Hair Loss?

[Eviebagel]

What's the ball park period of time I may lose my hair after chemo? I had my first treatment on October 23rd, and I thought it would start to fall out after day 10. Will it be later than that? I'm on Taxol and Carbo. What's the average time? Evie

[royalpurplemom]

My hair fell out, in large part, 14 days after my Cisplatin Taxol treatment.

[Eviebagel in reply to royalpurplemom]

Thank you! Mine actually started coming out (wrapped around my hands while washing it) this morning. Today is day 13. Right on schedule, I guess.

[GwenHP]

I think mine game out in mass on about day 18. I started brushing my hair and it kept falling out all day long. I have really thick hair. Each round I lost about 75-80% of what ever I had left.

[Eviebagel in reply to GwenHP]

Did you deal with the hair all over the place for a while, or did you just throw in the towel and get it shaved off?

[GwenHP in reply to Eviebagel]

For the most part I let it fall out. The first day it started falling out I tried to brush until I didn't get anymore. I got tired before I got to that point. LOL. When I washed my hair that night, I left a streak of hair going down the wall of the shower. Many women shave their heads, but I did not. For me, I started out being stubborn. But toward the end, my husband convinced me to let him cut my hair. We went out to the backyard and he hunted down each hair that was left and cut it one by one the few that were there.

[547254 in reply to Eviebagel]

had my head shaved before treatment

[mmont]

Hi Eviebagel,

I had my first treatment then too. Currently, I feel my hair thinning and falling out more. I thought that finally I came to terms with it and would accept it when it finally happens. Well, tonight, I had a bit of anxiety over it and cried. I'm sorry, and not trying to freak you out but hoping others will share how they embraced it.

[Eviebagel in reply to mmont]

I know just what you mean. Knowing what's going to happen and having it actually happen are two different things. It really sucks, right?

[mmont in reply to Eviebagel]

It sucks major! My hair has been falling out more and more today. I've been depressed, crying all day. It's really happening and there is nothing I can do.

Again, I know it's to save my life and it will grow back, maybe even better but how can you prepare? I feel like such a crybaby, I feel foolish for being so upset but I have no control over my feelings at the moment. I'm afraid to go to sleep for fear of how much will come out tomorrow.

[daf10]

It depends on what type of chemo you are getting as well as what type of hair you have. For instance, If you are taking just taxol you might just experience hair thinning Then again, I recently heard from a women who said that she didn't lose her hair until the third chemo session Worried talk to your oncologist or oncology nurse

[Jaimee]

For me it was 2 weeks in.

[Eviebagel in reply to Jaimee]

I guess I'm right on schedule then.

[Belsie]

Please don’t worry about loosing your hair. I lost all my hair. But believe me it came back and came back beautiful. There are so many wigs out there you just may love yourself in one of them. It will be ok. Just press on this is just a part of the journey that will make you stronger. Embrace the blessings you have around you and live one day at a time. Lovingly, Belsie

[Eviebagel in reply to Belsie]

Thanks. I'm trying. My hair is such a part of who I am. I'll deal; it's just so new and strange.

[mmont in reply to Belsie]

Thank you for that Belsie. How long did it take to grow back? What did you do when it started falling out?

[Belsie in reply to mmont]

It took about 3 months I guess. But when it starts to grow back you will be surprised how beautiful you look with that short straight hair. Put on some nice make up and pretty earrings. I got so many compliments on that look. Of course my hair is much thicker now. It will grow back and you will forget it ever came out. Have a blessed day Lovingly, Belsie.

[Welshandproud]

Mine went very thin and very grey but I never completely lost my hair. Apparently it's unusual with carbo/taxol but I enjoyed being the exception. You never know x

[GwenHP in reply to Welshandproud]

You brought back a funny memory for me. As I mentioned above, I would lose a percentage of whatever hair I had left with each cycle. It got to a point where I had a stubborn sprig of hair sticking up that reminded me of Cindy Lou Who from the Grinch.

[MarieSun]

So sorry you're having to go through this. I was very upset when I lost my hair, and it's ok to be sad. Your life may seem out of control right now, but do keep pressing on the best you can. I had the same treatment you are and I'm currently NED(no evidence of disease) at 4 years and counting. Praying for you.

[Eviebagel in reply to MarieSun]

Thank you so much for your reply! I appreciate it!

[Cynthia18 in reply to MarieSun]

4 years...that's so encouraging!!!

Thanks for sharing

[Jtbaart86]

I did not lose my hair for 3 months but I had hats and wigs ready from the start.

[AMChB]

For me it was about two weeks after, certainly before the second round of chemo. I had the intention of washing my hair when I noticed that it was falling out by handfuls. I decided right then to pull out as much as I could, then my daughter helped me shave the rest off. What really got to me was loosing my eyebrows. It was like seeing a being from another planet in front of the mirror. All this might get to you but it will pass. I contacted the Look Good Feel Better chapter in my area and attended one of their workshops. They not only gave me some makeup goodies but also taught me how to use them, and learned how to make nice turbans out of T-shirts. They also provide wigs if you need one. All this for free. Treat yourself well as much as possible. You are worth it!

[Apwulady]

My hair came out immediately after chemo around five days after. I'm not sure but I think everyone is different. Some people have no hair loss. Every case is different

[Steitlk]

I am on pacitaxel and carbo and have chemo every 3rd week. I started it 3 days before Thanksgiving. The hair started coming out before the 2nd chemo so I let the grandkids vacuum my head daily and cut the stragglers with scissors. Then Christmas Day my daughter took the dog clippers and evened me out. Might as well have fun with it. I don’t bother with wigs, though I have one I’ve never worn. I have a great collection of hats and scarves that I get lots of positive comments on. Positive and sassy attitudes make a person more likely to live longer and survive. Keep the faith.