Hi I am 28 years old and was told I have breast cancer on the 26th october 2010. It is invasive and is a grade three. I have just found out that i carry the the BRACA 1 gene thats why I have developed it so early. I was advised to have chemothearpy first whilst I wait for gene test results. Thursday just gone is 2 weeks from the first chemo and on christmas day my hair began to come out and it is so sore,today it seems to be coming out more. I dont know what to do i cant bear the thought of losing all my hair and feel really down about it. Does the hair fall out more and more each day, do big chunks start coming out. Has anyone got any advice?
Hi so sorry to hear of your news, yes it will probably all fall out. Best to cut what you have short, very short. massage with some oil or cream. Keep warm. After the first shock of having hair on my hands whilst trying to style it I got my OH to shave the rest off. A plus is that it does make hair washing very easy! I used baby shampoo on my scalp. The soreness does pass quite quickly. You will lose eyelashes and eyebrows too so be prepared for watery eyes and a runny nose as you have no nasal hair either.
Get a wig and some nice hats.
It will grow again.
Take care and hope all goes well.
Pat xxxx
So sorry about your hair and i understand how you are feeling my hair just came out in one wash it was so hard to see it all in the bath but its a hurdle and it will get better take some time for yourself get some nice beanie hats in all colours amd they will keep you warm once again my sorrow is with you take care it realy does get better
I started losing my hair just under two weeks from my first dose of chemo and it was really sore - felt like someone was pulling my hair all the time. As it was becoming very patchy and sore my OH shaved it off (No 2) and it felt so much more comfortable. I’m afraid losing your hair is almost inevitable however much we don’t want it to happen but I felt it was less distressing to make the decision to shave it off rather than day after day losing more and more. I’ve only just got my wig, which does look pretty much like my old hair, if a bit more blonde, but I haven’t worn it much yet as I find it uncomfy so I’m sticking to my warm buffs as you do notice the cold. Everyone who knows I’m having treatment also knows that losing my hair is part of it and are very kind and supportive.
Hi Shaianne, you are dealing with one of the most distressing aspect of treatment right now. I am so sorry you have to go through this. My first Chemo was on the 8th April and when I washed my hair on the 28th it all came out. I put it all in a pile in the sink and took a picture of it, partly to document for myself what I was going through. It was very tough. I had bought buffs, caps and later on bought a wig. My lashes, brows and nasal hair also went. My Chemo finished in July, the brows, lashes grew back real quickly, and my hair is growing well now, too. I just read a book by Lisa Lynch “The C Word” and it’s very honest about the bc experience, written by a 28 year old. Can recommend it. If your scalp feels very sore, most of your hair is probably on its way out. Have you got someone you feel close to who may help you cut it/shave it? I had mine cut, never shaved it, it’s personal preference really. BC treatment changes the way you look but you will come out the other side and with a bit of time your hair will come back. Sending you a big hug. Be gentle with yourself. Tinax
Hi, I want to share my experience with u…i’m 39 with grade 3 …had mastectomy (one lymph node involved but had axillary clearance)…had first dose chemo 21/2 weeks ago…hair started to come out christmas eve, was coming out more christmas day ( scalp felt very sore) so on boxing day asked my brother to just shave it off ( he’s been staying over christmas in hotel to cook all food etc…bless him)…he has shaved head so very used to clipping!! I normally have long hair but got it hacked short just after chemo as having nightmares about waking up to find it on my pillow!! It’s an extreme look…11 yr old and 8 yr old watched…its ToUgH !!! but now its done, i can get on with the next step. Have got a load of buffs etc but bought a wig very similar to my long hair, so wore that yesterday, and it was fine…a little self conscious and it was a little strange to start off with, but actually much comfier than i thought it would be. Even did a quick trip to sainsburys wearing it!!! Just go for it…its going to come out anyway…once its off, its off and you can move on. Scalp is no longer sore, just put some e45 on it as it was very dry. Lots of love to you, just think …when the treatment is over…us girls can deal with anything!! xxxxxlove kathy
Welcome to the Breast Cancer Care discussion forums. As well as the support you are receiving from the other users you may find it helpful to read the BCC booklet ‘breast cancer and hair loss’ If you would like to order a copy or read this on line just follow this link:-
I’m 34, and had a grade 3, 2cm, triple negative tumour.I had surgery first and started chemo on the 9th December, my hair started shedding last Thursday (23rd), it started gradually, and each day there was more coming out on my brush, yesterday I got my brother to shave it down to a grade 1 for me, I think it is less sore today because when I was brushing it I was tugging it out without meaning to. Feels a lot better not having to worry about shedding everywhere, and how much is going to come out each day.
I wore my wig for the first time today (see photo) and had a positive reaction from my neighbour, who just though I’d had my hair done. Also got a few hats, which don’t look out of place in this weather.
i had a 2cm grade 3 triple neg tumour last year and had really painful head when my hair was falling out… and took a week or so before it settled down… it kind felt like the hair was growing in the way but as if it was spikey like a hedgehog all over my head.
i had a different experience in regards to hair loss… i was glad to be rid of it because i knew it was part of the chemo treatment and i had breast cancer 3 year before that on the other side when i was 37 but didnt have chemo the first time.
when i knew i was getting chemo i chopped my hair shorter into a bob, then when it started to get painful i chopped it into a crop and when it started to fall out out my sis shaved what was left off… i actually found it quite liberating.
it also made me think it was doing its job in attacking all those cells and killing them all off.
i have since found out i carry the BRCA2 gene so was very glad id had the chemo.
Hi. My hair started failing out two weekes after ec1. I just. Used to sit there pulling it out:-/ I. The end I cut what was left with scissors. My head was sore, but got better:-) I still have some fluff.
I wear hats, it gets cold in bed!! And I have a wig, it was weird at first, but I am used to it now.
I am sorry you have to go through this, unfortunately it’s necessary.
Sending big hugs your way
Kerry
I am halfway through my chemotherapy, due to get my 4th dose tomorrow and like everyone else my hair started thinning, mine about 14 days after my first dose.
I had very thick long hair and got it cut into a bob however, it has thinned almost every day since then. On 1 or 2 days it did come out in clumps which was distressing, however, most days it just thinned when I combed in the morning - I did persevere and think that I have been lucky but my hair was very thick to start with. Saying that I do have baldy patches so either wear one of my many hats times or put my wig on when I have visitors or going out.
My advise would be to be prepared and get a good wig - I found this upsetting and scarey at first as I didn’t know where to get a wig, however, I made an appointment at a couple of wig shops in Glasgow where I live, and found the girls in the shops to be fantastic, also take a friend with you.
I have been through the itchy scalp which I used olive oil for (suggested by my BCN) and it worked for me. It does take a while to get used to wearing a wig but it gives me a lot more confidence and my wig and me have been out a few times in the run up to Christmas.
For me the hair loss has been the worst part of the chemo, but you are not alone, there are too many of us going through the same. I hope that your chemotherapy is not too unkind to you and don’t be afraid to ask family and friends for help.
I am 10 months down the line but at first I was so scared about losing my hair as it was way below my bra line. Bought a really expensive wig before starting chemo. 10 days after 1st chemo was poorly in hosp and sat literally pulling my hair out and putting in the bin. Within 3 weeks had my head shaved and actually it was quite liberating. Wore my wig 4 times only and just wore bandana’s. Hair growing back now but just want to say it is doable although scary at first.
HI, thanks to everyone for replying to my message its so comforting to know im not the only one as I can sometimes feel very alone although I have fanatasic friends and family supporting me.
Yesterday I woke up, took my bandanna off and my hair line had gone it was all bald and my hair was coming out in massive clumps. I thought enough is enough i cant watch it come out so I decided to shave it all off and my partner shaved it for me (no 2), while my 3 year old daughter and her cousin watched. I was quite scared to look in the mirror and thought I would cry my eyes out but I didnt I felt stronger and more in control of what was happening. I just said ok thats it pass me my wig…I have a great wig that just looks like my hair. I dont like looking at it as it is all patchy and makes me look ill but I cant wait now to see my new hair.
I had my second chemo today and it wasnt two bad, did get a little tearful tho. Ive decided to get all dressed up tommrow for new years eve, as im going somewhere with my family and intend to have a fantasic new year, party, dance, laugh and be thankful for the things ive got. I wish you all a very happy new year and the strengh to look to the future. x x x
Hi shaianne - My first session of Fec was on Dec 17th, and my hair started to come away yesterday. I’ve been really blase about the idea of hair loss, but even so, finding a handful when I run my fingers through my hair is a real kick to the stomach. It’s one thing having the option of an extreme haircut (and I’ve had several in years gone past!), but yet again, having the choice taken away from you is quite another thing to deal with.
My OH has the clippers on standby - and I think I will prob. take the plunge tomorrow and have it taken off before I clog up the hoover/sink/bath. I’ve already had to fish a stray hair out of my coffee… and that nearly did it there and then!!! It doesn’t help that I constantly run my hands through my hair anyhow - and my new party trick of showing my OH how much hair comes out when I do that is already wearing thin… even if my hair still doesn’t look thin!
It’s interesting to read how fast the hair starts to come out once it gets going… and surreal that it seems to kick in for almost all of us exactly 14 days post first chemo.
HI all.
Had my first chemo on 20th Dec and so far my hair is hanging on and I’ve not noticed any shedding or soreness. In a way it will be a complete relief when I can shave it off cos I feel like I’m just waiting for it to happen. Weird but this is the worst part of this whole BC thing for me (!!!??) All your words are so calming. Thanks girls! Happy New Year to you all xx
Triphazard - how did your first FEC go? I had horrendous sickness, nauseous and indigestion and felt extremely depressed until day 8 when the light came back on again and now I’m feeling good. Hope your’s wasn’t too bad
Rachel - I was lucky on the nausea front, apart from the odd ‘moment’ when I felt sick, I really had no issues there - the meds were strong enough for me. It was a relief, as I’d heard that if you had bad morning sickness or had ever had travel sickness, then you were more likely to suffer - and I had BAD morning sickness with two of my kids!!
However, after a couple of days of feeling no worse than a bit hungover, I was absolutely flattened for the rest of the first week - no energy, no enthusiasm, the MOST disgusting mouth (thick and vile tasting, yuk). But, Day 8 dawned, and I felt fine again!
It now feels very harsh to have to go back on 7th to do it all over again… Glad you’re feeling good again - at least now we know that the se’s do lift!
All my hair has gone… OH took the lot off just now, did my mohican for the photos (!) then took it all off. Head feels cold, even though I’ve got a jersey bandana on… once I got it on cos head now like velcro!!!
I did have bad morning sickness with both my children and the chemo was much worse. I agree with the disgusting mouth - it ruined my xmas dinner! Last week I thought if I felt like I did for the whole time during chemo I didn’t think I would be able to go through all the treatment, the depression was all-consuming. LIke you Day 8 it lifted.
Looking to buy some bandanas this week. I’ve got my wig, but thought I’d treat myself to some other alternative head gear.
Strange how we’re all different on the hair loss front. I used the ‘cold cap’. My first FEC was 7th Dec. I had my hair cut really short to take the weight out of it. No hair loss until day 16. Loads of hair thinning until my second FEC was due (day 21), then it all stopped and there’s no more loss. Couldn’t have second FEC as my neutrophil count was too low, so have to wait til next week. In a way I was pleased that my hair started to come out as it proved that the chemo was working!! I expect it will all come out, but it is so difficult to decide on the right timing for shaving the head to get it over with. Happy new year to all
Annie - are you going to give the cold cap another try? I know a couple of women on here have had hair loss post first FEC (with cold cap), but it did just thin, and didn’t come off completely - so they’ve persevered? Others, I know, found it didn’t make much difference and gave up with it altogether.
My hair came off because every time I leaned over the sink to wash my hands, I could see strands in the basin that weren’t there to start with… and then a strand fell in my coffee, and another on my toast, and I thought ‘b*&&%£%£%r’ - and decided to take it off. It prob. would have lasted another week or so, but I was getting more wound up by the hair falling out than by the thought of clipping it… so that’s my guideline! If you can cope with it, then stick with it as long as poss - hair is warmer!!
Rachel - I did have one evening in the midst of the se’s where I just hid myself in my bedroom and wept - I felt so low and so disgusting - quite aside from my mouth, every time I peed I could smell chemicals, I just felt I stank from every pore, and I really, really questioned if I could do this again. and again. and again…etc etc…
Now, I feel absolutely fine, but am not looking forward to Friday I think this depression in midst of se’s must be very, very common - we just need to hold onto the thought that it will pass.
OH took the lot off just now, did my mohican for the photos (!) then took it all off. Head feels cold, even though I’ve got a jersey bandana on… once I got it on cos head now like velcro!!!
I think this depression in midst of se’s must be very, very common - we just need to hold onto the thought that it will pass.