Paclitaxel and hair loss

[RachH20]

hi everyone, I have just had my 3rd paclitaxel today, I am on weekly doses via IV and have no signs of my hair falling out? Not even a slight bit? I’m concerned that it means it’s not working, has this happened to anyone else or does the hair loss come a little later down the line?

[Silver126]

Hello, hair loss generally comes 3 weeks after the first infusion. I think therapy is working, it’s just a little early for this hateful side effect.

[Ntash01]

I don’t think it’s not working, at least 1 full cycle. I read it’s one of the less harsher IV, made me feel better a little. Perhaps it’s a reason why no immediate shedding.

Did you use the cold cap? If you didn’t your hair will probably fall out. I used the cold cap, hair not the same but I have hair on my head and thats what mattered to me. If you didn’t, you probably made a conscious decision that worked for you - that’s what matters to you

Eye lashes gone and brows a shadow, but you can still look and feel ok with good old make up - but practice! Rest of hair around my body has also ‘gone’ - a good thing!

If you can, get something for your feet during IV, I didn’t and have had tingling toes, hands ok. I think it’s too late for me, but defo try and avoid that. It doesn’t hurt, doesn’t stop me walking. It’s pins and needles sensation and a little numbness when feet is up.

This treatment is ok, inconvenient to go in every week whilst working, especially after oral meds.

N

[LibraryGeek]

Hi,

I have had 4 sessions so far using the Paxman cold cap system and only started shedding the last few times- not a huge amount, more like individual hairs and a couple of thin strands. Before that no shedding at all. I won’t know if Paclitaxel is working until my scan in January, but there has been improvement in my breathlessness (I had pleural effusion) and the weeping ulcerated wound on my mastectomy scar has dried up and looks to behealing, so I feel cautiously hopeful. I also feel pretty well except for insomnia which I think is the steroids.

Hopefully it is doing good things for you x