Thank you @Freespirit. That makes me feel very hopeful. Maybe I will have the same experience. I know I will beat cancer with docetaxel so i must focus on that. Glad you are well now and enjoying new hair! Xxx
3 Likes
I had my first treatment on Monday and like you nervous as hell but I honestly think my fear of the unknown was the most debilitating thing for me and in the end unfounded. My treatment went well and I think if the pharmacy had have had my drugs there I’d have been out in 30mins instead it was 4hrs (I didn’t cold cap). My steroids end today and I think the wheels may come off soon but hopefully I am prepared as best I can be. Good luck x
2 Likes
Hi bluesatsuma
Thanks for posting on our forum
We hope to be able to respond to you tomorrow.
In the meantime our helpline is open until 4pm today.
If you do phone our helpline please let us know that you have asked a question on our forum so that we know your query has been answered. Thank you
With best wishes.
Lisa
Ask Our Nurses service co-ordinator
Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
1 Like
Hi @nicnac17. Yes they do make you wait for meds sometimes. Next tine should be quicker. I got my husband to go to the outpatient pharmacy and get mine for me…much quicker! Hope you ferl ok over the next few days. The steroids and other meds really do help xxx
1 Like
Hi.
I had both these chemo drugs in the same order as you.
The Docoxatel made my hair fall out on my birthday, but I was perpared for it.
Im of afro carribean decent and my hair was already compromised by being slightly thin and patchy, which is a common symptom of Lupus.
I was worried it wouldn’t grow back, but it did within the following months, once the treatment ended.
I know everyone is different, but worrying is also likely to effect your hair growth, even before you start Docoxatel, so just keep a positive mind throughout the treatment, because for most, your hair does grow back without the aleopia.
Good luck.
1 Like
Thank you @Concerned75. That reassures me. Maybe I will be lucky. So much of this disease seems to be a lottery but it is so awful isnt it? Good luck with your recovery and growing that hair! Xxx
1 Like
Hello bluesatsuma,
Thank you for posting.
It’s understandable that you have questions about the risk of permanent hair loss related to docetaxel.
Most people who have hair loss from chemotherapy treatment notice their hair starts to grow back once treatment is completed. The rate of growth will vary from person to person and body hair can grow back faster or slower than the hair on your head.
There is some evidence that certain chemotherapy drugs may result in long lasting or permanent hair loss. Permanent hair loss is described as incomplete regrowth of hair six months or more after completing treatment. Although uncommon there is some evidence to suggest the drug docetaxel (Taxotere) may cause long lasting or permanent hair loss. There is also limited evidence to suggest that paclitaxel (Taxol) may also cause long lasting hair loss. At the moment there is no definite evidence to say how often this happens so the frequency and any risk factors is not yet known. As @ivy-cat, @cal50, @suedot, @Freespirit and @Concerned75 all say, the majority of people find that their hair grows back after treatment.
It is good that you plan to discuss these concerns further with your oncologist.
There are number of organisations, such as Cancer Hair Care, my new hair and Look Good Feel Better who offer specific support to women experiencing hair loss from cancer treatment. Your breast care nurse or treatment team may also be able to signpost you to local hair loss services in your area.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this, please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back .
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am - 1pm on Saturday.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes
Mandy
Breast Care Nurse
Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.