I had a lump and some lymph nodes removed two weeks ago and thankfully don’t need any further surgery at the moment. My arm is sore and I am doing my physio exercises 3 times a day to keep it moving. I am due to start chemotherapy sessions in two weeks and have been given loads of information which I am wading through. I have been told the drugs I’m due to have will cause hair loss and wondered if anyone can recommend shampoo/conditioners to use during this time? We have two girls age 10 and 6 and have been very open and honest with them about what’s happening to me and I explained about the expected hair loss to them yesterday and they laughed! They and my lovely hubbie are helping me through this but it is good to know there are others I can talk to.
Hi Climbingrose, I had chemotherapy last year and lost all my body hair. I dont think there is any shampoo you can use which will prevent this. Make sure you get your wig ordered so that you have it on hand when you hair starts to fall out. Mine fell out one week after the first chemo session. When my eyebrows disappeared I used eyebrow pencil which was okay. Losing my lashes was the worst for me as I felt it left my face very bare. However I started to you false eyelashes, the fine short ones. I did not use mascara on them but did use eye shaddow. You can be very creative. You do get used to it but its great when you feel your hair growing back in. This generally starts once the fec session is over. It does take time. I used fast shampoo and conditioner which I found help to encourage growth and I know others have used the shampoo too. Your daughters will get used to seeing you without hair and when in the family home you will feel comfortable. Some women I know used scarves but I preferred my wig which I thought look quite good really. I have three grandchildren and they accepted my bald head without any reservation. Its going to be a tough year for you but you will get through it. Look after yourself and keep away from infection, you know people with coughs and sniffles. Cheers. x
In addition to the support here , our helpliners are on hand with practical amd emotional support so please do call to talk any concerns over, lines are open weekdays 9-5 and Saturday 10-2 on 0808 800 6000
Here’s a link to the treatments section of the site where you will find information and support around hair loss and other side effects you may be concerned about:
Hi climbingrose,
Everyone has pretty much covered it here but just thought I’d add to get a few other things in preparation like anti bacterial gel,mouthwash,bonjela - prevention better than cure! Also it depends on the individual but I found I could only really eat things like crackers in the first week following chemo so maybe worth getting things in like that. The look good feel better courses (about hair & make up tips whilst on chemo) may help also. I’m hoping to go on one soon but its quite far away from me. My little girl hasn’t batted an eye lid with me wearing hats & she doesn’t normally miss a thing! She’s 21 months so younger than yours I know. Hope all goes well for you xxx
Hi there, I had chemotherapy 2009/10 FEC (no taxotere) and I asked about the cold cap and was told that it extends your time in the chemo suite by a couple of hours, I also asked if it helped in stopping your hair falling out and she said ‘not really’ so I decided it wasn’t for me. Also after a while I just wanted to get out as quick as possible and talking to your neighbour who might have a worse diagnosis didn’t help. So I would say don’t worry about your hair it will grow back and there are some really funky wigs out there, I had great fun with them. The anti-sickness and steroids worked welll for me and kept me going through the toxic experience, although towards the end of treatment I was very weak. Radiotherapy afterwards was a wheeze after chemo. But hey, I’m still here. I still have a numb arm from the node clearance and I’m battling side effects from Tamoxifen of aching limbs and feel about 90 but I’m pretty determined to keep going. My biggest shock was when all the treatment ended and I broke down in floods of tears, I was so relieved to have made it out the other side. I very much wish you all the best with your treament and hope it does the job!