Hair today. Gone tomorrow

[bones-bones]

Hello everyone. I am on a 12 week course of Taxol. I finished my 3rd treatment yesterday. I woke up last night shedding hair all over my pillow and today I have been moulting like a Cat. How long will take for it all to go.....and will it speed up a bit ? This is the part of chemo I've been dreading........I'm 74 and far from being a model but this is my hair ! I dread being bald but I wish it would either stay or go. I've got hats etc lined up and getting my wig next week. Then I suppose we will have to give it a hand.I'm not sure I trust my husband with a pair of clippers, my friend's husband has a pair of dog clippers.....are they the same ?....and my hairdresser would do the deed but we would have to clear the salon and then there is a plate glass window ! What method do you recommend ? I think we need medals for all of this !

[jackearls1000]

Good Morning ...bones-bones ....I am sorry your going through this ..its not a pleasant experience ...I had the cold cap so persevered with the hair loss ...I still lost 75% of my hair ...what I did was get a silk head cap to wear to bed to save the pillow experience and because my hair was black I wore a black thin hat and put a pretty head scarf / bandanna round it ...to sport a " Rosie riveter look " I love the rock and roll scene so I got away with it ...nice lipstick and earrings ...I also got my wig early ...Annabelle's wigs on line are lovely ..and cheap they arrived in 24 hours ..and got my hairdresser to trim it up ....I wore it before my hair went as then I was use to it and realised actually no one noticed ....at the end of the day its do what you feel is right and comfortable with ....I just kept singing ,," I'm a member of the self preservation society ""

I was horrified at the prospect of a wig ...but I love mine now and saving a fortune on hairdressers ...my hair is growing back and after having long hair all my life I'm getting use to short hair and wearing the wig less often ....look after your skin and nails ect ....and give yourself treats ..hope this helps ....if your going to clip off your hair ...don't use the dogs clippers, your head will be sensitive, you can buy cheap clippers in Argos ... get a friend to do it ..or how about a mobile hairdresser or have you a look good feel better class at your hospital ... they might be able to recommend and discreet hairdresser.

I'm near the end of all treatment now and you will too before you know it ....good luck and keep looking forward ..lots of love Jane xxxx

[bones-bones in reply to jackearls1000]

Thank you for your helpful reply. I'm a bit past for the rock and roll look but I like your attitude ! Hair seems to have stopped dropping out at the moment so I'll see what tomorrow brings. Good Luck and enjoy your future.

[SuePS1958]

Morning bones-bones, a friend knew a mobile hairdresser who came to my home and cut/clipper mine off 10 days in - I found it better to take control than not knowing what the next day would bring. I loved my hats too - only wore my wig twice. had a couple of bamboo beanies too pop on at night to keep my head warm. Keep your hands n feet well moisturised and have some lipsalve on hand too to keep those lovely lips soft. I am 3yrs on now and enjoying life more than ever - you take care and keep the questions coming - we are here to understand and help xx

[bones-bones in reply to SuePS1958]

Thank you Sue. Hair seems to have stopped falling out for the moment....I'll see what tomorrow brings. I think it might get another burst of life. Got the hats etc all ready to go. Even found a mobile hairdresser !

[carolinenailsea]

Hi there

I cant really remember how long it took to completely go but I have some recollection it started to fall out after my second chemo and was gone by my third. I went to the hairdresser and had a very very short cut in advance of the loss of my hair. This worked well for me. If you go for a shave you have to be careful not to nic your scalp with the risk of infection. I went bald about this time last year, I bought a couple of nice hats and I loved them so much I am still wearing them. Good luck with your treatment. Caroline xx

[bones-bones in reply to carolinenailsea]

Thank you Caroline.Having had a wound infection I am paranoid so whatever I decide to do it will be as safe as possible . I have hats lined up and someone gave me a couple of tubes (? Buffs ) which look interesting.