Bald and bewildered

Hi Beth,

I bought an expensive wig(real hair) but I only wear it if I go out at night. 2 reasons: I worry people will look and know I'm wearing a wig,which is really silly(family say it looks natural).It's so hot and irritating after awhile.I can only wear it for a few hours at a time.If you don't get hot flushes then it's probably not a problem-apart from the itching.I prefer  soft cotton bandanas,caps/hats,and a cotton cap that I wrap scarves around.I started shopping online at www.headcovers.com and they have an amazing selection of head gear including wigs and half wigs. I've just had to alter any of my summer clothes with a low neckline.I've sewn stretchy lace fabric underneath,across the neckline, like a fake camisol.I didn't want to throw them out and it's too hot to wear a real cammy underneath.I couldn't have cared less about all that while on chemo.It's after,when you feel better,that you soooo don't want to look like a cancer patient still.You want to move on but your bald head holds you back(4mths) in my case. Good luck with your treatment Beth- it's a tough gig!

                                     Tonya

My husband couldn't wait to be able give me the once over with the clippers.....I had my hair cut "little boy style" from my normal hairdresser during my first week cycle of chemo, to get me used to having little hair, then by about D15 my hair was aching and felt brittle and by D18 was moulting I my husband put the number 4's over my head to give a more "balanced look" - (my initial hair cut latest about 8 days) and of course by then was wearing the scarves/turbans etc.  When I got home after 2nd round, I needed a "touch up" so my trusty barber was very obliging (as he was the one that suggested it needed doing!)

The nude nut look acceptance has been easier than thought given I had my hair cut early

as for the rest of the hairs, pubes are thinning, underarms went early in the piece, still have the eyebrows/lashes, the odd chin hair has disappeared (now more electrolysis for a while now), it can only get better!

need to improve on the head wear selection though, wig on loan doesn't really appeal to me so need to find something else when in the right frame of mind for wig shopping!

cheers

Good luck for next Wednesday.You are brave to face  round 2 of that stuff.Does the inside of your mouth feel like fur and most food tastes strange?I couldn't eat chocolate or drink tea -my favourites! I lost 2 kilos that first week. Young,slim girls can actually look good bald but it is definitely not a good look on me.At first I didn't recognise myself in the mirror,I looked like an alien.When a bit of peach fuzz came through,I looked like a prisoner in a war camp.My scalp was so itchy and red from scratching.Had to wash it in cetaphil.I don't think I anticipated just how depressing it would be bald.After a few months I adapted -my wardrobe is bulging with caps and scarves now!

I see my oncologist tomorrow for a check up -probably just ask me how I'm enjoying the Tamoxifen! It's quite the full time job being a patient isn't it.

                                 Tonya

Hi Louise

Have been reading the hair trail here and just wanted to add my experience. I am having my chemo 3rd weekly so could be why I still have all my eyebrows, eyelashes and some pubic hair(lucky me) after 4 cycles (2to go). However my head hair is growing back between cycles and have a lovely 1mm bristle all over - my husband loves to rub his hand over it lol ;) I am sure every one is different with the hair loss. The nose hairs are the ones I miss, I have neulastia every cycle and seem to get a runny nose which just runs - not a good look!!

So happy hair loss or not!

Sarah

Hi Louise,

I lost all my head hair,all pubic hair,most of underarm,about half my eyelashes and eyebrows and leg hair.Would you believe it -the first hairs to reappear were the few whiskers on my chin!! I think Taxatore is hard on your system.I had a bad headache with it for over a week,nausea was tolerable,aweful joint pains and my neutriphils dropped too low.But everyone is different and so is all chemo.My eyelashes and eyebrows came back after about 2mths-pubes and head hair now returning(almost 4mths).I ordered alot of nice head"stuff"from USA- www.headcovers.com. Their caps/hats are good.I found my wig too irritating so only wear it for special outings.I've really only got 3 looks at the moment:-thewasher woman,the gypsy and the sailor girl! You have to dress from the head down.

I hope you manage Taxatore better than me.I'll be thinking of you.

HI Tonya

Yes it seems like forever to come back, but when it is finally back I hope you will be happy with your new hair.  Mine came back thick and curly, but is now back to how it was before (straight) but better than before.  It does what I want it to do now.  It used to have a mind of its own and a kink.  Now I can scrunch it with some mousse and have it curly or blowdry it straight.

It will be worth the wait so hang in there girl.  Good things come to those that wait......bloody cancer!!! 

Tanya

Hi Tonya and welcome -- glad you found your way here eventually! :)  Just shout if you need a hand finding your way around.  The Getting Started blog is a good place to find advice, too.