Losing my hair

Hi Scotkb, I started to lose my hair  2 weeks  after my first chemo session. I had already bought a wig and a turban and my mum lent me a couple of scarves. Although I knew my hair would go, the speed of the loss surprised me as it had all gone within 4 days. I found it a bit weird when i caught sight of myself in the mirror to start with but soon got used to it. As all this happened just before lockdown and I don't go out very much, my husband is ok with me going bald headed at home as it's more comfortable and I don't think about it until I get a bit cold, then I put a turban on. I always put a hat on if I go out in the sun and I try to remember to put a head covering on if I do a video call or someone comes with a delivery. I don't want to frighten anyone!  One of my friends has seen me au natural and said I look ok and don't need to cover up. I'm just looking forward to the end of my chemo when I know my hair will grow back. It will take time but it will come back. Well it did last time I had chemo 17 years ago! Embrace the change and concentrate on keeping well and healthy during the treatment as that is more important than having no hair for a few months. 

Take care

Nannasuki x

Hi Scotkb,

My daughter was quite down when she started losing her hair through chemo treatment. When it got so bad that more hair came out than was in she had it shaved off. She tried scarves and a wig, but as it was summer abandoned it all one day and went around bareheaded. She said her wig was too hot. She is quite strong minded and said people could have her with no hair or not at all - their choice!! Her hair grew back really curly, and she looked lovely. (Hair is normally straight, and it did go back to being straight)

As for people knowing you have cancer, I'm not sure. I have a younger friend who has always had her hair cut, or shaved really short. To look at her you would think she had lost her hair, but she hasn't! If you look round (as I have) a lot of ladies have very short hair and I never know if its because of cancer, or if its a fashion statement! You are probably more conscious of the fact. I also think you can't fully understand a situation unless you have actually been there yourself, so don't beat yourself up. I used to stand in for teachers who had cancer operations and treatment, and could never understand why they weren't full of enthusiasm to be back. I didn't have much sympathy until I had to nurse my husband through throat cancer. I then realized just how devastating the diagnosis is and how tired the treatment makes you, and how worrying the whole experience is.

Keep your chin up! Its hard at the moment for everyone.  xxxxxx

Hi Scotkb,

Although your situation is very difficult now, but must believe that everything will be better, when you get better, can wear a beautiful wig, no one will know that you have been sick, everyone will admire your courage

You should be happy and look forward to your health.if you want wigs,I can recommend many beautiful wigs for you.

                      Advice from wig users.

It's not easy when it first comes out, but honestly you will get used to it.  I found that wearing a chemo hat made people realise what was wrong (I had trouble walking in parts of the cycle) and then they either treated me absolutely normally or slightly nicer (e.g. at the theatre someone giving me a little smile and letting me into the queue in the aisle). Nobody stared or fussed. I actually felt worse before the hair came out when some people at a garden centre stared because I was struggling with my walking. It was still a bit of a shock at times when I saw my reflection!  My hair is actually thicker now, so that's a plus. Don't feel bad about any emotions now, go easy on yourself because you have a lot to deal with.