Hair Loss, Shingles

O dear Michelle, I feel very sorry for you as I also experienced damn shingles. I was lucky that it was caught early but did end up in hospital (my only visit throughout my chemo treatment). My temp went up and my hubby decided to take me in.  Lucky for me my oncologist just happened to walk by me not long after I arrived at the hospital (the receptionist was excellent and took me straight in)  The oncologist looked at my arm and said I had also developed cellulitis. She was excellent and gave instructions to the lovely nurse what was to happen. Unfortunately it has damaged the neves in my lower forearm left me with two numb fingers on my left hand which may take 12-18 months for the feeling to return. I think this has been worse then all the chemo. 

Regarding hair, the first to go was the hair on my head and not too long after arms, legs and below. Much later eye brows and eye lashes.  I finished my weekly chemo about two weeks ago and I am sure my hair is slowly coming back. I never shaved my head but my hubby did give me a short hair cut......and I cried. 

I really hope you keep good health for the rest of your treatment.  Keep us posted.

Did the shingles delay your chemo treatments?

Hi Michelle, I couldn't have imagined that the pain of shingles could be so debilitating-  I had shingles a couple of years ago (before breast cancer) and I remember the pain was so strong.  I had to take some heavy duty pain medication to get through.  The hair thing is a very personal one.  I cut my hair short early because i found it too distressing to find long hair on the pillow and bathroom floor.  Some people get creative with scarves and hats.  The wig people advised to wait until hair fell out before choosing a wig- ensures a better fit I think.  Take care.

Michelle I hope you saw a Dr about the shingles. It can be treated so if you have not seen one go asap as if you start early enough pain can be managed really well.

My mum has had them 3 times and without any treatment they can be debilitating. There are both antivirals and neuralgia type medication you can have to help you both shorten the duration of the outbreak and the pain.

I cannot help you with the answer on treatment delays but I doubt they will delay the tratment as my Oncologist said once I am started on AC they will just manage infections and complications as they come but treatment will continue every 3 weeks regardless.

I hope this outbreak is shirtlived and you feel better soon.

Jel.

Morning Michelle I hope you have seen a doc about your shingles. I would be checking with your oncology team about your treatment because Im thinking they might delay you, there is also the issue of other patients in the oncology room contracting shingles.

My hair started to fall out my second treatment so I had it all cut off and wore a wig or scarves. The rest of my body hair just kept falling out. My friends got me some Merkins (these are wigs for your pubic area.) When they got me these I was a bit low and they made me laugh, I still have them as a reminder of the people who supported me through my trip.

Take care xx

Thanks everyone. Have contacted my oncologist waiting for them to get back to me. My hair started falling out this morning so of to get it shaved this morning.

Sorry didn't answer that question. Yes only by one week.

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Anne-Marie

I had mine shaved early, I was slightfy tearful beforehand but felt fine afterwards. I have to say a bald head is clean, easy to maintain, wash, dry and it's great not having bad hair days.  I think I look odd without eye brows so draw some on most days.  I don't mind losing body hair.  Good luck with your treatment.  

Hi Michelle, chemo does suck Honey, not nice that you're early on and the problems start. Shingles takes time to heal and it is very painful. Is it worth having a little time off work and giving yourself time to recover? My hair fell out exactly 2 weeks to the day from my first chemo, my hubby clipped my remaining hair short, and it was much easier to manage. I had a wig already organised so just wore that, and a little cotton cap in bed at night to catch the stubble as it fell out.

Just take care, and 1 day at a time, sending you a big cuddle, Trace ????????