Hair loss?

[Estate1]

I’m starting first round of BR tommorro. I’m curious if others that have had BR lost any hair? Thanks.

[GMa27]

My 2 BR pals did not lose hair. It thinned out a bit. But they said nothing noticeable to others. Good luck!

[nvp815]

My mom had BR with no hair loss. Wishing you much success with your treatment.

Nan

[Hidden]

Estate1— completed 3 rounds of BR so far and no hair loss. I’ve heard it might thin out but have not experienced that.

[Jacksc06]

Hi. I had 4 cycles of B&R two years ago. My hair thinned by approximately 50%. It has thickened up again but not as thick as previous. Do remember we all react differently, there are no guarantees. Best wishes.

[Mlftw]

I had no hair loss with 1st round of BR, but a year or so later, I lost quite a bit with the same combo. But, as others said, it really showed more as thinning. I admit to getting discouraged every time I brushed or washed my hair and handfuls seemed to come out.

All in all, tho, I considered myself lucky that more didn't fall out.

[Ellieoak]

My hair got a lot thinner, bought a wig for work. But then after 3 years I went on Imbruvica and my hair came back however it is curlier. But glad to have it back.

[JeannineMarie]

After 5 rounds of BR I have not experienced hair loss however the texture was different.... softer and hair shaft appeared finer. I have continued to color my hair but use a more gentle product.

I just use different hair products to add texture and body.....surfer hair paste for example gives a bit of lift and takes away the "baby hair" limpness.

Keep us posted on your treatment. Please remember no question is stupid. Also be prepared for side effects of BR treatment.....have anti nausea meds avail, possibly laxative, or anti diahrrea med, not knowing how you will react. To be honest my worst side effect is constipation....believe me I am pro active and don't wait to start treating it. Soon as I get home from first day treatment ( mine are given across 2days) I take Miralax ...just saying if I can get ahead of what I know will happen.

Good luck! Hope your experience is as good as mine!

JeannineMarie

[Mumu1]

Hello, Glad to report that I didn't loose any hair at all which was one of my biggest fears to be honest. First improvements were visible after fall first round (bulky desease). Was able to travel overseas between rounds 5 and 6.

Wishing you all the best for a similar outcome!

[Panz]

Need help.....what is BR?

[Hidden]

Bendamustine Rituxan is BR. Husband had no hair loss but the other side effects are more worrisome so report any symptoms like extreme tiredness or shortness of breath especially after first round. Many have breezed through so wishing you good results and it will knock the CLL back fast

[wmay13241]

My wife did not have hair loss on BR (6 cycles).

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

Bendamustine/rituxan [BR] is actually a fairly mild chemoimmunotherapy in the scheme of things, and while some patients may experience some mild alopecia, hair grows back after treatment... may take a month or so.

All the best.. keep well hydrated ...

More here...

chemocare.com/chemotherapy/...

[attarintiki]

Hi

I just completed BR first cycle I haven't observed hair loss yet. its too early for me to say

[Estate1 in reply to attarintiki]

Thank you for your response. How did you find your first session of BR. Worse or better than you anticipated?

[attarintiki in reply to Estate1]

Starting I was given Rituximib in 3 divided doses for 3 days (second day after R, developed Fever Chills subsided after few hours)

4 and 5 days I was given Bendamustine in two divided doses with no reaction.

But after coming home I am experiencing low grade fever in evening hours. Associated with dizzy and body pain. Still convulsing.

How did you go with your BR regime ?

[Estate1 in reply to attarintiki]

My BR was postponed a week in order to treat an ear infection.

[scarletnoir in reply to Estate1]

Important - I must have had some undetected infection at the time of my first BR dose, and spent 9 days in hospital on drips as a result! With no white blood cells, infections run rampant....

As for hair loss - I didn't experience any (at 63) and still have my hair (at 70) - this was important to me, as I didn't want my aged mother to know, or worry about the CLL. She's still fine, too, BTW - at 96y 7m.

[attarintiki]

But I am getting low grade fever in the evening hours. Is it common ?

[Joffre1]

Hi Estate1

Start BR next week because of falling eFgr reading.

Somewhat of a surprise as Cll has been relatively stable for past year. Dx 2016 with ALC of 21 gradual increase to 69 last Nov. No node symptoms . Night sweats becoming more frequent as well as fatigue.

Will follow your progress.

Joffre1