Hi everyone
I’ve had my first Epi 3 weeks ago and I’ve saw the Oncologist on Thursday. He felt that my side-effects were ‘horrendous’ and he persuaded me that I should change to Taxotere/Cyclophosphamide starting next Friday and has cancelled the second Epi scheduled for today. Since then I’ve been really worried by reports that Taxotere can cause permanent hair loss. I’ve shaved off my hair since I lost so much after the first Epi and I’m fine with this if I know it’s temporary. My cancer risk is low and I was given the option of chemo, so it’s my choice. I’ve been thinking about the pros of Taxotere (3 months treatment instead of 7 months) but the apparently 6% chance of becoming permanently bald is terrifying me. The info sheet from MacMillan states that hair loss is usually temporary and it almost always grows back, whilst the E-CMF states that it is temporary and it will grow back.
I know this may seem silly, but I can’t sleep and I keep crying now. I just don’t know what to do. Unfortunately bank holidays aren’t a good time to get impartial medical advice, so if anyone can help I’d be really grateful.
Thanks a lot.
Dear Lindysue
I am sorry to read that you are having such a hard time at the moment, please feel free to call our helpline when it re opens on Tuesday after the BH on 0808 800 6000, lines open 9-5 during weekdays and 10-2 Saturdays
BCC offer further support relating to hair loss and you can read about our ‘Headstrong service’ and other information which I hope you will find useful here:
Take care
Lucy
Hi Lindysue,
I had 6Tax and 6 Cyclophosphamid. Finished my treatment in September, my hair is growing back quite fast, carn’t do nothing with it but its back. The treatment is hard but doable, with being 6months post life is getting back to a new normail, it does get easer.
Lots of luck Carol.
Hi Lindysue,
From what I understand, there are only a few ladies whose hair doesn’t come back and most are over 60 and go on to have Arimidex for five years, so I shouldn’t worry too much. I’m having 3 Tax after 3 Fec, I’m 62. Guess what I’ll be going on after chemo, yes, you’ve guessed it. Arimidex. So maybe I should be the one to worry, not you. Good luck with your new regime.
Poemsgalore xx