hair loss

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Martha41
Martha41 Member Posts: 2
edited June 2017 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

I had my first chemo on May 19.  My hair started falling out on May 31, slowly right now, but definitely falling out.  I expected this, but my head is really sore to the touch and when I lay my head on the pillow at night.  Has anyone else had this problem when their hair first started falling??  I would love any comments on this.  Martha41



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  • Midwest_Laura
    Midwest_Laura Member Posts: 168
    edited June 2017

    The sore scalp is normal in the beginning. It will get better in about a month once most of the hair is out. My scalp was sore through most of my 16 weeks of chemo, but the pain was more mild after the first 6 weeks. Hang in there! This too shall pass. Then your focus will shift to, "How much longer before my hair grows back?"

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  • lrwells50
    lrwells50 Member Posts: 254
    edited June 2017

    I was really hoping it wouldn't be itchy and sore that long. I find myself leaning over the sink and scratching my head. And the amount that comes out when I shampoo! At least wearing the wig at work keeps me from shedding all over the office

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  • Midwest_Laura
    Midwest_Laura Member Posts: 168
    edited June 2017

    Yeah, the shedding is quite a process!  Like many women, when the shedding got to be too much, I chose to shave it off.  It was clear that there was no hope of keeping any of it, so I just sped up the timeline.  It was hard to do.  I had my husband shave it off while I stood there and cried.  But once it was done, I felt a little better.  For me, every day of pulling out hair was like losing it over and over again.  After the shave, I was able to move on.  I started concentrating on which scarves to wear, instead of the doing the constant mirror-check.  The shave didn't stop the itching, but it felt better to just rub my head, instead of scratching through the hair.  Shaving off my hair was the right choice for me, but you need to find what makes you feel comfortable.  Well... you're losing your hair.  Nothing is comfortable with this shit-show.  But you need to find the way that feels the least shitty to you. 

    Take care. 

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited June 2017

    Someone recommended i do not shave it close so I went for a buzz cut. Apparently the itching problems is less? Anyway, I didn't have much itching. I was able to catch the small, short hairs with a hat & a lint roller.

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  • Eian01
    Eian01 Member Posts: 30
    edited June 2017

    The sore scalp you are referring to is the normal side effects. It will stay for a while and then gone. Shaving it might bring some relief to it. Hope it will be better out soon

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  • Midwest_Laura
    Midwest_Laura Member Posts: 168
    edited June 2017

    I agree with the difference between a true, close shave and a buzz cut. When I said "shave" in my earlier post, I should have said "buzz". Shaving razor blade close will irritate the skin and make the problem worse

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  • lrwells50
    lrwells50 Member Posts: 254
    edited June 2017

    I had mine buzzed to 3/4", but I'm thinking shorter would have been better.

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited June 2017

    That sore scalp is always a surprise! Mine hurt like crazy!! I used to have to pat my head to help alleviate the pain. It subsides after a few weeks, but it is truly uncomfortable. Some women have more discomfort than others! Sending my best!

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  • laurieellenb
    laurieellenb Member Posts: 31
    edited June 2017

    Martha41 - I could have written a similar post almost word for word. My first chemo was May 18th. The shedding began on May 31st. Barely noticeable at first, but the pace is picking up speed. And like you, I was expecting this, but somehow it's worse than I imagined. And the itchy, sore scalp doesn't make this any easier!

    Thanks to all of you who replied to Martha41's query. Your suggestions and words of support are invaluable, truly! Best wishes to us all!

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  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited June 2017

    I buzzed at first but then ended up shaving my head. It was so much better after that for me. At least the pain and itching was. I was surprised at how much not having hair sucked.

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  • mistyeyes
    mistyeyes Member Posts: 584
    edited June 2017

    My head hurt when my hair was falling out or thinning.  I think it hurt when the wind blew it.  It was so much better after I had my husband take it off.  We just used clippers.


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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited June 2017

    My scalp was sore around the time the hair was really coming out fast. It felt so much better within a day or two of having it buzzed. I went to a hair salon that sold wigs - they had a private room so I didn't need to feel on display.

    I also used Niaxin shampoo which helped with the itching and soreness.

    It is shocking to see yourself with so little hair. But - for me - it was better in the end than watching all the hair fall out.


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