June 2015

I start thurs, actually got my wig today!!! My worst fear is loosing my hair still can’t deal with it, and I’m sure that’s why I’m loosing sleep, I know how vein thi sounds ?, bring on chemo I’m so ready for it now!!! But the hair loss I will never accept!! Xx

Hi nmt, not yet for me. Am on day 11, so feel like its a time bomb! I know am optimistic but if it lasts till 2nd cycle I think I will handle it better, feels cruel it could go literally any day now when I feel good! Back to wig place on Tues for me. It is going to suck so much, but had thought basically every hair it knocks out, means my chemo drugs are doing their job. Its meant to attack fast growing cells, so take it as proof that the cancer cells are having their a*** kicked in too. I plan (as am massive control freak) to shave it when the dreaded clumps start. It is going to upset me to watch it go, so instead of days of upset/ shedding I think am going to bite the bullet and get hubby go clipper it. And have a damn good cry. Xx

It seems it’s the chemo that’s causing all this, spoke to hospital helpline last night and waiting the out of hours doctors coming back to me- was too drained last night - hopefully can give me something to help - not good as this pain x

Am really pleased you called them. Hope they get you sorted soon x

They’re sending a doctor out - he wants to check me over before prescribing anything- I couldn’t get to the walk in centre if I tried - took me 20 mins get downstairs and kids breakfast! Oh at work and just awaiting family to come help out x

Did the doc help sazza?

Ahh glad you got something. Take care x

Hope you’re not in too much pain anymore Sazza.

I know a few of you are dreading hair loss… I’ve been ‘tearing’ my hair out the past week and while it’s been a very sad time, I’m at the point where it’s nearly all gone and I’m glad. Everywhere I turned hair was coming out, cooking, babies pulling at it , and now I’m wearing a scarf to cover the front bald patches and then brushing over the back. I feel that I am better about it now and it’s a new chapter that i just have to start.

I have bought so many different scarves that I need to find one that will suit and then maybe cut them into a suitable shape.

I saw one video where you don’t tie them at the back but use a hair bobble which I tried and it felt more secure. I still have alot to do in terms of perfecting the scarf wearing but am getting there.

Hope this helps anyone who is about to go through it,

there will be a point where you just go ‘right… best get on with this’.

Lindy x

 

 

Lindy I feel like am in timebomb. Am on day 13, getting some out when brushing etc, but not to bad. Did your scalp go odd/ tingly at all?

Thanks ladies, I feel miles better - the pain has settled not sure it was the codeine helping but few niggles- doctor said it will be my body getting used to the biochemicas they’re pouring in! And said as it goes on will get used to it!
Doesn’t help that through heart scans they detected a heart valve problemi have lived with for last 38 yrs and now having tablets for that as well!! -think my body was having some sort of break down!!
My scalp has slight numbness too it- sure my dad will add plenty to that comment!! - and I keep waking expecting too see clumps on my pillow- will try to hold on as long as I can unless I’m defeated!! But I am a natural redhead - who bleaches) so have a very stubborn streak!!! - admire you ladies who are coping with the hair loss it’s a brave thing - I want to limited the amount of ppl who know what’s happening and the hair is the big sign - got lots of headbands at the ready and been looking at hats online too xx

Hey sazza glad you are doing better. Yup hair thing is next big step. Just got wig, fitter did cracking job, but the names are all so bonkers. I’ve ended up with a Tatiana!!! Its not staying that.

Sazza, so glad you’re feeling better. I’m just about to crack a bottle of Prosecco to celebrate the first week being over (and my tastebuds coming back a bit). Can honestly say it’s not been too bad for me, lots of sleep and waters helped, but my hairs starting to come out already. Lots of hairs coming out when I brush it so going for a crop on Friday. Don’t think I can bear to be waking up with it on the pillow and its long so it’ll be everywhere. If I don’t do it Friday it’ll be next Wednesday because of childcare and I’m slightly scared what’ll happen in the meantime. Just retried my wig on though and while I thought it looked great, my friend thought it looked great and my husband says it’s great I’m now terrified people will be laughing behind my back in the supermarket! Bought some elasticated bandanas as well for around the house, not sure if the toddler wearing them to be a pirate says something about them though.
It’s just one of the things that’s got to happen to get through this. On a positive note though I have no hospital appointments this week or next. After feeling like I’ve been there non stop since March that’s definitely worth celebrating xx

Ahh enjoy the fizz and medical free week! Just booked night away for me and mum pre next chemo blast. Husband away with work and I deffo need fun before round 2!!

Good plan Vic, enjoy!
I’ve wimped out of the hair cut. Going too see if I can eek another week out of mine. Need to find some alternative head coverings, refuse to wear bandanas that make me look like a CBeebies presenter. Any of you ladies found anything half decent? Don’t think I’m a turban kind of gal though Lol x

Aww wish I could have some fizz, still can’t taste many things - be a shame to waste. Think will save until end of the lot!
Sarn41 it’s hard to,get the hair chopped but mines been more manageable since I had it cut shorter and especially with feeling rubbish for,a,few days I could leave it. I’ve managed to get some nice large headbands off ebay - even dug my holiday cowboy hat out too- not sure how much airing that will get- I don’t think the glasto look will work on school run! X

I got some nice stuff off annabanda website, do mix of scarfs, hats, beanies etc. I’m same re turban…deffo not me! Got a few nice bits and not mega expensive. I liked their bandanas but had good range. Got to smile though, at the hospital there are ‘free’ hats by the MacMillan nurses office. I’m sure some well meaning person put tons of effort in to make them. But they are all knitted, and very much look like tea cosy covers! Nothing has moved from the box in weeks.

Honestly they make me laugh everytime I go in! Sazza I know re the hair. I never wear hats. Literally never. Glad got wig, but I know I can’t be bothered with that all the time, so just got to crack on. Every clump of hair out = dead cancer cells. Those little buggers have got to go!

Thanks ladies. Agree tea cosy (or pirate is not a good look!). My husband has just shown me a website he found, Bold Beanies, they look nice as well. Also thinking big summer hat and mirrored aviators, don’t even have to bother to paint eyelashes on then. Sazza I’m with you on being a hair type of gal but thinking like Vic, it’s all dead cancer cells and thats got to be good.

Give it a month before I go out and forget to put wig/hat on as well. Went for a curry the other week and was out the door before I remembered to put my boob in - that was before chemo brain as well!

Hi ladies, I’m new to this thread as I’m a late June chemo starter, had my first chemo two days ago. I’m hoping someone can advise as I woke up yesterday with a bright red, hot face and neck, it looks and feels like sunburn. I think I’ve read about this somewhere on the site but can’t find it now. Just wondering if this is ‘normal’ - if there is such a thing, and caused by the chemo drugs, steroids or combination of both?