hair loss

Hi Denise, I don't know the answer but am wondering the same question myself. I am due to start chemo in 3 weeks and am trying to decide if the cold cap is worth the extra time, the nurse I spoke to about it seemed to suggest that hair thinning is inevitable. I'd love to know how others have got on with it.

Hi Denise, I'm really sorry you are having to go through this, but rest-assured you can do it!

I was diagnosed last April, and started chemo following surgery in June. I was offered the cold cap but refused it (for various reasons - please PM me if you'd like to know more!) My hair promptly fell out 3 weeks after the first chemo, and did it fall out!! I was staying in a posh hotel in Bath at the time and it was everywhere!! I can laugh about it now, but at the time ... I had a wig but it never came out of the box, as I felt more comfortable in bandanas and hats. My hair is now back and thicker than ever!

Just remember that it's your journey and and you must do what is right for you. With all my love and best wishes, Jayne x

Hi Chani, Hi Denise
I am due to start chemo on Tuesday , having had a double masectomy with imm recon 7 weeks ago.I too thought about a cold cap but read about it and have decided against it. My hair will fall out BUT it will grow back in again. In the meantime I am going to get a wig to tide me over.
I know there are some ladies on this site who will be able to tell you how they got on with the cold cap. You will get some good advice here.Best of luck with your treatment, you're not alone, best wishes Jules x

Hi,
Not my usual forum, but somehow you jumped out at me! I am sorry that you are going through this awful time, esp with young children, its rotten this disease. My husband has bowel/liver cancer and we have 10yr old triplets, he has only had 2 chemos and has suffered some hair loss though the oncologist said that shouldn`t happen on his drugs! I pray for a good outcome as speedy as possible for you xxxx

When I was diagnosed with Cancer, I went and had my hair cut and coloured so that if I needed a wig, I would know what style and colour to look for. Then my nurse said "you don't lose your hair with this chemo" - 5 FU, the same as Harry, Triplets' husband.

Do you know, I felt disappointed for a moment, and I have always loved my hair. Except that I am going grey, and hoped that it would grow back silver.

The chemo was easier to bear because I felt it was worth it to get better. Whatever you decide, it will be the right one for you. I wish you luck and a happy future.

Ruth

Hi there!

I have just finished chemo for breast cancer. I didn't find it anywhere nar as bad as anticipated, so please do not worry. I used the cold cap and didn't lose my hair. The first l5 minutes are like putting your head into a freezer! However, it is worth it. About 2-3 weeks after the first chemo, I woke up to find hair on my pillow and then in the shower, so I thought the cap hadn't worked. However, after two days the hair loss stopped and I never lost any more! This meant that my body hair disappeared (no problem there!) and it got thinner on top, but I still had a complete covering all over my head. My hair did go frizzy and thin, like a very old lady(!) but at no time was I bald.

I finished chemo on 20 May and by 27 June I could have the frizz cut out and I am now really pleased with my hair - it looks good. It is growing very very slowly but this saves on hairdressing bills! People say I look better than ever.

thanks for reply taking me a little while to work my way around the site. I've decide to have my hair cut into a short bob this Thursday as it is currently quite long. I decide this so if i do suffer a lot of hair loss it wont be such a shock to my sons. But think i will atleast give the cold cap a shot as long as i can bear it. Lol

hi triplets
i think chemo might be a breeze in comparison to having triplet boys.
Having two boys at seperate times has been like mission impossible at times. xxx

Just to wish your luck with the chemo and cold cap. As you have been told the first 10 minutes are a bit uncomfortable and you wonder if you want to persevere with it then your head goes numb so no worries.

My hair has thinned and I have had it cut short but my last chemo was nearly a month ago now and as you get a free menopause thrown in with the treatment I am not I could have coped with hot flushes, hot weather and a hot wig.

I have worn my wigs for high days and holidays but friends have reassureed me noone would know unless they saw my hair before. When you study peopley many women have very thin hair......mine was really thick as yours looks in the photo which bodes well....you will lose what seems like loads but still have enough left to look OK.

Please PM me if you think of any questions......by the way....the first few handfuls start coming out about day 14 or 15 after your first chemo so you can be prepared..

Lots of luck

Diane x

Its not quite that bad! I actually have 2 boys and a girl, they were 10 last Jan! Must say though they are far more exhausting now than when they were babies! I wish you good luck with everything, truly xx

Hi ,

I am starting my first cycle on the 19th, so not too far behind you.I am also going to try the cold cap and see how I get on. Let me know how you fair and all the best. Jo x

I had my chemo on 24th July..my hair is coming out in big tufts..I cried my eyes out although I did know it would happen. When it becomes too noticeable I will have to shave it off. I have a hat but no wig..decided I probably wouldn't wear it. Good luck to all of you.
Julie
xx

well jo and i have been through our first cylce together using the cold cap and so far we have hung on in there with our hair on top. As a giggle i do however have a new bikini line that didn't involve going to the beauticians.

My hair has recently recovered after six months of chemo. My son seemed to consider the hairloss as a physical manifestation of my cancer. He's now much more at ease with me and but now refuses to let me have my hair trimmed. Equally, he's furious if he finds a photo of me without hair. I guess this gives him a focus for his distress - I'm possibly reading too much into this!?