Managing long hair post Mastestectomy

Hi ElizabethRose, My hair is currently bum length. Chemo is not going to be fun when it starts, but that's another story. When I had my mastectomy and axillary clearance 11 days ago I put my hair into two braids. The braids stayed in for two nights and by the third night I was moving around unassisted and able to tie it up on the side but I have to admit, it has been a bit of an annoyance at times. If you can live with short hair earlier than anticipated, I'd probably recommend getting the haircut, but if your like me and want to hang on to the locks as long as possible, then a two braids are very manageable. Cheers, Janina

Thanks for that Robyn. I have voice analysis software so I'm thinking of taking multiple recordings. If you voice is okay, not hoarse or croaky at normal volume, you might find these short exercises by Ingo Titze helpful. They are designed to optimise closure/prevent over closure of the vocal folds. I saw him at the International conference of voice teachers in Brisbane in July. He has done some of the most influential research in voice and voice therapy. Our golden rule is generally that voice changes tha last more than 2 weeks should have an ENT investigation. http://youtu.be/0xYDvwvmBIMq

What a lovely username 'ElizabethRose' two of my favourite names :) Welcome to our sisterhood Elizabeth not that you want to be here. Deanne and Robyn have already given great advice. I just want to say the getting it cut in a short style will lesson the shock when it falls out completely with chemo. I had a longish concave bob style but before I started chemo I had it cut quite short. My husband washed my hair for me when I couldn't manage after my lumpectomy and by the time I had my double mastectomy, my hair was just beginning to grow back from chemo. I used baby shampoo during chemo as your scalp can be very sensitive. Check any shampoo you use to make sure it has no harsh chemicals. Good luck for Friday Elizabeth. We will be thinking of you. Love Janey xxx

Thanks Robyn. Shall book an appointment for this week. My partner has offered to help with hair, but I think it would drive me crazy to have it long and not be able to muck around with it myself. I figure I'll have to accept help for enough other things. It's so lovely your daughter helped!!

Awesome, thanks!!!! That's so helpful! My mum has been hitting the blogs and sorting me out for clothes. Heard Dry shampoo is also very very helpful. I've been specialising in Voice therapy the last year and give a talk about steaming to moisturise the vocal cords at least twice per day, so I'll have my steamer ready.

Hi.I had short hair when I had my single mastectomy,and even that was a challenge in the beginning,lifting my arm above my head.Cutting your hair into a short style would definitely be a good idea.Amything that you can do to minimise problems is a good thing.Like Deanne said,it is not so much pain,but a tightness and pulling sensation,and it does restrict you in the early days.My daughter and husband helped with my hair washing in the beginning.All the best Elizabeth.xoxoRobyn

Hi.I had short hair when I had my single mastectomy,and even that was a challenge in the beginning,lifting my arm above my head.Cutting your hair into a short style would definitely be a good idea.Amything that you can do to minimise problems is a good thing.Like Deanne said,it is not so much pain,but a tightness and pulling sensation,and it does restrict you in the early days.My daughter and husband helped with my hair washing in the beginning.All the best Elizabeth.xoxoRobyn

Hi.I had short hair when I had my single mastectomy,and even that was a challenge in the beginning,lifting my arm above my head.Cutting your hair into a short style would definitely be a good idea.Amything that you can do to minimise problems is a good thing.Like Deanne said,it is not so much pain,but a tightness and pulling sensation,and it does restrict you in the early days.My daughter and husband helped with my hair washing in the beginning.All the best Elizabeth.xoxoRobyn