Well hair is going rapidly now to the stage that its pointless doing anything with it but still not brave enough to shave it off so today iam off shopping with my wig on to see if anyone notices big test if no one stares then I might just might shave it off
Wish me luck
Joanne
Hi Joanne
I was really reluctant to shave mine off and asked OH to do it. I had chunks coming out and a large bald patch. At first you do think everyone is looking at you but before I needed a wig I didnt really check out if someone was wearing one or not! Im sure its the same for the rest of the population.
You’ll be fine.
Lyn x
Hi Joanne
Cannot decide what to do either - it looked like a yeti had been in the shower with me this morning with all the big clumps of hair everywhere. Have already had hair cut short but have been really putting off the shaving business. I don’t know why as I know it is inevitable but it’s just so depressing. I am also a bit worried that it is a bit warm for the wig! Let me know how you get on.
Also, how annoying is it when people keep saying, “oh well, it will grow back”, nearly as annoying as, “you look well!”
Good luck!!
Nic xx
Hi Joanne, I shaved my hair off before chemo. It made me feel more in control and I never regretted doing that. I can’t imagine actually watching it fall out, it must be terrible for you After a while I ventured out with nothing covering my head. It wasn’t an easy step but again I haven’t regretted it.
Woolly I have just finished my chemo and have a little stubble covering. I love each little hair!! and will it to gtrow.
Margaret
hey wooly, if i was given a pound for everyone who said i look well or your hair will grow back - i could have a good night out with all that cash. it is annoying.
joanne, i start my chemo tomorrow and at the moment have told OH to shave my head once my hair comes out, but that could change, let me know how you get on with the wig and shopping.
i’ve had people telling me that i might not loose my hair and when i tell them the chemo nurses and docs all say i will, they still turn round and say you might not. i know they might mean well but i just wish sometimes they would shut up.
ROFL Vodka, my sentiments exactly. My OH was at the onc with me yesterday when he said you’ll lose your hair but on the way home OH still said but you might not. I wanted to slap him.
I have bought a few buff style pieces from my local motorbike shop, cheaper at 3 for £10, that’s the Ballymena woman coming out in me. I have a wee while to go and onc forgot to get me hairdressers appt for wig.
Ah well it can wait a wee while longer
Joanne I am sure you’ll be fine, if they stare just stare back, you shouldn’t be made to feel awkward.
Loads of love
Lisa
I saved 75% of my hair and made fringes to pop under my headscarves. They really make it look as though hair is still there. I wear these headscarves with hair most of the time in the house and for local walks. But when I’m at the hospital or anywhere special I wear the Revlon wig I got from America. I love it and it makes me feel like me. I know a lot of folk on chemo go without any head covering but I simply couldn’t do that. Everyone needs to do what they’re comfortble with - each to her own preferences - but I will continue to keep my bald head to myself!
Best wishes to all you brave ladies.
Hi Joanne I am sure you will have been out by now and realised nobody was taking any notice of you, especially if you opted for a monofilament wig. I had OH take my hair off about 2 weeks after chemo as the condition was so bad. I was really glad I did as my wig went on better and I quite like walking around bald in the house…always have make up on though as I tend to look very pale without. Its really good at the minute as I feel cool even in this heat.
XX
Ok just letting you know wore my wig in town today and no one noticed and to cut a long story short i now have no hair got my son to shave it off. Was a very tramatic moment for me but as my grandson (4) was taking great delight in coming up behind me and yanking out more I decided eneough was enough I went to my room got a large pair of scissors and chopped it off with tear streaming down my face then called my son to come and shave it off I have very long hair but even he was in tears as was my daughter in law and daughter. Even this morning i caught glimpse of myself and burst into tears i hate it and iam angry that this thing has done this to me. But there was a funny side to it as my son was reluctant to shave it I told him now is the time you get revenge for all the dodgy haircuts ive given you as a kid. God I was never this cruel to them. But I have to live with it and look forward to the day when this is all over and I can get my life back.
Can anyone tell me if they got headaches when there hair was falling out as ive been having really bad ones for a few days.
Joanne
Hope u feel better soon Joanne - I haven’t had any headaches but maybe they are caused by tension as you sound as though you have understandably been pretty upset and it is a lot to deal with in a short period of time. We have to make so many descisions that we really don’t feel like making. If your headaches continue I would have a word with someone - maybe the chemo or BC nurses?
X
Dear Joanne,
thinking about your hair for days before and all that crying and your family crying was bound to give you a bad headache. If you are like me when you cry the whole bl…dy business of having BC pours out as well as fears, worry, what ifs. You should feel better for getting it all out. This may bring all your family closer as you have shared this with them and that may bring you a lot more comfort than your hair ever could. I am probably approaching the same stage so thank you for sharing it. What about some of the big trendy caps that are in and pull right over your head. My daughter bought some and wears them out with me too. Or nip into H & M who have the best selection of scarves that you will like and not just have to put up with.
Hugs to you
Lily x
Hi Joanne
I was reading your post thinking back to when I first wore my wig. I think you go beyond it in a way. Once you have lost your hair and brave the world whether it be a wig or scarf you become a bit tougher and for me I just thought well this is how it is and I have to deal with it . The most important thing for me was to get through the treatment no matter how I looked. It is really awful losing your hair , looking so different and just not recognising yourself .but here I am 3mths after finishing treatment with about 3cm of hair and my eyelashesa and brows are back to normal now. I really have gotten so used to my wig and I dont feel self conscious anymore. If you wear it a lot it will become part of you, mine has served me well !
best wishes with your treatment
Cally
Hi Joanne,
The first time that I lost my hair the skin on my scalp was very sensitive. I couldn’t lie in bed without wearing a beret to protect it. I am sure that the headaches will pass.
Now my question is : I have started having weekly Taxol/Avastin for bone mets from Breast primary, the first one was 2 weeks and 1 day ago. They tell me at the hospital that my hair will fall out again, but I would like to know when?
The first time on chemo, (taxotere, AC) my hair fell out exactly 2 weeks and 2 days after the first round. But I managed to keep my eyebrows and eyelashes until the new hair started to grow back and pushed the old ones out! Hope that agains this time.
Thanks,
Penny
Hi all
Thanks for everyones support and suggestion. Just to let you know everyone loves my new hairdo so guess what I dont wear my wig and even gooa brave it on saturday when I go to my local only a few in there actually know so will be a big test for me
Joanne
I had my first FEC on monday and had a short cut today, I didn’t fancy a thinning bob, I just wondered when to expect severe hair loss as different chemos seem to work at various rates.
Hi bubbles
Ive had epi and hair starting coming out day 12 but only if i tugged at it I now have crew cut which suits me but only comes out if i pull this is day 15 for me
Joanne
Bubbles,
I am now about 21 days after FEC no 1 (FEC no 2 delayed slightly) and my hair is falling out big time. It started to feel different after about day 12 and started coming out properly about day 14 after FEC 1. I had it shaved yesterday as I nearly flooded the bathroom blocking the shower drain with clumps of hair. I feel much better now as head is no longer quite so sore and it is actually quite liberating. I am just trying to think that if the FEC is making my hair fall out just think what it is doing to those nasty little cancer cells!!
Joanne, good luck on Saturday at your local!!
xxxx
iam finding losing my hairt hard to deal with
Joanne
Joanne
me too. Had epi number 2 on Tuesday so on day3 of second dose. I have used the cold cap but my parting has tripled so obviously did not get good contact there, it may depend on the shape of your head as I had the chin strap really tight. My hair still comes out really easily if I gently pull it, but I have noticed that it the grey hair that is coming out quickest. Just playing it day by day here as I am not working so under no pressure to look good. I can wash it again tomorrow as always advised to leave it after the cold cap treatment and woill see how I fare. good luck sweet
Lily
Hiya Joanne
It is really hard but I had to get mine shaved as the headaches and painfull head to the touch was jsut enough. I dont like how I look but starting to get used to the wig I know people say you cant tell but I can and I feel really self concious in it and does get on my nerves - im sure people arent staring but I look at everyone to see if they are - I braved walking the dog tonight with just a bandana and could see people looking out of their cars at me so felt very self concious!! I love it late at night when I can draw the blinds, lock my door and sit with nothing on my head.
take care
xx
p.s. good luck Lily with the hair washing - glad its holding out x