Hair loss

[riversidedawn]

That's comforting to hear sunshiny. I'm only 2 FEC in, cold capping and list some after fec1 but none after 2. Onc adjusted chemo and se drugs so I can only assume that helped. I too use a pony tail with a but if a comb over to hide the thining, but def fool those who don't know me. Good to know that we don't have to brave the baldness x

[Sunshiney]

Hi,

I used the cold cap, had 3 docetaxel and 3 FEC and finished treatment early Dec. I did not lose all my hair, maybe 2/3 of it. Fringe is left and thin hair all over, so not totally bald. When I have a pony tail, it fools people and they don`t notice the hairloss if they don`t know me, friends of course notice the difference. I wshed my hair only 2 times per week during the treatment and used very mild shampoo. Very gentle brushing and tried to limit touching and combing totally. Eat well and make sure you get enough nutrients from your food and good fatty acids. Good luck with your treatment and hope it all goes well! xxx Sunshiney

[waiting]

Hi everyone, thought of the lady whoes wig flew off in the wind when out today as very windy. Made me chuckle. Ive got strange scalp sensation too and had quite a bit of shedding already. Half expected some hair to blow off today. Ha ha .... got to laugh. Used cold cap with first EC chemo & planning to use again for second on tues. My oncologist also told me I will loose all my hair but hoping cold cap will slow it down. Fingers crossed for us all. C x

[Lorraine2]

Hi Rachel, kids are much more resilient than you think and can tend to accept and adapt better than adults sometimes. Do try and do it if you can as I am sure that it helps. I was the same with the FEC, felt sickly for first couple of days but the anti sickness tablets did help a bit. Don't think about it as only two cycles in, just think that you already a third of the way there! Love Lorraine xxxxx

[Rach46]

Thanks Lorraine, it's inspiring to hear. I'm avoiding showing my head off too much at home as have teenage kids and worry it may freak them out a bit but think I will when there's no-one in! Think I've been lucky so far with the FEC although am only 2 cycles in. I usually feel a little nauseaus for a couple of days but it's nothing too awful. I also tend to lose my voice on about the 4th or 5th day and presume that's down to the treatment. Am just counting them down now!! Rachel xx

[Lorraine2]

Hi Rachel, yes I have three weeks of radiotherapy after chemo. They have told me there will be a 6-8 week recovery period before it starts so I am looking at mid to end February. Last chemo a week tomorrow and it feels so good to know it is the last one. I actually just go around the house bald or if it feels chilly I pop on a bandana. When I am outside I usually wear beanie hats or I have a lovely furry one for when it is really cold. I do wear my wig occasionally when I am going for my treatment but, like you, I just find it itchy and hot on my head. I do think the fact that I have been leaving my head bald when at home has maybe helped encourage regrowth. I have lost most of my eyebrows but just draw them on with a pencil and have also lost most of my lashes. My brows are also starting to grow back now though as well. You do start to feel much better in yourself when your chemo is coming to an end as you can start to see that light at the end of the tunnel. How are you coping with the FEC? Lorraine xxxx

[Rach46]

Congratulations Lorraine, sounds like you're on the home stretch of chemo!!! Have you got radiotherapy after? I'm doing 6 cycles of FEC but not T. Then radiotherapy after that. I'm pretty much bald now, just had 2nd FEC. Wondered how you managed covering up? I wear scarves at home and been getting away with a woolly hat outside as its cold at the moment. I've got a good NHS wig but just hate the feeling of it. Did you find you lost your eyebrows/lashes? How do you feel in yourself now you're this far down the road? Rachel x

[Lorraine2]

Hi there, I am also on FEC-T which I started in September. My hair started to fall out about two and a half weeks after the first FEC. It was blocking the shower, was finding it all over my pillow in the morning and clumps would just come out in my hand. I found his upsetting so made the decision and got my hairdresser friend to shave it all off. Although initially it was a shock to see myself bald I soon got used to it. Three FEC and two Ts done now and my hair has started to grow back in again, starting just after the first T. Last session on December 29th for me, woooohooooooo xxxx

[Lucy_BCC]

Hi LC1 and welcome to the BCC forums

In addition to the shared experiences and support here our helpliners are on hand with practical and emotional support for you so please feel free to call. Lines are open during the week 9-5 and Sat 10-2 on 0808 800 6000

Here's a link to the BCC hair loss support and advice services which you may find helpful:

http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-hair-loss

Take care
Lucy BCC

[Rach46]

Hi LC1, your hair experience sounds very similar to my own. My hair started to fall out in chunks about the same time as yours and I got my Mum to clip it very close a couple of days before my 2nd round which was on Weds. I have to say it was a relief to not have to worry about long strands falling out everywhere but I was already prepared with a wig, scarves, hats etc. I'm now noticing that I am just completely bald in patches all over my head and because my scalp feels sore the little patches of bristles left are pulling. I'm therefore going to get those bits completely shaved off. I can only speak for myself but I found getting it over and done with has helped remove some of the fear. This whole journey is scary and new and being able to share experiences with others going through the same helps no end. I wish you all the best, we appear to be at similar points in our treatment so it'll be really helpful to hear how you're doing. R x

[LC1]

Hi, I am new to this forum but just thought I'd share my experience re hair loss! I am also on FEC-T just through my 2nd round of FEC, I started losing my hair about a week before my second round of chemo started. Though I had my hair cut pretty short it is very thick - so every where I go I make a real mess! Even tough I now constantly have some sort of head wear on. So, thinking I should probably go down the shaving my head route - though it seems pretty drastic - any thoughts out there or advice?

[Rach46]

Am so glad you have Christmas off! Always wondered what happened if you were due a cycle on Christmas Day. Hope you manage to enjoy Christmas and feel as physically well as possible. I will remember tomorrow that I'll be a third of the way through!! Rachel x

[Balli-Boo]

Thanks. I have booked my appointment for leg wax.

It will make me feel good.

Its great to hear that you still have hair. I know you used cold cap.

I am gonna give it a go. If it works then great. If not then great as well. Then I have to think about

the other options. My partner has his head shaved and has previously joked about doing mine for me. Now he may get the chance.

I know in the big scheme of things its only hair and loss is temporary but it is a big thing for us girls.

Very few of us would choose to have it so short.

Its different for men.

I am trying to be positive.

Everyone on this blog is so supportive and rightly so.

Start of chemo is 2nd Jan for me.

So gonna try and enjoy Christmas as much as I can.

Hope SE's settled ?

Take Care.

[j_sol]

Hi Rach46.  Wishing you well with your second cycle tomorrow  -  positive thought, you will be one third of the way through, another one done!  I have a little respite before my cycle 3 which would have been due on Christmas day, so it has been delayed until new years eve.  All being well we will be able to enjoy Christmas with our family.  I very much hope that any side effects you have will disappear by Christmas and you too can enjoy.  Very best wishes.  Jane x

[Rach46]

Thanks Jane, it's a relief to know that the 'unwanted' hair will also go!! Collecting my wig today and still debating whether to now get my head shaved as although it's a really short cut I'm waking up with it all over the place. My husband also told me he'd removed a load of my hair from the shower plug hole and it made him really sad. I feel like I should just get it over and done with. It really is quite a journey and it feels like a long way to go. Got cycle no.2 tomorrow. Hope it's going well for you. X

[riversidedawn]

Bali boo, you might as well get it done now and feel smooth / you never know it might not grow back. I started chemo 31st October and still have hair everywhere / girlie bits very very thin, head hair thin but nog noticeable to those who don't know me.

You never know what's going yo happen on this journey!

[Balli-Boo]

Was thinking that earlier. Whether or not to go get me legs waxed before Xmas or not. Dont start chemo til2nd Jan. 

Decided to treat myself and to get hair cut bit shorter with more layers for cold cap.

xx

[riversidedawn]

Looking forward to armpit and leg hsir going. There is an upside to all this!

[j_sol]

Hi Rach46.  I was like you couldn't decide whether to have it shaved off or cut short. I decided to not go too drastic & have it cut short & it definitely was the right decision for me even though it only lasted 2 weeks. I am now into my wig which I must admit is taking some getting used to but am getting there. Wishing you all the best. P.S. the armpit hair goes next & then the leg hair (always an up side!) Jane

[Rach46]

I think I'll do that, although I'm not cold capping so will no doubt lose it all at some point. Very annoyed that my legs are still hairy!! Hoping that not having to worry about hairy legs may have been the silver lining! X

[riversidedawn]

Just have it cut shorter. You may be lucky and it would be a shame to shave it unnecessarily. I cut long hair to shoulder length before chemo, now a very short bob after 1st chemo because I was loosing it so I dont have those long strands falling out. I am cold capping and still no loss this time round - not from other parts of the body either! Girlie bits went after 1st chemo before head hair thinned.

[Rach46]

Thanks for that, it sounds very much what I'm experiencing so it's comforting to know that sensitive feeing in my scalp may not happen each time. I'm debating whether to just get it shaved off as have a wig and scarves at the ready but don't know if its too drastic at this stage! Sick of finding it all over my pillow and afraid it'll 'fly off' my scalp when the wind blows! May just have it cut even shorter if that's possible! Hope your second cycle hasn't knocked you about too much x

[riversidedawn]

Rach46 I got a very sensitive scalp during the week my hair fell out after first FEC. I'm 2 weeks after 2nd and haven't lost any hair yet or got that feeling. My hair has gone thin but as it's a short bob there's enough for a comb over to hide the widening parting! I'm afraid I think loss is inevitable x

[Rach46]

Hi Lillyput, I've just had my first FEC cycle of 6 and am about a week away from my next. I didn't wear the cold cap but had my hair cut short in preparation! I haven't noticed much hair loss at the moment but this week have experienced a weird sensation in my scalp that may be a sign it's going to come out. I've spoken to other women who said their hair just became thin but don't know if they were referring to FEC treatment. My oncologist was quite adamant I would lose all my hair so I'm just waiting for it now. I'd be interested to hear how you get on with the hair loss and the chemo in general. Good luck!

[riversidedawn]

Glad you can see the funny side! We have to keep laughing, tough at times.

[j_sol]

Thanks Dawn Your message made me laugh.  Think I might try the double sided tape, not the type my husband offered to bring me home from work though.  A visit to the salon for me tomorrow.  And yes the hood will be up as will the wind so I'm told!!

Jane xx

[riversidedawn]

Oh Jane that's terrible! I panicked about sliding doors and conveyor belts in mine! Hairdresser assured me it would fly off in the wind, but it is excessively windy. I read about using double sided sticky tape but doesn't sound comfy. I'd keep your hood up whilst outside.

Dawn

[j_sol]

Hi

Had my second chemo last Friday and hair has got to the stage, or rather lack of hair! where I need to don the wig.  First day out as have been feeling pretty rough, put on my wig and make up trying to look half decent , walked down the road and ......... gust of wind and off flies the wig!  Luckily no one about, picked up wig, put hood on coat up and returned home.  Anyone have any advice on keeping a wig on in high winds?

Jane x

[riversidedawn]

Had my 2nd chemo on Friday last week - waiting for hair loss next week. No so bad when you know what to expect. Also had several more inches chopped off when I got the wig.

[June_BCC]

Hello j_sol

Welcome to the forums.

As well as the forums we also have a support helpline where the staff can offer emotional support as well as practical information. The free phone number is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00 and Saturday 10.00 to 2.00.

Best wishes,

June moderator

[j_sol]

Hi  -  Wishing you well with your chemo.  I am also having FEC-T chemo, 2nd one due tomorrow.  Started losing my hair on day13.  I had shoulder length hair and found it quite traumatic when handfuls started coming out, one of the chemo nurses suggested I had it cut short, this was the best advice ever, although still coming out it doesnt seem so bad and I am not so anxious about losing it now.  I do have the wig at the ready for when the time comes!  x : )

[riversidedawn]

Lilyput/SML with you. 2nd chemo Friday, hair loss day 14 or so, getting worse. Wig fitting today after 4 sessions gone for something totally differnt. Met a lovely lady at yoga today who was diagnosed in Feb so now over the worst. Can't deal with it right now x

[SML1903]

Hi Lillyput

I finished my chemo at the end of July and have since had surgery and start rads this Thursday. I am still wearing my wig though as my hair has been slow growing back. Some ladies however found their hair started growing back before they finished their Taxotare. My friends hair grew back quickly and is thicker than before she had her chemo so everyone is different. She had FEC-T the same as I did and had several side effects that I didn't have and vice versa. Best wishes SML xx

[Lillyput]

Thank you for your reply .Yes I have my wig ready and waiting.How far are you into your chemo ? I am due to have my second one next week . Take care xxxx

[SML1903]

Hi Lilyput

I did try the cold cap on my first FEC-T chemo but my hair started falling out after 2 weeks so decided not to use it again. It was a bit of a shock the first time I had a shower and washed my hair to find big lumps of hair on the bottom of the shower. I was prepared and had my wig ready and soon got used to wearing it. I don't know how I am going to feel when my hair is long enough to go without out my wig as I feel so confident wearing it. Have you got your wig yet? 

Good luck with your treatment. SML x

[skinnyminx]

Hi Lilyput,

Sorry if this isn't what you want to hear but I was also told that it was pretty much 100% certain I would lose the hair on my head during the FEC100 phase of my chemo (cold cap wasn't available locally when I had chemo in 2009/10 and I'm not sure I would have used it anyway).

Mine started to shed small amounts during the period 12 to 20 days after my first chemo session (during which time I did not wash my hair).  I then washed my hair and a significant amount fell out.

Then came the second chemo session and the rest fell out when I washed my hair a couple of days later.  By choosing when I washed my hair it helped me feel more like I was 'in charge' and 'deciding' when I lost my hair.  I know it would all have gone anyway but I preferred to deal with it in the shower on a day when my husband was at home to support me emotionally. 

I wish you all the best with your treatment.  Keep asking questions (my BCN team was fantastic, really responsive and supportive) - having information about what to expect certainly helped me get through it all.  But don't forget, some side-effects vary from person to person.

[Roxie65]

Hi

I was told the same my hair would definitely go with FEC and bang on two weeks are the first one I lost about half of my hair, then it was continual until it all went!!

Good luck x

[chascat]

P.s I'm now just over 2 years since finishing treatment and I have loads of long thick hair, it's much nicer than before it fell out x

[chascat]

Hi Lillyput, I'm not sure it's possible to hang onto your hair on FEC without the cold cap and that doesn't have a high success rate either. My ONC told me it would fall out 14 - 21 days after my first FEC and bang in cue, day 14 it started. You'll probably find you scalp becomes tender when it's ready to fall out.. Although it is upsetting when the hair goes, for me it was also a relief, no longer having to worry about it happening. Take care and let us know how you get on. Love CC

[Lillyput]

Hi ladies just wondering if anybody has gone through Fec and not lost their hair without using the cold cap. Had my first FEC last week and did not want to use the cold cap.Thanks ladies x