When to cut off my hair?? Need advice ASAP.

Hi Ann,

I've been down that road a couple times - first time 8 yrs ago, it was definitely going to come out, but i got a nice short stylish hair cut (from shoulder length to short, but not too short).  That was a week after 1st infusion (Adriamyacin/Cytoxan), and by the time I went for my 2nd infusion it was really coming out, so my husband gave me a buzz cut and the night of my 2nd infusion it sprinkled down like pine needles.  It started coming back for the Taxotere infusions.  The 2nd go round 3 years ago i had just Taxol and tho some fell out, and I did let my husband buzz cut it, I wish I hadn't as it never all fell out.  Maybe a short funky style would have been better.  It's a tough call to make.  I did have a laugh with my tall son who told me there was hair up an down the hallway leading to the fridge ... I said, oh my, I guess i'm standing there at the open fridge swinging my head to and fro: what's to eat, what's to eat??? LOL.  We cut my hair then, lol.  Hugs from Canada, Patti

When I was diagnosed I had my hair cut into a bob.  About day 16 it started coming out by the brushful so my hubbie buzzed it to 1/2".  Cut it before it starts to clog up the drains =:0)

I had my hair cut a few weeks before it would have fallen by itself.  I donated it to Locks of Love and moved on.  If I couldn't enjoy it, maybe someone else could.  Everybody loved my "new look" with that cute little bob.  I used it as an icebreaker.  Told them not to get too used to it because it was temporary.  As a matter of fact, in three weeks, I will have no hair at all, but it will grow back, maybe better than before.

I think it was good to have the conversation with coworkers and neighbors and people you see a lot but who are acquaintances rather than friends.  Being frank about it and letting them know you don't mind fielding questions if they have them because it really isn't such a scary deal as they may believe (even if you feel otherwise) makes a difference.  That people have come to me for advice before getting busy themselves tells me that there is not the bad stigma associated with getting sick that existed in my parents' and grandparents' time, especially if they know someone who did or is doing okay.

PS  I donated 19 inches of hair to Locks of Love and still had a bob that hit my shoulders.  It will take a while to grow back to where I started, but four years later and a few haircuts, I'm well on my way.