Advice ladies please before I go INSANE! 😅🤣

[Newbery3]

OK after my hair started to fall out I decided to shave it off!( big mistake) then I read that I should have just cut it to crew cut length, now I'm going insane with a really short itchy head with a few infected spots and it's really hot and sensitive! Had antibiotics cream off gp but should I shave it more?? It's like growing but not falling out?? Another problem is constipation💩😵‍💫 I know lovely convo but it's happening lol, taken fibojel and prune juice and drinking loads but I'm bloated out like a 🐖! Any help appreciated on this ?? Not what you want in a heatwave 🥴 Enjoy you weekend ladies X P.S. I'm day 6 into second chemo x

[Maldive]

It’s hair, in the whole scheme of things you’re going through, it’s just hair love. I lost mine twice, but as a former hairdresser I just went with the crew cut, but it still made me cry. Leave your hair as it is now and try E45 itch relief cream, I use it all the time everywhere, you can get a large pump dispenser on prescription. Also try anti-histamine tablets they may help. As for the loo lark, who new going to the toilet could be such a trauma, I lurch between both constipation and diarrhoea, try 2 senna before bed and you should be good to go in the morning. Hope you’re feeling better soon, loads of love x

[Newbery3 in reply to Maldive]

I really don't care about the hair it's the irritation that'd driving me mad, I'll try the e45 today x thanks x

[Maldive in reply to Newbery3]

Use the anti-histamine to, especially whilst it’s warm, the little spots are just a shaving rash, you’ll be good in a day or two x

[Realistic]

I don't think you did make a mistake to be honest l did the same. My hair after first chemo seemed fine but just before my second chemo its started dropping out literally days before my second and the hair had left went together like ld put glue on it really so l decided to do what you did. And although it was drastic for me l dont have a nice head like you my was full of scars. I had a faint covering like you have but that all came out anyway.The problem.your having is probably because its warm and chemo apprantly doesnt like the sun l never had any problem with sensitive skin

So l was lucky so it might be that . You will probably lose even that covering on your head

It was a shock l wont lie. But believe me it grows back so quickly or it did with me it worth it if it keeps you well and it did with me . Id say watch the sun some peoples heads are super sensitive. Cover your head protect your skin.

And good luck with your next chemo,were all with on this one sending love ,& hugs xxx

[bananayo]

Hi Newbery3, I suffered from constipation after each chemo and tried prunes, liquorice, strong coffee you name it , but nothing helped so CNS nurse prescribed Laxido plus I took 2 senna tablets before I went to bed. Constipation is awful 😞! I didn’t shave my head but had it cut really really short and I didn’t actually lose it completely and kept a really fine thin wispy layer of hair which also appeared to grow on chemo as I had a couple of delays due to low neutrophils. I personally wouldn’t shave it again if it’s feeling itchy and sensitive. Best wishes xx

[LesleyGB]

Hi. I chopped mine off with kitchen scissors but still got irritation and some spots which stopped once i was totally bald. Hang on in there! Re constipation I had this from Onadesteron - one of the anti sickness drugs - and once i stopped it I was fine. Luckily I didn't need any. I was unknowingly given one with my steroids before chemo for a recurrence and again when I said I didn't want it, I didn't ger constipated. Certainly worth checking out. Good luck. X

[wendydee]

Have you got or can you get some aloe Vera gel? It works really well on calming irritated skin. A leaf cut off an aloe Vera plant does as well but it’s a bit sticky. Pears and figs are good for constipation too but I guess you’ve tried those. All the best xx

[Newbery3 in reply to wendydee]

Neighbours just given me some aloe Vera jelly!! 🤞🧑‍🦲😘

[wendydee in reply to Newbery3]

Great! It’s really good stuff for all sorts of things……works wonders on superficial burns too. All the best xx

[Caleda4]

Not sure regarding hair. I did lose my hair with 1st lot of chemo but it all just fell out apart from a small amount near back of neck which my daughter shaved off for me. I used baby shampoo which is very mild. Constipation ask your team for Movicol it comes in sachets and you mix it with water. I also eat prunes every morning, and linseed which helps. X

[Mammi]

Hi, I did exactly same as you, in fact my husband shave it off. That look really wasn’t me so I had pre ordered 2wigs which I adored & actually found as they are vented were cooler than my own hair. Some people though seem to have a problem with wigs 🤔just worth getting a good one 👍I also covered myself all through chemo with cheap coconut oil from the supermarket …brilliant! As for constipation 🙄tried everything & finally sorted itself when body repaired 18 mths after chemo. All sent to try us , but we get there! Sending big hugs Dee Xx

[Brondy]

Hi - I cut my hair short, and then it fell out. I had no problems, so no help on that front.

I do have a tendency to have constipation BIG TIME with the chemo. I take 2 tabs of colace and one full cap of Miralax every day. If I don't do that, I will have problems.

My daughter recommended having black tea with prune juice added - she swears by that.

[Newbery3 in reply to Brondy]

Will try the black tea prune juice and everything else! Thank you 😊 xxx hope your ok xxx

[SASSY196]

Hi, I use organic baby shampoo on my bald head which keeps it nice and fresh.Re constipation, just run anything you try past your CNS. I have had a blocked bowel due to cancer and couldn't take all suggestions eg prune juice. You need to be careful to get the balance between getting the bowels to work and irritating them.

[Newbery3 in reply to SASSY196]

Yes will do, I have rang her but no call back since Wednesday but I know they are super busy xx

[kadabra12]

Hi , I had disaster last week where my loose hair mingled with my good hair whilst shampooing and caused alot of serious matting so had to have emergency cut. But then had to shave my hair on Friday as I was fed up of the loose hair all round me... My head has had sensitive areas but seem to have eased since shaving. Normally ppl have the crew cut as such so it's easier with loss of short hair than long hair. This next week or so though all those little bits will most prob end up off if it's anything for me to go by from my last experience but atm when my head it's the pillow it's like I'm on needles....... I too suffer from the constipation and bloating but then end up on toilet for a couple of days ( also on 2nd cycle day 6) so I find it pretty normal to know it's going to happen. So far ive just dealt eith it and not took any medication. Ivr got really bad headaches this time.....Hopefully we both feel better in the next couple of days

[Newbery3 in reply to kadabra12]

We are in the same boat then!!! 🚢 we will get this done together x

[kadabra12 in reply to Newbery3]

Yes seems we have chemo on the same date and all our side effects are simular and at same time. Got a few of the spots on my head, must be the chemo drawing them out as it reaches the hair folicle cells. They will subside and your head will smooth down ready for new hair to grow back shortly x

[Newbery3 in reply to kadabra12]

How you feeling today😊? I'm a lot better and the 💩fairy has been!!🥳🤣 feel like a new woman lol! I may even do some house work!! 😅x

[kadabra12 in reply to Newbery3]

Same here lol, got up at 5am hoovered etc and currently having breakfast in mcdonalds. Gotta make the most of the good days havnt we x

[Morini]

My son shaved mine, he had great fun and threatened to leave me with a mohican before removing it all! I found extending my face cleansing and moisturising routine over my scalp helped and using a face wash in the shower not shampoo. It itched as it fell out and it itched as it grew back though.

Regarding constipation, nothing I did with my diet really helped so I was prescribed laxido powders which worked. (You can get free prescriptions if you have cancer, just need to apply through GP surgery)

Also Look Good Feel Better do a hairloss/scalp care online workshop I think? I've not done that one, but done others and found them really helpful.

[meadowgirl]

Hi newbury3I sympathise with everything you are going through. As you have read other comments you will realise you are not alone. The first advice I want to give you is that your local pharmacist is your best friend here. I am a retired district nurse and am slightly concerned that the areas on your head might be infected . This could mean that you need a medicated shampoo or antibiotic cream but do speak to someone. I went to chemist when I had constipation and he advised Movicol. I have used this on patients who are really bunged up and you can take it hourly until you poo quite safely, but make sure you drink plenty water. The back up is to take two senokot at night . I have just completed my last chemo 🎉 but remember the misery of dealing with some of the dastardly side effects. Mine only lasted about a week after each chemo and think it was the post chemo drugs that made it worse.

[Newbery3 in reply to meadowgirl]

Congratulations on your finishing chemo!!! It feels like an age away for me but everyday it's closer xxx

[Katmal-UK]

Hi With regard to hair I’d go back to go. I shaved mine and it caused folliculitus. I had antibiotics in pill form and it cleared up with a couple of days. I would shave again. With regard to constipation make sure you drink enough, I used to eat a lot of fruit and prunes which got thing moving. Good luck x

[Trickysite]

I swear by Movicol 25 ml in water plus 2 senna tabs, both at night. I take them every day. If that fails, a laxative suppository will do the trick. I found my head felt tender when my hair was falling out and again when it started to grow back but it settled both times after a few weeks. If you are a wig person, the right one will make you feel a million dollars. You may have to kiss a fair number of wig frogs before the right one for you. I get a lot of compliments on my hair from strangers and have stopped telling them it’s a wig!

[Newbery3 in reply to Trickysite]

🤣💙

[SUE7777]

Hi Newbery3 When I shaved my head I had mad itch etc so I started washing my 'head' in Aqueous Cream which is actually a moisturiser every morning in the shower. It certainly helped me, maybe your scalp is a bit dry. It's good stuff to have at home and you can also wash your body in it if your skin get's dry. Hope this helps, otherwise maybe your nurse might have some tricks, they deal with this all the time. Sue xx

[Mumsie13]

Ypu have already been given some good advice about shaving. I had mine shaved professionally back in 2018. Best thing I ever did. It was sooo hot but I made sure to protect scalp from the sun - my lovely wig when I could stand it or a cotton scarf or hat. Going out I put on some bold jewellery, especially earrings, made sure to define my brows with some good make up, a little eye make up and good to go. Now I keep my hair short all the time- not a buzz cut😉 - but less tiring to wash. It used to be very long Just one other thing not too sure about the Fibogel, it's my understanding that it actually bulks out the stool. I went with either Laxido (difficult to get at moment) or Movical. These help with constipation without taking water from the body (like some other preparations which can dehydrate you) and actually replace electrolytes and salts. Hope you get things sorted soon and enjoy what is possibly going to be our summer. Jackie

[Partnerincrime]

Bless you, I shaved my partners head and the same thing happened, (wrong move) so leave it to grow and put the cream on every day and the spots will go eventually, but if gets any worse you will need antibiotics as well as creams, it’s called folicolitous can take a few weeks to clear up

[SopSinger]

Can't beat Movicol for constipation. You can add lime juice cordial or similar to improve the taste but it's gentle and effective. Make sure you drink lots of water too, especially in this heat. There was a mega heatwave at the time of my first treatment and I remember just wanting to die!

[bamboo89]

Agree with others who've mentioned Movicol or Laxido (Laxido's cheaper version of Movicol). I can't understand why your treating hospital has not given you or told you to get some already, they know the anti sickness drugs they use seem to set the contents of the bowel to concrete, well, they do with me, so Movicol a couple of times a day is essential during 'chemo week', and possibly ongoing. Have it added to your prescription list at your GP - you can buy it over the counter, but it is available on prescription. Ask for the lemon and lime flavour... its a bit of a better taste than the others.

[delia2]

Hi. As you can see from the responses we’ve all been through this. My scalp was sore throughout chemo and it seemed like some areas would start to grow in between cycles and then fall out. Constipation is the worst. You need to stay on top of it. Be sure to take the senna or movicol the day before chemo and then continue (until you get diarrhea!!). You will get through it! Xx

[Millie-c]

This happened to me when I shaved my hair grade 2. I use my facial wash and moisturiser I use on my head and it’s kept any spots away. Like some have said, if it gets worth though you may need a course of antibiotics. For me it was temporary and soon sorted itself so maybe sorts itself out in a couple of weeks. Hope you get some relief soon.

[Yorkiepudd]

Mine was just like that until chemo took the stubble. I carried on shampooing as usual and also had a tea tree spray from Boots (think it’s actually a back spray) which helped. With the op, then chemo, then radiotherapy I never knew I’d spend so much time focused on what did or didn’t come out of my rear end!!

Laxido/Movicol worked best for me, I’d up them slightly after chemo until things had passed then just stayed on one a day to make sure stuff kept moving. Sadly it’s a bit like sickness, finding the balance for you to stop it happening in the first place can be trial and error x

[ritabon]

I really can recommend Jennifer Young Cosmetics (sorry can't paste in link). I had the same problems with itching and I bought the scalp collection. It's brilliant!

[testarossa71]

I used my partner's balding clippers and took the lot off. I say the lot, there really wasn't a lot, but it was so sparse, I was more bald than not! I kept up with clipping it back to scalp every week until I suddenly had a full head of (very very short white hair), and then started to let it grow. I've been bleaching it, and popping on some colour here and there which has been fun. About a year later, my hair is now falling out again (cheers Avastin - your final parting gift!) and even though it's reached about 4inches in length, it's very thin and I'm thinking about clipping the lot off again - especially in this heat! What I did find useful was using my facial wash/scrub and doing my scalp as well s my face each day. Give it a scrub, rinse and then towel. That stopped me having any ingrown hairs or itchiness even in really hot weather last summer. Good luck!

Chemo haircut, no lashes, and painted on brows!

[Newbery3 in reply to testarossa71]

And you look stunning!!! 😍 thanks will take that advice 👍 my hubs says he wouldn't care if i never grew it back x

[testarossa71]

And this is it now.

Regarding constipation, you're doing all the right things. A glass of hot water with lemon in the morning, before breakfast is good (or a double espresso if you're feeling bold!). The principal being that it has to be hot and you have to drink it rapidly - eg not sip at it over half an hour. I found keeping as active as I could really helped move things along too. You might ask for sodium docusate and senna from the chemo team too. Senna is 'pusher', docusate is a softener (so can make it easier for the senna to push). Both need to be taken over a few days in gently increasing doses, in my experience, but please do call your chemoline or CNS to get proper advice and prescription for you. Good luck!

Fine chemo regrowth, bleached blonde and coloured pink.

[Newbery3 in reply to testarossa71]

I love it! Are you all fixed up now? Really looking forward to getting to that point! 😅😘

[testarossa71 in reply to Newbery3]

I’m stable for the moment. I’m on maintenance to keep the tumours they couldn’t remove at bay, and hope that they stay stable for a long while yet. You definitely need to keep your eyes on the long game and keep working towards that/those goals. You’ll be so amazed and happy when you get there xx

[Newbery3 in reply to testarossa71]

Well stable would be great! Yes def hope to get the operation 🤞 and then get stable too, hopefully new treatments will start in the next year too x

[Hidden]

Some good advice from people here if you do get a scalp infection which I did try and get Fusidic acid cream from your GP it worked form me and senna as someone said is good lactulose can produce a lot of stomach acid /wind

[quillette]

constipation take senna laxative - now am off that eating high fiber cooking up rye berries/oat berries/hard wheat berries/ different beans - cook separately toss together when cooked. Better then prune juice(sweet).

Shaved off all my hair - why wait for it to fall off - i wear cotton scarves

no hair to brush or comb or pay to get cut - positive side

[Newbery3 in reply to quillette]

My hair has now starting growning🤷‍♀️ strange, anyway I've bought flax for my porridge and salad snd stuff and gone veggi ish love fish and prawns 😅