Forum Discussion
MandaMoo
15 years agoMember
Quick Hair Loss Question
I have a quickie question about hair loss. I am on Fec - have had 2 rounds. My hair started falling out 2 weeks after first round. I shaved to a 0 blade at 3 weeks and the stubble has steadily fallen out since (I am now day 9 after my second FEC). I still have some stubble all over my head and am wondering whether to expect it to all go or have some stubble remain? It doesn't really matter I suppose just wondering what the norm is?
Thanks
Amanda x
42 Replies
- Susan1967Member
Hi Tania, I feel for you and know excattly how you feel. I am having my last of 4 cycles on Thursday so am thinking of the regrowth stage now too which everyone says can be different. I have long blonde (coloured) hair too and did the same thing cut into a short bob and agree I did like the look. I cried when it started coming out and then it started clumping so I had my wodnerful husband do number 4 clippers. That lasted a week under the wig but looked awful. So even though it was the last thing I wanted Anthony shaved my head. I still find that a look at pictures of myself with hair and often look in the mirror and just cry. But then you have to pull yourself together as much as possible and think why we are going through this and the end positive result. My husband kisses my bald head and now finds it strange when I wear the wig.....but it is very hard. So I dont think I gave any advice, just take one day at a time, think of the end result and take all the hugs and kisses from our wonderful husbands. Good luck with the rest of the journey. X
- Susan1967Member
Hi, first chemo next Thursday....and trying to not focus on it too much. Even though I know I should be concerned about the chemo drugs etc, I am having trouble getting past the hair going. My hairdresser plans on cutting it from long to medium this weekend and then a couple of days later go the short style in preparation. I am also going wig shopping tomorrow in prep. So trying to have some control is okay but then I stop and look at my long lovely hair and I just cry. I hate this feeling. I know all the 'it will grow back' and 'you'll still be Susan' comments are meant to help but they dont. Anyway enough complaining, just wanted to share some feelings and enjoy my hair for another few days.
- JacquelineMemberHi, I am almost three years since chemo and start of radiotherapy was then started on Arimidex, but have developed an irregular heart beat and they have discovered scarring on my lung,this is apparently from the radiotherapy, was not aware that if you do have side effects that they can gradually get worse as time goes on. Has anyone else had any problems. Also find this website difficult to navigate......does anyone else? Finding messages? Hope everyone is coping and staying positive, it has been awhile since I have been on this site so hi to everyone. Oh yeah the hair bit, it did grow back wavy and thick but Arimidex has thinned it out a lot and now the beta blocka meds also thin hair!! Regards, Jacqui
- JacquelineMemberHi, I am almost three years since chemo and start of radiotherapy was then started on Arimidex, but have developed an irregular heart beat and they have discovered scarring on my lung,this is apparently from the radiotherapy, was not aware that if you do have side effects that they can gradually get worse as time goes on. Has anyone else had any problems. Also find this website difficult to navigate......does anyone else? Finding messages? Hope everyone is coping and staying positive, it has been awhile since I have been on this site so hi to everyone. Oh yeah the hair bit, it did grow back wavy and thick but Arimidex has thinned it out a lot and now the beta blocka meds also thin hair!! Regards, Jacqui
- JJoyMember
Hi Shells
If it's any comfort to you, it will grow back as soon as your chemo is finished. I was going through some photo albums the other day and was showing some snaps to a friend - it has been three years since my chemo and I saw a photo staring back at me - bald as a badger! My friend said "Oh you look like Uncle Fester!" I grinned and said yes, that was a bit of a joke - though I have to say I really felt it was a little hurtful, but there you go people don't understand if it hasn't happened to them - they can be rather flippant to say the least.
Three years down the track and it's a distant memory - so just remember to focus on getting well - I ended up with a lovely wardrobe of scarves - prefering the turban to a wig - it all went so fast Shells so hang in there, it's not such a big deal as the most important thing is to get better - Oh and when it does grow back - prepare yourself for 'thick' and quite wavy hair! Sending lots of love and best wishes x x x
- JJoyMember
Hi Shells
If it's any comfort to you, it will grow back as soon as your chemo is finished. I was going through some photo albums the other day and was showing some snaps to a friend - it has been three years since my chemo and I saw a photo staring back at me - bald as a badger! My friend said "Oh you look like Uncle Fester!" I grinned and said yes, that was a bit of a joke - though I have to say I really felt it was a little hurtful, but there you go people don't understand if it hasn't happened to them - they can be rather flippant to say the least.
Three years down the track and it's a distant memory - so just remember to focus on getting well - I ended up with a lovely wardrobe of scarves - prefering the turban to a wig - it all went so fast Shells so hang in there, it's not such a big deal as the most important thing is to get better - Oh and when it does grow back - prepare yourself for 'thick' and quite wavy hair! Sending lots of love and best wishes x x x
- JJoyMember
Hi Shells
If it's any comfort to you, it will grow back as soon as your chemo is finished. I was going through some photo albums the other day and was showing some snaps to a friend - it has been three years since my chemo and I saw a photo staring back at me - bald as a badger! My friend said "Oh you look like Uncle Fester!" I grinned and said yes, that was a bit of a joke - though I have to say I really felt it was a little hurtful, but there you go people don't understand if it hasn't happened to them - they can be rather flippant to say the least.
Three years down the track and it's a distant memory - so just remember to focus on getting well - I ended up with a lovely wardrobe of scarves - prefering the turban to a wig - it all went so fast Shells so hang in there, it's not such a big deal as the most important thing is to get better - Oh and when it does grow back - prepare yourself for 'thick' and quite wavy hair! Sending lots of love and best wishes x x x
- TonyaMMember
Hi Jacqui and Josie,
I think you are both very normal in your reaction of wanting to cover your bald noggins.The bald look might look ok on younger women but on us middle aged ladies,forget it.I even wore a bandana around the house cos I hated walking past a mirror or letting my husband see me bald.You can hide the missing boob with a prosthesis but your head is on show.It's a blow to your self esteem and confidence -not really vanity.You have to do what makes you feel comfortable so if covering your head helps you get on with life then do it. You are going to be covering your bald head for many more months and you don't get used to it -just better at covering it. I had some cotton stretchy beanies that I would wrap a silk scarf around and tie in a bow at the back- try that Josie.I liked my cotton bandanas when it was hot.The wig drove me nuts too after a few hours.By the time it's all over you will have both become" head management"experts.
luv Tonya xx
- MandaMooMember
Oh Jacqui - please don't feel bad for feeling the way that your do! You have every right to feel uncomfortable.
We are all different. While I am happy to bare my head I'm shit scared of menopause! I'm getting hot flushes frequently now and I am worried about gaining weight and getting osteoporosis - we all have things that bother and/or worry us - it make us unique. Sometimes I feel like a washer woman with my scarves that I would rather be bald! Sounds like your wig is a good idea too - at least it is Winter and hopefully not too hot!
Take Care,
Amanda xx
- JacquelineMember
I got the wig before I lost my hair and I do find it gives me confidence when out and at work even though I think anyone can tell its a wig but at least at work I don't look like a sick cancer person and therefore protects my privacy a bit as most people are not rude enough to say oh your wearing a wig and ask why.
I still have 4 treatments to go so it will be awhile before there will be any fuzz on the top of my head.
Thank you for making me feel not so weird not wanting to expose the noggin, some of the ladies don't seem to worry about it and that made me feel bad that I do.
I am glad that you are almost finished your chemo....what cocktail have you been having. I am on FEC for one more and then Taxotare for the next 3.
TAke Care,
Jacqui