Starting chemo (TAC) 09/11/18

Rhiannon061

So I’m 2 1/2 weeks out of having my mastectomy and lymph node removal and my chemo date is approaching in a few weeks. My “cocktail” will be TAC (Taxotere, Adriamycin, Cytoxan). I’m worried about Taxotere as I’ve read stories where people’s hair never grew back. Anyone care to share their experiences, tips and advice? Also how can I prepare for hair loss? Onc told me I should just cut it short no need to buzz it all off

NavyMom

Rhiannon,

So sorry that you are on this journey. But you have found a wonderful website to help you through.

I had TAC 9 years ago. I had very long hair and had it cut into a cute bob a few weeks before my TX started My hair started falling out right on cue...about day 16 or 17 after first treatment. My scalp felt a little sore and tingling a few days before the hair stated to fall out.. My DH shaved my head a few days later. I was 49 at the time. I had many scarves and hats. And my insurance did pay for a wig.

My hair came back a bit wavy in the back, but that was gone after the first few trims. Then it went back to being thin and fine just like it has been my whole life.

Good Luck to you. Take good care of yourself. Let people help you. Call your Dr for ANY problems. Eat, drink fluids and rest. You will get through this.

Paintersdream

For that very reason, I asked to use Taxol rather Taxotere. I have not started chemo yet. I start on 8/30/18. Switching to Taxol meant my chemo would be two weeks longer than with taxotere but my MO said it would be less harmful with less side effects. I have read that Taxol may make your eyebrows and eyelashes fall out but everything will grow back.