Hello

Hello Hattie, sorry to hear this.   If you are anywhere near Hertfordshire I can recommend a wonderrful wig place in Ware.   I had them take me down to a No 1 before my second chemo then the loss wasn't so dramatic although I know this isn't for everyone.   I also had my eyebrows tattood (is that how you spell it?!) which was painless and really effective.

• Hi Gillydee, i’m in Bedfordshire so not too far. I didn’t think it would bother me losing my hair but it feels like it bothers me more than I thought it would. They told me because my chemo will take around four hours that I would have to wear the cold cap for over five hours, which is probably not doable. Initially I was told I wouldn’t lose my hair and the treatment would be different to what it actually turned out to be so I’m just getting my head around it all at the moment

Hi Hattie

sorry to hear your news. I was also stage 3, and had 25 radio with Cisplatin, followed by 4 lots of Paclitaxel/Carboplatin, which I finished 8 weeks ago.

the loss of hair was the one that really got to me, and I had a long time to think about it, given I started with the radio therapy.  I tried telling myself it wasn’t that bad/would grow back, but it has really got to me, so know how you are feeling.  

I remember discussing with my oncologist at very first post op appointment about my concerns about losing my hair, and how I knew I should be more concerned about the other side effects. His response, 99% of people he has the discussion with say the same thing. So you are not alone in what you are thinking.

A number of people have done the cool cap, so sure they will offer some advice. I decided not to go with it. There is nothing stopping you from starting it, and seeing how you cope. 

Don’t want to go on and on, but one of my main fears was how would people react, as it is obvious what you are going through if you have lost your hair. I really haven’t had the reactions I was anticipating, but have found out how many people have gone through this treatment, know people, etc etc. including several neighbours, which in turn has provided me with more support. Also pleased to say so glad to have the hair growing back now and looking like original colour. Eyebrows/lashes almost came back overnight.

let me know if there is any more info you would like.

Hello Hattie, 

I'm not surprised you are feeling overwhelmed at the moment. I'm sending you a virtual hug. I can't give any advice to you as I'm still at the diagnosis stage. I do feel your anguishe and why me? Hear we go again. We are all experiencing fear as start on this journey that this bloody awful disease is doing 

We are all here for you and you won't be going through it alone

Stay strong sweetheart 

Hi Hattie 

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. 

From reading posts on here it seems we all had to deal with different side effects at different levels.

My oncologist told me I'd lose my hair so I thought of it as part of my recovery, bought some headgear and had a number 2 buzzcut before it all fell out. Luckily I didn't suffer too much with other side effects; I had a little nausea now & again but the tablets the hospital gave me sorted that and some peripheral neuropathy in my toes and fingers.

I hope your treatment goes well.

H 

Thanks so much Waidh. I wasn’t expecting to have the paclitaxel as well, so it was a bit of a surprise to find out that. I was also told by my Oncology Nurse that I wouldn’t have radiotherapy as I’ve had it previously and it turns out that radiotherapy may also be on the table. All in all, it was a very negative experience. I honestly didn’t think I would be upset about losing my hair but I think you’re right it brands you as a person with cancer. It’s so helpful to have this forum and to hear other people’s experiences so thank you

 Hi Nano, thank you for your reply. yes, I do feel why me again! Particularly as I am a really healthy person and keep fit and active. I know I’ve just gotta get on with it and I wish you well with your journey as well

Hi Sbird, did you have the same treatment plan as me? Is good to know that you haven’t had too many side-effects. I know they have to tell you about them all, but it was a very long list!

you’re welcome.

More than happy to share experiences with hair loss, if you decide not to go down cold cap route, didn’t want to bombard you now.  I googled so much about hair loss, when it would happen, when it would come back…so happy to share if, and as and when you want.

Good luck!

Hi Hattie

Welcome to the Womb group.

I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis of a stage 3 womb cancer. I hope that you have recovered ok from the surgery.

I am sorry to hear that you need to have some chemo and understand it can be scary when they read through all the potential effects. My chemo was in 2022 and although it wasn't easy at times, on the whole most of the side effects were manageable. I remember feeling very overwhelmed before the first chemo but after the first one, it did feel a bit easier. 

Hair loss can be hard to deal with and it is a personal decision about what to do about it. I chose to do scalp cooling and although I did experience some shedding, it was successful. I did have a wig and scarves/hats on standby though. 

If it is something you are considering, this link has some info.

(+) The Changing Faces of Cancer- Scalp cooling, Hair loss and Regrowth. - Macmillan Online Community

I personally found that my chemo was easier than my radiotherapy treatment. With the chemo I had a 21 day cycle. So day 1 was in hospital and then 20 days at home. I did have a few rough days but felt much better by the 2nd and 3rd weeks. Whereas radiotherapy it was everyday for 5 weeks so there wasn't the break in between.

If there is anything in particular that is worrying you about the chemo, do ask.

Jane