Hair loss.

[Lovingfall]

Question..How come some people don't lose there hair during chemo? The DR assistant said I will after my 2nd round and a few friends are saying I bet you won't lose it.....i had a tumor with stage 1c. So I will be starting chemo the end of Jan...Maybe it's the type of chemo I just don't know why some lose there hair and some don't..Anyone know?

[harpist_UK]

They have said to me at the Christie that losing hair is a good sign that the chemo is working well - so what's a negative on the outside is a positive on the inside. Sometimes my hair has just thinned, which has mirrored the 'partial response' I had from chemo. Some drugs definitely make you lose your hair - taxol being the main one. Carboplatin and cisplatin don't. I think caelyx makes it thin.

[Lovingfall in reply to harpist_UK]

Thank you

[Lindaura]

We usually get the big guns, Taxol and Carboplatin in our first line treatment plan, and unless you use the tortuous lengthy cold cap process, you will definitely lose your hair, beginning at the third week from your start of Chemo.

I lost all of mine, but I was too sick to worry about it and rejoiced in the fact that the chemo had reached the tippy top of my head.

I am now on my third round of second line treatment, on Caelyx and Carboplatin and my full head of hair has shown no sign of thinning and most importantly, my cancer markers have dropped dramatically already.

So, get in touch with the MacMillan Cancer Charity near you and they will help you find and fit a really cool wig.

Mine was extremely fetching and I wore it all the time as soon as I started recovering from the first cancer.

Hope this helps,

Laura

[Lovingfall in reply to Lindaura]

Thank you...

[twiggy66]

Mine was totally gone by the time I had my second chemo, but I had been warned about it so had a wig all ready, mind & check I got a prescription for mine (Scotland) & it didn’t cost anything. Take care.

[Lovingfall in reply to twiggy66]

Thank you

[coksd]

Yes if you are having taxol in your treatment it causes scalp hairloss from my own experience its good to go to a wig fitting specialist when you still have your own hair if you are deciding to get a wig as the hairdresser can cut and style it so its very identical to your natural hair they have great options now with human or synthetic wigs. I lost mine 17 days after my first infusion my treatment was every 21 days and I wore my wig to my second treatment I did try the cold cap but it didn't work unfortunately if you are using the cold cap you may need to bring your conditioner with you and a wide tooth comb to apply at the hospital before the cold cap. Another product that is good is benefit precisely my brow pencil to use while you have your brows as they may thin or sparse during treatment and its good to get used to the shape when your brow is full there are great Christmas sets out at the moment, best wishes Clare xx

[Lovingfall in reply to coksd]

Thanks you.

[Caroles1]

Lost all of mine, carbo/taxol, got a couple of amazing wigs (new look) and some hats and it has grown back better than ever.

I was actually the vainest I have ever been during my treatment, fake tan, trendy clothes, wigs ect, but I think it was because I felt I had something to prove. The fact that I didn’t want to look ill and swerve any awkward questions and even so I could walk past acquaintances in the street and they wouldn’t recognise me.

It all worked, felt it was just a performance, it got me through.

Lost mine after second chemo, but had all in place and prepared.

It’s not the end of the world and I went without a wig or anything 4 months after end of chemo, you will be fine xxx

[Lovingfall in reply to Caroles1]

Thank you

[Hidden]

I would think that yes your doctor is right especially if you are on Carbo and taxol. Some other treatments do thin the hair okay. So start having a look around for a style of wig or hats you would prefer now and be prepared. Being prepared and making plans help our mindset as it we make decision when we lose our hair and not the chemo or cancer, all the best

[Lovingfall in reply to Hidden]

Thanks

[Eriksendi]

I had taxol and carboplatin and was told mine would definitely go. It hung on until just after the 2nd dose and then I had to have it shaved off as it was everywhere. On the plus side it’s back, thick and healthy. It’s grey and staying grey, no more chemicals for me. I was told not a chance of keeping it on taxol.

[Lovingfall in reply to Eriksendi]

Ok thanks

[Cheryl4677]

I did the cold cap with Taxol. Although I still lost a fair amount of hair to the top I retained my hair to the sides for the most part. I think the size of the cold cap was the problem! It didn’t really sit to the top of my head very well. The wig was also a problem as I have small head. (Always a problem with hats! 🙆🏼‍♀️👒👑

My lovely hairdresser tried cutting mine down and even made a template with layers of cling film to try to get the shape right. Her heavily bearded hubby wore it so she could work on it at home. That must have been a sight to see. In the end I wore it on a few occasions but just got too hot!🥵

In the end you’ll find something that suits you and your personality. We’re not all blessed with a head shape like Sinead O’Connor but think eyes, jewellery. Distraction methods. Good luck. Hold your head high.

Love

Cheryl

[Lovingfall in reply to Cheryl4677]

Yes thank you

[Chick44nzrn]

Hello . I hope this finds you in good spirits today. With hair loss I’m on FEC third dose coming up and have been using the cold cap though it’s a test of endurance !!

I’ve lost ariund less than a quarter of my hair so far , as cold cap doesn’t stop it all together . I have a wig ready but haven’t had to use it yet.

After the next 2 chemo sessions there will be 12 weekly TAX and whether I can stick with the cap remains to be seen. So the onco dr assured me both regimes will result in hair loss , which I’m trying to lessen by sticking to the cold cap !

All the best for good outcomes in your treatment !

Denise x

[Lovingfall in reply to Chick44nzrn]

Thank you

[ZenaJ]

I was told I would definitely lose my hair. I was stage 3C. I used the cold cap and although I got a bit thinner on top and lost every other hair on my body, I kept my hair. If you have very thick hair it doesn't work so well as the ice needs to get to the roots. I found it worked very well. You can't use any products if you use it though.

If it's not successful there are some beautiful natural looking wigs these days.

Worry might make your hair fall out as well.

Good luck with the treatment and fingers crossed for your hair. Love Zena x

[Lovingfall in reply to ZenaJ]

Thank u so much

[Maxjor]

My father had BRCA as do I and when he had chemo for Pancreatic cancer, they told us he would go bald and he did not. We kept asking why and his onc said they don't know why. But he died with a full head of hair having had chemo many times. Then when I had Frontline they told me to shave it all off because around the 10th day I would lose it and I didn't. I didn't lose it for the entire 18 weeks of treatment. BUT about a month later, it started to come out---never all of it--just got very very thin. My onc said its hereditary--that if my father did not lose his, its probably our BRCA gene make-up and total hair loss did not happen. But who knows for sure. I just know without the cold cap, it happens to most women. oxox

[Neona]

I wore the cold cap for chemo and kept my hair although it thinned a lot- well worth the trouble. You need to book in for this as extra time needs to be scheduled. They don't tell you about the cold cap being available because it takes extra time so you need to ask for it.

[Lovingfall in reply to Neona]

Thanks

[Mptelesca]

Hi, Lovingfall. My hair fell out after exactly 3 weeks. right before my 1st occurence, I had just had my hair cut and colored. It was long. As soon as I went through 1st chemo, I went to salon and had them buzz off. I knew I was going to lose it again and just didn't want to feel it falling out. It does grow back nicely. I promise. Best of luck to you!

XOX

Marisa

[Lovingfall in reply to Mptelesca]

Thank you...i am going to do the same thing I don't want clumps on my pillowcase..nooooo

[Mptelesca in reply to Lovingfall]

Exactly. Mine came out in the shower in clumps. First time around I let it fall out at it's own pace. Not a good idea. It's depressing and doesn't look good. Buzzing it off gives you a freedom and control.

Happy and Healthy New Year. You got this.

[Lovingfall in reply to Mptelesca]

Thank you

[retired2013]

It all depends on which chemo you are on My first two times I was on Carbo/Taxol and lost my hair the third time which I just finished chemo I was on Carbo/Doxil and did not loose my hair. It was the Taxol the first two times that made me loose it. Think positive and if you do loose it it will grow back but yes I know the first time it is hard to deal with but your still on the green side of the grass. Good luck

[Lovingfall in reply to retired2013]

Thank you

[antifer1234]

Hi,

It is the taxol that makes your hair come out. I lost mine, had a NHS wig, you get a £100 towards it!

I bought some off eBay and was blond one day and brunette another. Like they say it is a sign that the drugs are working.

Have fun with it, always look for the silver lining!!

Good luck.

Anthea

[Lovingfall in reply to antifer1234]

Thank you..The cancer house here works with a wig co that will fit and donate wigs so I am putting my name in and I bought some really pretty beanie hats for chemo patients and a scarf on that looked nice all on Amazon..

[antifer1234 in reply to Lovingfall]

Well done you. X

[Lovingfall in reply to antifer1234]

Thank you..this is all so new for me.

[Rlenesue]

I think it's the type of chemo drug used. I have never met anyone who has not lost their from frontline chemo. Usually the 2nd round you'll find your hair coming out. If not, perhaps it's not the right chemo for you.