Forum Discussion

JulesAlive's avatar
JulesAlive
Member
3 years ago

Hair loss

Sitting here with tears streaming cos my hair has started coming out in big clumps. I'm on day 19 since start of chemo so I've been expecting it but that doesn't make it any easier. I feel overwhelmed by this and more distressed than I did about my mastectomy. It feels like I've barely had time to process the diagnosis, and then the mastectomy, then chemo, and now this new big horrible thing. I know I need to phone my hairdresser to book to go in and have it all taken off, I know it's time. I just don't want to. I know it grows back and I have a wig and some head coverings already. But none of that makes me feel better. I just feel this big huge grief for the loss of my hair, my look, my identity, my appearance of seeming healthy.

Thank you for reading this. I know there is a whole community of us warrior women out there experiencing similar challenges. I know my emotions are spiking right now and they will settle. I just needed to vent and put my feelings into words.
chemotherapy-side-effects
emotions
hair-loss
  • Tomobun's avatar
    Tomobun
    Member
    3 years ago
    Hi JulesAlive,

    I feel your pain. I’m experiencing hair loss too and hate it. 
    I have been using a Eyelush serum. I don’t know it actually work but I still have my eyelashes. I have been having chemotherapy for 10 weeks. It may fall out but possibly extend it???
    Something we can do for ourselves… I think….

    I also heard that if you keep massaging your scalp, your hair will grow back thicker.
    Sometime next year, we can go to hair dressers and getting a beautiful hair cut.

    Take care. 
  • Keeping_positiv's avatar
    Keeping_positiv
    Member
    3 years ago
    There are pampering sessions that you may be able to attend, but not sure if are they now using zoom.  Perhaps check out the link.  The organization is called Look Good, Feel Better, and when I attended the morning we were given makeup and a demonstration on how to apply makeup and to give the appearance of having eyebrows and eyelashes.  I remember applying online and giving details of my skin type and coloring, and was given makeup to suit my coloring, and we also had some instructions of different ways to tie a headscarf. 

    Also you can look on you tube for many tips on different ways to tie a headscarf.  For me I took time off work whilst I was having treatment and I really pampered myself as much as I could and basically left the rat race and stress of work to nurture myself as best I could.  Do what is right for you and your own situation.  :)  

    Look Good Feel Better - Facing Cancer with Confidence (lgfb.org.au)


  • JulesAlive's avatar
    JulesAlive
    Member
    3 years ago
    Thank you everyone. I'm looking forward to better skin - I didn't know that was a thing! And all the time and money I'll save on haircuts and hair products and waxing... 

    Also my girlfriend just told me my wig looks like my own hair, only better  :D
  • AllyJay's avatar
    AllyJay
    Member
    3 years ago
    It's very confronting to lose your hair., that's for sure. I remember watching one of those 'real crime' shows and the person doing the photo identikit drawings said that they always started with the hair as it was generally the thing most noted by the witness and also that it was very characteristic of the person being depicted. For me, I felt totally stripped of my identity as I'd always had very long hair (I sat on mine) and was known as either 'Dave's wife, 'Kate and Jesse's mother', or 'the lady  with the long hair". Upside, it provided a good place for my grandson to draw with his textas, and I got a free and also pain free Brazillian into the bargain. (My first and only), and my underarms have never again needed to be shaved. Chemo in 2016. Good luck with your ongoing treatment, and remember, we all get it.

  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    3 years ago
    There’s always an upside - chemo unquestionably improved my facial skin (was prone to blemishes all my life!) and the improvement has lasted a decade after chemo! I’d never recommend it as a beauty therapy, there have to be easier ways, but it worked for me!

    Best wishes, start as you mean to go on, bubbles and a smile. 
  • Keeping_positiv's avatar
    Keeping_positiv
    Member
    3 years ago
    Make sure you tell hubby not to get started on the champagne until you give him the go ahead. 
    P.S.  I did cry when I buzzed my hair off at home, but laughed afterwards at how ridiculous I looked without hair, so thankfully the wig was rather glam and the chemo evened out any blotchy skin and ridded any stray unwanted facial hair.  Who would have thought?  

    You sound very prepared.  Enjoy the champagne  :)


  • JulesAlive's avatar
    JulesAlive
    Member
    3 years ago
    Thank you @Keeping_positive1 
    I imagine I'll cry too but I've put on my big girl pants and booked it. And I'm taking support - hubby and a bottle of champagne :smiley: 
    My new mantra: I am so much more than just my hair...

    Thank you for supportive message and kind words xx
  • Keeping_positiv's avatar
    Keeping_positiv
    Member
    3 years ago
    You are not alone in feeling sad about the loss of your hair.  I didn't go to a hairdresser as I was worried I would break down and cry while having my hair cut off, so I bought myself a mens shaver set and zapped it off myself.  First I cut it short and then I zapped it off using a No. 1 in the same day, then I braved the world wearing a headscarf that same day.  

    None of this is easy @JulesAlive and I also had a lovely wig lined up and some really nice headscarves.  My wig actually looked better than my own hairstyle at the time, so that turned out to be a plus for me.  Hop onto the forum anytime, as we all understand the roller coaster feelings, you are not alone.  Take care and best wishes. xx