Hi again. My last blog was deciding whether to have chemo or not and was a big decision for me. My Oncologist, who I'm very happy with, did convince me to go ahead as she had major concerns that my chances of recurrence were just too great for me to risk without it. I'd like to be around for quite a while longer yet! So I had my first treatment on the 16th December - 1 down, 15 to go I tried the cooling cap and although I went ok with it, I don't think I want to continue so know I will lose my hair. I think I'm able to accept that now, and that's what I've had to do in my own time throughout all of this. I'm thinking it might be best to cut my hair very short before it starts falling out in clumps, as I've read can happen. Would love some advice on this and what others have experienced so I've got a fair idea of what to expect. My next treatment is 5th January so expect I will lose it within a few weeks of then? Thanks in advance for sharing any info.

Hi there, We had a family shave night. My girlfriend, husband and one of my sons shaved their heads along with mine before I started chemo. Although a bit confronting, it was a fun night. I also bought a wig in readiness. I didn't want the whole waking up in the morning to find my hair on the pillow. As it turned out, I quite liked the bald look so only wore my wig for work. The rest of the time I went a la naturale (nude nut). It was also about acceptance of what was happening to me. There are beautiful wigs, scarves and turbans out there. Just do what ever make you feel more comfortable. Good luck with it all. Karen xox

We do have to work through things before we are ready to accept them sometimes and this whole process can feel so rushed and so pressured at first. I am glad that you have been able to process the information and come to terms with it all. It is good to understand why you need particular treatments and I think it helped me to know what I was achieving by having chemo etc. I started losing my hair 14 days after my first chemo. I had it cut into a short style before chemo started and then my husband shaved it for me when it started to make a mess. I felt this was easier emotionally than watching it come out by the handful. It also eased the soreness through less pulling on the scalp when I slept etc. Lots of women find it gives them a sense of control to make the decision to shave. A lot less mess too! I had little hats and pre-tied scarves ready to wear. (i got mine from headcovers.com and pink sisters on line) I also had a wig which I wore for special occasions but found it uncomfortable to wear for long. If you have an opportunity to go to a Look Good Feel Better workshop they give you terrific ideas of headwear and we even got a couple of free cotton caps which were great to wear to bed (soft and comfortable). Hope things continue ok for you. Take care. Deanne xxx

Well .. Me too About to start chemo, as prepared as I can be, with a wig, turbans etc.. Also ordered nifty headgear online. I've had a short haircut, preparing to have it shaved, by my lovely hairdresser, in a couple of weeks time. Re: the whole chemo thing.. I really think that if an oncologist advises it.. There's no way around it. My surgeon said, following the sentinel node biopsy, that the team would hit it hard.. So that I have a long life. I realise now.. That is overwhelmingly the most important thing. Very best wishes.

Hair loss advice | BCNA Online Network

27 Replies

Juli
Member
11 years ago
Ok. Make the most of the good days.!!!!!! That's right. Thanks for that advice, I'll hang on to that one. Cheers Juli xxxx
Cook65
Member
11 years ago
Girls don't feel guilty, feel lucky! Make the most of the good days when they happen. I so hope the rest of your treatment continues to be a non event for you. Xox
Dragonlover
Member
11 years ago
Hi Hazel. I have booked into a LGFG workshop on 19th Jan, you guys have all said how helpful and fun it is so will give it a go. Doing a few things out of my comfort zone since this all began - you find yourself in this new zone that was not of your choosing but you have to go with it. You have to adjust your way of thinking or allow yourself to drown and I refuse to do that. Xx
Dragonlover
Member
11 years ago
I'm day 14 after my first dose of chemo and am feeling very grateful that it hasn't caused me much grief at all. Had some nausea and the weirdest loss of skin sensation for a few days but like you, keep waiting to get sick! I ended up just carrying on my life too. Wondering if the effects will get worse with each chemo treatment or am I maybe going to be lucky? Just appreciating the good days! Hopefully we can be like Robyn and get through it ok. I used the cooling cap the first time but have decided it's not for me. This decision means I will definitely lose my hair after my next treatment on 5th Jan and I'm scared but I guess accepting at the same time. Will get it shaved before I start losing it - that would be more distressing I think. Good luck xx
Robyn_W
Member
11 years ago
Hi Juli! Chemo was a non event for me too!!!! I kind of felt guilty that it wasn't worse. I remember that metallic taste well.Once your hair starts to come out,it doesn't stop! If I was you I would definitely make an appointment before your scalp gets too sensitive.Try to remember that this time next year you will be on here giving advice to newly diagnosed ladies ,just as I am doing now:)And you will have a full head of hair!!!:):)Cheers xoxRobyn
Juli
Member
11 years ago
Hi all you lovely ladies. I have tears streaming down my face as I read all these lovely posts. Fantastic way with words, beautifully put. OMG I'm day 14 post chemo. I'm not ready for this . I thought I was, but now I'm not sure. Chemo so far ( and please don't think I'm bragging) for me has really been a non event. I'm waiting for something that should be happening. Nothing did by day 3 so I kicked my self up and said get on with your life. I thought my hair lose may also not happen. But this morning I have a metallic taste in my mouth & I can easily remove several strands of hair.. But I'm still not ready for this. I will make hair dressers app. Or I could do the family thing on new years eve. Shave!!!
Dragonlover
Member
11 years ago
You sure have a great way with words and have described the rainbow of feelings so well. I guess I'm still in the early stages of this adventure having been diagnosed and had surgery in October and just started chemo on 16th December but my life (and those around me) has changed so much already when I look back. Things I thought I couldn't do or accept - I have dealt with it. Look at me go, I can do this!
Cook65
Member
11 years ago
Omg Jessica, that is the best description of what we all go through: learning to dance on shifting carpet as the rug is pulled from under your feet. That sums it up perfectly. I'm going to steal that phrase if you don't mind Karen
Cook65
Member
11 years ago
Omg Jessica, that is the best description of what we all go through: learning to dance on shifting carpet as the rug is pulled from under your feet. That sums it up perfectly. I'm going to steal that phrase if you don't mind Karen
Hazel_M
Member
11 years ago
Like the other ladies I lost my hair on day 14, my partner shaved it down to No.1 beforehand. When it actually released I was in the shower, quite a surreal feeling. I would highly recommend the LGFG workshop, so much helpful advice, I was self conscious at first but quickly realised everybody was in the same boat? all the best for your treatment,

Hazel xx