a concern

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sftfemme65
sftfemme65 Member Posts: 790
edited June 2014 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
a concern
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  • sftfemme65
    sftfemme65 Member Posts: 790
    edited February 2008

    Hi Everyone.....Ok quick question.  I have had 2 a/c treatments next one is monday. lost most of my hair, a few greys stuck around, about a week and half ago.  Well I have seen new hair growth on my head.  especially on the back of my head.  So if the chemo is killing fast growing cells, thats where the hair loss comes from.....the fact that I am seeing new growth, does this mean my chemo isn't working anymore????

    Any thoughts?

    Thanks,

    Teresa

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  • ravdeb
    ravdeb Member Posts: 3,116
    edited February 2008

    I don't really have an answer for you. I do know that I didn't lose all of my hair on AC. I had shaven my hair and had enough that didn't grow at all that acted as velcro for my scarves.

    On Taxol my hair grew in really well and by the time I was done with Taxol, I didn't need to cover my head anymore.

    So..I really don't know. I was diagnosed over 2 years ago...

    No recurrence as of this moment!

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  • Sassa
    Sassa Member Posts: 1,588
    edited February 2008

    I had 4 AC treatments. I shaved my head just before the second one.  I had a very slooooooow growth during the rest of the time I was on chemo.  It was just a stubble that grew with bald spots but I did have growth.

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  • Watson
    Watson Member Posts: 1,490
    edited February 2008

    Hello,

    I wouldn't be too concerned.  There are some people who don't lose all their hair.  (rareCry) 

    I never lost my leg hair! Doesn't that suck?  lol

    It's normal for you to start wondering if every little thing your body does or doesn't do is related to your treatment or cancer.

    You can always call your oncologist for reassurance.

    Watson

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  • sahalie
    sahalie Member Posts: 2,147
    edited February 2008

    Hi Teresa,

    I lost all my hair on day 19 after the first chemo and it seemed to take forever to grow back.

    We all are different and our body and hair react differently.

    The hair growth is nothing to worry about but all call never hurts.

    One of many strange things that happened to me was that both toenails next to the big toe turned black and I couldn't for the life of me figure what was going on until I read here somewhere that some ladies nails, hands and feet turn black. 

    That was the one that sort of freaked me out. 

    One is still black and I finished treatment in winter of 2006.

    I don't know how long the nail thing goes. 

    XOXO

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  • Sadie-Rose
    Sadie-Rose Member Posts: 222
    edited February 2008

    Hi Theresa,

    I had three rounds of AC and lost my hair, only to discover it was not shrinking my tumor.  I think the hair cells continue to struggle to grow hair.  I don't know this for sure, but I wonder if the level of chemicals in our bodies fluctuates during treatment allowing the hair to try to grow. 

    I hope you get a chance to ask you doctor because it is a good question.

    Warmly,

    Sadie

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  • twink
    twink Member Posts: 1,574
    edited February 2008

    Teresa,

    I understand your concern.  I felt a similar concern on Taxotere (some hair growth)and Carboplatin (no hair loss), compared to AC (total all-over hair loss).  I do know that, while hair, mucuous membrane, nails (to a lesser extent) and cancer cells are fast growing,and therefore all affected by chemo to varying degrees, these cells are not the same.  So, whether your hair survives the insult of chemo or not is not a good measure of what's happening with any cancer cells in your body. 

    t

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  • Carly68
    Carly68 Member Posts: 130
    edited February 2008

    What is AC?

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  • twink
    twink Member Posts: 1,574
    edited February 2008

    AC is a typical chemo combo prescribed to BC patients, although they're being a little more selective on the A part of the combo because of the associated cadiotoxicity.  A=Adriamycin (fondly refered to as the 'red devil', for its color, AKA Doxyrubicin) and C=Cytoxan (AKA cyclophosphamide).

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  • Carly68
    Carly68 Member Posts: 130
    edited February 2008
    Thank youSmile
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  • sftfemme65
    sftfemme65 Member Posts: 790
    edited February 2008

    Just a quick comment off subject.....You know I just can not believe someone out there thought to call Cytoxan by that name...I mean seriously did they even think it would make someone cringe who had to take it.....and Adriamycin being RED, what is that all about.

    Personally I think it was just bad form!!!!

    I have my 3rd treatment tomorrow....guess I'm just a bit nervous lol.

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  • ravdeb
    ravdeb Member Posts: 3,116
    edited February 2008

    You make a good point. I have thought the same thing!!! And asked the nurse why the heck the A had to be red...and then we PEE red. What is THAT about?

    Good luck on the treatments.

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  • sftfemme65
    sftfemme65 Member Posts: 790
    edited February 2008

    Saw the doctor today.  He answered my question before I got it out!

    Apparently its a very popular question, he said it is not a sign that my chemo is not working.  and I shouldn't get too attached to any soft regrowth because it can fall out again.....geez

    Teresa

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