  the drug Paclitaxel is the one that does make you lose yiur hair.  Most hospitals have a scalp cooling machine where you wear a cap to keep your scalp cool throughout the treatment,  this stops the drug reaching the scalp and therefore minimises hair loss.  I'm using it at the moment,  I already had very thin hair and have shed some but I've still got plenty of hair left. 

Some hospitals  DON'T mention this to the older ladies, I don't know why, but if you really have a good  head of hair to start with it's worth asking.

Thanks Rach, hope your treatment has been going well. I think my only concern is the unknown, never had chemo before so not really sure what to expect. 

Karen

Thanks Mad, I’ll ask about it. My consultant didn’t mention it yesterday, only said it’s good my hair is quite short as it won’t be such a shock . Karen

It does all seem daunting at first but it is doable.  It scared my when the nurse was telling me all possible side effects but I have been very lucky and not really had any, I even cried when my mum dropped me off at the chemo unit for my first one but all the nurses are lovely and they look after you so well.  On my scan half way it had showed I am stable and the lymph nodes had shrunk a little but most importantly there were no new growths. X

1962KI

H Karen. I just finished 6 cycles of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin. Was terrified before my first cycle but the nurses are fantastic and so caring they make it easier. My hair started falling out after 2 weeks. I'd already had it cut short and shaved if off as I admit it was quite upsetting. I bought 4 turbans from Amazon and a few dodgy looking wigs LOL. But you normally get a voucher for £100.I went to a wig shop and tried on loads of different styles. The wig normally cost over £200 but with the £!00 off and the Vat taken off it cost about £80 and I love it, gone blonde for the first time in 40 years!

Have a look at the Chemotherapy support thread where you can read about other ladies here experiences and side effects.

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Sending you welcoming hugs, Barb xx 

Hi Karen.  I completely understand how overwhelming it is to be told you need chemotherapy, but yes, we need to do everything possible.  I finished my four cycles of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin 4 weeks ago and I am now having brachytherapy.  
I had always hoped to avoid chemo - on my first treatment day I sat in that chair with tears rolling down my face.  The poor nurse thought she was hurting me, but it was just the whole reality was hitting home.  They are so kind and understanding.  Like Barb, my hair came out 2 weeks after the first treatment and I found it tough, even though I was expecting it and had my wig and hats ready.  I still do find my baldness hard to cope with and can’t wait to see signs that it is growing back!  Fingers crossed 

Do ask if you have any questions and have a look on the chemotherapy thread.  Everyone seems to react differently - I wouldn’t say that I sailed through it, I found it quite tough at times - but probably not as bad as I had expected?  

Hi Barb, thank you for this, it’s really helpful. Think I’ll skip the dodgy wigs (LOL) and get some turbans/bandannas. My hair is already short and already spoken to my hairdresser about her shaving it off - got to have at least a little control. It is a bit daunting, but it’s good to hear your experiences.

Karen x

Hi GwenDot, thank you for sharing your experience with me, it is really helpful. It was a shock, as my gynae consultant said I’d only need radiotherapy, so chemo came as a surprise. I’m having radiotherapy after the chemo, don’t know yet how much, oncologist said we’d chat about it after the chemo is finished. I’m going to get some hats ordered, best to be prepared, not sure yet about wigs. I will definitely check out the chemotherapy thread.

Good luck with your treatment.

Karen x

This is hard news...so many supportive people here telling you that you will get thru it.

We have to believe them...the alternative is giving up.