Hiya.
I had my first ec treatment on Thursday. Was just wondering if anyone had any idea when my hair will start to fall out.
Thanks
Hi PollyEmma,
i think eveyone reacts different to chemo and everyone’s chemo regime is different but average hair fall seems to be from about two weeks onwards, i was lucky in the fact that i still had a lot of hair after my second round of fec treatment and only shaved it off the week before my third as i had gone very thin at the front, the back still had a good covering, my hair remained as stubble after this then dwindled down but by the time i was on the second half of my treatment the t part it was already growing back, i’m just two months out of chemo and have about an inch all over thicker at the back but its growing so you never know, just be aware when it does start to fall it gets everywhere and you’ll actually be glad (trust me and i never thought i would say that) to shave it all off, and it helps to take the soreness out of your scalp as it does become quite tender when the hair falls, hope that helps and good luck.
P.s.only wash when you really really need to use a gentle shampoo and dry very gently on a cooler heat or allow to dry naturally and you’ll manage to hang on to it for longer 
deelush
Hi, I also had first chemo on Thursday and am wondering the same. How you feeling? I am taking all the anti sickness drugs but still feeling queasy (and have been sick a few times). Its difficult to know what to eat. Have had porridge and a banana so far this morning, it has stayed down - so far!
I’m not doing to bad. Managing to eat just exhausted. Haven’t been sick. What meds you on. I’m on these funny new capsules. Dexesamethasone, metoclopramide, and ondansertrone.
Best of luck
Try hobnobs. I’ve found nibbling them very helpful. Can’t stand haveing empty stomach
Hi Polly Emma
My hair def went after the 2nd cycle.
I cut it short before hand, and then trimmed the little clumps that remained.
Last chemo on Friday, and lo, little bits are growing back. V weird.
I have eaten ice cream soft fruit and mashed potatoes with brown sauce not together mind you.
The steroids really helped, but I put on weight. ( quite a bit sadly) Sweet things are the only thing I actually like to eat, I suppose!
Hi Polly Emma
My hair def went after the 2nd cycle.
I cut it short before hand, and then trimmed the little clumps that remained.
Last chemo on Friday, and lo, little bits are growing back. V weird.
I have eaten ice cream soft fruit and mashed potatoes with brown sauce not together mind you.
The steroids really helped, but I put on weight. ( quite a bit sadly) Sweet things are the only thing I actually like to eat, I suppose!
Oh and I got to enjoy my long and glamour wig.
Hi my hair started to come out end of second week after my first chemo. I was referred to the wig dept following my treatment consultation as they knew it would be quick. I have a wig ordered and have a couple of scarves in preparation but to be honest I don’t think you can prepare for the amount of hair that comes out x I used the cold cap and will give it another go next week but it is so uncomfortable I think it will be best to shave off andcresugn to the wig x good luck hope it goes well for you x
Not the cold cap being uncomfortable the hairloss
I agree and am considering the same
Hi All,
I started chemo in October last year and did the Taxol first (12 weeks once weekly). I used the cold cap and had very little hair loss at all. No real side effects either and managed to get on with life and feel pretty positive and happy.
Started with EC 7 weeks ago. The first session was ok, had nausea and constipation and went off a few of my favourite foods (I loved salmon, cant even stomach the thought of it now!!) I lost lots of hair on days 17 to 20, but was blessed with a load of hair initially so still have some hair, even though its terribly grey now i worship the l’oreal spray colour in the turquoise containers - its amazing stuff 
This second EC one has been much tougher, feeling really grotty week one after the treatment - have the marrow boosting injection too, which gives me horrid leg pains. I went off and got myself a wig, as i was stressing so much about the hair loss, but the lady at the wig place and the chemo nurses appear to think i might keep enough and its in chin length bob type style.The hair has carried on falling, but not quite as badly as in the weeks after the first session.
My hair has obviously thinned out all over, but i have no bald patches at all (using the Paxman machine). I have thinning eyebrows, and no lower lashes, and have lost half of my top lashes on both eyes. The lack of ‘fluff’ on my face and body makes me feel ‘dirty’ - but i’m sure thats me just being rather freaky
Wishing love to all xx
Hi
I am on EC and although I tried the cold cap my first major hair loss started about 20 days after my first chemo. I don’t use my hairdryer now preferring to let my hair dry naturally.I just have to touch my hair and a few strands will fall off.Will keep going with the cold cap though.
Hi Sue I felt exactly like you about my hair which was long … it very normal to feel the way you do its a very emotional time for you and your family and we all cope in different ways … I don’t know if this helps at all , but what I did was had my hair cut into a bob first and the hair that was cut I donated it to the princess trust to help children going through the same thing . This really helped me as I felt my hair was helping others 11 inches I donated and yeah my hair wasn’t wasted after having long hair for nearly 50 yrs … it is emotional time loosing your hair and no your not vain at all … I just had my second chemo and have 4 more to go shaved my head last week … I now feel relief that I shaved it in a strange way as I haven’t got to bother doing my hair … I hope this helps and wish you all the best in you jorney with the chemo xx stay strong beatiful lady xx ?
Hi Sue sorry for late reply … I have brought a few wigs , well my hubby bless him ordered me a few cheap ones of eBay … I think he wanted to make me feel better bless him , but I have also had one from the hospital a nhs one. . Which in my area you have to pay the first sixty or so pounds … I have also brought some head wear for around the house which are really comfortable. . Will be thinking of you when you have your hair cut let me know how you go on hun xx ?
I am due to stary 4 EC chemo sessions in a few weeks. Not sure if i should try cold cap. How much longer is the treatment if you have cold cap. Really anixious.
Have bought a wig, hats and sleep cap. Xx
Do you think it is worth having cold cap and how long is the treatment if you have it. I read it takes an extra hour before and after treatment and you can still loose your hair.
What do you think x
Hi
I was diagnosed in May with Ductal carcinoma, started EC 6 weeks ago, hair started to fall out a week or so after, Iv just been to the hairdresser for a shave all over. Very liberating.
It can be traumatic to have your hair cut off, however I think it’s a lot more traumatising seeing your hair on the floor and blocking the plug hole.
We are all on this journey together, good luck on yours ladies and Gentlemen. ?
Hi Tarnia,
With the cold cap just wash the hair in tepid water once a week, pat not rub it dry. No hair dryer or straigteners .
I’ve done EC and one T and so far with the cold cap have lost little of it. There a little bit of shedding but if you didn’t know me you’d not notice anything. When you use the cold cap for the 1st time it is the worst brain freeze ever for the first 15/20 minutes and quite painful so make sure you have a distraction. After that it gets a lot easier to the point where it doesn’t hurt at all when it goes on. In fact, in today’s 32c temperature it was quite welcome.
Good luck if you go for it.
I just use whatever in the bathroom. At the minute it herbal essences honey shampoo and conditioner.
Also try not to fiddle with it and just use s wide toothed comb when you have to comb it.
Tarnia honestly it’s not that bad. I’ve been working all though it, just missing chemo days. Ive had no real side effects. No sickness or anything. Take the sickness med they give you and you’ll probably not get sickness at all. I was completely knackered a week or so ago but that was during the really really hot weather which was a huge factor as well as me being insulin dependant diabetic which is affected by heat. After a few days of cooler weather I’m back to normal again. I did unfortunately get a dvt in my arm but again that’s not something a lot of people would get. Because I had a node clearance too it means they can only use one arm which then takes all the punishment but it’s fine.
Oh and as for hair, I still have to shave my legs, how unfair is that. What I want gone is still hanging on!