Hair

Arc911

Started TCH on march 7, cut my hair really short, buffed it. It is falling out like crazy.

It looks like its raining hair in the sink when I wash up. Very, very upsetting. What do you recommend, considering shaving it off, should I?

liefie

Arc911, your chemo start date got me - that's when I started exactly a year ago. Also cut my hair very short, and when it began to fall out, I had it shaved at my hairdresser. It is traumatic when you hair falls out like that even though you know it will happen. That's why shaving is better. It's also less messy than hair falling everywhere, and shaving it lets you take charge of the situation. Best wishes!

crazyride43

Arc911, my oncologist was very concerned about using a razor when shaving due to compromised immune system, and instead recommended "buzzing" with clippers at the lowest setting.  I too had my hair cut into a super short pixie right after my first chemo treatment, and then my husband "buzzed" it about 10 days later when my head started feeling very sensitive and I knew the hair was getting ready to depart.  Even buzzed, the little tiny hairs still fell out in the shower or if I rubbed my head, so I had my husband run a lint roller over my scalp a few times a day to catch all the loose hairs.  Within a few days, everything that was going to fall out was gone, and I never really had to deal with much mess.

So sorry you have to deal with this, and hopefully you will be reassured hearing about the experiences of others.  It's almost a year since my final chemo, and I have a full head of hair that is surprisingly similar in color and texture to my pre-chemo hair.

Maureen1

(((Arc911))) losing my hair was one of the most difficult events of chemo...like yours, mine started falling out abut 3 weeks after chemo started, just a few hairs here or there but I couldn't watch it happen so I went to a wig shop that specialized in helping women undergoing chemo, purchased a wig that looked very much like my hair style/color and they buzzed my head. I cried when it happened but then it was done, which helped me accept it. When I went to work the next day no one knew it was a wig until I told them, which made me feel better. I am only 3 months post chemo but my hair is thick, about an inch to inch and half long - several different colors right now LOL:) but I only wear the wig to work now. Prepare yourself though...my eyebrows and eyelashes stayed with me until a couple weeks after I completely finished chemo then they fell out - that was much harder to hide but in 3 weeks they started coming back and are fine now...(((Hugs)))

Pattysmiles

Thank you for sharing our story, I will be starting chemo soon.

Crazy ride, I love the story of the lint roller, makes perfect sense!



Arc, where in Queens? I grew up in Kew Gardens.

Pat

sherryh16

Had last chemo treatment 9/6/12--coming up on 7 months.  Started als on 10/1/12.  My hair is only about an inch at longest area and I have like a "U" shaped section around top portion of my head where there is almost no hair.  Virtually bald.  I had anticipated being wig free by this time and am quite disappointed.  Reading these various blogs I have come to understand that this is common with taxotere.  I have started using minoxidil in addition to biotin that I have been taking for last several months.  So far not much difference, but only been 1.5 weeks on minoxidil.  Also now using Nioxin shampoo.  Never expected I would not get my hair back.  I feel this is last stage in getting back to "normal".  I am depressed due to lack of hair.....

sherryh16

How can I get my hair back?  It is coming in very very very slowly and extremely thin.  My scalp is very visible.  Is there anything I can do.  I can't stand wearing a wig for the rest of my life.  I'm only 57...... HELP

Worrywart9390

sherry, I dont know the answer, but I'm starting  cytoxan and taxotere, is permanent hair loss common?? I'm so sorry you are going thru this, it would be so nice at this point to have your hair growing back.  Did you call your oncologist for advice?????   Keeping you in my thoughts, hope you find a solution!!

sherryh16

Thanks Worrywart93

I have discussed it with my onc and his only comment was that using minoxidil couldn't hurt.  Not sure that it is as I've only been using Rogaine for about a month.  I sure hope it does.  I've come to realize through the comments of others on this site that hair loss and lack of regrowth is common side effect of taxotere.

I have to remain positive.....cancer reoccurrence would be worse.