Quick Hair Loss Question

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. 

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 

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 

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 

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

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

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

Hi Jacqui - I know exactly how you feel, I have been 'bald' two or so weeks now, and yes my hair started falling out exactly when they said it would.  I got my husband to shave mine and have had a 'beanie' glued to my head ever since.  My husband has been very good about it all and I still feel like you do, I hate it and can't wait for the treatment to be over and start looking like a human again - and yes, the boob thing has definitely not been on my priority list of 'what looks the worst'!  I think that is because you can 'cover' your boob up - whereas the head is a darn side more obvious to every one - I am not going to worry about a wig as I only have two more sessions to go - so wearing a beanie in winter here in the south, does not look too out of place (lucky they cant see me in bed - I wear one there too because my poor old head gets cold!)  I am not good at scarves, I tried a few and decided I kept looking like Sadie the cleaning lady!  So when I get some energy up I will have a crack at making myself a turban.  In the mean time, you are not alone, and all those fears and thoughts - we have had them too, just remember it will grow back!  Keep your chin up and remember we are here for you, lots of love Josie x x x